Even without the explosion of WFH relaxed workwear, sweatpants had already made the jump from the gym (and the couch) to the street, paired with everything from your favorite tees and cardigans to denim jackets and pullovers. Do they still make for great loungewear? Absolutely. But can you also wear them pretty much anywhere these days? Also true. And now's the time to re-up your sweats rotation, as the weather gets cool and crisp and nothing feels quite as cozy as wrapping your legs in twin tubes of fuzzy jersey fleece or French terry material.

The real question is what makes for a good pair of sweats? The answer is a little complicated, because it all depends on the fit, feel and vibe you're after. These days, you can unearth a vintage pair from a secondhand store, grab a fancy pair of joggers that have some built-in performance features or simply opt for a classic, comfy pair of fleece pants. But after scouring the market, we found three well-made pairs that range from affordable to investment. The construction and materials have all been upgraded, making these ten times more durable than any pair you can get at big box retailers. Of course, a pair of grey sweats is a classic look, but navy feels fresh right now—especially going into fall.