Athleisure, streetwear, and lounging fans agree: Joggers are the best thing since sliced bread.
Of course, you might be wondering: What makes them unique? And how are they different from your old, casual sweatpants?
Let’s clear those questions up, and then get into the many different ways you can wear a pair of joggers.
What Are Joggers?
Joggers are stretchy, comfortable, full-length pants. They’re made of lightweight materials, and usually feature a drawstring waist.
Are Sweatpants and Joggers the Same Thing?
Even though they look nearly identical, sweatpants and joggers are not the same thing.
The main difference is in the weight of their fabric. Sweatpants are made with thick, heavyweight cloth that will keep you warm through the fall and winter. Joggers are made of lighter materials — ones you could jog in.
This lets joggers breathe, making them comfortable in a wider range of temperatures.
Another difference worth mentioning is the general silhouette. Joggers tend to have an overall slimmer and tapered silhouette, with a taller ribbed hem at both ankles. But sweatpants typically have a fuller and baggier cut, with a cased elastic hem
Of course, there are always going to be exceptions. You’ll occasionally find baggier sweatpants made from lighter materials, or slim fitting joggers made from thick fabrics.
What Is the Difference Between Joggers and Track Pants?
Joggers and track pants have a nearly identical fit, but are usually made from different materials.
Those fits combine well with the materials that are used for each type of pants. Joggers are almost always made of natural cotton, while track pants are more often made of polyester or other synthetics.
You can use both types of pants while exercising, but joggers will breathe more than track pants.
That’s why you’ll often see guys wear track pants over shorts to warm up before sprinting — they help trap in heat while you’re getting geared up for harder exercise.
When Should You Wear Joggers?
No matter what outfit you pair them with, joggers are always going to trend towards casual.
With a basic t-shirt and white sneakers, joggers are the perfect way to get out of the house for quick errands. Or, toss on a crew neck sweatshirt and lounge around the house all day long.
Add a zip-up hoodie and running shoes to a pair of joggers, and you’re all set to get out for an all-seasons workout.
You can push a pair of joggers towards a more casual-dressy look by pairing it with a crisp polo and dress sneakers, too. That’s one of my go-to outfits for heading to a cafe with my laptop to get some work done.
Conclusion: Our Favorite Joggers
Now that you know what they are, maybe you’re thinking you need a pair for your own wardrobe? I don’t blame you — they’re a game-changer for casual, comfortable looks.
Bonobos’ Homestretch Joggers are my go-to pair for everyday wear. They have a relaxed fit, with a tapered leg that turns into a fitted cuff at the ankle.
Soft, stretchy & refined knit jogger with an elastic waist for everyday, everywhere comfort.
The soft and stretchy knit fabric holds its shape well, and the deep navy dye makes it an excellent casual stand-in for dark wash jeans. They’re lightweight, too, and great for three-season wear.
If you’re looking for something less sporty and a little bit classier, Flint and Tinder’s 365 Joggers are the way to go. They’re made to feel more like chinos, but with a jogger styling.
These joggers are built with Flint and Tinder’s bestselling fabric—the very same stretch-infused goodness that’s in the 365 Pants—only now in a more laidback jogger silhouette.
Each pair sports a classic button and zip fly in the front, and stays extra comfy with an elastic waistband in the back.
And those chino-style pockets pair perfectly with the 4-way stretch fabric, keeping your wallet and phone from messing up these pants’ clean lines.
Finally, if you’re looking for a good pair to work out in, Uniqlo’s Ultra Stretch Sweatpants (joggers) are a great option.
They have a slight wetsuit feel, which weirded me out at first, but I got used to it and it turns out they’re really light and hold their shape well, even after wearing them several times.
Surprisingly light and stretchy for stress-free comfort.
Hopefully this answers your questions about joggers!
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