The Best Joggers for Men Make Rest Days Look Good

Once upon a time, jogger pants practically sold themselves. And while some are of the opinion that the category is tired and overdone, the best joggers for men prove the style still has its place in a modern fella’s closet.

Quite simply, many people need pants that split the difference between loungewear and activewear. After all, there are errands to run. Long-haul trips to brave. Kids to collect from school. And if you’re lucky, a healthy dose of calisthenics in between. In these cases, joggers are a comfortable option to throw on, not for mere aesthetic reasons, but for utilitarian ones, too.

Regardless of styling, joggers are characterized (and differentiated from plain sweatpants) by several telling points: They’re made of lightweight, sporty fabrics, often with a drawstring waistband and a tapered fit with cinched ankles, which stands as the pant’s most distinctive detail.

To help you find the best joggers out there right now, I’ve tested over 25 pairs over the past year, wearing them to walk the dog around my neighborhood, on vacation, to my workouts, and beyond. In the end, a select few styles broke away from the pack, for different reasons. So whether you’re in the market for an ultra-soft pair to wear around the house, or some tech-y, moisture-wicking joints for the gym, there’s a just-right pick here for everyone.

The Best Men’s Jogger Pants, According to GQ

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The Best Joggers Overall

Reigning Champ Coach’s Classic Jogger

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The Best Everyday Joggers

Alo Takeaway Track Pant

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The Best Lightweight Joggers

The North Face Wander Joggers 2.0

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Best Joggers Overall: Reigning Champ Coach’s Standard Jogger

When the mood calls for a pair of jogger pants, they should be stretchy without looking sloppy, breathable, and roomy enough to be comfortable no matter the position you’re in. No one pair of joggers are perfect, but the Coach’s Standard Jogger—from the basics specialists at Reigning Champ—comes alarmingly close. The pants clock in as our top recommendation for their simple sporty look, thoughtful (and tough) construction, and subtle taper that’s a world away from the too-skinny, over-primped joggers of yore. For those who wish a snug fit, the pant is also available in a slim cut.

Reigning Champ deserves the flowers it gets for its high-quality basics (see: GQ’s guide to the best hoodies), so it’s no surprise to see them out-hustle the competition again here. The wrinkle-resistant four-way knit fabric, featured across the brand’s entire Coach Series collection, is sturdy and substantial but also exceedingly comfortable for all day wear, while the side panels and diamond gusset at the crotch makes them easy to stretch out in. All of which is to say that if joggers work hard, Reigning Champ’s joggers work harder.

Best Everyday Joggers: Alo Takeaway Track Pant

If you’re wary about wearing joggers in public, Alo Yoga’s stealthy Takeaway Track Pant could be the ones you’ve been looking for. Taking their design cues from contemporary fashion, these swishy pants have a lightly textured material and slightly boxier fit that you won’t find in other joggers in this guide. They’re made from 100% nylon, which feels great to exercise in, but the extra room throughout the leg means you can also throw a simple tee on top and call it a day. Even better, the adjustable bungee cuff means you can switch these from casual to sport mode in a moment’s notice.