How to wear jogger pants, from how long your joggers should be, to the best shoes to wear with them, Style Girlfriend’s got all your men’s jogger pant questions covered.
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. Any longer, and they’ll be bunching around your shoe. We don’t want htat.
As for how the rest of your joggers are supposed to fit – they should fit close to your leg without being tight.
Meaning? 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. Don’t worry about it too much, honestly.
Below, guys’ outfit ideas for what to wear with joggers:
Wear joggers with a sweatshirt and sneakers
SG Says: Consider this Joggers 101. If you’re wondering how to wear jogger pants, start here.
Classic 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.
With a denim jacket
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.
On the golf course
SG Says: Yes, you can wear jogger pants on the golf course!
The founders of Eastside Golf, above, offer some great inspo for outfits to wear with joggers in a way that feels formal and cool at the same time.
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.
With a knit polo shirt
SG Says: Don’t be afraid to dress your joggers up. With a knit polo or sweater on top and loafers on your feet, you can zhush up your favorite pair of joggers.
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.”
Below, shop the best joggers for men:
Best joggers to try if you’re not sure you want to try joggers
Old Navy Built-In Flex Modern Jogger Pant, $45
Not too sure joggers are right for you? Don’t break the bank with your first pair. This Old Navy style will do the trick, and rings up under $50.
Best joggers that look like pants
Mizzen+Main Helmsman jogger pant, $138
This is the closest to just wearing chinos that you can get while embracing the joggers trend.
Best athletic joggers
Nike Tech Fleece joggers, $125
These are hands-down the best athletic joggers out. They come in a bunch of colorways, and make every guy look sporty and fit.
Yes, you can wear them to work out, but you don’t have to.
Best “splurge” jogger pants
Paige Transcend Elmwood Jogger Pant, $199
If you’re familiar with Paige, you know they make great jeans. Their joggers? Just as good. Maybe even better.
Best joggers for the golf course
Greyson Montauk jogger, $145
A modern take on technical pants, these tailored joggers feature a tapered cuff leg, belt loops, and side slash pockets. Wear them on the golf course with a polo shirt, and to the bar later with a hoodie.
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.
***
Like this article? Check out more ways to work your wardrobe here and here and here!
