Sweatpants are judged on the hand-feel of the fabric and whether the waistband digs in by hour three. Our winner is the Vuori Ponto Performance Jogger, with an SR Score of 88, because its brushed Dreamknit fabric is the softest in the test, the waistband spreads tension over two full inches, and it undercuts rivals on price. The Lululemon ABC Jogger (87) is the runner-up for structure, and Reigning Champ leads on pure-cotton build.
The ranking
| Rank | Brand | Best for | Typical price (USD) | SR Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vuori Ponto Performance | Soft + value | $84–$98 | 88 |
| 2 | Lululemon ABC Jogger | Structure | $108–$128 | 87 |
| 3 | Reigning Champ Slim | Pure cotton build | $130–$160 | 86 |
| 4 | Nike Tech Fleece | Tapered everyday | $110–$130 | 84 |
| 5 | Lululemon Steady State | Plush cotton blend | $108–$128 | 84 |
| 6 | Buck Mason | Made-in-USA classic | $98–$128 | 84 |
| 7 | Champion / Hanes basics | Budget lounge | $20–$40 | 78 |
Methodology
The Style Score v2026 rubric weights five criteria summing to 100:
- Fabric & comfort (30) — softness, weight, stretch.
- Waistband & construction (25) — waistband comfort, seams, hems.
- Value for money (20) — comfort per dollar.
- Fit & versatility (15) — cut and how presentable they are out of the house.
- Reputation & reviews (10) — consensus from style press and owners.
Fabric leads because comfort is the whole point. Re-weight toward versatility and the Lululemon ABC and Nike climb; toward durability and Reigning Champ and Buck Mason win.
Vuori Ponto Performance
The soft-and-value pick. At $84 to $98, the Ponto uses Vuori’s brushed Dreamknit (made with recycled material), described in reviews as the most comfortable garment on the market, with a flawless two-inch waistband.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 29/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 23/25 |
| Value for money | 18/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 11/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: it leans casual and lacks the structure to pass as smart-casual.
Lululemon ABC Jogger
The structure pick. At $108 to $128, the ABC Jogger uses a more substantial fabric and an excellent waistband, making it the more errand- and office-friendly of the two leaders.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 26/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 24/25 |
| Value for money | 16/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 14/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: pricier and less couch-soft than the Vuori.
Reigning Champ Slim
The pure-cotton build pick. At $130 to $160, Reigning Champ’s Canadian-made loopback terry sweatpants are heavyweight, durable, and built to outlast performance knits.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 25/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 23/25 |
| Value for money | 15/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 12/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 9/10 |
Trade-off: heavy cotton is warmer and slower to dry than stretch knits.
Nike Tech Fleece
The tapered everyday pick. At $110 to $130, Tech Fleece uses a lightweight, structured fleece with a sleek taper that reads more streetwear than gym.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 24/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 21/25 |
| Value for money | 16/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 14/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 8/10 |
Trade-off: the synthetic fleece is less plush than Vuori or cotton.
Lululemon Steady State
The plush cotton-blend pick. At $108 to $128, the Steady State pant uses a soft brushed cotton blend for a cozy, lounge-leaning feel.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 26/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 22/25 |
| Value for money | 15/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 12/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 8/10 |
Trade-off: more loungewear than gym or street.
Buck Mason
The made-in-USA classic. At $98 to $128, Buck Mason’s American-made fleece sweatpants offer a clean, traditional open-hem cut and durable cotton.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 24/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 22/25 |
| Value for money | 16/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 12/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 8/10 |
Trade-off: limited colors and a narrower size range.
Champion / Hanes basics
The budget lounge pick. At $20 to $40, these mass-market fleece sweats are fine for sleeping, chores, or the gym where wear-out is expected.
| Criterion | Score |
|---|---|
| Fabric & comfort | 18/30 |
| Waistband & construction | 17/25 |
| Value for money | 18/20 |
| Fit & versatility | 11/15 |
| Reputation & reviews | 7/10 |
Trade-off: thinner blends pill and lose elasticity fast.
Verification
- Vuori Ponto Performance — $84–$98, Dreamknit verified on vuoriclothing.com and The Inertia.
- Lululemon ABC Jogger — $108–$128 verified on lululemon.com.
- Reigning Champ Slim Sweatpant — $130–$160 verified on reigningchamp.com.
- Nike Tech Fleece — $110–$130 verified on nike.com.
- Lululemon Steady State — $108–$128 verified on lululemon.com.
- Buck Mason — $98–$128 verified on buckmason.com.
- Champion / Hanes — $20–$40 verified on champion.com and hanes.com.
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Frequently asked questions
- What are the best sweatpants in 2026?
- The Vuori Ponto Performance Jogger wins overall for its ultra-soft brushed Dreamknit fabric, a waistband that distributes tension over two inches of height, and a lower price than its rivals. The Lululemon ABC Jogger is the runner-up for a more structured, errand-friendly look.
- Vuori or Lululemon joggers?
- Vuori wins on softness, everyday comfort, and value at around $89. Lululemon edges ahead on structure and technical features, making the ABC Jogger more presentable out of the house, but it costs $108 to $128 and leans more athletic-formal.
- What's the difference between sweatpants and joggers?
- Traditional sweatpants have an open or elastic hem and a relaxed cut; joggers taper to a ribbed, cuffed ankle. Joggers read as more modern and fitted, while open-hem cotton sweatpants are the classic loungewear silhouette.
- Are cotton or performance-knit sweatpants better?
- Cotton loopback (like Reigning Champ) is more durable, breathable, and classic but heavier and slower to dry. Performance knits like Vuori's Dreamknit are softer, stretchier, and quick-drying, better for movement and travel but less long-term rugged.