Joggers have taken the world by storm lately and don’t show any signs of slowing down. People are trading in their loose, baggy shapeless sweatpants for the more fitted, refined look of the jogger. The jogger is a modern take on sweatpants but they are also elevated, more socially acceptable to wear to work now than a pair of regular sweats would be.
By now, some of the mystery surrounding the beloved jogger pants should be wearing off. However, we know that there are tons of questions involved that have yet to be answered. We’ve answered all of your questions with this extensive look into the world of joggers. By the end, you’ll be on your way to buying multiple pairs and a full-time jogger connoisseur.
What Is a Jogger Pant?
Let’s start at the beginning by establishing what joggers really are. To put it simply, joggers are tapered sweatpants. They feature an elastic waistband and taper down with a stretch fabric that results in a clean finish.
Joggers became popular originally for the sneakerheads of the world, people buying them because they didn’t want their pants to cover their sneakers. Earlier it was common for a lot of people to tuck the bottoms of their sweats into socks so you could see what shoes they had on. The jogger eliminates that issue by cutting off at the ankle so you see the full shoe and sock combination.
Joggers have become a staple for street style now and practical travel pants, showing up on runways across the world and being sold at a wide range of prices. They are trendy because of the way people accessorize them and because of their extreme comfort.
Now, let's see how the jogger differs from sweatpants while still looking pretty similar for those who might not know.
Jogger vs. Sweatpants: What's the Difference?
The main difference between sweatpants and joggers is the overall fit and look. With sweatpants, you are getting a more shapeless look than you would with joggers thanks to the closer cut and tapered bottoms. Joggers maintain the shape of your legs throughout while sweatpants basically are only held on by the waist.
While the exterior of the pants looks almost the same, they both carry vastly different purposes. Think about these differences in the names of the clothing items - sweatpants drive you to sweat and keep warm, while joggers can be worn jogging and keep your legs breathing.
Joggers are also normally made from more thin materials while sweatpants are designed to be warmer. If you are living in colder climates, then heavy, thicker sweatpants may be more popular in your area. However, joggers are made to let your legs breathe easier so you will have an easier time working out in them.
With all of that being said, sweatpants are a good option if you need to wear something over your workout clothes. You may notice athletes like professional basketball players wearing sweatpants before a game because they are trying to keep their muscles warm but joggers could last you throughout that workout if you wanted them to.
However, if you want an outfit that can last throughout your workout without having to be taken off then joggers are your new best friend. Joggers will keep you warm on your way to the gym but also will not overwhelm you during your workout where you need to take them off.
Depending on your needs, you can decide which would suit your lifestyle best.
Joggers, however, make for the better daily option if you are looking for versatility. Since they are able to be worn during any season without making you feel suffocated or overheated, they’re a no-brainer.
How to Choose the Perfect Men’s Jogger?
When selecting the perfect men's jogger pants, it's crucial to consider various features that cater to both comfort and style. Let's explore what you should look for:
- Material Quality: Look for high-quality fabrics like cotton, polyester, or blends. Cotton offers breathability and comfort, while polyester provides durability and moisture-wicking properties, ideal for workouts or casual wear.
- Fit and Comfort: Choose a fit that suits your purpose. Slim-fit joggers are stylish for casual outings with any kind of travel t-shirt, while a looser fit may be preferable for exercise or relaxation at home.
- Elastic Waistband and Cuffs: Ensure the waistband and cuffs are elastic for a secure fit. This feature keeps the joggers in place during physical activities and also adds to the style when wearing them casually.
- Pockets: Check for functional pockets. Zippered pockets are great for securing items during a run or gym session, while deep side pockets are convenient for casual wear.
- Breathability and Moisture Wicking: If using for sports or workouts, look for breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics to keep you cool and dry.
- Durability: Consider the durability of the fabric, especially if you plan to use it frequently or for intense physical activities. Reinforced stitching and high-quality material can enhance longevity.
- Style and Design: Choose a style that aligns with your personal taste and the occasions you plan to wear them. Consider different colors and patterns that match your wardrobe.
- Ease of Maintenance: Look for joggers that are easy to care for, preferably machine washable and resistant to shrinking or color fading, to ensure they remain in good condition over time.
With these tips, you can choose the most perfect joggers suitable for various needs and occasions.
Jogger Outfits for Men
Now that you know what the benefit of owning a pair of joggers is, it’s time to think of some amazing outfits that can be worn with them.
While joggers are a great workout buddy, you can also wear these pants while working, traveling, out to dinner, or on a date. Finding men’s pants that can serve that many purposes is almost rare but by buying a pair of jogger pants you are ensuring that you always have an outfit. They are stylish and can be matched well with almost anything sitting in your closet right now. Let’s look at some of the basic while stylish outfits with men’s joggers:
- Loungewear Outfit: For the ultimate in relaxation, opt for a pair of soft joggers in a neutral color like heather grey or classic black. Pair with a comfortable, stylish merino wool long-sleeve that's both cozy and presentable enough to step outside. This outfit is ideal for lounging at home while still being ready for a quick errand.
- Date Nights and Business Casual Outfit: Elevate your joggers by choosing a pair made from a high-quality material that mimics the look of traditional khakis. Pair them with a crisp, button-down shirt and a pair of classy loafers. This outfit strikes the perfect balance between comfort and sophistication, suitable for date nights or semi-formal work events.
- Versatile Spring Layering Outfit: Joggers are great for transitional weather. For those chilly spring mornings that turn into warm afternoons, opt for light and breathable joggers. Combine them with a basic T-shirt, layering with a sweatshirt in Elm, or a lightweight jacket for added warmth. This outfit adapts well to changing temperatures, making it a practical choice for unpredictable spring days.
- Dressed-Up Joggers with Blazers: For a more formal look, select joggers in sophisticated textures or patterns, or in black or sand color. Pair them with a well-fitted blazer for a polished look, perfect for dressier occasions where comfort is still a priority.
- Casual Summer Beach Outfit: Lightweight, breathable joggers in a sandy beige, featuring a relaxed fit. Paired with a classic black cotton tee or breezy, white cotton blend shirt, perfect for beach strolls or casual outings. Accessorize with a straw hat and sandals for a complete look.
- Winter Workout Outfit: Joggers in a deep charcoal grey teamed with a thermal, odor-resistant hoodie made from breathable fabric. Ideal for cold-weather runs or gym sessions. Finish with a beanie and sturdy trainers.
- Spring Evening Outfit: Pastel-colored joggers, perhaps in a soft mint green, offering a fresh, seasonal look. Match with a light vest with an LS shirt in a complementary shade. Ideal for spring evenings out or casual dinners.
- Travel Outfit: Versatile, stretchable joggers in a dark blue, designed for comfort and ease during travel. Pair with a wrinkle-resistant, collared polo shirt in a light color for a neat, yet comfortable look. Slip-on shoes and a lightweight jacket make for easy transitions.
Basically, what you need to know is that joggers can be played around with according to your style and comfort. Joggers can be accessorized and tailored to your personal style, or they can just be worn plain and make their own statement.
The perfect fit for all of these outfits will be our jogger pants for men from Western Rise that are both moisture-wicking and water-resistant. The great thing about our pants made from knit polyester is that they are able to survive the rain and dry quickly if you get caught running in a storm. They shed moisture instead of fully absorbing it and weighing you further down in the process. Also, our Spectrum joggers are great because they can be worn multiple times and look like they are fresh out of the wash. They also have multiple zippered pockets that keep your items safe and on hand at all times.
Furthermore, we value sustainable clothing options that are comfortable and long-lasting. You will be astounded by the way these pants feel, almost like it’s too good to be true that you can wear them to work.
Any way you decide to wear them, you will ultimately notice how comfortable they are and you just may replace your khakis with them.
Common Mistakes When Wearing Jogger Pants
While jogger pants offer comfort and style, there are common mistakes many make when wearing them that can detract from their intended casual-chic appeal. Try to avoid the following when wearing them:
- Avoid shapeless and faded joggers; replace them when elasticity is compromised.
- Avoid excessive details like zippers, leg designs, and shiny materials.
- Ensure no fabric bunching around ankles and choose an appropriate material thickness.
- Don't wear joggers every day; incorporate them into your wardrobe sparingly.
- Stick to no-show socks when wearing joggers.
Summing up
Hopefully, with this comprehensive guide to joggers, we aim to demonstrate that they are an essential wardrobe item for everyone. Whether you prioritize comfort for everyday tasks or need versatile clothing for travel, jogger pants are an excellent choice for all your activities.
