Ideally, sweatpants should be sewn with a flatlock stitch. In this type of stitching, the two pieces of fabric are adjacent to each other rather than overlapping, and the stitching zig-zags across both pieces. The result is a smoother, less bulky erection..
How we test and review products
Style is subjective, we know – that’s the fun of it. But we’re serious about helping our audiences prepare. Whether it’s the best white sneakers, the most affordable suits, or the most must-have menswear drops of the week, the perspective of GQ recommendations is built on years of practical experience, an insider’s awareness of what’s what and what’s next, and a mission to find the best version of everything at every price point.
Our staff isn’t able to try on every single piece of clothing you read about on GQ.com (fashion moves fast these days), but we have an intimate knowledge of each brand’s strengths and we know the hallmarks of quality clothing – from materials and sourcing, to craftsmanship, to sustainability efforts that aren’t just greenwashing. GQ recommendations draw on our own editorial experience with those brands, how they make their clothes, and how those clothes have been reviewed by customers. The bottom line: GQ wouldn’t ask you to wear it if we didn’t.
How do we make these choices?
We make every effort to cast as wide a net as possible, with an eye on identifying the best options in three key categories: quality, SuitableAnd price.
To start this process, we enlisted the GQ recommendations braintrust to vote on our contenders. Some of the people involved have worked in retail, delivering clothes to people; Others have worked hard for small-batch menswear labels; Everyone spends too much time thinking about what hangs in their closet.
We’re relying on that collective experience to guide our search, which includes a mix of household names, indie favorites, and artisan imprints on the genre’s bleeding edge. We then narrow the assortment to the selections that have received the highest scores in quality, fit, and price.
In most of our buying guides, our team claims to have first-hand experience with most of our picks, but some of them are brand new to us. So after several months of intense debate, we tallied the votes, collected anecdotal evidence, and came up with a list of what we believe to be the best in this category right now, ranging from tried-and-true stalwarts to modern disruptors, affordable beaters to wildly expensive (but wildly worth it) designer riffs.
Whatever your preferences, whatever your style, there is sure to be an excellent version for you on this list. (Read more about GQ’s testing process here.)
Your Sweatpants FAQs, Answered
What is the difference between sweatpants and joggers?
The difference is so subtle it’s almost not worth mentioning, but the main differences between sweatpants and joggers boil down to silhouette and fabric. Sweatpants are usually made of a heavyweight knit material such as wool or French terry, and come in baggy or relaxed fits. The heated sweatpants will not only use thicker fleece, but will also have a brushed interior to add insulation and a soft hand. (We buy sweatpants made of 100% cotton, but if comfort is a top priority a little stretch will go a long way.)
Joggers, on the other hand, are more likely to be made of thin, lightweight materials with a slim fit and tapered leg. That said, many of today’s sweatpants feature a traditionally heavy fleece fabric with a thin leg, making the distinction between the two increasingly blurred. For more details, check out our guide to the best joggers for men.
What are the best sweatpants made of?
Sweatpants come in a variety of fabrics such as hoodies and pullover sweatshirts. These fabrics may vary in material, thickness and weight. “I generally lean toward heavier weight, 100% cotton fabrics,” he says. “Or poly blends with more than 70% cotton in the mix. Polyester is often used to alter the feel and prevent shrinkage, which I don’t mind.” As for specifics, Strix says that heavier weight fabrics range from 350-550 gsm (grams per square meter).
Wool: If you imagine a Patagonia fleece jacket, you’re not too far from sweatpants fleece. They’re practically the same thing, but on a slightly less coarse scale. Wool is made by weaving cloth to make the fibers stand out. Those raised fibers are then cut and brushed to create a fluffy texture that is extremely soft and warm.
French Terry: Similar to wool, French terry has raised threads that resemble loops – it’s the same material that bath towels are made from. These loops help absorb moisture, making them great for wicking sweat during a workout (remember that epic scene). Rocky II?). Additionally, the loops help trap heat and keep you from getting cold. French terry is often made from cotton as opposed to wool which is usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester. French terry can come in both brushed and unbrushed forms.
How should sweatpants fit?
Should sweatpants be thin or baggy? It’s up to you, friend! Relaxed-fit sweatpants are definitely more classic, but slimmer sweatpants can feel more streamlined and more appropriate for working out. Most sweatpants will come with some kind of ankle-grabbing hem, whether made of elastic or form-fitting ribbing, but these days, we dig sweats with wide, open hems. For details, check out our story on how to style sweatpants.
