Sweatpants grew up

A Men's Health style editor wore sweats as a college uniform at Howard. Brands have since rebuilt them with structure and shape, so they look like you tried.

“They weren't about style back then; they were comfort clothes, plain and simple.”

35 pairs, eight winners

The style team tested more than 35 styles, including stretch blends, performance tech and jogger hybrids, before narrowing the field to eight.

Best overall: Lululemon ABC

The $128 ABC Jogger handled sweaty workouts and stayed dry for hours. Four-way stretch, wrinkle resistance, three inseam lengths and a hidden zip back pocket.

“It's the rare sweatpant that's comfy enough for the couch but sharp enough to go get your pick-me-up.”

What ABC stands for

Anti-ball crushing. The cut leaves breathing room through the crotch so you stay cool. The tradeoff is a fit that can feel snug around the seat.

Best performance: Vuori Ponto

At $98, the DreamKnit fabric is buttery and light, with stretch that survived deep lunges and twists in yoga. A zippered thigh pocket holds your phone without bulk.

Vuori's one catch

It comes in a single 30-inch inseam, so tall and short guys are out of luck. The relaxed, tapered leg keeps airflow moving during errands and cooldowns.

Best relaxed: Reigning Champ

The $118 midweight terry pair drapes straight and loose without looking oversized. Dense but breathable, it holds warmth in 50-degree weather. Skip it in summer.

“Unlike slim-fit sweats that hug your legs, this cut feels looser and has a straight drape.”

Cuffs you can cinch

Reigning Champ adds drawcord cuffs, which is rare. Wear them loose for a lazy look or pull them tight for a tapered, jogger-style silhouette.

Most comfortable: Uniqlo

At $50 this is the cheapest pair tested and it still holds up. The wide straight leg keeps you from feeling clammy, and front and back pockets carry the essentials.

Uniqlo sells out fast

Sizes disappear quickly, so buy when you see your size. They run warm enough for high 50s and low 60s, good for city commuters and gym regulars.

Best everyday: Alo Accolade

French terry outside, fleece inside, $138. The fabric is thicker than the rest of the list, so these cover winter through spring, and there are 20-plus colors.

Oversized without slouch

Alo cuts these oversized but keeps a straight leg, so you don't drown in fabric. Size down if you want a closer fit.

“The straight leg keeps things polished, so you won't look like you just rolled out of bed.”

Best hybrid: Champion at $34

Midweight fleece with a tapered leg and ankle cuffs, brushed inside to a teddy-bear softness. Sizes run S to 5XL and they resist pilling after repeated washes.

Air dry the fleece

Champion's brushed interior loses its feel in a dryer. Hang them instead. The cotton-poly blend has enough stretch that bigger thighs won't feel squeezed.

Most stylish: Abercrombie

The $75 straight open-hem pair drapes over sneakers without stacking fabric at the shoe. Roomy enough for guys who don't skip leg day, in 10 colors.

“The silhouette is roomy but still looks clean enough that I don't feel like I'm wearing straight-up pajama pants.”

Softest: Nike brushed fleece

On sale at $45, with a brushed interior and room through the seat and thighs. Sizing runs to 4XL. No stretch in the fabric, so skip these for real workouts.

Know your four fits

Relaxed is roomy for lounging. Tapered narrows toward the ankle for a sportier look. Slim sits close without going legging-tight. Joggers are tapered with a ribbed cuff.

Sweatpants versus joggers

Sweatpants run looser, use thicker fleece and stay casual. Joggers taper, use activewear fabrics like nylon and polyester, and read sleeker from gym to street.

Pockets earn their keep

Hidden zip pockets matter on travel days. Deep side pockets swallow a phone, keys, wallet and earbuds, or the remote when you are not going anywhere.

How the scoring worked

Style Director Christian Gollayan's team ran a rubric across comfort, durability, fit and versatility, with bonus points for stretch, wicking, quick-dry and anti-odor.