OF ALL the items in his closet, a good pair of men’s pants is the most important. It’s not because he’ll need a lot of them—many guys will wear some of the best pants for men until the crotch blows out or the knee rips through. They’re important because of how often they’re worn. The right pair of men’s pants is a frequent companion, a calling card, and an assistant. The wrong pair is a hindrance. Whether it’s a pair of jeans, khakis, workout pants, or even workwear pants, you’ll be spending a lot of time in them, relying on them to both endure and to make you look like you should.
The best men’s pants fall into categories. We’ve seen plenty, and we’ve assembled our favorites in each. Whether you’re looking for Japanese selvedge denim or high-tech joggers, we’ve got you covered. The hardest part is picking. Wearing them over the coming years is easy.
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Sweatpants
The original athleticwear, for years this was as tech as guys would get. They hit heavy bags and drank raw eggs. Times may have moved on, but this piece elicits those old days that bred hard men.
Todd Snyder Midweight Slim Jogger Sweatpant
Menswear designer Snyder took inspiration from New York boxing gyms to overhaul the sleepy Champion brand, but even he couldn’t have imagined how popular the collaboration would get. The Slim Jogger Sweatpant follows a trim line that cuts the bulk out of the traditional cut, and the 18-ounce French terry fabric is so comfortable you’ll want to wear them out. Each season sees new colors, so you can buy a few and rotate them.
Vuori Clothing Ponto Performance Pant
Since launching in 2013, Vuori has been producing versatile pants that you can wear practically anywhere. Case in point: their bestselling performance pant, which features a modern cut and super soft DreamKnit fabric that’s perfect for working from home, or trekking to the airport.
American Giant Classic Sweatpant
No frills, just solid sweatpants: That’s how we’d describe American Giant’s Classic. Cut from thick cotton fleece, they’re generously apportioned and easy to wear, with a timeless look that spans a century.
Mack Weldon Ace Sweatpant
Basic, but in a good way, as in you’ll want to get a pair of these stylish sweatpants in basically every color. Their tailored fit with back-ribbed ankle cuffs and hidden zippered side pocket (perfect for stashing your small daily gear) means they check every box.
Read more: Best Sweatpants for Men
Joggers
At one point, joggers were supposedly for jogging. Now, they’re more athleisure: something you might work out in, but probably never do. They emote a sporty and youthful look, and they’re great for casual days, quick strolls to grab takeout and low-stakes errands.
Wilson Midway Travel Cargo Jogger
While the company may be better known for its tennis racquets and NBA game balls, Wilson’s new Sportswear line of activewear-straddling apparel is a breath of fresh air. The Midway is super light, flexible, and comfortable. It also has clean enough lines to fool onlookers when khakis are the uniform of the day.
Tommy John Luxe French Terry Jogger
Loungewear’s undisputed king has made huge inroads over the last few years as more men worked from home than ever before. Its joggers claim to dry four times faster and keep you seven degrees cooler than cotton, which we can neither confirm nor deny. But they are hella comfortable when enduring your third Zoom meeting in a row.
Public Rec All Day Every Day Jogger
The beauty of the best men’s joggers is that they don’t sacrifice style for comfort. Take Public Rec’s incredibly cozy All Day Every Day Jogger, which is made with a unique blend of nylon and spandex that feels like a second skin, and cut slim for a clean fit.
Richer Poorer Men’s Recycled Fleece Tapered Sweatpant
This lounge pant from Richer Poorer is made with a thick recycled fleece and ribbed cuffs to trap heat. Plus, they look leaner than your stay-at-home sweats, which means you can wear them out in public, too.
Read more: Best Travel Pants for Men
Workout Pants
Just because the summer is gone doesn’t mean you have to start gaining weight like a bear preparing to hibernate. Workout pants allow you to sweat outdoors in the colder weather, while their slim fit stays out of the way. Let is snow—you’ll be ready.
Under Armour UA Vital Woven Pants
For those who prefer bottoms with a looser fit for workouts, Under Armour’s Woven collection includes pants made from a sturdy but light ripstop fabric. The ankle zips add a nice old-school feel to exercise gear.
Brooks Running Source Tights
When it comes to wintertime runs, a pair of tights is essential, and while we feel they’re sufficient on their own, you can also slip them under your favorite shorts for more coverage. Even with their skintight fit, there are two deep side pockets for on-the-go essentials like a smartphone, ID, gloves, and anything else you might need.
Rhone Spar Jogger
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So you run, CrossFit, play tennis, and more? Then the Guru pant is for you. This Swiss Army Knife of technical trousers is slim but not restrictive and includes hand pockets, a media pouch, and a drawcord to tailor its waistline before or after a holiday feast.
When On was founded in Switzerland, its goal was to transform running gear. The result? Flexible, water-repellent workout pants with UV protection and superb ventilation. Another plus? The unfixed zips and meshes that can be changed for year-round wear.
Read more: Best Men’s Compression Pants
Selvedge Denim
Cuts come in and out of vogue, but great denim is timeless. Every man should own one pair of selvedge denim, in a dark wash, purchased new and then worn until the wheels fall off. It will take weeks of uncomfor