6 Best Athletic Pants for Men

Athletic Pants vs. Tights

Workout tights have evolved into a ubiquitous wardrobe staple for their sleek and second-skin fit. They’re generally hassle-free to wear on most workouts. Plus, you don’t have to worry about excess fabric getting in the way of your reps.

But getting tired of that compressive feel is totally possible, too. Sometimes, you just want a comfy, loose-fitting pair of athletic pants that can take you from the gym to your favorite spot on the couch.

Men’s workout pants provide a more versatile and forgiving alternative to tights and leggings. They boast a relaxed and comfortable fit that works well whether you’re running, playing a sport, or lifting weights.

Aside from being gym-friendly, athletic pants are also stylish and modest enough to be incorporated into your day-to-day wardrobe.

Find the perfect fit

Buying the most flattering and technologically-advanced pair of athletic pants is of no use if the fit is abysmal. Nothing feels better than workout pants that fit like a glove, so make sure that you’re paying close attention to this aspect.

To help you effectively assess fit and comfort, consider the following tips.

Jog in place

When fitting athletic pants for the first time, try to jog in place with high knees. Observe how the pants move with your body. How does the waistband feel against your skin? Does the crotch area remain comfortable? Can you easily raise your knees?

Bend over

At one point, we’ve all been victimized by low-riding pants that partially expose our behinds when we bend at the torso. Obviously, you wouldn’t want this to happen while you’re busy working out at the gym.

After jogging in place, try bending over forward, backward, and sideward. This tests the amount of coverage provided by your pair of choices. What’s more, executing bending motions is a great way to check if the pants get uncomfortable around the crotch and inseam.

Taller waistbands are (generally) better

Speaking of low-riding bottoms, unless you have an ultra-specific reason to go for low-waist workout pants, taller waistbands usually are recommendable. Not only do they give you maximum control and coverage, but they give you extra tummy support, too.

Check for marks

So you’ve already jogged in place and executed every possible pose you can think of. What now?

Well, go ahead and remove the pants you’re trying on. As a final checkpoint, check your body for any unnecessary marks. If the pair leaves red marks around your belly, the waistband might be too tight, and you should probably go up a size.

Likewise, check your ankles if the pants feature elastic cuffs. A nice-fitting pair of athletic pants shouldn’t punish your skin. Quite the opposite, it should protect your body from unnecessary chafing and friction-related irritation.

Which fabric suits you best?

When it comes to day-to-day comfort wear, cotton is a tried and tested favorite. It is, after all, breathable and soft to the touch. However, it might not be the best fabric for athletic pants.

Cotton holds moisture and keeps it close to the skin, which is not only uncomfortable but performance-reducing, as well. It tends to get heavier the more you sweat. What’s more, cotton clothes are prone to unflattering sweat stains.

High-performance fabrics are typically favored in the world of athletic wear. You can opt to go for a mix of different performance fabrics, or you can go the hybrid route with a synthetic-cotton blend.

Here are some of the most popular performance fabrics that you should consider.

Nylon and polyester are synthetic fabrics. They are durable, lightweight, and long-lasting. They also have moisture-wicking properties that help keep you cool and dry throughout your workout.

Spandex or Lycra is another synthetic fabric that is known for its durability. On top of that, this fabric is extremely flexible, which is why it is commonly used in workout tights.

Bamboo, like cotton, is a natural fabric. However, it’s better suited to sweat sessions because it has natural moisture-wicking and anti-bacterial properties. Bamboo is also comfortable and soft to the touch. Bamboo workout clothes are a bit pricier and harder to find, though.

Your workout of choice matters

Generally, men’s workout pants that are loose and comfortable should do the trick. But before you commit to this one-size-fits-all approach, know that your workout of choice also influences what style of athletic pants are best for you.

If you’re into running or biking, you should avoid pants that are wide-leg or loose. Anything that has too much excess fabric can end up getting tangled in the pedals or your legs and feet.

Men who like yoga or Pilates should stick to stretchy and fitted workout pants that wick away sweat. Going for something that supports movement will work wonders for your practice.

Whatever sport or fitness discipline you prefer, always remember to stay away from workout pants that could get in the way of your chosen activity.

Some special features you might like

Aside from the factors mentioned above, here are some special features that you might want to look for in a pair of athletic pants. Advances in technology and the sheer dynamism of today’s athletic wear market have paved the way for all sorts of bonus features and added conveniences. And what else is there to do than enjoy them and their benefits?

High-visibility clothing

If you run at night (or very early in the morning), make sure that you’re wearing high-visibility athletic pants. This helps ensure that motorists can clearly see you as you run along busy roads.

High-visibility clothing mainly comes in two forms: neon and reflective. Colors like neon yellow, green, orange, or pink pop against the environment, which makes them extremely easy to see.

However, the prospect of wearing neon-colored athletic pants isn’t exactly the most appealing fashion idea for many of us. In that case, workout pants that feature reflective stripes or details are your best bet.

Pockets

Who doesn’t love having extra pockets? While most workout tights will forego having this feature, that doesn’t mean it’s that hard to find.

If you need a pocket for your keys and other small belongings, keep that in mind when you’re out looking for a pair of athletic pants. Even if you typically leave all your stuff in a locker when exercising, having pockets can still be useful if you like wearing your workout pants to run daily errands.

Elastic ankle cuffs

If you’re the clumsy type, workout pants with elastic ankle cuffs are your best friend. Elastic cuffs ensure that your pants are safely tucked around your ankles, which means you’re less likely to get into accidents (like accidentally stepping on your pants, for example).

Elastic cuffs also prevent your pants from crawling up your legs. This is especially helpful if you practice yoga or Pilates.

Another bonus? Sweatpants with ankle cuffs are very on-trend right now. Sneaker culture has made them really popular since they make your favorite shoes pop.

A word on versatility

Many of us tend to stick to one or two workouts. For instance, most guys are pleased with lifting metal and doing cardio every now and then.

But we can’t deny the existence of our more athletically inclined brothers. You know, that one guy from your local gym who also dabbles in yoga, CrossFit, and the occasional hoop session with the boys.

If you happen to be that guy, then you’d want to go for athletic pants that can take you from the gym all the way to the yoga studio.

But versatile workout pants aren’t only for the fitness elite. Versatility matters for regular dudes, too!

If you would like to be able to wear your pants on regular days out, then make sure to take that into consideration when you’re out shopping. Choose a pair that would complement your day-to-day style. Going for pants that are comfy enough to be worn to the airport wouldn’t hurt, either.

In this day and age of athleisure wear, donning workout clothing 365 days a year isn’t as far-fetched as you might think.

How often should you wash athletic pants?

Unlike denim jeans, which can withstand up to a week’s worth of wear in between washes, athletic pants need a bit more maintenance.

As a general rule, anything that gets soaked in sweat should be washed after every wear. So if you engage in cardio and other high-impact exercises that make you perspire heavily, wash your athletic pants after every use. Doing so will help prevent microbial growth and its nasty repercussions.

On the other hand, workout pants that have been worn during low-impact activities (such as yoga or walking) may not need as much washing. If you barely sweat during your workouts, you can stretch washing to every few uses—especially if your pants are made of water-resistant fabrics like nylon.

Prolong the life of your workout pants

There’s more to taking care of your athletic pants than washing them when they get dirty.

Workout pants work hard to support you and keep you cool during exercise. As such, they deserve special care to help ensure they last for many more gym sessions.

• Use cold water. Hot water is damaging to technical fabrics. High temperatures also cause workout pants to lose their shape faster. Using cold water to wash your workout clothing is ideal as it helps preserve the elasticity and technical capabilities of exercise gear.
• Don’t overdo detergent. We get it: stinky clothes make the idea of pouring an extra dash of detergent super tempting. However, it’s better for your workout pants (and athletic clothes in general) if you use a bit less detergent. If you can opt for milder formulas, it’s better.
• Skip the fabric softener. Fabric softeners tend to leave a barrier-like film on synthetic fibers. This not only traps bacteria and odor, but it also compromises the sweat-wicking ability of your workout pants.
• Don’t forget to clean your gym bag. If you regularly stash your used workout clothes inside your gym bag, don’t forget to give it a good washing at least once a month. This will help reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth, which then helps your gym clothes last longer.
• Air drying is king. Just like how hot water can be damaging to men’s workout pants, heat drying presents the same perils. As such, air drying is recommended after washing your athletic pants.