To kick off the process, we enlist the GQ Recommends braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the folks involved have worked in retail, slinging clothes to the masses; others have toiled for small-batch menswear labels; all spend way too much time thinking about what hangs in their closets.

We lean on that collective experience to guide our search, culling a mix of household names, indie favorites, and the artisanal imprints on the bleeding-edge of the genre. Then we narrow down the assortment to the picks that scored the highest across quality, fit, and price.

Across the majority of our buying guides, our team boasts firsthand experience with the bulk of our selects, but a handful are totally new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tally the votes, collate the anecdotal evidence, and emerge with a list of what we believe to be the absolute best of the category right now, from the tried-and-true stalwarts to the modern disruptors, the affordable beaters to the wildly expensive (but wildly worth-it) designer riffs.

Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there’s bound to be a superlative version on this list for you. (Read more about GQ’s testing process here.)

Your Sweatpant FAQ, Answered

The difference is so subtle that it’s almost not worth mentioning, but the main difference between sweatpants and joggers boils down to silhouette and fabric. Sweatpants are usually made of heavier-weight knit material like fleece or French terry, and tend to come in a baggy or relaxed fit. Warmer sweatpants will not only use thicker fleece, but will also have a brushed interior to add insulation and a soft hand. (We dig sweatpants made from 100% cotton, but a tiny bit of stretch will go a long way if comfort is a top priority.)

Joggers, on the other hand, are more likely to be made of thinner, lightweight materials with a slim fit and tapered leg. That said, many of today’s sweatpants feature both a traditionally heavier fleece fabric with a tapered leg, making the distinction between the two increasingly hazy. For more intel, check out our guide to the best joggers for men.

Sweatpants come in a variety of fabrics like hoodies and pullover sweatshirts. These fabrics can range in materials, thickness, and weight. “I typically lean towards heavier weight, 100% cotton fabrics,” he says. “or poly blends with over 70% cotton in the blend. Oftentimes polyester is used to alter the feel and prevent shrinking which I don’t mind.” For the nitty gritty, Streeks says heavyweight fabrics range from 350-550 GSM (Grams per Square Meter).

Fleece: If you imagine a Patagonia fleece jacket, you’re not far off from what sweatpant fleece is. They’re practically the same thing, but on a slightly less chunky scale. Fleece is made by knitting fabric to have the fibers stand up. Those raised fibers are then shorn and brushed to produce a fuzzy texture which is super soft and warm.

French Terry: Similar to fleece, French Terry features raised yarns which resemble loops—this is the same stuff bath towels are made of. These loops help to absorb moisture which made them great for soaking up sweat during a workout (remember that epic scene from Rocky II?). Additionally, the loops help trap heat and insulate you from the cold. French Terry most often is made from cotton as opposed to fleece which is more commonly made of synthetic materials like polyester. French Terry can come in both brushed and un-brushed forms.

Should sweatpants be slim or baggy? That’s up to you, bud! Relaxed-fit sweatpants are certainly more classic, but slimmer sweatpants can feel more streamlined and more apt for working out. Most sweatpants will come with some sort of ankle-hugging hem, whether that’s made of elastic or a form-fitting ribbing, but these days, we tend to dig sweats with a wider, open hem. For inspo, check out our story on how to style sweatpants.

Production Credits:

Photographs by Bowen Fernie
Grooming by Melissa DeZarate for A-Frame Agency
Special thanks to Trinity Boxing Club, New York