12 Best Sweatpants for Women, Tested for Comfort

It’s become trendy to describe activewear with celestial terminology, using words like “cloud,” “air,” and, in the case of these Vuori sweats, “halo.” Suggesting that your pants are so soft as to be angel-adjacent is bold, but the second I slipped my legs into the airy, flowy, baby-soft Halo Essential Wideleg Pants, I understood the metaphor. These were quite possibly the comfiest sweats I tested, and I’ve tested lots.

Even as someone who runs hot, I never for a moment felts sweaty or uncomfortable as I wore these to walk my chihuahua in 70-degree weather, do yoga in my apartment, and watch five hours of Bob’s Burgers straight.

These are sweatpants that don’t feel like pants at all — the highest compliment I could give. They’re also just really cute. The slim (but still roomy) fit and mid-rise waist made me look and feel put-together.

Vuori’s Halo collection is pretty extensive, so you can find the same airy material comes in jogger, cardigan, and hoodie form. Read more in our Vuori loungewear review.

I beg you: do not make the mistake of sleeping on Old Navy. I’ve spent much of my life pretty averse to the brand, due to core memories of being dragged there by my mom every summer to acquire what felt like the least stylish basics ever at low, low prices. But last year I overheard that its activewear is on par with higher-end brands (it is, after all, under the same parent company as Athleta), so I gave it a second chance.

Fast-forward a year later, and I’m the proud honor of four pairs of the High-Waisted SoComfy Wide-Leg Sweatpants. I don’t own four of anything! Now, I spend most of my days wearing these luxuriously soft, bizarrely flattering sweats, which have the extra-high waist I’m always looking for (they land right at my belly button.)

The fleece provides a good amount of warmth, without feeling too dense. True story: after I bought my first pair, I donated an entire bag of pricier sweatpants to make room for more of these. My Old Navy sweats have all held up spectacularly well after a year of regular washing and drying, with zero pilling.

Buck Mason, I was unfamiliar with your game. When you’re testing dozens of sweatpants and everything is billed as “super soft” or “cloud-like,” they can start to blur together. But these vintage-inspired sweats have a completely different look and feel. For one, they are extremely comfortable without giving in to the buttery-soft trend. The brushed loopback French terry feels breezy on the skin, and unlike many of the pairs I tested, they aren’t so soft that they feel like pajamas.

These activity-friendly joggers are what I imagine sweatpants felt like in the ’70s, in a way that makes me want to get into pickup basketball. Did I mention they look cool? Buck Mason creates subtle color variation by combining small-batch garment dyeing and natural enzyme washing to give them a time-worn look. Another rare treat is the label that reads “100% cotton.”

See more in our guide to the best joggers for women and best sweatsuits for women.

These are the ultimate cold weather sweatpants. They feel so warm and cozy, and the fleece interior is baby soft. Aesthetically inspired by track pants, the Beyond Yoga sweats are sporty chic, with a cute split hem at the bottom is a cute sporty touch and retro contrast piping trim down the side of the legs. While the fit is somewhat relaxed, the pants are form-fitting, with a mid-rise waist and an ever-so-slight flare. I’m not normally a matching-set girlie, but I felt very cool wearing these with the matching LuxeFleece Piper Oversized Sweatshirt.

Other styles from Beyond Yoga come in a wider size range. Learn more in our guide to the best plus-size activewear brands.

“Sunday” is an apt descriptor for these soft Abercrombie joggers, as they’re appropriate for both lazing and running any daunting pre-Monday errands. I wore them all day in a variety of temperatures — writing at my desk, walking to the bakery for my afternoon treat, power napping —and felt supremely comfortable doing it all.

I love the high-rise waistband and roomy fit; everything about these pants feel easy. Plus, after three washes, they look and feel just as good as when I first received them. I’m eager to pair them with a matching Sunday Hoodie to envelop my entire body in softness. Some fleece sweatpants can veer into too-thick, suffocating territory, but these provide warmth without restricting my movement. They cost $60, but they perform like higher-end, $100+ pairs.

Find more cozy Sunday ‘fits in our guide to the best joggers for women and Abercrombie x NFL review.

The Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans have amassed a cult following within the Insider Reviews team. Our executive editor Sally Kaplan was pleasantly surprised by just how well these sweats pass for real denim. “I love the look of a wide-leg jean but have also sworn off hard pants, so these are my dream come true,” she says.

Senior associate style editor Gabrielle Chase calls them her “sweans, ” and says they feel lightweight and soft despite looking like actual wide-leg jeans (down to the faux fly and lightly distressed denim details).

The 100% cotton Miramar terry cloth pants come with two pockets and a stretchy waistband that can be slung low or pulled high around the waist. They also come in a jogger form, which freelance author Talia Ergas said had her husband fooled.

“[He] insisted he never would have guessed that I was wearing sweats if I didn’t tell him,” according to Talia. “They accompanied me on a 6-hour road trip, keeping me super snug during the long drive but looking pulled together when we stopped at a restaurant for a mid-way lunch.”

Read more in our full Rag & Bone sweatpant jeans review.

These super-soft, super-comfy fleece sweats from Cozy Earth are by far the coziest pair I tested — and not because I’m suggestible to the brand’s name. Beyond the cuddly fleece, the fit is really roomy and easy to move around in, which has made them my go-to for lounging. The material is on the thicker side, and while quite breathable, I wouldn’t necessarily want to wear these running errands on a more temperate fall or spring day; I got a bit sweaty taking my dog for a walk in early September.

These sweats are made for the colder months. They make me feel confident I will survive this winter. But be warned: They’re pricey, and if you’re on the taller or shorter side, they’re only available in one inseam length. Still, there are no other sweats I’d rather take a confusing Sunday afternoon nap in.

I rarely find myself choosing a pair of sweatpants for being flattering. Comfort and utility are the main point, and I accept that that comes at the expense of presentability. But there is something about these wide-legged, high-waisted Uniqlo sweats that make me feel polished and kind of chic — I found the straight silhouette and draping to be really flattering (especially in the rear). Uniqlo basics tend to be a little too boxy on me, so I was pleasantly surprised by just how stylish these look.

Crucially, these pants feel really dreamy to wear. The elastic waist doesn’t dig in, and the inner waist drawstring helps me tailor the sizing to my stomach’s bloating schedule. The fabric itself feels substantially thick, yet still breathable (i.e. it doesn’t hot box my legs). Even better: the pants have four super deep pockets, which is pretty rare in the sweatpants space.

For a slightly oversized fit and maximum softness, I find myself constantly reaching for these buttery SKIMS sweats. They’re medium-weight, bordering on heavy-weight, but still easy to maneuver in. I wouldn’t exercise in them, though — they aren’t exactly breathable like other options on this list, and are decently warm.

I’m not worried about gaining a few pounds this winter and needing to give them away, because these are nice and roomy. I’m not sure how else to convey how comfortable they are, but they’re what a chronic bedrotter (including yours truly) might call “day to night to day” pants.

The high-rise waistband and straight legs are also quite flattering. They do run long: I’m 5-foot-7 and they fell a little bit too long on me, hitting the floor. But the soft waistband rolls easily to adjust.

Read more on why we love SKIMS in our guide to the best plus-size clothing.

These posh, well-tailored Carbon38 track pants feel super thick and heavy in a comforting way, and the romantic toile pattern is just so eclectic and Versailles-coded. They look unlike any other sweatpants I’ve worn. The more structured, tailored silhouette feels elevated, and I had no trouble dressing the pants up with the right top and accessories (though there’s also a matching Toile Half-Zip if you’re feeling bold enough for a full-body statement).

These are tighter around the waist than most of the sweatpants I tested, so they wouldn’t necessarily be my first choice for lounging around inside all day. But I really loved them as a form-fitting Outside Pant, paired with cute sneakers and a baby tee. The signature track pant stripe down the side adds a playful dose of athleticism back into the mix. I just wish they had a more extended size range (there’s no reason we should be stopping at XL).

I swear by high-rise sweats, but I’ve made an exception for this stylish, cozy mid-rise pair from Alo Yoga. They look and feel nearly identical as when I bought them a year ago, despite at least a dozen cycles through the washer and dryer. The soft ,wide-ribbed fabric is thick and luxurious feeling, with a cool relaxed jogger fit. I opted for the color “Burgundy Truffle,” which is a beautiful deep, reddish purple.

They’ve become my go-to travel pants because they’re so comfortable and make me feel like a trendy jetsetter. I do wish they were slightly more breathable — I’ve overheated a few times in mild climates and minimally air-conditioned spaces.

It is profoundly disappointing that the largest size these come in is large. However, I definitely plan on purchasing the matching Muse hoodie in Burgundy Truffle when Alo hosts their annual 30% off Black Friday sale.

It took me a moment to adjust to the lower rise of these slouchy-chic fleece sweatpants, which are billed as “mid-rise.” But once I did, I appreciated how cute they looked, and just how plushy they felt. Wearing them around the apartment and sipping my Diet Coke, I sort of felt like a Mormon Wife, in a good way: the fit is relaxed but still sort of feminine. They’d pair well with some hair extensions.

While super cozy, these Aritzia sweatpants are not quite as oversized as the “mega” suggests — I’d recommend sizing up to maximize roominess. Likewise, the length of the leg is intentionally cut shorter “to frame your footwear,” which is nice if you have retro sneakers to wear them with.

Some tall reviewers ordered the “tall” pants, only for them to be too short, so I’d advise studying the sizing chart. I’m obsessed with all the cool and colorways, which are much more interesting than the predictable heather grays.

Design. Think about where you want the sweatpants to land — both at your feet and by your waist— when deciding between high, mid, or low-rise options. The fit of sweatpants varies wildly, from relaxed and baggy to tailored and tapered. Joggers like the Buck Mason pair tend to be better for physical activity, as the cuffed ankle keeps the fabric out of your way, while wide-leg styles like Uniqlo’s offer maximum space for lounging and sleeping.

Sizing. While sizing varies between brands, most sweats offer a relaxed fit. Many come in oversized fits, too. I always size up because I like swimming around in my sweats, but consider sizing down for a more form-fitting appearance (most sweats will have drawstrings to help you adjust). If you find that pants often fall too short or too long on you, look for sweatpants that come in petite, regular, and tall inseam lengths like my favorite Old Navy sweatpants.

Fabric. Your ideal pair of sweatpants depends on when and where you plan on wearing them. For maximum comfort, warmth, and breathability, 100% cotton fleece is the crème de la crème. Cotton blend French terry like Miramar is a soft, lightweight choice. If you’re planning on being more active in sweatpants, look for some amount of stretchy Spandex. Polyester is also lightweight and can be moisture-wicking. I found too few 100% cotton pairs within a decent price range, but most pairs boast around 70% and I still found them sufficiently breathable.