Health

7 Best Athletic Pants for Men

After 11 hours of research evaluating 130 products, we picked adidas Men's 3 Stripe Pant as our top choice.

Sometimes it's just too cold to wear shorts!

Shorts are the perfect choice for training indoors or in the summer, but what about when the weather turns cold? When autumn and winter set in, it's time to bundle up those legs and start wearing workout pants.

Athletic pants are the bomb!

Not only do they keep you warm in cold weather, but they provide you a stylish item of clothing and handy pockets to store your keys, wallet, cell phone, and so on. They're a bit heavier and bulkier than shorts, but they're a must-own if you intend to get your training on during the colder months.

So which are the pants for me?

Below, we've gathered a list of the best mens workout pants for any and every need. We've combed through all the athletic pants on the market—testing more than a few ourselves—to find the pants that will suit your needs best. Check out these options to see how you can be warmer (and more comfortable) this winter.

Best Compression Pants

DrSkin Compression Tights

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Why People Love it

Great for all sports, weight training, and yoga
An excellent pair of compression pants at a great price
Keeps you cool and comfortable while you train, walk, run, or sit

80 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

267 Bought

ProsCons

Comfortable, affordable, lightweight, appropriate for all-season use, blocks UV rays, moisture-wicking, allows for good circulation, never slide down, great fit and performance, won't limit your mobility, and the waistband is snug without being overly constricting.

Sheer when squatting or bending, and lacking in the area of groin support.

Details

Style: The compression pants are lightweight (though a tad sheer when you bend or squat), and they make the perfect base layer to wear beneath basketball shorts, board shorts, or skiing/snowboarding gear. Their all-weather use means they'll keep you warm in cold environments and offer good ventilation in the heat. Thanks to their moisture-wicking material, they'll prevent excessive sweating no matter how hard you train.

Though a bit tighter than your average athletic pants (they are "compression pants" after all), they offer versatility and comfort at an amazing price.

Material: The pants are made of 92% polyester with 8% spandex mixed in, so they have good elasticity without excessive compression. They are easy to get into, as they have a good amount of stretch. But once they're on, they'll never slip down or slide around. All in all, one of the most comfortable pairs of compression pants you'll ever wear.

Price: Starting at $15, these are among the most affordable compression pants on the market. They offer great value for the price, excellent comfort, and durability. A great choice overall!

Learn more:DrSkin Compression Tights »

Best Yoga Pants

prAna Sutra Yoga Pants

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Why People Love it

"Go-to" pants for comfort and exercise
Stylish and classy; perfect for yoga practice or lounging sessions
Wide legs and relaxed fit make them very comfortable

82 User Score

3.81 Editor Score

937 Bought

ProsCons

These yoga pants are comfortable with just the right amount of stretch. They're super comfortable, eco-friendly, and excellent for less intense activities.

Thin material makes them unsuitable for very active types of exercise—wear them for yoga or lounging only.

Details

Style: What we love most is that you can wear these pants in the yoga studio, at the grocery store, or even to the office (on Casual Fridays only, of course). They're designed with a false seam in the front, creating the look of everyday pants rather than workout clothes. And, they come in seven earthy tones, including khaki and gravel. The extra deep pockets come in super handy if you're looking for a safe spot to store your keys or cash.

Material: Made from 53% organic hemp, 44% Recycled PET plastic yarn (yes, like from soda bottles), and 3% Lycra, the prAna Sutra Pant is designed to tread from indoor studio to the outside world. Although thin, these pants are very durable. And, you won't notice any shrinkage from washing.

Price: At just over $40, these pants provide many of the same awesome features as the more expensive brands of Yoga pants, but at a slightly lower cost.

Learn more:prAna Sutra Yoga Pants »

Best Three Quarter-Length Pants

Baleaf Men's Performance Three-Quarter Jogger Pants

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Why People Love it

Comfortable, breathable, and durable pants
Great for men who like long shorts or three-quarter pants
A highly versatile pair of men's athletic pants

85 User Score

4.01 Editor Score

481 Bought

ProsCons

Classy capri-style pants, solid drawstring, breathable, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, ribbed cuffs grip your calves, deep side pockets, machine washable, comfortable, and good build quality.

Fabric can be a bit rough and may rub your inner thighs raw.

Details

Style: Instead of full-length pants, these are your classic three-quarter length (or Capri-style) pants. They end at the top of your calf, giving you the flexibility that makes shorts so useful for sports but still offering good leg coverage and warmth. The elastic waistband will help the pants hug your hips, and the thick drawstring will keep them tight for more active exercise.

Material: These pants are made of 100% polyester. They're beautifully breathable, with a lightweight design that feels nice for all-day use. During your workouts, you'll love how they wick moisture away from your skin, keeping all your downstairs bits dry. The polyester is also quick-drying, so you won't have to worry about sweat rashes.

However, some users have complained the fabric isn't as soft as they'd like, and may cause friction or irritation.

Price: These are some of the best-priced pants on our list, making them a good option to consider. If you've got the long, lean form to pull off this style, these are your best pick for three-quarter pants.

Learn more:Baleaf Men's Performance Three-Quarter Jogger Pants »

Most Durable Athletic Pants

adidas Men's Essential Cotton Fleece Pants

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Why People Love it

Hold up well with regular use and washing
Comfortable, stylish, and classy
A good pair of pants at a great price

88 User Score

4.37 Editor Score

809 Bought

ProsCons

Long-lasting, durable fabric, soft and comfortable, breathable, loose fit, great for lounging, good price, solid elastic and drawstring waistband, great for cold and warm weather, and suitable for taller wearers.

Sizes run extra long and loose.

Details

Style: These pants are designed for comfort, but don't sacrifice style and elegance. They are loose and long in the legs (too much so for some people), yet they don't look like saggy or dumpy lounging pants. The Adidas 3-stripe looks classy, and the pants are a perfect option for athletic and leisure wear.

Material: If you want pants that will last you for years to come, these are an amazing choice. They're made with a blend of 70% cotton and 30% polyester fleece. The cotton makes them more durable and breathable than many of the other polyester-predominant pants on the market, but the addition of fleece makes them super soft and warm. They're great for both cold and hot weather use.

Price: These aren't the cheapest pants on our list, but they are the ones that will last the longest. You won't have to buy another pair of athletic pants for at least a year, even with regular heavy use and washing.

Learn more:adidas Men's Essential Cotton Fleece Pants »

Most Comfortable Athletic Pants

Under Armour Men's Rival Fleece Pants

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Save: $5 (11% OFF)

Why People Love it

So comfortable you'll never want to take them off
Well-designed and versatile
Great fit, stay firmly in place, and wear well for hours at a time

91 User Score

4.52 Editor Score

913 Bought

ProsCons

Good blend of cotton and polyester, super soft to the touch, uber-comfortable, midweight, soft inside, excellent for keeping in body heat, solid waistband, pockets included, nice fit, and great quality materials.

Heavier than expected and will increase sweating drastically.

Details

Style: This is your classic athletic pant style: a straight cut, with ribbed in- and out-seams, a drawstring, elastic waistband, and durable hems. They may not look like much, given their dull colors, but they are a beautifully comfortable option to wear all day long. They're also built for heavy athletic use and can also handle daily exercise.

The pockets give you a comfortable way to transport your wallet, IDs, keys, and other important items to and from the gym, but they fit your hands comfortably if you're lounging around the house.

Material: The pants are made of a blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester. The cotton makes them super soft to the touch and beautifully warm, while the polyester gives them a bit more flex. You'll find they're versatile and durable, and can handle any workout.

The pants are heavier than you'd expect, and you'll find they trap your body heat near your legs very efficiently. This makes them a bit too hot for summer use, but they're amazing to stay warm in the winter. The fabric is durable and reliable, so expect these pants to be with you for many winters to come.

Price: $40 is a bit steep, but not when you consider just how darned comfortable these pants are. They'll be your best friend for a lazy day of lounging, but they're designed to keep up with even the most intense winter workout.

Learn more:Under Armour Men's Rival Fleece Pants »

Most Versatile Mens Workout Pants

Under Armour Men's Vital Warm-Up Pants

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Why People Love it

Stylish, comfortable, and breathable
Designed to be used for any sport, resistance training, or CrossFit workout
A well-built pair of exercise pants

94 User Score

4.72 Editor Score

1,428 Bought

ProsCons

Durable, lightweight, moisture-wicking, solid elastic waistband, mesh-lined pockets, mesh lining for good breathability, comfortable fit, sized to be used for any exercise, and designed using very cool fabric.

Longer than average inseam and prone to collecting static electricity.

Details

Style: If style matters, these are a great choice for you! They have a loose-fitting leg that makes them versatile enough for any activity—resistance training, CrossFit, sport-specific training, etc.—but they don't look baggy. In fact, the inner lining will hug your legs, giving them a more form-fitting appearance that will be far more stylish than the classic "baggy" exercise pants.

The pants come with a mesh lining to keep all your "downstairs bits" nice and cool. The mesh-lined pockets will also aid in ventilation. The fabric is lightweight yet surprisingly durable. You won't have to worry about color bleeding or fading with regular use.

Material: The material is 100% "other fibers", meaning artificial fabrics like polyester, nylon, and elastane. This makes them beautifully lightweight without sacrificing comfort or durability. Though they are prone to collecting static electricity, you'll find they work well for any and all sports.

The fabric is designed to wick moisture away from your body, and the outer layer will dry quickly as you run, train, or work.

Price: At $35, these are one of the pricier pairs of athletic pants on our list. Given their versatility and great design, however, they're an option definitely worth considering!

Learn more:Under Armour Men's Vital Warm-Up Pants »

Best Athletic Pants Overall

adidas Men's 3 Stripe Pant

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Why People Love it

Suitable for athletic and leisure activities
Comfortable, durable, and well-designed
Colors won't fade and stitching lasts for years

97 User Score

4.88 Editor Score

1,483 Bought

ProsCons

Durable, made from 100% polyester, versatile, pockets included, comfortable bottom hems, drawcord and elastic waist, super comfortable, offer great freedom of movement, no fading or bleeding in the wash, machine-washable, thin fleece lining, and made in the good ol' U.S.A.

Not the most stylish and lacking elasticity.

Details

Style: If you're looking for the most stylish pants on the market, you're better off looking elsewhere. These are your "plain Jane", all-around useful athletic pants. With the straight cut, loose legs, and open-bottom hems, they aren't as sleek as some of the other options on our list—but SOOOOOO comfortable. Whether you're lounging, walking around the house, or pushing yourself at the gym, these pants will keep up with you.

The pants come with the Adidas 3-stripe design, two pockets, an elastic waistband, and a drawcord to keep them tight on your waist. Plus, the pockets are large enough to hold smartphones, wallets, and other larger knickknacks. All in all, you'll find they're the best (if not the most stylish) exercise pants on the market.

Material: The pants are made of 100% polyester. This makes them lightweight and comfortable, though some users complain that they lack the elasticity of Spandex. However, the material will keep the chill out and the warmth in. In addition, the pants have a thin fleece lining that make them surprisingly warm even in cold weather.

The pants come in just a few colors (grey, black, and blue), but the colors are sharp and won't bleed out or fade. The pants are fully machine-washable and resistant to pilling and fading. Definitely one of the longest-lasting pairs of athletic pants for men around.

Price: At $50 per pair, these are certainly on the pricier side, but a great option if you want pants that will keep up with any activity at home, around your property, or at the gym.

Learn more:adidas Men's 3 Stripe Pant »

By: Andrew Peloquin

Fitness has come hard for Andy; he's had to work for it. But, his trials have led him to becoming a martial artist, a NFPT-certified fitness trainer, and a man passionate about exercise and healthy living. That’s why he’s our resident fitness expert.

His favorite food is lettuce-leaf steak tacos – though he’ll admit to a love of hot wings if you leverage the right pressure.

We know him as the guy who understands British humor and wishes everyone was as passionate about life as he is. His previous forays into the worlds of international business and education have left him wildly optimistic. And, if that wasn’t enough, he's also a best-selling, award-winning author of fantasy novels! Can you say renaissance?

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