A Saturday with no plans. A work from home day. A light workout at the gym followed by some quick errands. If you’re not sure what to wear on those days when you want to prioritize comfort but still feel put together enough to work or go out in public, athleisure pants for men can pull a lot of duty for your comfort-casual attire for the “in-between” days.
| Recommended Brand | |
| Best Overall | Rugged Black |
| Best Budget | Quince |
| Best Splurge | Rhone |
What are athleisure pants?
Athleisure pants are a versatile and stylish clothing option that bridges the gap between activewear and casual wear. They’re typically made from comfortable and breathable materials like cotton or polyester blends, and often feature features like stretchy waistbands, tapered legs, and moisture-wicking properties.
Basically, they are athletic pants with the cut of casual pants.
As opposed to the traditional sweatpants, with a baggy cut and elastic cuffs at the ankle, the slimmer cut of athleisure pants makes them more acceptable for public wear. This makes them perfect for a variety of activities, from hitting the gym to running errands or lounging at home.
Why are athleisure pants the best “in-between” option
While wearing traditional sweatpants in public looks a little sloppy and unkempt, like you just rolled out of bed and onto the street, athleisure pants for men will allow you to maximize comfort and give off a more put together appearance when you are out and about.
If you plan to spend the day in your house but might need to head out for a couple things, athleisure pants will be your best friend. They will allow you to maintain ultimate comfort for lounging. And if you need to leave the house at a moments notice to run a quick errand, grab a coffee, and/or hit the gym, you don’t need to re-think and change into a new outfit. You can head out looking sharp, staying comfortable, and keeping a casual vibe.
It also helps to look decent if someone drops by unexpectedly. Athleisure pants will give off a more put together impression than sweatpants or pajama pants. Basically, whoever visits will think you have your life together. Even if you don’t.
I find athleisure pants most valuable as a part of work from home attire. Sometimes it’s difficult to take yourself seriously if you wear sweatpants, even if no one else sees them. But wearing chinos or jeans could be a touch too stuffy for a day around the house. Athleisure pants allow you to feel somewhat dressed up and put together, but the activewear materials and elastic waist keep things comfortable. Plus, you can easily match these with a polo shirt or light sweater to keep things professional for your video calls. These simple style upgrades will help you improve your productivity from home.
Different scenarios and styling options
The best part about athleisure pants for men – you don’t need much thought to put a decent outfit together. Check out the basic ideas below for outfit ideas. As always, make sure you color coordinate properly.
- Lounging around the house – Athleisure pants, house slippers, plain long-sleeve pocket t-shirt, plain crewneck sweatshirt (if you run cold)
- Light to moderate workout – Athleisure pants, running/workout shoes, activewear shirt, activewear half-zip (cooler temps), down jacket (cold weather)
- WFH – Athleisure pants, polo shirt or crewneck knit sweater, house slippers
- Running errands (warm weather) – Athleisure pants, pocket t-shirt, plain white leather sneakers
- Running errands (cold weather) – Athleisure pants, crewneck sweatshirt, overcoat (casual or smart casual, like a pea coat), casual all-weather boots (like a duck boot)
If you find yourself in these scenarios often, invest in 2-3 good pairs of pants. The chart at the top of this article gives our recommendations. And you don’t have to break the bank to get a decent pair – some great options start at $40. You can also splurge on a really nice pair. The combination of comfort, luxury, and performance of higher end athleisure pants for men will help you look and feel your most confident, whether or not you stay in or venture out, or do something in-between.