Jen’s note: Fab Fave Friday is a recurring feature in which I highlight some of my favorite things — in all sorts of categories. Today’s category is workout pants.

Why are workout clothes made for people who already in awesome shape?

I’m not talking about size availability, though that is definitely a major issue, too, despite the fact that just about every brand in existence now has a fitness line. What I mean is that the vast majority of workout tops are very tight, very see-through, or both, and most workout pants leave absolutely nothing to the imagination. They’re the type of things that look great on Olympians, full-time personal trainers and fitness models. And sometimes they can look good on us mere mortals, too… but often, I just want to work out with more than a half-millimeter of lycra separating me from an indecent exposure charge.

It’s possible to buy oversized workout tops in magical wicking fabrics, or to just wear an old T-shirt. But pants that don’t inspire the spontaneous humming of “Bootylicious” are a different story. Sweat pants and baggy shorts really don’t cut it for running or other sweaty cardio, and leggings or yoga pants that are a size or two too big aren’t ideal, either.

Last year, after what seems like hours of searching, I finally found the perfect pants: Comfortable and slouchy but still cute, and made with the right type of fabric and correct kinds of seams for the gym. I adore them. But they are are pretty expensive.

This year, though, slouchy/drapey “jogger” style pants are everywhere, and while many are made of silk or wool or other fancy materials, some are actually suitable for wearing while jogging! So, I wanted to share them with you, in case you aren’t Kacy Catanzaro.

My two favorites are from Sweaty Betty, a British brand. I bought both last year when they were having a sale, but they have very similar versions available now, too. The gray ones — or at least the gray ones I have — are very soft on the inside but made of a kind of thick material, so they aren’t ideal for extremely hot weather. But they work for just about every other kind of weather or workout. They’re breathable (but still warm, if necessary), made from some kind of wicking/quick-drying fabric and have the kinds of seams that don’t rub you (literally) the wrong way.

My black ones are a much lighter material, so they are not great if it’s cold. But they are fantastic for warm or hot workouts, and I have actually worn them into bodies of water, so I know they dry quickly! They are also very comfortable, and I like that the version available now doesn’t have a zipper in the front, like mine do.

Last month, I discovered a similar style from Under Armour, called the “undeniable” capri. They come in a couple of different colors, but I got them in dark gray (I think they were on sale). They have a weird pleating thing on the waistband at the front that looks a little weird on me, but as long as I wear a shirt long enough to cover it, they are pretty cute. They’re made of the UA “charged cotton,” which feels similar to cotton but has wicking/anti-microbial properties so it is better than regular cotton for workouts.

Gap also has a pair of slouchy cropped workout pants, and I ordered some (on sale, again), but they are too big for me. The fabric is nice and lightweight, and the design and fit would probably be fine if they were a size smaller, but I would recommend you order a size down from what you normally wear.

But those aren’t your only options! When I was looking online for this post, I learned that Athleta and Target also carry pants similar to this style. I have not tried on or seen either of these two in person, but both look like they are worth checking out.

 

All those links in one place: Sweaty Betty gray, Sweaty Betty black, Under Armour, Gap, Athleta, Target.