Finding the best workout pants will mostly come down to what sort of exercise you engage in, as well as any personal likes or dislikes you may have regarding the style of pants. General factors related to how clothes should function when you’ve increased physical movement—such as comfort, material flexibility, breathability and resilience—are pretty universal.
Many brands have honed in on these requirements by developing gear that’s lightweight, wicks moisture and tackles odor. Workout pants that transcend the realm of exercise and double up as lounging or casual clothes might add anti-wrinkle properties to fabrics.
That said, those who participate in specific exercises—take runners and hikers who often spend time outside, for example—might take to more advanced gear, like wind- and water-resistant materials and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings to guard them from the elements.
Weightlifters and yoga practitioners, on the other hand, should prioritize ultra-stretchy and more form-fitting fabrics to support their precise movements. Regardless of where or how you work out, secure pockets for keeping your belongings are almost always going to be a win when you’re more active.
