Pants

The Best Men’s Pants and Tights: From Running Tights to Wide Straight Jeans

Why choosing the right pants matters

Whether you’re hitting the pavement for a run, lounging at home, or dressing up for a casual night out, the pants you pick can change how you feel and perform. Pants aren’t just fabric that covers your legs — they control comfort, temperature, and even confidence. Pick the wrong pair and you’ll notice chafing, poor mobility, or awkward fits. Pick the right pair and everything moves smoothly, like a good rhythm on a long run or the perfect beat at a party.

Top running tights and performance bottoms

If you’re someone who runs, cycles, or trains regularly, performance tights are a game changer. They offer compression where you need it, wick moisture away, and reduce friction. Below are several popular options to consider if you want tights that work as hard as you do.

Endurance Stevens Long Melange Tights

The Endurance Stevens Long Melange Tights are built for everyday training and cold-weather runs. Expect a snug fit that hugs muscle groups without feeling restrictive, plus a heathered melange look that’s a little more stylish than plain black. Look for a mid-rise fit with an inseam around 30" to 32" depending on your height — perfect for runners who want full-leg coverage but not extra drag at the ankle.

The North Face Movmynt Tight

The North Face Movmynt Tight balances technical fabric with street-ready styling. These tights often have panels that support movement and a waistband that stays put during sprints or hill repeats. If you’re someone who transitions from gym to coffee shop, their low-profile look keeps things versatile. Size by waist measurement — if your waist is 34", choose the corresponding size for a secure, comfortable fit.

Adidas Aeroknit Tight

Adidas Aeroknit Tights use a breathable knit that feels like a second skin. They’re lightweight, making them ideal for faster runs and tempo sessions. The Aeroknit construction helps airflow, which is great if you sweat heavily or train in milder weather. Expect an inseam close to 29"–31" for a true running fit, and note that knit fabrics can stretch slightly over time, so don’t buy them too loose.

New Balance Printed Impact Run Tight

New Balance Printed Impact Run Tights combine bold patterns with function — think reflective details and pockets for small essentials. They’re designed to keep you visible on low-light runs and comfortable on long distances. If you’re packing gels or keys, look for versions with a zip pocket at the back or side. For most adults, a 30" inseam will land around the ankle, which is ideal for a clean stride.

Craft Adv Essence Intense Long Tights For Men

Craft’s Adv Essence Intense Long Tights emphasize temperature control and targeted compression. These are especially helpful for cold-weather training when muscle warmth matters for performance and injury prevention. With a typical inseam around 31" and a snug, anatomical fit, they’re meant to feel like a performance upgrade more than an outfit choice. If you weigh around 180 lb, pick the size that matches your waist and hip measurements rather than guessing by height alone.

Casual pants and jeans for everyday wear

Moving away from performance gear, casual pants and jeans are where personality shows. Comfortable cuts, fabric choices, and the right length can make a pair of jeans or trousers your daily go-to. Below are a couple of versatile choices worth trying.

Vilgot Regular Wide Straight Jeans

Vilgot Regular Wide Straight Jeans offer a roomy silhouette without drifting into baggy territory. The "regular wide" cut sits comfortably on the hips and keeps a straight line down to the hem — a style that pairs well with boots or chunky sneakers. For sizing, think in terms of waist inches: a 32" waist should fit a 32" trouser, and the leg opening will be broader than slim cuts, giving a relaxed but structured profile.

Jersey Trousers

Jersey trousers are the bridge between sweatpants and classic chinos: soft like a tee, but tailored enough to wear out. They often feature elasticized waists with drawstrings and a tapered leg that ends just above the ankle for a modern look. These are perfect for travel days when you want comfort but also need to look put-together for meetings or dinner.

Leggings and fashion-forward options

Leggings aren’t just for athletes — they’re a fashion staple now. Depending on fabric and cut, leggings can be functional or stylish, or both. Here are a couple of fashion options that offer variety.

Capri Leggings 40 Denier

Capri Leggings at 40 denier are semi-opaque and lightweight, giving a flattering finish without being see-through. Capri length stops mid-calf, which is great for layering under skirts or pairing with sandals. Denier measures the fabric’s thickness, and 40 denier strikes a balance for those who want coverage but still want breathable warmth — ideal for spring and autumn weather when temperatures aren’t extreme.

Flared Leggings In Velour

Flared velour leggings bring retro glamour back to everyday wear. The plush texture gives a luxe feel, and the flare from the knee down adds drama to short boots or platform sneakers. These leggings work well for evenings out or casual weekends when you want something softer and more expressive than regular leggings.

How to choose the right fit: waist, rise, and inseam explained

Fit is everything. Waist, rise, and inseam together decide whether a pair of pants will feel like they were made for you. The waist is measured around the narrowest part of your torso, rise is the distance from the crotch seam to the top of the waistband, and inseam is the length from crotch to hem. For an ideal fit, measure a pair of pants you already own and like — if the inseam reads 32", look for that exact measurement when shopping. Don’t assume your size in one brand equals the same in another; try to use inches, not vague sizes like "medium."

Materials and performance: what to look for

Fabric choices determine breathability, durability, and comfort. Polyester and nylon blends wick moisture and dry quickly, making them perfect for active tights. Elastane or spandex adds stretch for mobility. For jeans and casual trousers, look for cotton blended with a small amount of elastane for easy movement. Denier numbers on tights tell you how thick the fabric is — higher denier equals more opacity and warmth, while lower denier gives a sheerer look.

Styling tips: how to wear tights and jeans for different occasions

Tights can be athletic or fashion pieces depending on what you pair them with. Match performance tights with layered technical tops and running shoes for the gym or a run. For a casual look, throw on a long sweatshirt and chunky sneakers. Wide straight jeans are versatile: cuff them over boots for a rugged vibe or keep them long with loafers for a cleaner look. Jersey trousers are your travel best-friend; pair them with a denim jacket and a white tee for effortless style.

Care and maintenance: make your pants last

Taking care of your pants increases their lifespan. For tights and leggings, wash in cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry when possible. Heat can break down elastane and cause shrinkage, so avoid hot dryers. For denim, wash inside out to preserve color and avoid washing after every wear — spot clean when you can. Treat velour and delicate knits with extra care: use a mesh bag and low-spin cycles to prevent pilling and stretch.

Lightweight layering for year-round wear

Layering is an easy trick to get more mileage from a single pair of pants. Wear thermal baselayers under running tights on chilly days, or add a long sock under jeans for cold-weather comfort. Capri leggings can be layered under longer skirts in unpredictable weather, and velour flared leggings can be dressed up with a blazer for a cozy evening outfit. The goal is to use layers like building blocks — add or remove pieces to match the forecast and your activity.

Choosing pants for performance: compression, fit, and support

Compression tights support blood flow and muscle stability during intense workouts. If you’re lifting weights or doing interval training, look for moderate compression that doesn’t restrict breathing or joint movement. For runs longer than a few miles, choose tights with targeted compression zones around the quads and hamstrings. Always prioritize Freedom Of Movement; if the fabric bunches behind the knee or pulls at the crotch, it’s not the right fit.

Size and measurement quick reference

Here’s a quick sizing shortcut: measure your waist at the narrowest point and your hips at the widest. For inseams, measure an existing pant from crotch seam to hem. Typical inseams are 30" for shorter builds, 32" for average, and 34" for taller frames. If you sit between sizes, size up for casual comfort or size down for a more compressive, performance-oriented fit. Remember: inches are your friend when shopping across brands.

Final thoughts on picking the perfect pair

At the end of the day, the best pants for you depend on how you use them. If you train regularly, prioritize performance features like moisture-wicking fabric, compression, and seams placed to avoid chafe. If you want everyday comfort, seek soft jerseys, relaxed cuts, and durable denim. For fashion choices, look at texture and silhouette: velour flares and wide straight jeans each tell a different style story. Mix and match, experiment, and remember that comfort is the ultimate style hack.

Conclusion

From the high-performance Endurance Stevens and Craft tights for serious training to the everyday Vilgot wide straight jeans and cozy jersey trousers, there’s a pant for every need. Consider how a pair moves with you, how it handles sweat and weather, and how it fits your lifestyle. Use inch-based measurements to get the best fit, care for your garments to extend their life, and don’t be afraid to try something new — a new silhouette might become your favorite. Ultimately, the right pair of pants should feel like an upgrade: comfortable, functional, and a little bit like you.