6 Best Workout Pants for Men That Won’t Hurt Your Squat Game

If you head to your local gym these days, you’ll see as many guys wearing shorts as those rocking workout pants. 

I used to think that workout pants existed only to make you sweat profusely or to help you look like an Eastern European soccer fanatic. But in the last decade they’ve become more mainstream as the fabrics used in their construction have become more advanced.

A good pair of workout pants now has zippered, sweat-proof media pockets for your valuables and phone, anti-odor technology, moisture-wicking properties, and other thoughtful details that might make you choose them over shorts. 

Of course, most activewear brands have gotten on the train and produced their own workout pant styles, reminding us all that you can in fact have too much of a good thing. How are you supposed to know what workout pants are best for you?

I did a deep dive into the polyester and nylon-laced world of workout pants to find the best pairs across a variety of categories so you can find the right pair for your workouts.

6 Best Men’s Workout Pants in 2023

Best Overall: Vuori Ponto Performance Jogger

Vuori is a well-known athleisure outfitter that takes inspiration from the active coastal California lifestyle. 

They have a large selection of joggers and workout pants, but my top pick for the overall best workout pant is their Ponto Performance Jogger. 

While many workout pants vied for the best overall spot, these performance joggers stand out due to their comfortable, lounge-like feel but technical performance. 

Vuori makes these bad boys with their proprietary DreamKnit fabric—a combination of recycled polyester and elastane. This fabric is as soft as your favorite pair of joggers or sweats for bingeing Netflix, but breathes and wicks moisture like a pair of tech pants.

These joggers feature zip pockets on both sides of the pants, which surprisingly few competing workout pants included. I often forget to take my wedding ring off before the gym, and having a secure pocket to stash it in is appreciated.

The Ponto Performance Joggers have a slim, tapered cut like most joggers, and are made with a 29 inch inseam, which is usually the perfect length for keeping the hem at or above your ankle.

Best for Tall Guys: lululemon Surge Jogger

Although the standard 29” inseam you often find in joggers is long enough for the majority of guys, it’s not going to cut it if you’re well over 6 feet tall. 

The lululemon Surge Joggers get our top pick for tall guys because they offer an inseam length of 31”, which makes a difference for our long-limbed friends. 

lululemon is well-known for their active wear expertise, and the Surge Joggers are no different. They’re made from a nylon and elastane fabric blend that dries exceptionally quickly, while offering enough stretch to get through your weighted lunges without resistance. 

The front pockets are zippered, which keeps your phone and keys in place when on a run or jumping rope, and the leg’s classic tapered fit allows for a slim profile but still enough room to not feel like you’re wearing cling wrap after you get a pump.

Best on a Budget: Under Armour Woven Vital Pants

As much as we all want the most high-tech, comfortable workout pants out there, sometimes the old bank account doesn’t allow for the high price these pants often command.

If you’re balling on a budget and need a good pair of workout pants, I recommend Under Armour’s Woven Vital Pants. 

These workout pants are made with smooth, 100% polyester fabric that’s lightweight and breathable, yet durable. This fabric also provides wind-resistance, which make these workout pants a great choice for going out in the elements and transitional weather. 

The Vital Pants have a loose cut, which makes them easy to slide over shorts and sports uniforms, and keeps them comfy and casual. They also have 7” ankle zips at the hem to allow for an easy slide over your cleats or athletic shoes, when you don’t feel like taking them off first.

Best of all, you can grab a pair of these for about $30, and they come in a wide variety of colors.

Best for Summer: Rhone Versatility Pants

Rhone has made a name for itself in the men’s activewear industry by designing performance-driven clothing that is versatile for many situations. 

Their Versatility Pants, as the name suggests, are no different. 

Constructed with a nylon and spandex fabric blend, Rhone also uses their proprietary GOLDFUSION Anti-Odor Technology to keep bad smells at bay. That means you can hit the track or the gym for a workout, and then run errands afterwards without worrying that you’ll make passersby wish they had a gas mask.

These workout pants are seriously lightweight and breathable, which makes them ideal for warm and hot workouts in the summer. They have a classic fit which is slightly tailored to stay close to your legs, but not too close.

If you need to stash some valuables or your phone, the Versatility Pants also have a hidden, zippered stash pocket and media pocket to keep everything secure.

Best for Winter: Gymshark Crest Joggers

Gymshark is well-known for their stylish and trendy workout gear, and they have a cozy pair of joggers that make for the perfect winter workout pants. 

The Crest Joggers are made with 80% cotton and 20% polyester, so you get the warmth and texture of cotton but enough stretch to workout unhindered. 

They’re cut with a slim fit, which in some of their product photos looks closer to skinny, depending on your build. If you don’t mind a snug hug to show off the size of your calves, the Crest Joggers will do the trick.

Besides standard side pockets, these pants have a back pocket with a popper closure that provides a little extra security for your valuables. 

I’m a big fan of these joggers for working out in the colder months, and they’re also great for everyday use or taking a three hour nap on the couch.

Best for Running: WOLACO Warren Pant

WOLACO was founded in Manhattan by a guy who was tired of tucking his apartment keys into his sock. Going for a run was supposed to be a relaxing activity, and it became anything but while making sure his key was still in his sock throughout his runs. 

So, he set out to create a pair of shorts with secured pockets that wouldn’t get in the way of dynamic movements, and WOLACO was born. 

The Warren Pant is true to the initial mission of the brand. Featuring a sweat-proof phone pocket that’s centered on the hip to be jostle-free, these workout pants are ideal for running hands-free. 

These pants are made from a lightweight, luxe blend of nylon and spandex, which keeps the material light, breathable, and stretchy. At the hem, ankle zips let you increase the ventilation in hot conditions or to cool down your run. 

WOLACO also made the nylon and spandex fabric with anti-pilling and moisture-wicking technology, which helps ensure that these won’t come completely unraveled after a few washes. 

3 Key Things to Look for in a Workout Pant

Lightweight Material

Above everything else, you want your workout pants to be made from a lightweight, breathable material like polyester, nylon, and elastane. The notable exception here is for winter workout pants, in which case a little cotton helps a lot with maintaining warmth. 

Moisture-Wicking Magic

You should also look for pants that have moisture-wicking properties. Creating swamp-like conditions while working out in pants is unfortunately easy to do, but a pair of workout pants that removes moisture buildup quickly can help. 

Secure Pockets

Lastly, look for workout pants that have zippered pockets and designated phone or media pockets. These will keep your valuables secure and keep your workouts hands and jostle-free.

Time to Wear the Pants

Not all workout pants are created equal, so it’s best to find a pair for your intended use cases.

If you want an all-around great workout pant with moisture-wicking, lightweight fabric and zipper pockets, I recommend Vuori’s Ponto Performance Jogger.

Guys who are taller and don’t enjoy their workout pants looking like a pair of capris should check out the longer inseams on lululemon’s Surge Joggers.

If you’re on a budget, you won’t find workout pants much cheaper than Under Armour’s Woven Vital Pant.

For working out in the Summer, check out the anti-odor technology with Rhone’s lightweight Versatility Pants.

If you’re looking to stay warm during winter workouts, I recommend Gymshark’s Crest Joggers, which are made with a blend of cotton and polyester fabric. 

Lastly, if you’re in the market for good running workout pants, you can’t go wrong with Wolaco’s Warren Pant. 

If you know a guy who’s still hitting the gym in heavy cotton sweats from Walmart, share this article with him! He’ll thank you when he stays dry and cool for an entire workout.

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