Best Joggers for Men

Buying guide for Best joggers for men

Athleisure wear has become popular in recent years because of its versatility: it can transition from a morning workout to an afternoon coffee date without skipping a beat. When it comes to athleisure wear staples, joggers top the list for both their comfort and style.

Joggers are a type of sweatpants, but they have a few specific style features. The pants have a tapered fit that ends with cuffed or elasticized ankles. Because they have a more tailored fit, joggers are typically more fashion-forward than regular sweatpants, so they work well for more than just the gym. They’re usually made of incredibly soft materials that are lighter in weight than sweatpants, which means you don’t have to sacrifice comfort when wearing them. There are also many jogger options for men, allowing you to find the perfect pair for any occasion.

On the hunt for the best joggers for men? Our buying guide can help you figure out the fit and material size, style, and other features that will work best for you.

If you’re wearing your joggers for workouts or lounging around the house, comfort should be your primary concern. They should be breathable enough to keep you cool and allow for a free range of motion. 

Key considerations

Fit

While joggers tend to have a more tailored fit than traditional sweatpants, there are still a few different options when it comes to cut. The four most common include classic, relaxed, straight, and slim. 

Classic joggers offer a fit that’s somewhat similar to regular sweats, but the cut is a little more flattering. There’s more room in the waist, but the pants have tapered legs that end in cuffs at the ankles. This fit is high on comfort, so they're an excellent option for running and other workouts.

Relaxed joggers are similar to traditional sweatpants because they’re roomier in the backside and through the legs, though like classic joggers they also have cuffed ankles. Their fit makes them best suited for working out or lounging. They aren’t as fashion-forward as other jogger styles.

Straight joggers offer the same width in the leg from thigh to ankle. They can work well as both activewear and more polished casual wear.

Slim joggers are the most tailored of all the options. They offer a fitted silhouette that doesn’t have any excess room in the backside or legs. They’re the best option if you want to wear your joggers for activities other than working out. 

Material

Like traditional sweatpants, joggers are available in several fabric options:

Cotton is the most common fabric choice for joggers. This natural material is lightweight and breathable, so it works well in all seasons. However, it’s ideal for warmer weather because it allows more effective ventilation to keep you comfortable. 

Polyester is a synthetic material, but it’s still lightweight and breathable. It doesn’t keep you quite as cool as cotton, so it’s a better option for cooler weather. Polyester joggers hold up well to regular washing and have moisture-wicking properties, so they help move sweat away from the skin during workouts. 

Fleece is an extremely soft, warm fabric, so it’s perfect for colder weather. However, it can feel fairly heavy and doesn’t breathe well.

Blends usually feature a combination of cotton and polyester, so you get the best of both worlds. These joggers are more durable than cotton styles and more breathable than polyester joggers. It’s essential to pay careful attention to the care labels, though, to avoid damaging the pants when you clean them. 

Size

Manufacturers usually include a sizing chart that provides measurements for each jogger size, so you can choose the perfect option. However, it’s important to understand the two main size categories that men’s joggers generally come in.

Regular sizes are suitable for men of average height and weight. 

Big and tall sizes are for men who are taller and/or heavier than average. They offer greater length and width for more comfort if you have a large frame. 

Cotton-polyester joggers aren’t just more durable than cotton styles — they resist wrinkles too, so they tend to look more polished and structured.

Features

Colors and patterns

Joggers for men are available in a wide array of colors and patterns, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a pair that complements the rest of your wardrobe or is versatile enough to wear with multiple outfits. 

If you want the most wearable joggers, you’re better off sticking with a solid color. It will work with a wide range of shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, and jackets, as well as shoes. If you want to wear your joggers with the greatest variety of tops, opt for a pair in a dark neutral like black, gray, or navy. Lighter neutrals like tan or beige are also pretty versatile, though it can sometimes be difficult to find matching shoes. Joggers in bold, bright colors can be fun for specific outfits, but they aren’t the most versatile option. 

Patterned joggers are similar to pairs in solid bright colors. They can definitely add some personality to your wardrobe, but they usually only work with specific outfits. Patterned joggers are often the most fashion-forward option, so they’re an ideal choice if you want to wear them as casual wear outside of the gym. 

Waistband

Joggers usually have one of two styles of waistband: elastic or drawstring. Both types are comfortable and easy to pull on and off, but there are some differences that might make one a better option for you than the other.

Elastic waistbands aren’t adjustable, though the waistband stretches to fit your waist. There’s no extra material at the waist, so they offer a seamless look that can work well outside the gym. The drawback to these joggers is that the elastic can dig in and pinch the skin if the waist is narrow. 

Drawstring joggers have a cord at the waist that allows you to adjust the fit. You tie the drawstring once you’ve tightened or loosened it the way you want. The drawstring is visible at the waist, so these joggers have a more casual, less polished look that works better for the gym and other workout situations. 

Pockets

Nearly all joggers for men have pockets. Most have a minimum of two at the front, one on each side. However, you can find some pairs that also have two pockets at the back. There are even some cargo-style joggers with additional pockets on the legs if you want to separate your belongings. Keep in mind that joggers with more pockets tend to have a more casual look, so they may not work with all outfits. 

Moisture-wicking

If you plan to wear your joggers at the gym or for other workouts, you’ll likely want a pair made of moisture-wicking fabric. This fabric moves the sweat away from your skin, so the material dries more quickly to keep you cool and comfortable. 

Accessories

Men’s slip-on sneakers: For a casual look, you can’t go wrong wearing your joggers with a great pair of slip-on sneakers.

Men’s athletic socks: If you’re wearing your joggers for a tough workout, you’ll definitely want to pair them with high-performing athletic socks.

Jogger prices

Joggers for men vary in price based on the material, brand, and other features. Most pairs cost between $18 and $195.

Inexpensive

The most affordable joggers for men are made of polyester or cotton-polyester blends. Most have a drawstring waistband and two front pockets. These typically work best for the gym or athletic wear. They generally cost between $18 and $55.

Mid-range

These joggers for men are made of cotton-polyester blends, 100% cotton, or fleece. They can have either a drawstring or elastic waistband and typically offer two or more pockets. They work well for the gym and other athletic use, but many are tailored enough to be worn for casual social events too. These joggers generally cost between $50 and $100. 

Expensive

The most expensive joggers for men are made of 100% cotton and come from designer brands. They typically have an elastic waistband and two or more pockets. Some work well for the gym and athletic wear, but they’re generally more tailored and fashion-forward, making them ideal athleisure wear for casual social events. These joggers cost between $100 and $195.

Fleece joggers help trap body heat and so are an excellent choice if you’re exercising outdoors in cold weather.

Tips

• Go casual. Joggers can be styled in several different ways, but they’re usually a very casual, relaxed item of clothing. The most foolproof way to wear them is with a T-shirt or hoodie and athletic shoes. 
• Dress up your joggers. If you want a more fashion-forward look, pair tailored joggers with a more polished top, such as a sweater or even a button-down shirt. 
• Show off your shoes. Because joggers have tapered legs and cuffed ankles, they’re ideal for showing off a great pair of shoes. They go extremely well with a cool pair of sneakers. 
• Follow the care instructions. Pay careful attention to the care label on your joggers. If you don’t wash them at the right temperature or dry them correctly, they can shrink, ruining the fit. 

For an extra tailored touch, look for joggers with details like ribbing at the cuffs. 

FAQ

Q. How are joggers supposed to fit? 

A. Because they’re meant to be tailored, joggers should be somewhat fitted through the calves and taper down to the ankles. They should have a somewhat looser fit in the waist, crotch, and thighs, which is why they’re just as comfortable as they are stylish. 

Q. What shirts can I wear with joggers? 

A. T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies are the safest bets with joggers. However, you can also wear tailored options like polo shirts or even button-down shirts if you prefer a more dressed-up look.

Q. Do I need more than one pair of joggers? 

A. That depends on how often and where you plan to wear them. If you just want to wear your joggers to the gym or save them only for casual social events, one or two pairs may be enough. However, if you want to wear your joggers as both athletic wear and athleisure wear, you’ll probably want a few more pairs. Joggers also work well for lounging around the house, so you might want to have a dedicated pair for that too.