There’s a quiet revolution happening in closets everywhere, and it’s spelled: wide-leg sweatpants. Equal parts comfort and cool, these ultra-cozy bottoms are redefining what it means to get dressed. No longer reserved for lazy Sundays or gym warmups, wide-leg sweatpants are now a certified style statement—and honestly, once you try them, you’ll question why you ever bothered with jeans or structured trousers at all.
The 15 Best Wide-Leg Sweatpants That Always Look Elevated & Stylish
Styles for everybody and every budget.
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- Spanx AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants are our top pick. They’re comfortable, thick, and offer an elevated take on classic sweatpants.
- While low- and high-rise styles each have their draw, your torso length is also a key factor when choosing a rise that looks best on you.
- For a polished look, choose a sweatpant with an inseam that hits right above the ankle or is as long as possible without touching the ground.
Wide-leg pants are this season’s silhouette du jour. While you may have already updated your denim accordingly, this trend has predictably extended beyond wide-leg jeans, bringing an air of freshness to sweatpants as well. “Wide-leg sweatpants are both timeless and trending,” says Liz Teich, a NYC-based personal stylist. “For a while, we saw joggers and tapered-leg sweats being the go-to silhouette, but the wide-leg pant trend has been trickling into athleisure.”
Finding the best wide-leg sweatpants for your closet is tougher than you might think. You have to consider length, hem, and color options—not to mention, all the extra intricate styling details that different brands include in their designs. That’s why we tapped our favorite stylists to help us narrow down the 15 best styles for every unique taste and budget.
Top Picks
Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece High-Waisted Wide Leg Sweatpants at Nordstrom $70 $42
Best Overall
Spanx AirEssentials Wide-leg Pants
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Credit: Amazon
Why We Love It: Our editors are raving about the incredible softness and comfort of these sweats, crafted from fine-knit, lightweight AirEssentials spacer fabric with breathable, four-way stretch. “They have a more elevated look to them than most sweats out there,” says Summer Cartwright, InStyle senior wellness editor. “You can honestly get away with wearing these soft pants to work if you just tuck the drawstring in or pair the pants with an oversized blazer.” Plus, they come in three inseam lengths, an inclusive range of sizes, and a variety of colors, including a moussy chocolate brown.
Who It’s For: Cozy outfit lovers who want a wardrobe staple they can live in and aren’t partial to pockets will love this straightforward style.
Worth Noting: This ultrasoft and thick sweatpant snags easily.
Size: XS–3X petite, regular, and tall | Material: Modal, polyester, elastane
Best Budget
Old Navy High-Waisted SoComfy Wide-Leg Sweatpants
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Credit: Old Navy
Why We Love It: These comfortable, budget-friendly sweats are perfect for casual winter outfits. They make a fabulous layering piece, being that they’re made of a breathable-but-thick cotton material with enough room in the leg to fit a warmer pair of pants underneath. Design-wise, they feature a mid-rise waist with a hidden drawstring and on-seam pockets. Plus, they drape nicely while still holding their shape. If you prefer a matching set look, pair them with the matching oversized hoodie.
Who It’s For: These affordable wide-leg sweatpants are available in sizes XS to 4X and regular, petite, and tall lengths, making them an easy snag for nearly any body type or budget.
Worth Noting: They run a bit large, so if you’d prefer a straighter cut rather than a true wide leg, consider sizing down.
Size: XS–4X petite, regular, and tall | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Splurge
Aviator Nation Wide Leg Pocket Sweatpants
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Credit: Aviator Nation
Why We Love It: These simple Aviator Nation sweatpants feature a back pocket so you can keep your phone and other belongings close without having to bulk up your front pockets. They’re available in several neutral shades and come in a very high rise that will cinch and shape the waist (you can easily roll the waistband down for a mid-rise style).
Who It’s For: If you want a simple, high-quality product that will stay in your wardrobe for years to come, these Aviator Nation sweatpants are an excellent choice.
Worth Noting: These sweats are 50 percent polyester, so consider air drying them to prevent pilling.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Polyester, cotton, rayon
Best Heavyweight
Nike Sportswear Phoenix Fleece High-Waisted Wide Leg Sweatpants
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Credit: Dick’s Sporting Goods
Why We Love It: These Nike wide-leg sweats check all the boxes. The silhouette is classic, with just the right amount of slouchiness, and a high waist with drawstring cinching, deep side pockets, and legs that drape just right and leave plenty of room for platform sneakers with the subtle ankle slit. The heavyweight fabric is warm and cozy, with a soft brushed fleece interior that feels amazing against the skin.
Who It’s For: The flattering split-ankle cut of these pants, when coupled with their wide size range, makes them a solid choice for anyone wanting to add wide-leg sweatpants to their wardrobe.
Worth Noting: Only available in one inseam length, these pants may not work for those blessed with height.
Size: XS–XXL | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Cargo
Victoria’s Secret Pink Ivy Fleece Wide-Leg Cargo Sweatpants
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Credit: Victoria’s Secret
Why We Love It: Cargo pants are trending in their own right, and we’d be remiss not to include this ultra-comfortable cargo sweatpant combo. They’ve got pockets galore and come in several bright and neutral colors, offering a soft variation on the classic cargo pant that fits a variety of heights and body types. Style them with a cropped tee or sweatshirt and a combat boot for a trendy street style look.
Who It’s For: Those who want the comfort of a sweat with a trending twist will be happy their dreams came true thanks to these versatile bottoms.
Worth Noting: Sizing can be difficult with this option—it tends to run large, so consider sizing down.
Size: XS–XXL short, regular, and long | Material: Cotton, polyester
Most Comfortable
Skims Cotton Fleece Classic Straight Leg Pant
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Credit: Skims
Why We Love It: When you think of classic sweatpants, this straight-leg option from Skims is likely what comes to mind. They’re perfectly oversized and available in classic heather gray and black (as well as some fun seasonal colors) for that perfect chic-but-comfy ‘90s look on a work-from-home or travel day. Take a page from Victoria Beckham’s book by adding oversized sunglasses and a structured coat to elevate your outfit.
Who It’s For: Known for their inclusive size ranges and award-worthy comfort, these Skims sweats are the pair you’ll wear on repeat this fall and winter.
Worth Noting: Only available in one inseam, these pants run slightly long on shorter girls.
Size: XXS–4X | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Versatile
Athleta Venice High Rise Wide Leg Pant
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Credit: Athleta
Why We Love It: These throw-on-and-go pants feature a wide waistband without a drawstring, lending itself well to being dressed up or down. Style it casually with a graphic T-shirt and leather sneakers for optimal fashion and function. Abundant pockets offer plenty of room to carry the basics along with you wherever you go. And because its materials are breathable, stretchy, moisture-wicking, and UV-protective, you can confidently wear these while running, hiking, or biking. Three in-seam lengths ensure hems will hit just right for varying heights, too.
Who It’s For: Busy bees who prefer to populate their wardrobes with items that can multitask, or who want to toe-dip into the wide-leg sweatpants, will fawn over these fitted pants.
Worth Noting: If you’re looking for a slim-ish pair of pants, give the fit guide a once-over and potentially size down for your perfect fit.
Size: XXS–3X petite, regular, and tall | Material: Nylon, spandex
Best Cropped
Quince SuperSoft Fleece Wide Leg Pants
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Credit: Quince
Why We Love It: When it comes to cropped wide-leg pants, it’s difficult to beat this pair from Quince. These fleece sweats are super soft and comfortable, feature an adjustable waistband, and are made with eco-friendly dyes and recycled materials. We also love the wide hem and large front pocket details, both of which offer a put-together look that can be more difficult to find in cropped styles. Purchase the SuperSoft pullover to add an adorable matching sweatsuit to your closet without breaking the bank.
Who It’s For: These are perfect for anyone who wants a budget-friendly cropped sweatpant that can look polished without much effort.
Worth Noting: If you’re between sizes, you’ll likely want to size down in this pair.
Size: XS–XL | Material: Tencel modal, recycled polyester, spandex
Best Tall
lululemon Scuba Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant
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Credit: lululemon
Why We Love It: Tall women, prepare to rejoice because these adorable Lululemon pants have a 34-inch inseam option. We love the classic, versatile design, which features a mid-rise adjustable waistband, premium seam details, front pockets, and floor-skimming length that lends itself to ballet flats and block heels alike. These sweats are available in a number of colors, too.
Who It’s For: A great choice for anyone, especially tall girls who find that options from other brands tend to fall short; these classic slacks can fit into your wardrobe seamlessly.
Worth Noting: You’ll want to air-dry these to avoid shrinkage.
Size: 3XS–XL 28, 31, and 34 inches | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Plus Size
Girlfriend Collective Luxe Wide Leg Pant
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Credit: Girlfriend Collective
Why We Love It: These top-tier travel pants from Girlfriend Collective accommodate sizes XXS to 6XL, which makes them the most inclusive wide-leg sweatpants on this list. What’s more, they’re available in two different inseam lengths to ensure a proper fit on girls of many heights. They’re made from Girlfriend Collective’s Luxe fabric, a heavyweight material featuring gentle compression for a flattering fit, and feature a front pleat detail that brings a more put-together vibe than traditional sweatpants.
Who It’s For: This pant is perfect for gals of all sizes, shapes, and heights in search of plus-size activewear that can take them from the couch to the office.
Worth Noting: These sweats, especially the darker color variations, may bleed upon first wash.
Size: XXS–6XL 29 and 31 inches | Material: Recycled water bottles (RPET), spandex
Best Petite
Mate the Label Wide Leg Pant
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Credit: Mate the Label
Why We Love It: Technically, these pants are designed for gals of all sizes; however, petite shoppers will especially love the cropped fit. Made from soft, cozy, and certified organic fleece, these cozy wide-leg sweatpants feature roomy front patch pockets as well as a back pocket, and come in unique shades ranging from “mushroom” to “seafoam.”
Who It’s For: These are a homerun for shorties, those who like an ankle crop to flatter their favorite ankle boots, and anyone who wants to shop sustainably.
Worth Noting: The weight of this fleece is heavy, so these may not be a fit for any planned Labor Day outfits.
Size: XS–XL | Materials: Organic cotton
Best Relaxed Fit
Aritzia Cozy Fleece Boyfriend Basic Wide Sweatpant
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Credit: Aritzia
Why We Love It: It was tough to choose a superlative for these sweats, as they could be at the top of the list in several categories. Ultimately, it was their effortlessly relaxed vibe that caught our attention above all else, as they’re just the right amount of baggy for an intentional look. The pants’ subtle draping makes them perfect for an off-duty model look, especially when paired with a statement trench coat and unexpected shoes.
Who It’s For: Anyone who loves the cool-girl look of a slouchy sweatpant but doesn’t want to work overtime to keep the effect reasonably polished. Make this a set with the matching sweatshirt.
Worth Noting: For a truly baggy fit, consider sizing up in this style.
Size: 2XS–2XL short, regular, and tall | Material: Cotton, recycled polyester
Best Lightweight
Offline By Aerie OG Cotton Wide Leg Pant
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Credit: Aerie
Why We Love It: These breezy cotton pants are made from a T-shirt-like cotton that provides the same comfort of a fleece sweatpant—without all the sweating. Make an all-season pajama set or lazy day outfit by pairing them with the matching tube top or pullover.
Who It’s For: If you’re in search of cozy pants that you can wear all year round, even on your next island vacation, these are the sweatpants for you.
Worth Noting: These pants run longer than average, but they’re available in three inseams, which makes this problem avoidable for most.
Size: XXS–4X short, standard, and long | Material: Cotton, modal, elastane
Best Straight Leg
Alo Yoga Accolade Straight Leg Sweatpant
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Credit: Alo Yoga
Why We Love It: On the athleisure front, Alo rarely disappoints, and this must-have sweatpant is no exception. While these sweats are oversized, they feature a straighter silhouette than the others on this list. They’re made from a midweight French terry that’s smooth and sleek on the outside and soft and cozy on the inside, and have a drawstring waistband, on-seam pockets, and, of course, the instantly recognizable Alo logo.
Who It’s For: Those who want to venture beyond a tapered leg but aren’t ready to go full out on a super wide silhouette.
Worth Noting: According to the brand, the inseam on these pants is longer than normal to achieve a slouchier aesthetic, so you may want to size down if you’re looking for a closer fit.
Size: 2XS–2XL | Material: Cotton, polyester
Best Low-Rise
Offline By Aerie OTT Fleece Super Wide Leg Pant
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Credit: Aerie
Why We Love It: The low-rise trend is here to stay, and these Aerie sweatpants strike the perfect balance of a modern wide-leg pant and classic, early 2000s low-rise. The fleece sweats are available in more than five neutral shades, including a cozy chocolate brown, and in long, short, and standard inseam options, making them a strong addition to your wardrobe, no matter your height or color preference.
Who It’s For: If you’re a low-rise jeans girlie or love a more laid-back vibe, look no further than these low-rise sweats.
Worth Noting: These ultra-relaxed pants are finished with a raw bottom hem.
Size: XXS–XXL short, standard, and long | Material: Modal, cotton, elastane
What to Keep In Mind
- Fabric: When shopping for the best wide-leg sweatpants, fabric weight is an important consideration. Thicker fabrics, like heavyweight cotton, offer a polished look and a more structured drape, says celebrity stylist Zoë Hennessey. Lighter options, such as jersey, can feel more “pajama-like.” Heavier fabrics also provide more warmth, whereas lighter ones are better suited for milder conditions. For a versatile option, midweight fabrics are a great middle-ground—they hold their shape, offer enough stretch for lounging or long wear, and provide adequate warmth for most scenarios.
- Material Quality: Teich says that “natural fabrics like cotton, viscose, wool, and cashmere tend to be more durable and stand the test of time.” Additionally, color is worth considering. “Opt for shades that can handle a bit of wear and tear,” advises Hennessey. “Lighter colors tend to show dirt more easily, especially with wide hems that might skim the ground.”
- Silhouette: The wide-leg sweatpants category offers a lot of variety. “You’ve got straight-leg styles that could easily be construed as wide-leg, true wide-leg pants that create a more A-line silhouette, and extreme wide-leg versions that are very exaggerated and uber cool,” says Hennessey. Marisa Ledford, a stylist and image consultant, suggests matching the fit to the look you’re aiming for. “Some wide-leg sweatpants are extra baggy, giving them a laid-back, casual look, while others are a little more fitted, giving off a more polished look,“ she says. For many women, a style that’s more fitted through the waist and thighs is often the most flattering, as it “doesn’t overwhelm you,” explains Teich. Height is also a consideration, she adds. “If you’re petite, a very full wide-leg style might feel overpowering, while someone taller—say, 5 foot, 7 inches or above—can pull it off more easily,” says Teich.
- Inseam: Inseam length is a key metric to consider when shopping for wide-leg pants, as it determines where the hem will fall. “Inseam is the measurement from the top of your inner thigh down to the bottom of the hem,” says Teich. Unless you’re aiming for a “puddle” look or, conversely, a cropped look, she says you’ll want to look for an inseam length that hits right above the ankle or is as long as possible without touching the ground. To achieve your desired pant length, it’s best to measure your inseam before buying. Since this can be tricky, personal stylist Allison Berlin suggests a hack. “Take your favorite full-length pair of pants and measure them from the crotch seam to the hem of the pants,” she says. This measurement can then be used when shopping for wide-leg sweatpants to ensure a good fit. If your chosen pair doesn’t have the perfect inseam length, Teich suggests hemming them to your desired fit. For a more casual approach, Hennessey recommends a quick scissor snip for a raw hem. Alternatively, personal stylist Nadine Naue often advises her petite clients to go for cropped styles, as they tend to hit at a flattering full-length or slightly cropped position on shorter frames.
- Rise: Wide-leg sweatpants are available in low, mid, and high-rise styles. “If you have a long torso, you may prefer a higher rise,” says Teich. “However, if you have a shorter torso, a mid or lower rise may be a better fit for you.” With that said, the desired aesthetic is also a consideration. Lower-rise styles tend to be “younger” and “cooler,” says Naue, while higher-rise styles are more universally flattering.
Your Questions, Answered
How do you style wide-leg sweatpants?
Wide-leg sweatpants are an extremely versatile item to play around with in your wardrobe. For a polished look, opt for a matching sweatpant-sweatshirt set, says Berlin. Any style of sweatpant can achieve this, but if you’re aiming for super on-trend, Berlin advises opting for baggier sweats. “It’s a little more ‘fashion’,” she says. If you’re not into the idea of a matching set, you can pair wide-leg sweats with a cropped tee or sweatshirt, says Berlin. A fitted tee works, too—especially with slouchy sweatpant styles, she says. To dress up wide-leg sweats of any silhouette, our stylists like oversized button-downs, blazers, fitted turtlenecks, and structured sweaters or pullovers.
Why are wide-leg sweatpants so popular?
According to Hennessey, there’s a lot to love about this revival. She describes wide-leg sweatpants as “comfy, versatile, and perfect for that ‘effortlessly cool look.’” They’re not hard to pull off, either, says Naue. “Wide-leg pants are elongating, and therefore flattering on everybody,” she says, noting that there is a lot of range in fit to play with within the category as well.
What shoes do you wear with wide-leg sweatpants?
Because wide-leg sweatpants can be styled in so many ways, there’s a lot of room for creativity in terms of footwear. For a casual look, pair them with a chunky sneaker. Berlin also likes a lug sole or shearling boot in the winter, or even a Birkenstock Boston Clog. Ledford, who is also a fan of sneakers with wide-leg sweats, says UGG boots are an easy option for a casual look, too. In warmer months, sandals and slides make for an easy pairing.
Swapping the expected sneaker or slip-on shoe for something more streamlined, like ballet flats or loafers, can take your sweatpant outfit from expected to chic. To dress the look up, Ledford loves black pointed-toe heels or boots, and Hennessey specifically likes to pair them back with a slingback heel.
Are wide-leg sweatpants good for a workout?
As long as they’re not too long, wide, or bulky, you can safely wear wide-leg sweatpants on a walk, run, or hike. For other types of workouts, it’s a matter of personal preference. Generally speaking, more fitted pants, such as seamless leggings, may be a safer and more comfortable option for activities like weightlifting or pilates, as a wide-leg pant may get caught in a machine or make it more difficult to watch your form.
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