15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (2024)

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

As comfortable as sweatpants can be, nothing really beats joggers in combining comfort with a stylish silhouette, and the right pair can make all the difference. Joggers are extremely versatile for everyday wear, with some newer styles meant specifically for workouts or lounging. Think of them as your favorite sweats but with a more chic look. While you might swear by your favorite black leggings, these relaxed yet fitted bottoms are a game-changer and new wardrobe staple worth trying. These days, tons of clothing brands carry joggers, but not all of them are equal — some pill horribly or fade in color over time while others feel rough and heavy — so you'll want to ensure you're buying a quality pair that'll last.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tests all sorts of clothing, from workout apparel, like sports bras and leggings, to loungewear and pajamas. To find the best joggers for women, we evaluated different styles, from cozy outdoor sweats and comfy lounging pajamas to stylish and flattering everyday options. In the Lab, our analysts took note of construction details and fabrication in addition to working with consumer testers to collect feedback on real-world comfort and performance. The picks ahead are top performers from our tests, including popular styles online and favorites from GH staff.

Our top picks:

Read on for more tips on how to find the best joggers for every activity. Looking for a cute top to pair with your joggers to the gym? Check out our guide to the best workout tops for women.

1

Best Overall Joggers for Women

Vuori Performance Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (12)

1

Best Overall Joggers for Women

Vuori Performance Jogger

"Buttery soft" and "dreamy" are just a few of the words that our testers and product experts used to describe Vuori's products, which include some of the best loungewear we've ever tested. These splurge-worthy joggers are some of their most popular and for good reason; it comes in the brand's incomparably soft, stretchy fabric with a flattering design you can confidently wear almost anywhere. Not only did this pair receive top scores from our testers, but they're also a go-to among several GH analysts for when we want to feel comfortable but still look good. This style has a cropped fit that ends above the ankle, with a 25-inch inseam, in fabric that isn't as thick as sweatpants but more substantial than leggings, making it suitable for year-round wear. The brand also offers the same joggers with a slightly longer 27.5 inch inseam at no additional cost, but for some taller testers, this longer length was still too short.

2

Best Value Joggers for Women

Champion Everyday Cotton Joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (17)

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (18)

2

Best Value Joggers for Women

Champion Everyday Cotton Joggers

Now 16% Off

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (19)Lightweight T-shirt-like fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (20)Snug, fitted look
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (21)10,000+ Amazon reviews
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (22)Size up if you prefer a more relaxed fit

Made of a lightweight cotton knit, these joggers are ideal for breezy fall and spring weather and come at a fraction of the price of our other picks. They've got a fitted look that pairs well with simple T-shirts or crewnecks and over 10,000 Amazon reviews with an average 4.3-star rating. When we tested these, users commented that these pants had a snug fit compared to other joggers they've owned and appreciated the longer inseam. If you'd prefer something more suited for colder weather, Champion also sells a thicker, more substantial pair of joggers at a higher price point that's still stylish enough to wear outside of your home.

3

Best Joggers for Cold Weather for Women

UNIQLO HEATTECH Pile-Lined Sweatpants

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (23)

3

Best Joggers for Cold Weather for Women

UNIQLO HEATTECH Pile-Lined Sweatpants

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (24)Lined with fluffy pile for added warmth
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (25)Lightweight and stretchy feel
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (26)Four neutral colorways
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (27)Thicker than other picks

As we get closer to winter soft, drapey joggers might not be enough to weather colder temperatures, but this pair can help keep you toasty warm. It's lined with warm, fuzzy sherpa material that traps heat to keep you warm without feeling too stiff, thanks to the stretchy fabric. The brand's Heattech clothing has been a favorite in our tests for their thin, warm socks and GH Lab analyst favorite base layers, and these joggers are no exception. Testers raved about how warm yet lightweight this pair was, with one noting, "it's so hard to find pants that are warm but don't weigh me down in the winter." Just note that these pants might be a bit too thick and insulating for warmer weather.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

Best Workout Joggers for Women

Zella Live In Pocket Joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (28)

4

Best Workout Joggers for Women

Zella Live In Pocket Joggers

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (29)Substantial, moisture-wicking fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (30)Great for all day wear outside of exercise
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (31)Adjustable, stay-in-place waistband
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (32)Some reviewers say they run large

Opt for joggers over workout leggings for your next session at the gym. This pair combines the soft, moisture-wicking fabric of leggings with the versatile look of joggers. If you like the feel of leggings but have trouble finding a pair that's flattering and stylish enough to wear all day or have issues with waistbands not staying in place, these joggers are a game-changer. Testers gave this pair high scores for comfort and noted that they felt "like a second skin." Just take note that while these joggers were true to size in our evaluations, some online reviewers found that these run large, especially compared to the brand's leggings.

5

Best Size Inclusive Joggers for Women

Girlfriend Collective 50/50 Classic Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (33)

5

Best Size Inclusive Joggers for Women

Girlfriend Collective 50/50 Classic Jogger

Now 60% Off

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (34)Heavyweight cotton fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (35)Wide variety of sizes
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (36)Comfortable adjustable waistband
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (37)May be too long for petite users

This pair has a classic, relaxed fit that's available in tons of colors and sizes, with options from XXS all the way to 6XL. Taller testers especially appreciated the generous 28.5 inch inseam while others raved about the heavy cotton fabric and soft, brushed interior. They've got a relaxed look reminiscent of sweatpants with a true-to-size fit, but testers and reviewers alike found that when sizing up for a more baggy fit, they were still able to cinch the internal drawstring waistband so the joggers would stay on their waists. Our analysts appreciate that this style incorporates recycled cotton. If you prefer a more silky soft, drapey jogger, the brand's ReSet Jogger might be a better fit.

6

Best Lightweight Joggers for Women

SUPESU Jeannie Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (38)

6

Best Lightweight Joggers for Women

SUPESU Jeannie Jogger

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (39)High-waisted
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (40)Soft, lightweight jersey fabric
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (41)Too thin for cold weather

Featuring ultra-soft lightweight knit fabric, these joggers provide just the right amount of comfort for lounging at home or running errands. They've got a high-waisted, drapey design that's both forgiving and flattering, so you can look and feel good in the soft polyester lyocell fabric. In our evaluations, our consumer testers were blown away by the soft jersey fabric with one saying "I would live in these if I could." Keep in mind that we found the fabric to be a bit thin for winter weather, so save these for warmer months and indoor wear or opt for the brand's faux fur-lined Cubby Jogger.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Best Joggers for Yoga for Women

Lululemon lululemon Align High-Rise Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (42)

7

Best Joggers for Yoga for Women

Lululemon lululemon Align High-Rise Jogger

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (43)Buttery soft fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (44)Convenient pockets
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (45)Top scores for comfort
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (46)May pill with long-term use

By now, you've probably heard of Lululemon's cult-favorite Align Leggings — they're buttery soft and addictive enough you'll want to wear them all day long. These joggers use the same fabric in a different silhouette with convenient pockets, making them great for everything from yoga classes to lounging at home. Our analysts noted that this pair had a slim, fitted fit in between more drapey joggers and workout leggings, with flattering back seams. Testers found it comfortable during yoga classes and mat workouts, with one commenting that it "feels like a second skin but better." When we tested the fabric, we found that it pilled more than the brand's other athletic materials, especially with long-term use, so these bottoms aren't ideal for long walks or more intense workouts.

8

Best Fleece-lined Joggers for Women

Under Armour Rival Fleece Joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (47)

8

Best Fleece-lined Joggers for Women

Under Armour Rival Fleece Joggers

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (48)Cozy, fleece fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (49)More stylish than sweatpants
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (50)Available in short, regular and tall inseams
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (51)Some signs of pilling with frequent use

Move over, sweatpants! These joggers have everything you like from your favorite sweats — thick yet soft, stretchy fabric, a cozy, brushed interior and generous pockets — with a more stylish look, thanks to the cuffed bottoms and fitted design. Testers called this pair "lightweight yet substantial" and loved wearing it for lounging at home during chilly mornings. Our analysts appreciate that Under Armour offers this style in multiple inseams, with even more color options available on its website. Just note that some testers noticed signs of pilling after frequent use outdoors, which is common for this style.

9

Most Stylish Joggers for Women

commando Faux Leather Joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (52)

9

Most Stylish Joggers for Women

commando Faux Leather Joggers

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (53)Machine washable faux leather
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (54)Versatile look
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (55)Expensive

As flattering and put together as joggers look compared to most sweatpants or leggings, you can't necessarily call them trendy or stylish. This pair is made of faux leather, for a more fashionable spin on the popular jogger silhouette. It's one of the best faux leather pants we've tried and a long-time favorite of one of our Textile Lab analysts, who says, "I'm obsessed with the stylish fit that has stayed in excellent condition wash after wash. I love the loose fit that's easy to style with sneakers or tucked into boots." Other testers agreed, giving high scores for appearance and noted that it has a slim, true-to-size fit that's comparable to leggings.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

Best Everyday Joggers for Women

Pact The Studio Cinch Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (56)

10

Best Everyday Joggers for Women

Pact The Studio Cinch Jogger

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (57)Durable, midweight fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (58)Certified organic cotton
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (59)Slim yet relaxed fit
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (60)Testers say the brand's sizing runs large

For classic cotton joggers you can wear year-round, check out this style from Pact. Several GH analysts have owned this style — some for multiple years — and report that they've lasted well with no signs of wear, even after long walks or runs. One raves, "I've had these joggers for almost a year and they're still so comfortable, they have never pilled, not too tight, very comfy and the scrunched detail on the leg is stylish as well if I wanted to wear them out and about." Testers agree, with one saying, "I've walked more than 20 miles in these, but there's no signs of pilling like I've seen on my other joggers." Plus, our experts appreciate that this pair is made of Global Organic Textile Standard certified organic cotton. Just note, in our evaluations, Pact's bottoms tend to run large compared to other brands, so be sure to check the sizing chart before purchasing.

11

Most Flattering Joggers for Women

spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (61)

11

Most Flattering Joggers for Women

spanx AirEssentials Tapered Pant

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (62)Airy, "cloud-like" spacer fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (63)Flattering contoured back
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (64)Tester favorite for lounging
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (65)May be too short on taller users

Our testers and analysts were blown away by the feel of these pants, with several testers calling the lightweight and airy spacer fabric "cloud-like." This pair has a tapered, jogger-like cut with contoured seams on the back that received top scores for their flattering look. One tester even raved, "I couldn't stop wearing them. I've never felt so confident yet comfortable in any other pants." GH product experts and analysts agree, with several admitting they "practically lived in" Spanx's AirEssentials collection all year, for everything from lounging at home to traveling. If you're looking for something a bit more professional, the brand's Perfect Pant, Jogger and Leather-like Jogger are just as flattering. Be aware, however, that this jogger style may be too short for taller users.

12

Best Sleek Joggers for Women

American Giant City Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (66)

12

Best Sleek Joggers for Women

American Giant City Jogger

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (67)Substantial ponte fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (68)Relaxed and fitted look
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (69)Pricey

For a more polished look than your typical cotton sweats or drapey lounge pants, these joggers are made with American Giant's popular ponte fabric. The brand's clothing typically does well in our evaluations, with testers calling the fabric "high-quality" and "comfortable enough for long-term wear." Our product experts also appreciate the generous pockets and fitted yet relaxed look of this pair. While it's a definitely a splurge, these pants are versatile and can be styled up or down for a variety of occasions.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Best Pajama Joggers for Women

Tommy John Lounge Joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (70)

13

Best Pajama Joggers for Women

Tommy John Lounge Joggers

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (71)Ultra-soft, stretchy fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (72)Great alternative to loose pajama pants
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (73)Not suited for wearing outside

Ultra-soft and silky, these joggers are made of dreamy fabric that's perfect for falling asleep in and are a go-to pajama pant for one of our Textiles Lab analysts. The ankle cuffs help keep this pair on your body, even if you toss and turn in your sleep, while offering a stylish alternative to shapeless pajama pants. Testers raved about the "lightweight yet luxe feel," calling this pair both "buttery soft" and "silky." Our experts also appreciate that brand offers a wide variety of colors and sizes on its website, with short and tall inseams. Just keep in mind that if you're looking for joggers you can wear both indoors and outside, this pair might be a bit too thin and clingy.

14

Best Joggers for Running for Women

Lululemon Adapted State High-Rise Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (74)

14

Best Joggers for Running for Women

Lululemon Adapted State High-Rise Jogger

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (75)Durable, moisture-wicking fabric
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (76)Zippers near ankles for quick ventilation
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (77)Great coverage for spring and fall weather
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (78)Nylon fabric may feel odd at first

If you prefer running shorts over leggings or tights for workouts, these joggers are your best bet once the weather gets colder or if you're looking for more coverage. Testers found these great for running outside in breezy fall weather or indoor gym workouts. The nylon fabric also proved more durable in our tests, with better pilling resistance than legging-like athletic material and good moisture-wicking properties. This pair features classic tapered cuffs at the bottom of each pant leg with zippers, providing more airflow when unzipped to help you cool down. Although they've still got the classic jogger silhouette, some testers initially disliked the windbreaker-like feel of this pair.

15

Best Hiking Joggers for Women

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (79)

15

Best Hiking Joggers for Women

Athleta Trekkie North Jogger

Now 38% Off

Pros
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (80)Stretchy yet durable material
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (81)Lightweight feel
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (82)Great size range
Cons
  • 15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (83)A little noisy if walking fast, according to testers

Love hiking but haven't found a pair of bottoms that are both practical and flattering? This pair of joggers from Athleta might just be the one. It's got a ripstop nylon exterior for more durability on the trails and UPF 50+ rated fabric to help protect you from the sun with more stretch than you'd expect from your typical hiking pants. Testers raved about the lightweight feel and convenient zip pockets, with one calling them "perfect for hiking but versatile enough for everyday wear." Plus, the brand offers a slew of colors with sizes from 0 to 26, including short and tall options. Just note that some testers said these pants made noise when walking at a fast pace, due to the nylon material.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

How we test the best joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (84)

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab is comprised of clothing experts who have evaluated all sorts of apparel and loungewear, from workout leggings and sports bras to pajamas and sweatsuits. To find the best joggers for women, our experts worked with consumer testers to try popular styles online, as well favorites from GH editors, in their daily lives and collected feedback on fit, comfort, warmth, style, appearance and more. For joggers meant for exercise, our analysts conducted additional in-Lab tests to verify any moisture-wicking claims. To differentiate between the different types of joggers available, we also reviewed the various types of materials and fibers used to help you find the best joggers available for any kind of activity.

Things to keep in mind when shopping for joggers

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (85)

✔️ Type of activity: Joggers typically fall into a few major categories based on the type of intended activity, including but not limited to the following.

  • Everyday: These joggers are similar to sweatpants but use lighter fabric (typically midweight) and feature tapered legs with ankle cuffs for a more sleek, fitted look. Some styles are brushed on the inside and can be lined with pile or fleece for added warmth during colder months.
  • Loungewear/pajamas: This type of jogger typically uses thin, lightweight fabric that feels super soft and drapey against your skin. They're best suited to indoor wear, but some can be substantial enough for everyday wear.
  • Workout apparel: Intended for indoor or outdoor exercise, these joggers often feature moisture-wicking performance material you'd expect to find in workout leggings, running shorts or hiking pants.

✔️ Material:

  • Cotton: When used in joggers, this material is most similar to the fabric used in lighter crewnecks and can vary from mid-weight to heavyweight. Cotton fleece refers to a brushed fabric typically used for the interior to add warmth.
  • Polyester: This is one of the most versatile fibers — it can be blended with other materials or used on its own for a smooth feel. Joggers made with this fabric are often lightweight
  • Rayon/Lyocell/Modal: This type of fabric is often used in pajamas because of its super soft feel and drapey qualities. Modal and rayon are often described as "buttery" while lyocell is called "silky."
  • Nylon: Nylon is typically used in workout joggers, either as knit performance material — like the one used for workout tops — or ripstop material — similar to running shorts or windbreakers. Nylon performance typically have good moisture-wicking properties while nylon ripstop has great abrasion and pilling resistance, but may be noisy.

✔️ Inseam: Joggers have a tapered cut with a cinched design at the pant legs, meant to end above the ankle. Tall and petite users may find that these pants can often be too short or long, so many brands offer several inseams. To ensure joggers end where you prefer, measure your inseam and compare it to the inseam of any joggers you're interested in.

What's the difference between joggers and sweatpants?

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (86)

Joggers and sweatpants may seem interchangeable upon first glance, but there are a few differences in both their fabrication and design. Joggers are usually more form-fitting and slim, with a cinched design or cuffs at the ankle whereas sweatpants tend to be more baggy with a straight leg. While sweatpants are heavier and meant to trap heat, joggers tend to be a bit more lightweight with breathable fabric, although nowadays, you can find joggers lined with fleece or pile for colder weather.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (87)

Grace Wu is a Textiles Product Review Analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute who swears by joggers over any other pants and oversaw recent consumer tests. She's evaluated and written stories about various types of clothing, including workout apparel and loungewear, from workout tops to pajamas and fuzzy socks. Prior to joining GH, Grace earned a Master of Engineering in Materials Science & Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Fiber Science from Cornell University.

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (88)

Grace Wu

Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Product Analyst

Grace Wu (she/her) is a product reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she evaluates fabric-based products using specialized equipment and consumer tester data. Prior to starting at Good Housekeeping in 2022, she earned a master of engineering in materials science and engineering and a bachelor of science in fiber science from Cornell University. While earning her degrees, Grace worked in research laboratories for smart textiles and nanotechnology and held internships at Open Style Lab and Rent the Runway.

15 Best Joggers for Women, According to Clothing Experts (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg O'Connell

Last Updated:

Views: 6146

Rating: 4.1 / 5 (42 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg O'Connell

Birthday: 1992-01-10

Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

Phone: +2614651609714

Job: Education Developer

Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.