Looking for the best workout pants that aren’t skintight? I’m your gal.
If I’m going to move my body consistently, I need workout pants that are easy to pull on, super comfortable, and at least somewhat cute. I dread putting on leggings for most workouts (ugh, the whole squeezing-myself-in situation), so I’m always searching for good loose-fitting workout pants, joggers, and track pants instead.
If you’re looking for workout pants that aren’t skintight (whether that means loose joggers, relaxed track pants, or baggy workout pants you won’t dread putting on at 7AM) – this guide is for you. I’ve tried 60+ pairs over the last year or so, and this post has my favorites for each activity, as well as honest fit notes.
me in an old pair of Zellas feeling oh-so-very-happy b/c I’m not wearing leggings
similar Zella joggers | similar versatile Athleta joggers
Let’s just say I’m… well… I’m “aggressively committed” to finding the absolute best alternatives to workout leggings.
This has been a years-long mission, and I definitely don’t take a casual approach. I research, I go in stores, I place orders, I make returns, and most importantly… I try every single pair on my actual body. Counting them up feels absurd at this point, but I’ve definitely topped the 60+ number from this past year alone. So this guide has been fully updated for 2026 with new testing, new brands, and current reviews and favorites.
If you’re in a super hurry, these lightweight, slightly pajama-ish soft and comfy pants are my current go-to’s, and these parachute-style pants (more sizes here) are a close second.
Quick Picks: The Best Loose Workout Pants (If You Hate Leggings)
Consider this your warning…this article is long, and I don’t skimp on the details or the selfies, but below is a list of my personal top 10 picks for various categories of movement & workouts. Keep scrolling for selfies as well as the full reviews of each workout pant with pros, cons, details and fit notes.
- Best When You’re Dreading A Workout
- Best For All Workouts
- Best For Dance & Hiking (More Sizes Here)
- Best For Physical Therapy
- Best For Cool Girl Workouts (Or These)
- Best For Pilates/Solidcore
- Best For Exercise Walks & Jogging (Winter)
- Best Budget-Friendly Joggers
- Best Budget-Friendly Track Pants
- Honorable Mention Lightweight: Quince
My Search For the Best Workout Pants That Aren’t Skintight
Before we get into the full reviews, let’s do a a quick summary of why I’m so committed to not skintight workout pants, plus what I look for (and veto) in my search.
Why I Hate Leggings (and Prefer Loose-Fitting Workout Pants)
Nothing is wrong with leggings…once they’re on. But most mornings I’m getting dressed early (pre-coffee), and I hate squeezing into tight leggings as the very first step of working out. That alone is enough to make me start rationalizing skipping the workout altogether. Not ideal.
That’s why I’ve stayed committed year after year. I’ve literally been working on this problem since 2020 (and YIKES! here’s a 2019 post!) to try and find relaxed-fit workout pants that are comfy, functional, and cute (or cute-ish). They simply make it more likely I’ll actually move my body consistently.
Workout Pants That Didn’t Make the Cut (and Why)
After trying 60+ pairs of not-tight workout pants from Athleta, lululemon, Vuori, Zella, Beyond Yoga, Alo, Outdoor Voices, ON, Amazon, Old Navy, Uniqlo, Free People, Quince, Target, SweatyBetty, Adidas, Nikki Lund (and probably a few I’m forgetting), I’ve developed a very clear sense of what I don’t like:
Too thin. Too thick. Too scratchy. Too billowy. Too cardboard-y. Too tight. Too much fabric. Too pajama-like. Too crinkle-sounding. Too weird. Oh-so-many pants that did NOT work for me.
What I Look For In The Best Not Skintight Workout Pants
Similar to my denim search (MOTHER is my go-to), I’m always trying a lot of new brands, but I do typically come back year after year to the ones that fit my body best. For workout pants, I find that’s usually Athleta, Zella, Vuori, and Beyond Yoga. I also love these lululemon cozy sweatpants for lifting and outdoor walks, but they’re often sold out, so I didn’t include them in the reviews.
I have different requirements for my not skintight workout pants depending on what kind of “move-my-body” activity I’m doing. For Solidcore, I like a stretchy, stay-in-place high waist. For dance class, I love a loose, parachute-style pant. For weight lifting, I want roomy, ultra-comfortable pants. And for physical therapy, I prefer a loose jogger fit (easy knee access is key). I get into the specifics in each review below.
Overall, though, I’m looking for pants that are pleasant to pull on, comfortable to move in, and look cute…or at least cute-ish. The goal is simple: wear something I don’t dread, so I’m more likely to get dressed and actually move my body on a regular basis.
The Best Not Skintight Workout Pants Reviewed
One quick note before you scroll: I prioritize comfort and cuteness over hyper-technical fabric details. If you’re training for marathons and want extreme performance features, this probably isn’t your guide. I’m more of a casual exerciser (dance classes, trail walks/jogs, strength training).
1. Zella Cinch Sweatpants: Best When You’re Dreading A Workout
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $69
COLORS: Black & Gray Plum
MATERIAL: 95% Cotton/ 5% Spandex; soft & comfy; lightweight
SIZE RANGE: XS-XL
INSEAM: Variable with drawcord-toggle hem
FIT NOTES: Wearing a size medium and happy with the oversized relaxed fit. I sometimes fold the waist over during dance class to make them a bit shorter.
These are the pants I throw on when I desperately don’t want to get dressed for a workout (you know the days!) They feel like pajamas (soft cotton and nice and baggy), but totally look cute enough to go out and about in the real world with their modern relaxed-fit look. I typically wear them with a shorter loose-fitting tank and a short crop-ish cashmere sweater over the top for out and about.
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom
PROS: They feel like pajamas (but don’t look too pajama-y out in the real world); I LOVE putting these on in the morning — so super comfy and soft; love the modern oversized baggy look; the adjustable toggle-cinch-hem bottom is really helpful… nice to adjust for length, but also nice to adjust the look of wide-leg straight vs bubble-cinched bottom; lightweight.
CONS: I love a good toggle-cinch hem, but from past experience these types of mechanisms don’t last forever…eventually I just end up tying the cinch cord if the toggle stops working properly; these might be too pajama-y for some people.
2. Athleta Venice Jogger: Best For All Workouts
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $98-$109 (often on sale)
COLORS: Black (shown), Ivory, Navy, Garnet, Truffle, Green, Gray, Purple, Black Stripe, Navy Stripe, & Green Stripe
MATERIAL: 75% Nylon/25% LYCRA ®; breathable; quick-drying; moisture-wicking; medium weight
SIZE RANGE: XXS-3X; Standard, Tall & Petite Lengths
INSEAM: Standard/Plus: 27.5″ Petite: 25.5″ Tall: 30.5″
FIT NOTES: Wearing a size small here and happy with the fit; fitted elastic waist that’s not at all too squeez-y; semi-fitted in the hips and legs
I’ve worn and loved these joggers for years. A great medium-weight that doesn’t show lumps and bumps as much as featherweight materials; I’ve worn these happily for a variety of workouts (jogging, cycling, dance class, weights, etc), and they work great for out and about too.
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
PROS: Versatile joggers for all sorts of workouts; soft and stretchy; breathable, moisture-wicking, quick-drying nylon-spandex blend; more substantial (less lumps and bumps showing) than featherweight workout pants (so maybe a little closer to medium-weight); zip back pockets; stay-put elastic waist.
CONS: Not as buttery soft as some of the thinner, lighter-weight joggers (ie Vuori’s buttery-soft dreamknit pants); no drawstring waist (a negative for some).
3. Beyond Yoga Peak Pants: Best For Dance Workouts & Hiking
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom | Beyond Yoga | Bloomies
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $118-128
COLORS: Black, Olive, & Auburn
MATERIAL: 90% Nylon / 10% Elastane; water-repellent; woven performance-fabric; lightweight
SIZE RANGE: XS-XL
INSEAM: 30″
FIT NOTES: Wearing a size medium and happy with the fit; size small fits as well, but I prefer the baggier oversized fit for this style, I fold over the waist during dance classes to make them shorter
LOVE these! And I’m wearing them ALL the time. Similar modern baggy style and fit as my beloved Zellas, but with more of a performance “parachute-y” material. Perfect for hiking, walks outside, and dance class. Bonus: useful zipped pockets.
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom | Beyond Yoga | Bloomies
PROS: Love the modern baggy look of these; adjustable cinched toggle-bungee hem a huge plus for us shorties, as well as versatility with style, and adjustability to be worn over hiking boots; material is water-repellent and “parachute-y”, but doesn’t make that awful crunch parachute-y sound some technical pants do, lightweight.
CONS: Not everyone loves parachute-y material, definitely not warm and cozy in the winter, my experience with toggle-cinch hems is the toggle doesn’t work that perfectly forever, but with similar older pairs I’m still able to tie the bungee when needed.
4. Vuori Performance Joggers: Best For Physical Therapy
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom | Vuori | REI
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $94 – $110
COLORS: Black Heather, Charcoal, Gray, Midnight, Ecru, Stellar Sky, Iron, Chia, Midnight, Huckleberry, & Sea Glass
MATERIAL: 89% Recycled Polyester/ 11% Elastane; stretchy; buttery soft; moisture-wicking, lightweight
SIZE RANGE: XXS-XXL; Standard & Tall Lengths
INSEAM: Standard: 25″; Tall: 27.5″
FIT NOTES: I size up to a size large in these joggers for a more relaxed, loose fit (even though I’m a small or medium in Athleta brand pants).
These are Vuori’s cult-favorite DreamKnit joggers. They’re wildly soft, and the stretchy fabric and cuff make them easy to pull up and keep in place for knee access or watching knee alignment during my physical therapy.
Where to Buy Pants: Nordstrom | Vuori | REI
PROS: Wildly buttery soft against the skin, a pleasure to put on in the mornings, when I size up to a size large I’m happy with the relaxed fit and look, easy to pull up over the knee when needed (and stays put).
CONS: Thinner fabric than the Athleta Venice joggers, so they do show more lumps, bumps, and jiggles. Sizing up does help with this, though.
5. Athleta Track Pants: Best Loose Track Pants for Weight Lifting & Cool Girl Workouts
a. Athleta Venice Wide-Leg Pants
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $109 – $119 full-price (some colorways on sale for less)
COLORS: Black Stripe (shown), Navy Stripe, Truffle Stripe, Blue Stripe, Black, Navy, Gray, Green, Purple, & Garnet
MATERIAL: 75% Nylon/25% LYCRA ®; breathable; quick-drying; moisture-wicking; medium weight
SIZE RANGE: XXS-3X; Standard, Tall & Petite Lengths
INSEAM: Petite 29 1/2″, Regular/Plus 31 1/2″, Tall 34 1/2″
FIT NOTES: I’m wearing a small petite here and happy with the fit; fitted elastic waist that’s not at all too squeez-y; wide-leg is a relaxed and comfortable fit
These are the wide-leg pants I got 3 compliments on within the first two hours of wearing. I love them for my strength-training workouts as well as walks on the trail. Stretchy comfy workout material that’s easy to move in, a style that looks modern and current, and an elastic waist that stays put.
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
PROS:-Comfortable elastic stay-put waistband that’s not too squeez-y; the Sculptek fabric is a great workout material — stretchy & medium weight but still feels substantial– meaning the fabric shows less lumps and bumps and jiggles than a featherweight pant; zip pockets in the back and one small zip pocket in the front.
CONS: Soft and comfortable performance fabric, but not buttery like “Vuori soft”; you have to get the length right for wide-leg workout pants so you don’t trip on them (nice that these have petite, standard, and tall lengths); no drawstring waist (a negative for some).
b. Athleta Tempo Track Pants
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $129 (check for sales)
COLORS: Truffle Stripe (shown), Blue Stripe, Green Stripe, Navy Stripe, Black Stripe, & Gray Stripe
MATERIAL: 58% Nylon/39% Cotton/3% Elastane; medium weight; cotton lined interior with nylon sporty material outer; breathable; material feels like your typical “track pant”, but a little softer on the inside.
SIZE RANGE: XXS-3X; Standard, Tall & Petite Lengths
INSEAM: Regular 30″, Plus 29″, Petite 28″, Tall 33″
FIT NOTES: Wearing size small petite and happy with the fit; I would size up if you carry your weight in the middle, but wear your typical Athleta size if you carry weight in your hips (like I do); overall loose shape and fit.
This is a total crowd fave track pant; Shana and I both have them (Shana wears them in 2 different colorways for weight-lifting workouts), and I see people rocking them ALL over the city.
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
PROS: Total crowd fave with great reviews; easy to fold over on top if they’re too long; fun colorways; a nice medium weight that’s not too thin, not too heavy; simple sporty design; huge plus when wide-leg pants are offered in multiple lengths; I love the fit (not too oversized, not too slim); adjustable waist; versatile as “real pants” too.
CONS: Other than the cool colorways and length options (HUGE plus), they do look similar to other track pants that are out there..nothing that special or different.
6. Beyond Yoga Space Dye Midi Jogger: Best For Pilates/Solidcore
Where to Buy Pants: Beyond Yoga | Shopbop
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $110
COLORS: Black, Navy, Charcoal, Silver, Chocolate, & Woodland
MATERIAL: 87% Polyester/ 13% Elastane; lightweight; stretchy; moisture-wicking, super soft
SIZE RANGE: XXS-4X
INSEAM: 26″
FIT NOTES: Wearing a size medium here and I like the fit.
Where to Buy Pants: Beyond Yoga | Shopbop
PROS: Buttery soft material; a nice high waist that’s soft and stretchy, but feels secure (and stays put); legs and hips are fitted “enough” that you can still see your form for pilates, Solidcore, yoga, etc type workouts, but they aren’t skintight.
CONS: The style of pant is “fine”…nothing special. I like them more for their usefulness, feel, and fit rather than their look.
7. Athleta Rainier Joggers: Best For Exercise Walks & Jogging (Winter)
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $129 (check for sales)
COLORS: Black & Green
MATERIAL: 75% Recycled Nylon/25% Lycra; plush and warm; soft brushed interior; wicking; quick-drying, breathable
SIZE RANGE: XXS-XL; Standard, Tall & Petite Lengths
INSEAM: Standard: 27.5″, Petite: 25.5″, Tall: 30.5″
FIT NOTES: Wearing size medium above and happy with the fit. More fitted than many of my other top picks from this review, but still plenty comfy and not skintight; also the slimmer fit and slight compression fabric feels good in the cold weather.
Perfect for cold-weather jogs and exercise walks outside during the winter months, these plush brushed interior workout pants are my top choice for winter outdoor exercise.
Where to Buy Pants: Athleta
PROS: Soft and cozy inside; brushed interior feels great on the skin; perfect weight for outdoor workouts in cool and cold weather; love the seam detailing…cute and gives some nice added detail to the look; useful zipper pockets and adjustable waistband.
CONS: A bit more fitted than my other top picks; considered sizing up to a large for a looser-fitting “look”, but for actual outdoor jogs and exercise walks, the fit is good the way it is; like the look of others in this review better, but for cold-weather these are my top pick.
8. Amazon: Best Budget-Friendly Joggers
Where to Buy Pants: Amazon
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $15 – $31
COLORS: Black, Light Gray, Dark Gray, Lilac, Navy, Camo, Sage, Forest, & Peach
MATERIAL: 92% Polyester/ 8% Spandex; lightweight; sweat-wicking; breathable
SIZE RANGE: S-3X
INSEAM: 27″-29″
FIT NOTES: Wearing a large here and happy with the slightly oversized fit, so size up if you want a similar fit.
Where to Buy Pants: Amazon
PROS: High, thick waist band; adjustable tie waist, comfortable and soft on the skin. All pretty darn good for $31.
CONS: Poly-spandex blend fabric feels kind of low quality (not as buttery soft as Vuori and not as high quality feeling as Athleta or Zella); waist is adjustable, but takes a little pulling to get it to truly cinch.
9. Amazon: Best Budget-Friendly Track Pants
Where to Buy Pants: Amazon
top (8) | hoodie (s) | sneaks
PRICE: $33 – $39
COLORS: Black, Navy, Burgundy, Dark Gray, Green, Pink, Blue, & Brown
MATERIAL: 100% Polyester
SIZE RANGE: S-XXL; Petite – Extra Tall Lengths
INSEAM: 28″, 30″, 32″, 34″, & 36″
FIT NOTES: I’m wearing a size medium here with a 30″ inseam; I think I would have been happier with a size large.
The price is right on these if you’re not sure you want to commit to this style or you want some fun colors to break up your black workout pant uniform; Ang (from TME) happily wears these for our gym workouts where we’re often getting on and off a not-so-perfectly-clean floor — a great option for a budget-friendly pair that you won’t mind getting gross.
Where to Buy Pants: Amazon
PROS: Budget-friendly price; great color selections and color combinations; amazing that they offer so many inseam lengths; cool on-trend track pant style.
CONS: Slimmer fit and thinner material than my similar go-to Athleta track pants; a little clingy on winter static days.
10. Honorable Mention (Lightweight): Quince Performance Pants
Where To Buy: Quince
PRICE: $50
COLORS: Navy, Black, & Brown
MATERIAL: 88% recycled polyester/12% spandex; super lightweight; breathable
SIZE RANGE: XS-XL
INSEAM: 30″
FIT NOTES: Wearing a size medium and happy with the relaxed loose fit; length is significantly too long for my 5’2 self, though.
I’m not sure exactly what I would wear these for in terms of workouts, but I do feel like they definitely should be included as an honorable mention/keeping them in mind for “something” pant. They’re very lightweight and feel like you’re wearing just air, so I’m hoping they may be a good option for summer workouts.
Where To Buy: Quince
PROS: Good budget-friendly price compared to my typical go-to activewear brands; extremely lightweight; useful zip pockets; nice drape and flow; might be great for a summer lightweight pant (but it’s winter right now, so hard for me to test that out).
CONS: Waistband looks and feels kind of low quality; too long for me and not offered in different inseams; I liked the jogger version except the cuff at the bottom felt too substantial and looked a little awkward on me
FAQs: Workout Pants That Aren’t Skintight
Yep, absolutely! I find that the best pants for exercising are pants that you don’t dread wearing, you feel comfortable in, and you’ll ACTUALLY wear. I work out 5 days a week right now and wear loose-fitting workout pants at least 4 of those 5 days.
“Loose-fitting workout pants” is the umbrella term. Joggers usually have a tapered leg and cuffed ankle; track pants tend to have a straighter or wider leg and a more sporty look.
Of course! That’s the beauty of most of these relaxed-fit pants…they look equally at home at the gym as they do with a sweater and cute sneaks for a casual everyday outfit.
That depends on your personal preference. I include a range of fabric content options above because for different workouts, different weather, and different days I prefer different fabrics.
I personally always wear loose-fitting workout pants for weight-lifting, and find them extremely comfortable for my entire strength-training routine. Again, I find that the best workout pants for ANY workout are the pants you’ll actually be most comfortable wearing…otherwise you’re going to avoid the workout.
I doubt I’ll EVER give up this ongoing search for the best not skintight workout pants, so I’d love to hear from you: what not-tight workout pants are you wearing, and for what kinds of workouts or activities? Especially if you’re someone who isn’t a big leggings fan.
If you do love leggings, Laura’s got you covered with her reviews here.
And I’m still on the hunt for the perfect summer-weight, super hot-weather not-tight workout pant to add to this guide — any suggestions?
Ooooh…one more related topic before I sign off. I’ve had readers ask my recommendation for not-tight workout shirts (that don’t feel frumpy/schlubby/sloppy with baggy pants). My go-to favorite workout top to wear with relaxed-fit workout pants is this short (but not belly-showing) tank. More sizes/colors here. It’s the best I’ve found, I own it in tons of colors, and I wear it ALL the time for pretty much every kind of workout. Quince has a dupe that’s not quite as good as my fav, but it’s very similar and pretty darn good for the price.
-Linzi
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