Fun fact: Sweatpants were invented for French athletes in the 1920s. Originally, the only color available was gray.

As the humble sweatpants celebrate a century, it’s fascinating to think about their fashion trajectory. Not so long ago, people who wore sweatpants were thought to have “given up” on life. This notion was even popularized on 90s sitcom Seinfeld. Fast-forward to today and sweatpants have never been so popular. They’re outrageously comfortable, stretchy, and above all, easy to wear – perfect for both cozying up and working from home.

These days, the line between athleisure and what’s barely appropriate for wearing in public continues to get increasingly blurry. We want to make sure you’re wearing sweatpants the right way, because it’s clear they aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. This guide to the 12 best sweatpants for men in 2021 should help. Just remember, if you’re currently wearing the same sweatpants you slept in last night, you’re doing it wrong.

Best Buy

1. UNIQLO Ultra Stretch Dry Sweatpants

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We’re huge fans of UNIQLO at NextLuxury. The brand is comprised of super affordable, ultra-modern wardrobe staples that are somehow effortlessly up-to-the-minute cool but not exactly trendy.

In other words, you can rest assured that whatever you buy from UNIQLO today will still be “in” a couple of years from now. The clothing is also well-made, so it’s completely realistic you’ll actually be wearing whatever you buy today in a couple of years.

All of that remains true with UNIQLO’s Ultra Stretch Dry Sweatpants. This pair is made from a high-tech “dry” material with a smooth surface and two-way stretch for ultimate comfort. UNIQLO incorporates layers of air into these pants, so not only are they quick-drying, but they also have excellent thermal properties and keep you both toasty when it’s cold out and cool when it’s warm.