Smart, comfortable workout gear can make all the difference, whether you're heading to a yoga class or training for a marathon. Exercise pants should allow you to move freely and prevent irritating chafing during runs or bike rides. The best exercise pants suit both your body and your sport, whether you're planning to hike or bike.
Fabrics
Natural and synthetic fabrics make comfortable, durable workout wear. Light workouts, including time on the elliptical, walking or a yoga class may not need high-tech wicking fabrics with a high price tag. Cotton and cotton blends wash well, but choose pants with Lycra or spandex for a better fit. Running, hot yoga, biking or that killer cardio class may leave you dripping with sweat. New fabric technology pulls sweat away from your skin, keeping you cooler and drier, while reducing potential skin irritation.
Fit for Her
Exercise pants range from legging styles to boot cut yoga pants to loose and relaxed sweats. Sleek pants fitted from waist to ankle are ideal for biking or running, but work well for all your time at the gym. Legging styles are not particularly figure-forgiving, but you can top them with a longer top or a workout skirt. Yoga pants fit through the waist, hips and thighs, then flare slightly from the knee for a flattering look on any frame. Looser fits are more relaxed from the waist down, but may not be right for some activities.
Pants for Him
Comfy cotton or nylon pants or shorts are an easy and inexpensive choice for guys, whether you're hitting the treadmill, shooting hoops or lifting weights. If you're seriously into fitness, cotton sweats may leave you dripping with sweat or worried about chafing and discomfort. Wicking fabrics, produced by companies like Under Armor and Nike, come in a variety of styles, including pants that look like your usual sweats. Choose close-fitting pants in modern fabrics for running or biking, with a bit of padding for street or mountain biking. If you feel a bit overexposed in snug legging styles, add lightweight shorts for additional coverage.
Care
After you've bought high-quality exercise pants, taking care of your pants is critical. You can wash and dry cotton and moisture wicking fabrics on warm, but they may not last as long. Use a gentle detergent, but no liquid fabric softener or dryer sheets if you have bought wicking high-tech fabrics. Wash your gear on cold and hang to dry to keep it looking its best and avoid washing your exercise pants with towels to prevent pilling and fuzz on the fabric.
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