- Soft, stretchy, and well-fitting loungers are the not-so-secret secret to staying comfortable at home.
- The Insider Reviews team has a few favorites that are incredibly comfortable and look composed enough to wear outdoors for walks and quick errands.
- The brands that make them include Tommy John, Roots, Lululemon, and Aerie.
- These loungers average around $70, but we think they’re worth every penny.
There was a time, a dark time long ago, when I would wear jeans all day – yes, even once I got home and didn’t have to. Ever since I realized there are pant options 100 times more comfortable than even my most comfortable pair of jeans, I try not to dwell on this haunted past.
Having discovered loungers and joggers made from the softest, stretchiest fabrics and realized the error of my ways, I’m no longer foolish enough to keep my outdoor pants on after walking through the door. You can bet the moment I change into my smooth and cozy loungers that I will not be going back outside. Or, if I do, I could care less about what other people think. They’re probably just jealous that my pants look so comfortable.
My colleagues own comfortable lounge pants that make them feel the same way, a soft-burning appreciation for cozy bottoms that turns into a fiery speech whenever they have to explain that yes, these lounge pants are worth every penny.
10 incredibly comfortable loungers and joggers for men and women:
Tommy John Lounge Jogger
Women's Lounge Jogger, available in 10 colors
"Does Tommy John ever get it wrong?" That's the question our team is constantly asking ourselves. If its Women's Lounge Joggers are any indication, though, then no. Tommy John says they're made of an innovative stretch material that always keeps its shape, and so far, I can validate that claim. The fabric is also still super soft after its first washing. Additional details like tapered legs, side pockets, and a tagless label make this pair of lounge pants an instant favorite. I look forward to going home and putting them on. -Ellen Hoffman, executive editor
As Ellen already hinted, every piece I've ever tried from Tommy John elicits the same bemused chuckle: They've done it again. The company's feather-light, super-soft underwear, camisoles, and tank tops are all standouts in my closet - and these joggers are some of the best. The side pockets, tagless label, and tapered fit are all perks, but the real highlight is the tri-blend fabric - unbelievably soft, airy, and hasn't stretched out yet. It's hard to wear another pair to bed. -Mara Leighton, senior reporter
I had never tried anything from Tommy John, but my coworkers had raved about how comfortable all of their Tommy John loungewear is - they were onto something. These joggers are super soft, lightweight, and have a nice, tapered fit. They feel like pajamas, but look presentable enough to wear out of the house, which I did and was pretty happy about. -Remi Rosmarin, reporter
Sheex Modern Jogger
Women's Modern Jogger, available in 4 colors
I agree that Tommy John's women's joggers are amazing, but you probably already get the idea, so I'll put in a good word for my other favorite pair of joggers, made by a company known for its innovative performance fabric bedding and sleepwear.
The Sheex slim-fit joggers are lighter and thinner than most so you can wear them during warmer days without overheating. If you're prone to overheating regardless of the weather, you're in luck because the fabric is temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking. As you settle into your bed, couch, or giant beanbag chair, both you and your legs can breathe easy. -Connie Chen, senior reporter
Lululemon Joggers
Intent Joggers, available in 2 colors
I am a major Lululemon sweatpants advocate - they are pretty much my number one requested gift around the holidays. Lulu's Intent Joggers are just plain comfortable. I don't know what magic is woven in the fabric, but the balance of soft and stretchy makes it comfortable to do work around the house, go out and run errands, and then still feel like you can relax on the couch immediately after. I have put some serious miles into these pants and so far, they have not wavered.
At Ease Joggers, available in 1 color
The At Ease Jogger echos the same vibes as the Intent Jogger. The big difference between this and the Intent Jogger is that I feel more inclined to relax and lounge with the At Ease. I'm more likely to fall asleep in these sweatpants due to the relaxed fit, whereas for the Intent Jogger, I still feel as if I need to change out of them before I go to bed. -Frank Massaro, strategic partnerships manager
Roots Slim Elastic Sweatpant
Men's Original Slim Sweatpant, available in 2 colors
Note: The Slim Elastic Sweatpant is now sold out and no longer available. We've replaced it with a similar option from Roots.
I've never been very loyal to any specific brand, but Roots will be my loungewear until the day I die, and even after that because I am insisting in my will that I get buried and spend eternity in these Slim Elastic Sweatpants. These sweatpants truly have it all; they look cool enough to wear outside the house, are soft enough to fall asleep standing up, and even have elastic cuffs so you don't have to deal with the annoyance of constantly stepping on your pant legs. -Danny Bakst, senior story producer
Aerie Dreamy Soft Inside Out Jogger
Dreamy Soft Inside Out Jogger, available in 3 colors
I strongly believe that a good pair of sweatpants can be considered an investment piece. Comfort is always key, and like others on the Insider Reviews team, I'm a huge fan of long-lasting brands like Roots that have never failed me. However, my favorite pair of joggers - the Aerie Dreamy Soft Inside Out Jogger - happen to be as affordable as they are comfortable, durable, and able to be worn in public (a major plus).
These joggers sincerely deserve the "Dreamy Soft" title, and the more fitted feel makes me comfortable wearing them outside of the house. The pockets, of course, are always a plus. I love Aerie's loungewear on the whole, but I've been especially impressed by these sweats. -Emily Hein, story producer
MeUndies Lounge Pant (Women's)
Women's Lounge Pant, available in 30+ colors
MeUndies makes some of the softest underwear and loungewear that I've come across, and most of my adult life has been spent in the pursuit of comfort. (My favorite possession is a $98 robe). The MicroModal/elastane blend is silky soft and weighty, and the cut is simultaneously sleek and loose - slim and polished enough to be alright for a morning bagel run or early morning flight. -Mara Leighton, senior reporter
MeUndies Modal Jogger
Women's Modal Jogger, available in 5 colors
I love MeUndies' joggers. In fact, I'm wearing my pair right now as I work from home. They're ultra-soft and stretchy for lounging around or over-eating takeout on the couch, but the silhouette is sleek enough that I can wear them out on a walk with sneakers and a sweatshirt and not feel like a total slob. If soft and stretchy is what you're looking for, these are it. -Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Tentree Atlas Sweatpant
Atlas Sweatpant, available in 3 colors
Tentree is a Canadian outdoor apparel company that makes high-quality and sustainable clothing. The Atlas sweatpants, which I've been wearing for the past couple months, are made from 50% organic cotton and 50% recycled polyester. The fabric is so soft and comfortable that you wouldn't think it's partially made from sustainable synthetics, but that's a trademark of a great outdoors brand.
It's roomy and breathable for staying inside a heated house, but the cuffed ankle, deep pockets, and heat retention make this a suitable jogger for heading outside (base layer recommended if it's particularly cold where you are). The Atlas is like wearing your favorite blanket, but in jogger form. A version in fleece is also available. -Les Shu, senior editor
Outerknown Solstice Sweatpants
Solstice Sweatpant, available in 4 colors
These sweatpants from Outerknown (along with the matching oversized hoodie) are my absolute favorite in the whole world. I've since convinced at least two friends to buy the set, and I'm working on converting everyone I know to the Outerknown Sweatsuit Life.
The vintage-washed, terrycloth material is super breathable so I never feel overheated or uncomfortably warm. On the flip side, I'm never cold when I have these joggers on - they're the perfect weight for year-round wear. I'm a little over 5-foot-1 and a size 8-10; I wear a size large for a bit of an oversized fit but could have stood to size down. The length hits my ankles, for reference.
I should also point out that I really appreciate Outerknown's focus on sustainability. It helps me justify the extra cost of its clothes since they're not cheap. -Sally Kaplan, senior editor
Athleta Studio Jogger
Studio Jogger, available in 2 colors
I never thought I could love joggers so much until I met the Athleta Studio Joggers. The material is extremely soft and feels like butter against your skin. I'm on the shorter side, so joggers tend to look big, baggy, and too long, yet these pants fit just right. They come in petite sizes and I own a pair in every color they have. Another bonus: they have pockets! I literally won't wear anything else when it comes to trendy yet comfortable clothes. -Ariel Tilayoff, story production fellow