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Whether you’re working out, chilling at home, or sitting on an airplane for hours, wearing comfy joggers is always a good move. Sleek like exercise leggings but cozy like your favorite sweatpants, they’re the perfect in-between bottoms for whatever your day brings.
If you’re looking to add some pairs to your rotation, shop the best joggers for women below. SELF staffers swear by these pairs—and we test activewear for a living, so you can trust our recs.
Our top picks
- Best Overall: Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger, $118
- Best Budget Pick: Old Navy High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Jogger Sweatpants, $22
- Best for Lounging: Athleta Coaster Luxe High Rise Jogger, $79
- Best for Travel: Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant, $110
- Best for Low-Impact Workouts: Athleta Salutation High Rise Jogger, $89
- Best for Running: Adidas Designed for Training Warm-Up Pants, $65
- Best for Hiking: Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants, $115
- Best Stretch: Vuori Performance Joggers, $94
- Best Lightweight: Under Armour Meridian Cargo Joggers, $90
Shop the best joggers for women
Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Best Overall: Lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Oversized Jogger
These joggers are what dreams are made of. They’re loose on the legs and fleece-lined inside, for an ultra-soft feel. But when you need to leave the house in them, the drawstring in the waistband lets you adjust the fit, so they won’t slip or roll down.
While they are an investment, “the material is thick and feels very high-quality,” SELF’s senior commerce editor, Sarah Felbin, says. “Plus, I’ve washed these a bunch of times and they still look brand new. I also love that they come in three lengths, so they’ll definitely be long enough to cover your ankles, even if you’re on the taller side.”
Another SELF tester also swears by these: “They give that ‘I’m wearing my boyfriend’s sweats’ look—which, as a curvier person, can be difficult for me to achieve,” she says.
Material: Cotton, polyester | Size: XXXS to XL | Inseam: Regular, tall, short
Best Budget Pick: Old Navy High-Waisted Dynamic Fleece Jogger Sweatpants
SELF’s senior commerce writer, Sara Coughlin, can always count on these Old Navy joggers keeping her comfy. “They’re perfect for lounging around at home or spending the day outdoors,” she says. “They can do both because they’re soft, slightly stretchy, and breathable.”
Their slim fit looks luxe—we’re also fans of the thick waistband that’s adjustable with a drawstring, and zippered pockets that can hold your keys or a protein bar. Their fleecey inside will keep you warm when it’s chilly outside too. “I prefer them for activities like cold-weather climbing, as opposed to cardio or sweaty yoga sessions,” Coughlin adds.
Material: Cotton, polyester, elastane | Size: XS to 4X | Inseam: Regular, tall, petite
Best for Lounging: Athleta Coaster Luxe High Rise Jogger
The best part of coming home is shedding your workwear and changing into cozies. These Athleta pants will instantly put you into lounge mode. “I’m not kidding when I say these are the softest pants I own,” Felbin says. “They’re super thin and light, but warm and soft enough that I sometimes sleep in them. The fabric feels like you’re wearing nothing at all.”
That’s thanks to lyocell, a material that’s known for its breathability, so you can sport these pants in warm temps too. They have a wide, mid-rise waistband that stays put on the hips and a couple of deep pockets you can stash your AirPods or keys in on a coffee run.
Material: Lyocell, polyester, elastane | Size: XXS to 3X | Inseam: Regular, tall, petite
Best for Travel: Spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant
We all know Spanx for its undergarments—but the brand’s loungewear is really where it’s at. Everything in the AirEssentials collection is made from a lightweight synthetic fabric that feels sleek and cool to the touch on the inside. iIt’s the perfect choice for long travel days, when controlling the temperature around you is (sadly) not an option.
One SELF tester says she’s obsessed with these joggers: “The matching pullover makes it a perfect airport outfit. They feel so luxuriously smooth—almost like silk—both inside and out.”
Material: Modal, polyester, elastane | Size: XS to 3X | Inseam: Regular, tall, petite
Best for Low-Impact Workouts: Athleta Salutation High Rise Jogger
These high-waisted Athleta pants are like a legging-jogger hybrid, with super-stretchy fabric and a supportive fit at the waist. They’re great for workouts that require a lot of mobility, like yoga.
“These are heavy in my rotation,” SELF’s executive editor, Jennifer Fields, says. She wears them on walks and to Pilates classes. “Their waistband doesn’t roll down, but they’re more relaxed than regular leggings,” she adds—truly the best of both worlds.
Material: Nylon, elastane | Size: XXS to 3X | Inseam: Regular, tall, petite
Best for Running: Adidas Designed for Training Warm-Up Pants
This pair is soft without being fuzzy—an important distinction, especially if you’re planning to work up a sweat in your joggers. Instead of a brushed fabric, they’re made with a lightweight, stretchy one that’s designed to wick moisture away from your skin and dry quickly.
Some more key details for runners: The waistband is made with a stretchy elastic that won’t fall down mid-mile, according to SELF’s associate social media manager, Katie Gunderman. And the cuffs at the bottom of each leg have a drawstring cord you can adjust, so that they won’t cling to your ankles or ride up with each stride. “The weight of the fabric also allows some air to move through the weave, so I don’t overheat when I run, either!” Gunderman says. She pairs it with the matching sweatshirt for a full ‘fit that supports her training schedule.
Material: Polyester, cotton, elastane | Size: 2XS to 2XL | Inseam: Regular
Best for Hiking: Patagonia Caliza Rock Pants
The most comfortable hiking pants SELF staffers have tried just so happen to have a tapered, jogger-style leg.
“These pants are so clearly made for the outdoors, but don’t feel like it when you put them on,” one SELF tester says. They have a tougher exterior that’s fit for scrambling up rocks, but their brushed inside feels more like loungewear. “It adds a bit of warmth that comes in handy, especially during late fall weather,” she adds.
Material: Cotton, elastane, nylon | Size: Regular and short
Best Stretch: Vuori Performance Joggers
Vuori is known for its high-quality, elevated athleisure that can fit into almost any wardrobe. These joggers are no exception—just ask SELF’s director of fitness and food, Christa Sgobba. “I might be trying to fool myself, but I think they don’t look quite as casual as some others,” she says. They’re also the only joggers she’s ever spent close to $100 on—with no regrets.
Material: Polyester, elastane | Size: XXS to XXL | Inseam: Regular and long
Best Lightweight: Under Armour Meridian Cargo Joggers
You can really wear these joggers for anything—walking your dog, grocery shopping, even spin class. They’re made of stretchy, lightweight, sweat-wicking fabric that feels cozy without trapping too much heat. One SELF staffer says that they run a little big, but “that makes them all the better to lounge or travel in.” Bonus: They have four (yep, four) pockets.
Material: Polyester, elastane | Size: XS to XXL | Inseam: Regular
How we tested the best joggers for women
SELF staffers tested every pair of joggers on this list. We wore them for workout classes, coffee dates, travel days, long runs, and so much more. As we wore them, we noted how they held up after multiple washes and wears and how warm or cooling they felt through the seasons. Our winners impressed picky activewear editors, so we’re confident you’ll love them too.
What to look for in joggers for women
Planning to work out in your joggers? Look for sweat-wicking materials, like polyester and nylon, to keep your skin dry and cool. If you only plan to wear them while relaxing at home or running errands, keep your eyes peeled for pants that are fleece-lined or brushed on the inside—they’ll keep you warm and cozy.
Before you shop, consider when you plan to wear your joggers. Some styles are oversized and fit more like slouchy sweats—perfect for curling up on the couch. Others have a slimmer fit and tapered legs that can be nice for workouts or times when you don’t want too much extra fabric in the way.
No matter which style you prefer, don’t forget to look at the inseam when you’re choosing a size. Many of our picks come in tall and petite lengths for a better fit.
Little features can make a big difference in how often you reach for your pair of joggers. Maybe you want a pair with zippered pockets you can stash your keys and phone in while you’re on a run. Or, a waistband with an adjustable drawstring might be a must-have if you like to size up, but don’t want your pants falling down.
Related:
- Our Favorite Cute and Cozy Sweatshirts
- 10 Chic Matching Sets to Wear on Your Next Trip
- Every Lift and Stretch Is Easier in Comfy Workout Shorts
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