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The 11 Best Joggers for Women—Approved by Testers
Best for exercising, lounging, and running errands—starting at under $30.
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TL;DR
The Vuori Performance Jogger took our best overall spot—a versatile pair for running errands, a long road trip, a flight—you name it. For an affordable jogger that you can find on Amazon, we love The Gym People Women’s Joggers, which are under $30 and feel high-quality.
When I want to look put-together but feel like I’m wearing pajamas, I always reach for a pair of trusty joggers. They’re the perfect comfy-casual pants that look a bit more elevated than sweatpants, but are just as cozy and easy to move around in. “A great pair of joggers combines comfort and structure,” says Samantha Dawn, personal stylist. “Neutral colors like black, gray, and beige make them easy to style and help them look neat while staying relaxed.”
Finding the best joggers often comes down to the occasion you’ll be wearing them for. Want a pair of workout joggers? Make sure you look for a pair that has stretch and durability. Wanting a pair to lounge around the house in? Fleece joggers are probably your best bet. To take the guesswork out of finding the best pair, we tested the best joggers for women and evaluated them on comfort, durability, stretch, style, and fit.
Best Overall
Vuori Performance Jogger
Materials: Polyester, elastane | Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Regular, long | Colors: 11
These Vuori joggers truly work for just about everything, and are super high-quality, comfortable, and durable, which is why they earned our best overall spot. Our tester wore them in a wide variety of settings—a dance class, a HIIT workout, jogging, and even on a road trip—and found they held up in all of them. She said they didn’t feel restrictive at all, making them great for movement; however, one note is that she said they do run a bit warm and aren’t the most breathable of the bunch, so they’re probably best for cooler weather.
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Kate, tester, 5’2” with a petite, curvy figure: “I could easily wear these Vuori joggers all day, even on a long transatlantic flight, because they stay comfortable without feeling restrictive. They also make me feel calmer and more relaxed, like I’m in my PJs. The cut makes them feel relaxed without looking baggy; it’s that sweet spot where you feel super relaxed, but still put together enough to leave the house.”
Best Budget
The Gym People Lightweight Athletic Joggers
Materials: Polyamide, spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Regular | Colors: 22
A stylish, comfortable, and high-quality pair of joggers for less than $30? Sign me up. The Gym People Joggers are an incredible budget pick—you’ll be shocked at how good they look and feel at their price point. Our tester particularly loved that they worked well for her shorter legs, which can be tricky when it comes to finding joggers. She credits the pants’ cuffs for accentuating her shorter frame. Even more, she was impressed that they work for pregnant women (she’s expecting) and found they didn’t restrict her belly; they were comfortable and breathable.
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Chelsea, tester, 5’2”, pregnant with a short torso and short legs: “For $29, I am obsessed with the quality of these joggers. The fabric and stitching are durable, breathable, stretchy, and of good quality. I’ve washed these joggers about four times, and I have not noticed pilling, fading, or shrinking.”
Best Breathable
Alo Yoga Waffle Weekend Escape Jogger
Materials: Rayon, polyester, nylon, elastane | Size Range: XXS-L | Length: Regular | Colors: 2
Waffle knit is superior when it comes to warmth-meets-breathability. These waffle-knit joggers by Alo Yoga do an excellent job of keeping you cozy and comfy without feeling stuffy. Despite their thicker fabric, I found they’re surprisingly airy. I also love the deep pockets, which easily fit my phone and keys. These joggers are designed to be worn loose and relaxed, but the drawstring waistband allows for a more fitted look as well.
The fabric is what I liked best about these joggers. It feels high-quality, elevated, and thick (and even slightly cooling when you first put them on), but again, they’re super breathable, so I never felt too hot.
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Best Lightweight
SPANX On the Move Jogger
Materials: Polyester, elastane | Size Range: XS-3X | Length: Regular, petite, tall | Colors: 3
You can wear these joggers by Spanx literally all day long, thanks to their thin, breathable, and ultralightweight fabric. They have four-way stretch, which our tester found to be true as she was able to sit, curl up on the couch, lie down, and exercise in them effortlessly without feeling restricted. She really liked the flat-front waistband and that they have a drawstring for a tighter fit if preferred. To put the cherry on top of the cake, the fabric is anti-static, offers UPF 50+ protection, and the pockets feature snap closures to keep your items secure.
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Shauna, tester, 5’6” with an hourglass figure: “These pants are one of the most comfortable pants I’ve ever worn. They feel like nothing, very lightweight—the fabric feels thin and easy to move around in, especially when it comes to running and exercising.”
Best Pockets
Athleta Venice High Rise Jogger
Materials: Nylon, Lycra | Size Range: XXS-3X | Length: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 12
These Athleta joggers are the perfect pants for running errands. Zippered back and side pockets allow for extra security while out and about, especially if you aren’t carrying a purse, making these stand out in a major way. Our tester said it was really nice to be able to carry small things on her without worrying about them falling out.
They fit pretty standard for a jogger, a slightly loose fit that hugs the ankles. While these joggers performed well for lounging and light errand-running, our tester doesn’t think they’d be ideal for working out or for lots of walking, as the waistband and ankle cuffs slid around a bit.
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Leann, tester, 5’8” with a tall, slender frame and long legs: “The pockets were a nice touch. I loved how there were even ones that zippered in the back so that I could sneak some money or my ID in them if I was out and about running errands.”
Best for Active Lifestyles
Beyond Yoga Jogger
Materials: Polyester, elastane | Size Range: XXS-4X | Length: Regular | Colors: 7
If you’re looking for joggers that will stay in place all day long with no slipping or sliding, look no further than this pair from Beyond Yoga. Our tester said they didn’t budge while wearing, whether she was working out, lounging around, or running errands, meaning they’re super secure. She even did a squat test, and they passed with flying colors.
She also loved how flattering the fit was, saying they hugged her curves perfectly and weren’t too loose (which is key for those on the shorter side). Also worth noting is how buttery-soft and stretchy the fabric is, crafted from the brand’s Spacedye material, a blend of polyester and elastane. Bonus: the fabric has UV protection.
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Ally, tester, 5’4” with an hourglass shape: “The fabric is incredibly soft and lightweight. It honestly barely feels like you’re wearing pants (in a good way). It’s breathable and moisture-wicking; I could live in these joggers 24/7.”
Best for Lounging
Cozy Earth Bamboo Jogger Pant
Materials: Viscose from Bamboo, acrylic, spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Regular, tall | Colors: 9
The brand isn’t called Cozy Earth for nothing. These Cozy Earth bamboo joggers are unbelievably comfortable and great for lounging around in. While they’re on the thicker side, our tester found that they weren’t too warm or too cooling—the temperature was just right for running errands or hanging around the house. She also likes how they can be washed and dried easily, requiring no special instructions or laundering.
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Ashley, tester, 5’6” with a long torso and short legs: “I like how these joggers are flowy enough for easy movement. I wore them on an 80-degree day where I had to sit in a chilly dance studio for two hours waiting for my daughter—I didn’t feel hot when I stepped outside, and they also kept me warm enough in the AC. I’d say they’re perfect in terms of temperature.”
Best Everyday
Libin Joggers
Materials: Nylon, spandex | Size Range: XS-3XL | Length: Regular, tall, petite | Colors: 16
Having a classic pair of affordable, everyday joggers in your wardrobe is a staple, IMO, which is why these joggers by Libin made our list. Not only are they less than $35 on Amazon, but they feel super high-quality. Our tester didn’t have enough good things to say about this pair of joggers, saying the fit, feel, and comfort were top-notch. She’s on the taller side (5’9”) and thought the length was perfect, hitting right at the ankles, which is the length she typically prefers for her joggers.
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Jessica, tester, 5’9”: “I love how stretchy the waistband is, as well as the cuffs at the bottom. They didn’t feel too tight; they were just the right size and tension. The fabric was very soft and breathable. I could wear these joggers all day—I never want to take them off, they are so comfortable!”
Best for Working Out
Lululemon Align Jogger
Materials: Nylon, Lycra elastane | Size Range: 0-14 | Length: 26, 28, 31 inches | Colors: 6
Lululemon has long been known as a leading activewear and athleisure brand, so it’s no surprise they made our list. While our tester doesn’t recommend their Align Joggers for lounging due to their stretchy, lightweight workout material (read: they’re not as cozy and warm as some other loungewear joggers), they’re great for exercising, whether you’re going for a walk, jog, or to yoga class (the brand specifically designed them for yoga).
Lululemon’s signature Align fabric is super buttery-soft and breathable, and it’s worth noting that it’s sweat-wicking. While our tester didn’t prefer the style of these joggers, she did like that they fit her lengthwise, especially being on the shorter side.
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Rachel, tester, 5’ with a curvy, hourglass figure: “The waistband feels secure but not too tight against my skin, and there is no drawstring. The fabric is soft and breathable. I would wear these joggers for long periods of time because they are light and breathable.”
Best Cozy
Quince SuperSoft Fleece Joggers
Materials: Tencel modal, polyester, spandex | Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Regular | Colors: 5
You’ll never want to take these Quince joggers off thanks to how cozy, comfortable, and soft they are. Our tester says they feel like “a comfy, warm fleece blanket on a crisp, fall day”—can it get any better than that? And for $35, you really can’t beat it. The one caveat our tester shared is that the fit is a bit looser than she prefers, which she found made it difficult to pair them with certain outfits; however, their looser fit does make them super easy to move around in.
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Cher Checchio, copy editor, 5’2” with a curvy, hourglass figure: “These Quince joggers are ridiculously comfortable. I can easily wear them all day, every day, because they’re so soft on the skin (as the name implies) without any hint of stiffness. The waistband, drawstring, and cuffs are all secure—not loose—with breathable fabric that I can wear lounging around the house, on long walks, or even out to lunch.”
Best Sweatpants-Like
SKIMS Cotton Fleece Jogger
Materials: Cotton, polyester | Size Range: XXS-4X | Length: Regular | Colors: 5
I absolutely love a sweatpants-like jogger (I basically live in sweats during the chilly seasons), so these Skims fleece joggers quickly became my most-worn pair of pants as of late. I found them to be the perfect fit for my liking: baggy and loose, but not so much so that I looked like I was drowning in them. The baggy fit has that “cool girl” look, and it makes them so easy to move around in and lounge in. They bunch a little at the ends, but in the “just right” way that looks intentional and chic. They’re not the most breathable, but I never felt too hot or sweaty—just cozy and warm.
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What to Look for When Buying Joggers
- Material: While the best fabric for joggers can vary depending on your need for the joggers (i.e., exercising, lounging, etc.), Dawn, as well as Samantha Brown, personal and celebrity stylist, recommends a cotton blend with some sort of stretchy fabric, like nylon or spandex, which Brown says will help them retain their shape without getting saggy. Other common jogger fabrics include French terry and fleece, says Dawn, and Brown mentioned she also loves a silk jogger for a more elevated look.
- Durability: Like any piece of clothing you invest in, you want it to last—the same goes for joggers. As mentioned above, make sure you look for joggers made from durable fabric that won’t sag or lose their shape over time. Further, you’ll want to look for durable stitching (aka no loose threads or snags), which is often a telltale sign of a high-quality pair of joggers. Dawn says to also look for waistbands and cuffs that stay in place all day without sliding.
- Fit and Style: Your need for joggers (exercising, lounging, etc.) should influence the fit and style you choose. If you’re looking for the best joggers to work out in, you’ll probably want to opt for a more athletic, stretchy fabric with nylon or spandex and wider cuffs and a wider waistband to make sure they stay in place. You may also want zippered or snap-close pockets to carry small belongings hands-free during your workout or run. For lounging, you may prefer a more cozy material, like fleece, and a baggier, sweatpants-like fit to curl up on the couch in.
How We Tested Joggers for Women
For this story, we sent out a dozen pairs of joggers to our testers, all women of different ages, heights, and body types, as well as tapped two fashion stylists for insights on what makes a great jogger.
- Methodology: We tested joggers for women in the real world, with our testers wearing them to lounge around the house, exercise in, and run errands in, running them through the washer and dryer in between.
- Factors Considered: Style, fit, mobility, stretch, comfort, wear, and breathability.
Meet Our Experts
Byrdie interviewed the following experts to get pro tips on finding the best joggers:
- Samantha Brown is a personal and celebrity wardrobe stylist and bestselling author, based in Miami, Florida, and New York City.
- Samantha Dawn is a personal stylist and style coach.
Why Trust Byrdie
Anna Traver is on staff at Byrdie. She has been writing about the best fashion and beauty products for over two years. She spends a lot of time working from home and lives in loungewear while doing so, so she’s tested her fair share of joggers.
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-joggers-for-women-11840360