Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt noticed that there is a new trend in activewear that is increasing in popularity: joggers. Joggers can make you look cool, put together, and on trend when worn properly, or they can make you look seriously frumpy and unkempt if done the wrong way. With so many different options out there and plenty of hits and misses, many people are wonderinghow joggers should fit and when to wear them.
What are joggers?
Joggerswere originally intended to be worn for exercise, but like so many pieces from the athleisure trend, the mainstream has caught on and they can now be worn for many occasions. In general, joggers are traditional sports pants that are lightweight, comfortable, and have an athletic appearance. Joggers are widest at the top and taper down the leg, fitting the ankle closely. Most joggers feature either a drawstring waist or an elastic waist, and the ankles are kept close to the body through the use of elastic as well. While joggers originally began as a form of sweatpants, today, they’re made of many different types of material and come in a variety of fits and styles that are more sophisticated and tailored.
When were joggers invented?
Joggerscome by their name honestly. Although running as a sport and form of voluntary exercise dates all the way back to ancient Greece, it largely fell out of favor until the return of the modern Olympic games in 1896. As more and more people took up running for sport, it became apparent that clothing specifically for running was needed. EnterÉmile Camuset, a French clothing designer and the founder of the sportswear company Le Coq Sportif. Camuset was a runner himself and had gotten sick of doing his daily runs in clothing that wasn’t intended for sport. He began experimenting with different styles of pants and tried out different fabrics and cuts, ultimately landing on the classic jogger sweatpants that we’ve been wearing ever since. Although the jogger was born exactly 100 years ago, in 1920, it has evolved substantially since then into a variety of styles and shapes for both men and women.
What are the different types of joggers?
If you think there is only one kind of jogger, think again. The recent surge in popularity for joggers means that designers have been experimenting with a number of different styles and shapes for several years, coming up with lots of different options. There are four main types ofjoggers: sporty joggers, lounge joggers, everyday joggers, and smart joggers.
Sporty joggers
Sporty joggers are the original, the classic, and the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think of joggers. However, even joggers that are intended for athletic use have changed their appearance quite a bit since the first sweatpants were invented in the 1920s. While the original joggers were typically baggy, often made of a thick material, and added bulk, today’s sporty joggers have a much thinner silhouette and flatter the figure more while still giving you a wide range of movement that’s needed for a serious workout. Today, joggers made for workouts or playing sports are increasingly made from performance and technical fabrics that are moisture-wicking, breathable, and odor-fighting, such asbamboo performance fabric.
Lounge joggers
If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable pants to hang out in while watching the big game on Sunday, lounge joggers are the best choice. These joggers have a more relaxed fit and are typically loose cut and made of a material that focuses on comfort rather than performance, such as fleece orfrench terry.You’ll have plenty of room to move around and relax while also looking way more put together than if you simply threw on a pair of pajama pants. Lounge joggers offer maximum comfort.
Everyday joggers
Everyday joggers are exactly what they sound like - your best option for living your life day to day in comfort and style. Everyday joggers are ideal for doing things like running errands, picking up the kids from school, staying comfortable but chic on a long flight, or heading out to a casual brunch with friends. These versatile pants can easily go from lounging on the couch to a dentist appointment and back without missing a beat, and their comfort and style makes them one of the most versatile articles of clothing on the market.
Smart joggers
Hate wearing “real” pants every time you need to look put together? Say hello to smart joggers. Smart joggers have turned the sweatpants trend on its head and shown what a little of tailoring, a material change, and some style can do. Smart joggers will have more tailored and tapered legs than other types of joggers, allowing you to show off your legs and creating a flattering silhouette. The material used to make smart joggers is typically fine-gauge cotton or a similar fabric that would sag and bunch at the knees, creating that disheveled look that so many sweatpants are famous for. Smart joggers allow you to look great and put together without being uncomfortable, and they can even be worn to dinner, parties, and casual meetings without missing a beat, as long as they are styled properly.
How should joggers fit?
How yourjoggersshould fit depends a lot on where you’re planning to go in them and what sort of activities you’re intending to wear them for. As a general rule, the more tailored and tapered the leg of your joggers is, the more formal the pants are. By contrast, joggers that are wider and have a less-tailored appearance, a thicker material, and a less tapered leg are most appropriate for casual wear or lounging around the house. Regardless of what style you’re wearing, you can follow these general tips to make sure your joggers fit properly:
- Your joggers should taper cleanly at the ankle and should have a close fit around your ankle. If the bottom of your joggers doesn’t sit close to the skin and lower leg, they’re too big.
- Joggers should taper at the ankle and end above your shoes rather than over them. Well-fitting joggers will leave a little bit of sock or skin showing.
- Jogger should have a slim fit that clearly outlines the shape of the body, but should not be so tight that they appear fitted or “skinny.”
- You should be able to move freely in your joggers and have a good range of motion. If you feel constricted at all, you won’t be comfortable, and it will look like you’re wearing leggings more than joggers.
- In general, the waistband of yourjoggersshould sit on your hips. Increasingly, more joggers are becoming available in a high-waisted style, so if you purchase joggers designed to be worn higher, they should sit at your natural waist.
- If you’re going for an athleisure look or wearing your joggers to lounge around casually, it’s ok for the crotch of the pants to be slightly dropped. If you’re looking for a more tailored look, there should not be significant drooping in the crotch.
How do you style joggers?
With so many differentstyles of joggers, there are seemingly endless possibilities in terms of the outfits that you can create with them. Of course, how you style yourjoggersdepends a great deal on where you’re wearing them and what type of pants you’ve purchased (i.e. lounge joggers versus smart joggers). Here are some easy ways to style joggers:
- Pair a sweatshirt with your joggers to keep your look casual and comfortable. Ideally, you want the sweatshirt to be a different color than the pants and be more fitted in appearance so that your overall look doesn’t appear sloppy. To keep your look street-ready, wear boots or stylish sneakers.
- Wearing a casual t-shirt with joggers is an easy and effortless weekend look that adds comfort, but it’s important to make sure your shirt fits well and isn’t oversized. Wearing joggers with a slimmer fit will keep you street-ready.
- If you want to take your style game up a notch, add a denim jacket to your joggers. Denim jackets are casual but add structure and style to your casual look, and the difference in texture adds contrast and interest to your outfit.
- Think you can’t wear a blazer with your joggers? Think again. Take your business meeting in joggers with a less structured blazer that’s made with a more casual material in a dark or neutral color. Ditch the dress shirt and add a casual button-up or knit tee underneath the blazer.
- Want to look country club cool but still feel casual and comfortable? Try pairing a polo shirt with your joggers. The trick here is to pick joggers in a heavier fabric if you want to look more put together, and stick to lighter and softer styles.
Sources:
https://www.fashionbeans.com/article/how-to-wear-joggers/
https://www.thetrendspotter.net/how-to-wear-joggers/
https://www.plansponsor.com/trivial-pursuits-invented-sweatpants/
FAQs
Joggers should taper at the ankle and end above your shoes rather than over them. Well-fitting joggers will leave a little bit of sock or skin showing. Jogger should have a slim fit that clearly outlines the shape of the body, but should not be so tight that they appear fitted or “skinny.”
What is the importance of wearing joggers? ›
Keeping You Warm
Sweatpants trap heat close to your body and can help you warm up your muscles more quickly. It's much safer to exercise warm muscles than cold ones. Theoretically, then, sweatpants might help you reduce your risk of injury, particularly if you tend to avoid warm-up routines.
Are joggers supposed to fit short? ›
Are jogger pants supposed to be short? Yes, jogger pants are supposed to be shorter than jeans or sweatpants. Jogger pants have a tapered leg that finishes with an elastic ankle band that should reach to just above the ankle. The bottom of your joggers should be 1 inch or 3 cm above your ankle bone.
How many times should you wear joggers? ›
Answer: After 5 wears.
This can be for a number of reasons, but usually it's because repeated wear can stretch them out, making them fit too loosely. Additionally, sometimes you can sweat so much that they can begin to smell a bit off.
How do you wear joggers as an outfit? ›
Do pair joggers with a long, sleek cardigan, fitted hoodie or structured denim jacket. Your choice of outerwear is important. Because the jogger silhouette is roomy, the style looks best with outerwear that adds definition and structure to your shape.
Are sweatpants supposed to be loose or tight? ›
They should fit looser around the crotch and thighs. **The whole point of sweatpants is comfort, which means you want an easy fit in the pelvic zone. If you look in the mirror and see the outline of (1) the sweatpants' pockets against your thighs or (2) your junk, then the pants are definitely too tight.
When should you wear joggers? ›
Joggers are a good option during cardio exercise. They will keep you comfortable by absorbing sweat. Joggers are also an excellent choice to wear as an everyday outfit. If you want to feel comfortable, then joggers are the best options.
Are joggers for summer or winter? ›
All Jogger pants are usually made of very breathable material and are extremely comfortable to wear, making them ideal for all seasons. Be it summer or winter; you can sport joggers pants with almost anything if you can carry out the outfit.
Are joggers good for casual wear? ›
They are a good choice for activities that require a comfortable and stretchy fabric. Its moisture-wicking material can help to keep the wearer cool and dry. Jogger pants are also a popular choice for casual everyday wear, as they are comfortable and stylish.
How do you know if joggers are too small? ›
How do you know if your joggers are too small? You can tell your joggers are too small if the the cuff of your pant leg is sitting on your shin, not just above your ankle. The second way to tell if your joggers are too small is if the fabric is skin tight to your quads (legs.)
How do you fix joggers that are too long? For joggers that are too long the most effective way to shorten them is by hemming the bottom. If you do not know how to sew you may also try shrinking your joggers in the washing machine, or folding the cuffs upwards.
Do joggers loosen up? ›
Do Sweatpants get Looser? Yes, your sweatpants will loosen over time. This will depend on the fabric they are made from and how often you use them.
What shoes go best with joggers? ›
Joggers go well with a variety of types of shoes that you can switch out depending on the occasion. Most commonly, they're paired with sneakers, but they also look good with formal shoes, such as loafers or ankle boots, and women can even wear them with heels for a dressy look.
What's the difference between sweatpants and joggers? ›
Differences between sweatpants vs joggers
Sweatpants tend to be made of thicker fabric to keep your legs warm. Joggers, on the other hand, are typically made of thinner materials to provide breathability and keep the legs cool. In terms of fit, sweatpants are usually baggy, while joggers are form-fitting and tapered.
Are joggers still cool? ›
Jogger pants never go out of style due to their casual yet very stylish look which can be paired in various ways.
How do you make joggers look formal? ›
Joggers look great with sweaters or silky shirts tucked into them, plus a pair of heels or ankle boots will really kick the look up a notch.
What kind of socks to wear with joggers? ›
A note on socks: Joggers can look awkward with high socks, so you're better off choosing shoes and socks that don't show them. For example, you can wear low socks with sneakers or a pair of casual ankle boots that hide your socks altogether.
Are joggers tighter than sweatpants? ›
The main difference between the two is the weight of the material. Joggers are usually made from a thin, lightweight material to allow your legs to "breathe" easier. Sweatpants, as the name suggests, are designed to be thicker and warmer than joggers.
Are joggers thicker than sweatpants? ›
Sweatpants tend to be made of thicker fabric to keep your legs warm. Joggers, on the other hand, are typically made of thinner materials to provide breathability and keep the legs cool. In terms of fit, sweatpants are usually baggy, while joggers are form-fitting and tapered.
What weather are joggers good for? ›
Sweatpants are good for the cold if there is no snow or rain. Sweatpants work best in windy an dry weather with colder temperatures. Cotton fabric in sweatpants does not work well with precipitation.
For the most breathable summer joggers, a cotton fabric blended with a forgiving material gives both a soft texture and a lightweight fit. Joggers made with a blend of materials offer the best of both worlds for summer, as they aren't as heavy or thick as 100% cotton, fleece or terry cloth joggers.
Are joggers meant for winter? ›
Most people have one question in mind: Can we wear joggers in winter? Yes, you can. It may sound different but joggers can keep us warm in winter. Cotton or a cotton-polyester blend is used to make joggers.
Are joggers shoes or pants? ›
Joggers are very versatile pants that can be worn with a variety of different outfits for a variety of different occasions. Use our guide to help you choose which shoes to wear with your joggers.
What material is best for joggers? ›
Nylon - Nylon is one of the most popular fabrics in running wear as it's sweat-wicking, breathable, and super stretchy so it'll move with you for a comfortable ride. Polyester- Polyester is a plastic based fabric making it durable, lightweight, breathable, and non-absorbent.
Are joggers and leggings the same? ›
What's the Difference Between Leggings and Joggers? Leggings are stretchy, form-fitting pants, whereas joggers are baggy pants. Both offer comfort and style and can be worn while exercising. Leggings are made of spandex, Lycra, and polyester, whereas joggers are made of thick material similar to a jersey.
Why joggers are better than leggings? ›
Breathability can be an issue in leggings: Skin-tight synthetic clothing can sometimes cause issues with breathability, and this can aggravate sweat and even be connected with UTIs and yeast infections. Because they're looser, joggers may offer better breathability.
Which Colour joggers are best? ›
One of the most popular colour choices for a pair of joggers is black. Both versatile and stylish it serves as the perfect base for multiple outfits.
Should I size up or down in joggers? ›
Joggers are meant to be tight fitting, not baggy, which means you should not buy joggers in a size up.
Why do my joggers get baggy? ›
More often than not, sagging is caused by too much folding at crucial areas in your pants. As mentioned earlier, the loose fabric tends to occur at the knees or even the waist area. This usually happens because you bend at these areas the most, creating creases that stretch and weaken the fabric over time.
What size is M in joggers? ›
Sweatpants Sizing Chart & Guide
| Size | Waist | Inseam |
|---|
| S - 30 | 28-30" | 28, 30, 32" |
| M - 32 | 31-33" | 28, 30, 32" |
| L - 34 | 34-35" | 28, 30, 32" |
| XL - 36 | 36-37" | 28, 30, 32" |
1 more rowYou want to be sure you don't just look at any pair of joggers. You are ideally looking for a pair that comes in petite sizing, or shorter lengths, so you don't get swallowed up in a big pant. This olive linen pair is great for petites, or any size, because it comes in the petite sizing.
Do joggers shrink over time? ›
Cotton joggers may shrink up to 20% in size if you wash and dry them on high heat. Joggers that have been pre-shrunk by the manufacturer may shrink up to 5% as well. If you want to avoid shrinking your joggers be sure to wash them using cold water in the washing machine.
How many times can you wear joggers before washing? ›
Trousers and joggers can be washed after a few wears. If you're wearing joggers to work out, they should be washed after every use.
Should you fold joggers? ›
If you are storing your joggers in a drawer then you would likely prefer to flat fold them, as this will leave less wrinkles and creases. If you are packing a suitcase for a vacation then you may want to army roll your joggers so that they take up less space.
Can 60 year olds wear joggers? ›
The key to wearing joggers when you're older is to style them purposefully, as opposed to throwing them on and treating them as sweatpants – even if yours happen to be technically, well, sweatpants! I've put together 10 – yes, 10!
How do you make joggers look classy? ›
Wear hoops and a pair of casual shoes to keep it simple, subtle, and stylish. You could also go for a monochrome look by wearing a grey top. Or pair them with a graphic T-shirt, running shoes, and a messy bun and spend a casual Friday at the movies.
How do you not look frumpy in joggers? ›
The key is to contrast the bagginess of the joggers with more fitted pieces. A fitted tank or slim blouse with a pair of joggers can allow you to dress up or down without looking or feeling frumpy at all!
Do shirts go with joggers? ›
Joggers are a must-have for every wardrobe when it comes to blending style and comfort. It is easy to amp up your relaxed look with a jogger, and one can match an array of t-shirts and shirts. Sneakers go well with a pair of joggers, but you can also wear flip-flops for an even more relaxed approach.
Do joggers and shirts go together? ›
As you are about to see, you can pretty much wear joggers with any top! It depends on the occasion. I like to wear my joggers with sweaters, long sleeve tops, T-shirts, a cami and a long cardigan o denim jacket and even with button down shirts! Keep reading to see all the different tops you can wear with joggers!!
Can you wear jogger pants with shirt? ›
A tucked-in shirt and ankle shoes will elevate your look if you are really getting anxious over what to wear with joggers guys. For an athletic appearance, pair a T-shirt or a tank top with a jogger. An oxford shirt clubbed with chino joggers looks corporate. So with a jogger, you can look sporty of professional, both.
Joggers, as the name suggests, are made for physical activities. They provide you with the maximum comfort and mobility as the materials used are meant to be perfect for your athletic needs.
Are sweatpants called joggers now? ›
You may have heard it asked, “Are sweatpants and joggers the same thing?” The short answer is no – despite their similarities, joggers are not technically sweatpants. Some of the differences between these styles are rooted in design.
Do people jog in joggers? ›
Joggers are the ultimate pants for runners, whether worn during warmups or thrown on after that Sunday long run. Here are our favorites.
Should you size up on joggers? ›
Should I go a Size up for Joggers? Unless you have a specific look you are going for; I would not suggest you go up a size for joggers. By going up a size, you risk making them look baggy and ill-fitting, wherein you might want to buy a pair of nice sweatpants instead.
Should you buy joggers a size bigger? ›
Should you size up for joggers? No, as long as you do not plan to shrink your joggers in the washing machine, then you should buy your natural size for joggers. Joggers are meant to be tight fitting, not baggy, which means you should not buy joggers in a size up.
How do you know if joggers are too long? ›
Your joggers should taper at the ankle and fit close to the skin. If they don't closely hug the ankle, it means they're too big. Additionally, they should sit above your shoes, as going over or touching the shoes will make them look too long.
How do I know my size in joggers? ›
To get your proper measurement, take your jean size and reduce 2 inches to the inseam length. If you're in between sizes, size up.
What to do if joggers are too big? ›
One of the best ways to make your joggers tighter is by utilizing the washing machine and dryer. The high levels of heat in both the washer and dryer will work to shrink your joggers and make them tighter. Hot water shrinks clothes, it's a fact!
Are joggers good for big thighs? ›
For casual days, a great pair of joggers flatters men with larger calves and thighs because of their tapered silhouette. Just make sure you opt for a pair that's tailored, like the Nike style above, not sloppy.
What is the difference between sweatpants and joggers? ›
The difference between sweatpants and joggers is that joggers are primarily used for athletic purposes. In joggers vs sweatpants, joggers are considered to be the lighter, more breathable, and more comfortable sports option. Choose the joggers or jogging pants which feel most comfortable to you to move around in.
If your joggers are too long you have two choices to fix them. One being shrink them in a hot water wash and then the dryer with it set on high. The second option is to take them to your tailor to alter them and shorten the leg length.
What length are medium joggers? ›
Puremeso Joggers Size Chart
| Small | Medium |
|---|
| Waist | 30-31 | 32-34 |
| Inseam | 29 | 29 |
The exact measurements of medium size joggers can vary depending on the brand and style, but generally a medium size is equivalent to a waist size of 32-34 inches and a hip size of 38-40 inches.
