By Style Girlfriend | Last Updated: Jul 31 2022 | 9 min read
We’re all for guys building a wardrobe full of classic, “never going out of style” pieces here at SG HQ, but sometimes a trend simply refused to be ignored.
Case in point: the jogger pant.
A few short years ago, only a few fashion-forward brands offered the pant with an elasticized ankle (and for way too much money, at that). Now, finding a pair is as easy – and inexpensive – as hitting up your local mall’s racks.
The beauty of the jogger pant lies is twofold:
1) They’re basically dressed-up sweatpants, meaning you can wear your formerly “only at home” comfy pants out of the house, and no one will judge you.
2) They go with pretty much everything that’s already in your closet.
The style is so mainstream that at this point you can find joggers offered in nearly any material you can think of – denim, khaki, terry cloth, etc.
Bottom line? If you don’t want to wear real pants, it’s time you jump on the jogger pant bandwagon.
Before we get into some tips on how to style this modern take on sweatpants, let’s go over some ground rules:
- If you’re wondering how long should joggers be, the answer is simple: the elasticized ankle should hit at… well.. your ankle.
- As for how the rest of your joggers are supposed to fit – they should flatter your leg without being tight. They shouldn’t look like MC Hammer pants, but they also shouldn’t fit like a skinny suit. There should be a little room throughout the leg, enough for comfort and ease.
- The difference between joggers and sweatpants: technically joggers are a subset of sweatpants but there are definitely joggers that don’t fall under this category, like those made out of chino material.
Below, guys’ outfit ideas for what to wear with joggers:
A sweatshirt and sneakers
SG Says: Consider this Joggers 101. If you’re wondering how to wear jogger pants, start here.
Clean white sneakers, dark colors, minimal accessories, and a casual-but-well-fitting hoodie.
If the idea of wearing tapered athleisure pants already has you outside your comfort zone, an outfit like this will feel stylish, not scary.
Dressed up with loafers
SG Says: Apart from the cigarette, we’re very into this whole look.
A monochromatic palette? Check.
Breezy yet sophisticated slip-ons? Check.
Statement jacket casually slung over shoulder? Checkmate.
Loafers might not be the first thing you think of when you’re trying to figure out what shoes to wear with joggers, but we love this look and you should too.
In warm and cold weather
SG Says: Olive chinos and a lightweight sneaker, worn in two different seasons.
This is some great inspo for outfits to wear with joggers and sneakers: on the left, the t-shirt and flash of ankle show you how to wear jogger pants in warm weather.
On the right, thick socks and a sweater under a denim jacket let you know these pants are not reserved for spring and summer.
With a crewneck sweatshirt and sporty sneakers
SG Says: If you’re looking for a shirt to pair with your joggers, do not sleep on this brown and millennial pink pairing.
Broken up by a clean white tee and capped off with oh-so-casually unlaced sneaks, this outfit looks fresh and modern…yet fully grown-up.
In a fun color or pattern
SG Says: Colors like black joggers or dark grey joggers are pretty easy to style – neutral colors always look good with other neutral colors.
But if you were wondering how to break out of the mold when it comes to jogger pants, here’s how.
Yes, you can wear bright colors, and yes, you can even wear camo. So long as the fit stays slim and the rest of your outfit looks put together, not sloppy.
With a button-down shirt!
SG Says: You can even wear jogger pants with a button-down shirt.
It’s a great way to dress up your joggers, but just remember: don’t tuck the shirt in (hopefully that’s obvious, but you never know).
Keep the color palette neutral with navy, black, or grey if you’re feeling nervous.
If you’re wondering how to wear joggers to work (on casual Friday), this is a great way to pull it off.
Wear joggers with business casual up top
SG Says: When you’re on the move, a pair of joggers can be clutch for travel days.
As GQ‘s Megan Gustashaw put it, “Pick up a pair of jogger-style sweats that look a little bit like chinos, then dress them up with a cashmere sweater or soft blazer and you’re in business. Literally.”
Here are the best joggers for men:
Best joggers that look like pants
Gap slim canvas joggers, $50 — This is the closest to just wearing chinos that you can get while embracing the joggers trend.
Best athletic joggers
Nike Tech Fleece Jogger Sweatpants, $110 — These are hands-down the best athletic joggers out. They come in a bunch of colorways (we like the grey above, and black), and fit like a dream.
Yes, you can wear them to work out, or you can just wear them around.
Best chino joggers
Paige Transcend Elmwood Jogger Pant, $199 — If you’re familiar with Paige, you know they make great jeans. Like, GREAT jeans.
Their joggers are just as good.
Styled in PAIGE’s slim Lenox profile, these jogger pants pair ribbed cuffs with four-pocket chinos construction for “best of both worlds” style and comfort.
Best technical jogger
Banana Republic Slim Motion Tech Jogger, $109 — With an elastic waistband and front and back pockets, these joggers from Banana Republic offer the best of both worlds.
Formal enough silhouette while still feeling totally comfortable for whatever the day throws at you.
Below, 4 more outfit ideas on how to wear jogger pants:
School
SG Says: Skip the socks (or go no-show) and show off some ankle in this ready-for-class look.
Creative Office
SG Says: If you’re lucky enough to have a lax dress code at work, jogger pants can be a great alternative to slacks.
Treat them like regular pants with a tee (with a slight tuck? your call) and high-tops with cool socks.
Weekend coffee run
SG Says: When you wake up on Saturday, you want to put sweatpants on. Resist. Jogger pants are just as easy, but look twice as nice.
Errands
SG Says: The tapered silhouette of jogger pants are ideal for showing off your favorite sneakers. Throw on a crisp white tee with a light denim jacket, and pull it all together with pops of color in your accessories.
Oh yes, a pair of pants with an elastic waistband can still show off your personal style enough to become a go-to errand outfit. Rocking this look, you can breeze through your to-do list and a coffee date all while looking put together.
Caveat: Save this look for weekend and off-duty outings since it is the epitome of casual cool.
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Like this article? Check out more ways to work your wardrobe here and here and here!
