Merino Joggers are the best and most versatile sweatpants
Merino joggers are the softest, comfiest, coziest, most breathable sweatpants you can wear. They’re highly versatile; the perfect choice for lounging, travel, errands, camping, and sports or active pursuits in cold weather. And because merino wool is naturally odor resistance, you can wear them for many days on end without washing.
Standards for inclusion:
- Majority merino fabric
- Jogger-style fit
- Has pockets
While you’re here, you might also be interested in merino sun hoodies, merino leggings, and running pants.
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Merino Jogger Quick Picks
- Editor’s Choice: Ridge Merino Hyde Joggers
- For Warm Weather: Ibex Nomad Joggers
- For All-Season: Unbound Transit Sweatpants, Men’s & Women’s
- For Cold Weather: Wool & Prince Interlock Joggers, Men’s
- For Cold Weather: Woolx Willa Jogger, Women’s
- For Dressing Up: Wool& Rosso Straight Ponte, Women’s
Preferred feature set: wide elastic waistband with stretch drawstring and zipper pockets
Merino Sweatpants Comparison table
| Model | Gender Fits | Price ($) | Fabric Weight (GSM) | % Merino |
| Ridge Hyde | All | 135 | 275 | 100% |
| Unbound Transit | All | 150 | 255 | 95% |
| Wool & Prince Interlock | Men | 158 | 300 | 78% |
| Ibex Nomad | All | 175 | 210 | 95% |
| Wool& Rosso Straight | Women | 178 | 340 | 71% |
| Woolx Willa | Women | 194 | 330 | 85% |
Ridge Merino Hyde Joggers
Editor’s Choice, Men’s & Women’s
The Ridge Merino Hyde are our favorite overall merino joggers because they combine premium, 100% merino wool fabric (no filler!) with a dialed-in feature set, affordable price point, and no major flaws. More specifically, they are the only pair we found with zippered hand pockets; a highly underrated feature that decreases the likelihood of losing your phone, keys, or wallet. We also give top marks to the wide elastic waistband with an oversized stretchy drawstring. If you are in between sizes, we recommend going up unless you prefer a tighter fit.
- Price: $135
- Fabric Weight: 275 gsm
- Composition: 100% merino
Ibex Nomad Merino Joggers
Men’s & Women’s
For the lightest, coolest, most breathable pair of merino sweatpants, we recommend the Ibex Nomad joggers. Their 210 gsm fabric is the thinnest and most breathable we tested, and perfect for actual jogging, warmer climates, or all-season wear. Fit is trim, so definitely size up if in between.
- Price: $175
- Fabric Weight: 210 gsm
- Composition: 95% merino, 5% elastane
Unbound Merino Transit Sweatpants
Men’s & Women’s
Slim, soft, and stretchy are defining characteristics of the Unbound Merino Transit sweatpants, a pair of premium merino joggers built with a versatile 255gsm wool-Spandex blend. Both the men’s and women’s version feature dual hand pockets and a zippered security pocket; great for storing a wallet. The women’s version has a simple elastic waistband and no rear pockets, while the men’s version adds a drawstring and dual zippered back pockets.
- Price: $150
- Fabric Weight: 255 gsm
- Composition: 95% merino, 5% elastane
Wool & Prince Interlock Joggers
Men’s
For a slightly thicker, warmer, and more durable pair of men’s merino joggers, check out the Wool & Prince Interlock. The 300gsm merino-nylon blend will hold up to more abuse than the aforementioned Ibex Nomad and Ridge Merino Hyde. But depending on your body, the thicker fabric may be too warm for summer temps. This pair comes with two hand pockets, one zipper back pocket, and an elastic drawstring waistband. Fit is true to size.
- Price: $158
- Fabric Weight: 300 gsm
- Composition: 78% merino, 22% nylon
Woolx Willa Joggers
Women’s
The Woolx Willa joggers are cozy, soft, luxurious, and come with an extra wide waistband and functional pockets. Woolx rates their 330 gsm, 85% merino fabric as warmest, ideal for fall and winter, but overkill for spring summer. Ribbed cuffs polish off aesthetic. Biggest drawback to this pair is the higher-than-average price tag.
- Price: $194
- Fabric Weight: 330 gsm
- Composition: 85% merino, 12% nylon, 3% Spandex
Wool& Rosso Straight Ponte
Women’s
For the dressiest and most aesthetically versatile option, we recommend Wool& Rosso Straight Ponte pants. The sophisticated center crease allows them to be dressed up or down as needed, but they wear like joggers all the same. Constructed with 340 gsm wool fabric, they’re a great choice for colder climates, colder humans, and all low heart rate activity, but may be too warm for room temperature or summertime wear. The lack of drawstring is a tasteful choice, but make sure to double check the size guide.
- Price: $178
- Fabric Weight: 340 gsm
- Composition: 71% merino, 24% nylon, 5% Spandex
Close up on terry knit inside face, a moisture wicking and breathable fabric used in most merino joggers
Pro Tips for buying merino joggers
Price of Merino Joggers
The going rate for merino joggers and merino sweatpants is between $100-$200, with $150 being about average. If you find a pair for under $100, you should be skeptical of the quality. If you find a pair for over $200, you should be skeptical of price gouging.
Fabric Composition
If you’re shopping for merino joggers, pay close attention to the materials composition; you shouldn’t settle for anything made of less than 50% wool. In our eyes, brands that offer merino sweatpants made of less than 50% wool are guilty of false advertising. They will claim their product is soft, odor-resistant, and breathable, but the majority of the pant will not embody those characteristics. On the other hand, 100% is not strictly better, as adding a dose of spandex or nylon can boost stretch rebound or durability (respectively).
Preferred Jogger Features
- Wide elastic waistband – for maximum friction hold on waist without over tightening
- Stretchy drawstring – for even more hold without the need to untie a knot for every on/off
- High rise – you should be able to do yoga in them without showing anything you don’t want to
- Zippered hand pockets – prevent phone, keys, and wallets from falling out. This one small feature is a huge quality of life improvement
- Cuffed ankle – for the classic jogger aesthetic
Caring for your Merino Wool Sweatpants
Because merino wool is naturally anti-bacterial and odor resistant, you don’t need to wash them as often as other pants. They won’t smell bad after a work out, and you can wear them many times over before washing. When comes time to wash them, you can use the machine, but make sure to hang dry.
Close up on merino terry knit, a moisture wicking and breathable fabric
Conclusion to the Best Merino Joggers & Sweatpants
Merino joggers are a great way to upgrade your everyday wardrobe and improve your experience across a wide array of activities. Merino is warmer, softer, better smelling, and more breathable than most other fabrics. We wear merino joggers constantly for nine months of the year, and highly recommend it. Happy trails!
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