You wouldn’t wear sweatpants to the club—or would you? As long as athleisure continues flooding the market, turning a trend into a full-blown lifestyle, you’ll need to know the different types of joggers. Which one works when, and most importantly—why.

It isn’t as simple as wearing gym clothes to a restaurant. It’s about how material, construction, and style dictates its occasion. A jogger for fitness, a jogger for fashion, and a jogger for fun. Catching on?

But what all joggers have in common is what we love about them: a comfortable drawstring waistband and a tapered elastic ankle. In the age of athleisure, our comfy wear gets the tailoring boost it needs to appropriately hit the streets. This makes them that much more elevated than the sweatpants of yore.

Below I break down exactly when and how to wear each jogger and my favorite picks to buy you never have to fumble. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the 8 best types of jogger pants for every occasion.

Key Takeaways

In my search for the best types of joggers for men, I pored over dozens of products and hundreds of reviews to whittle it down to the 8 most popular styles. I paid special attention to quality, tailoring, and materials, plus the finer details, to make sure each pair is cool and easy to wear.

The best joggers are multi-functional, comfortable, and stylish. My top picks are athletic joggers, specifically the Stadium Jogger from Public Record, because they’re sleek yet sporty, easy to remove, and come with a secure drawstring waistband. For an elevated, tailored pair of sweatpants, look no further than Wahts Curran Sweatpants.

Athletic joggers make sense as my top pick because joggers and sweatpants were originally intended for exercising. Athletes threw them on to loosen the muscles while warming up and keep the body warm when not actively exercising.

Today, these joggers for men are an obvious choice for fitness, but they also work when lounging, running errands, and a slew of casual activities.

If you’re working out, look for a breathable technical fabric with a good amount of stretch, plus details like zippers at the ankles for easy removal. A substantial drawstring waistband comes in handy here, too. When they’re secure at the waist, you can lift, squat, and run without fear of them slipping down.

My pick: Public Record Stadium Jogger

Why it’s great: I love this pair because it looks clean enough for a casual event but it wears like an amazing pair of athletic joggers. It comes with zippers at the ankles so you can slide them off without having to remove your shoes. I can appreciate that it has lots of pockets and five different inseam lengths to choose from, all the way up to 36 inches.

How it feels: The combination of nylon and spandex makes them breathable, lightweight, and durable, with plenty of room at the glutes and thighs—perfect for years of rigorous gym routines. Throw them on with your favorite zip up hoodie and your go-to kicks.

Flaws but not deal breakers: Reviewers noted they’re somewhat thin, so plan accordingly depending on the weather.

Similar to fleece joggers, these joggers have a cozy feel, but are much more tailored and structured than your typical sweatpants. Because they aren’t as thick as fleece, they’re also seasonless, which makes them my second favorite type of jogger behind athletics.

Jogger sweatpants are still casual, however. I wouldn’t wear them to a fancy party or restaurant, because they have a sporty feel. They are perfect for the gym, and outdoor events like a BBQ, though, as well as lounging at home, and running errands in the day time.

My pick: Wahts Curran Sweatpants

Why it’s great: Here is one classy looking fair of sweatpants. They have a slim fit, breathable organic cotton, and an attractive pintuck effect at the center of the leg. This adds a nice element of texture and tailoring. But they’re not all looks. It also has strong technical nylon pocket lining for extra security.

How it feels: If they look structured and durable, that’s because they are. A substantial pair, with just the right amount of softness to last you a couple years. Pair with a matching Wahts crew neck sweater to keep it crisp and casual.

Tip: To help your jogger sweats keep their color and quality, wash in cold and hang them to dry instead of throwing them in the dryer.

Flaws but not deal breakers: As nice as they feel on the glutes and legs, they aren’t exactly cozy. If that’s what you’re after, check out fleece joggers. But if you need a tailored, private jet-approved joggers type these are it.

Where I find denim joggers questionable from a fashion standpoint, parachute joggers get a major green light. If you’re a trendy dude, you might have noticed them popping up in stores lately. Voluminous, baggy, slouchy…all of these words perfectly describe the combination of 90s and Y2K style that’s all the rage these days.

Not only can I get behind parachute joggers because they’re trendy, but because they’re so easy to wear. These joggers are usually made from highly durable light crinkly material like nylon and lightweight cotton, which makes them perfect for warmer months. They can come with pockets or without, but they should always come with a drawstring waist and tapering at the ankles.

My pick: Closed Freeport Wide Pants

Why it’s great: Chic, sleek, and right on trend, I adore the Wide Pants for spring and summer. In true jogger form, they have a drawstring at the waist and ankles. They look fresh next to a modern square logo patch. Functional and trendy. Plus they come with roomy cargo pockets placed nicely at the mid-thigh.

How it feels: They’re made from a light Italian-quality material that drapes well over the body and feels deliciously lightweight on the skin. Not too baggy, making them approachable to most people. Because they come in crisp neutrals, I would throw on a clean white sneakers or chunky sandals and a thicker cotton t-shirt for balance.

Flaws but not deal breakers: While I don’t see the large pockets as a problem, they can be an annoyance if you’re going for a cleaner look.

Not to be confused with leggings, skinny joggers are tight on the body but have all the necessary jogger details like pockets and a drawstring waist. They’re certainly not for everyone, as there’s no room to hide any parts of your lower half you’re not keen on. But if you’re a confident guy, go right ahead.

Because they hug all parts of your bum and leg, these joggers are great for showing off those gym gains. Alternatively, because they’re so form fitting, I wouldn’t recommend them outside of an athletic setting.

My pick: Born Tough Slim Fit Tapered Men’s Athletic Workout Jogger

Why it’s great: If you’re going skinny, they’d better be tough, like Born Tough Slim Fit Workout Jogger. They hug the body just right and have the right hands-free details for the gym. Peep the key ring, shirt loop at the back, special gravity pocket for securing your phone. Plus a thick, sturdy waistband that won’t budge as you squat.

How it feels: A special blend of polyester and spandex means these bad boys will move with you, regardless of your workout move. Pair with a breathable workout shirt, muscle tee, or, of course, you can always go shirtless.

Flaws but not deal breakers: While I can appreciate the flexible material, there’s nothing natural or sustainable about it. But when it comes to ample stretch and movement, these joggers succeed.

These types of jogging pants are closest to actual sweatpants. Because they’re made of fleece, they’re deliciously warm like the sweatpants we know and love, but they’re more tailored in classic modern jogger fashion, thanks to the elastic ankle.

Naturally, these joggers are best for cold months, but they’re also great for cozying up on a long flight or staying loose as you hit the gym. In my opinion, they look great as a full sweatsuit look, with a matching sweatshirt, especially if you’ve chosen a fun color.

My pick: Bonobos Fleece Sweatpants

Why it’s great: Bonobos knows how to make quality clothes at an affordable price point, and they hit the mark with their Supersoft Fleece Sweatpants. They’re simple and easy to wear, but have just the right touch of novelty thanks to a unique ribbed waistband. And they come in lots of fun colors, so you’re not stuck in plain gray (although you can’t ever go wrong with gray).

How it feels: A blend of polyester and cotton means they’re ultra soft to the touch and highly durable, so you’ll live in these joggers for years to come. Pair with colorful kicks, a matching hoodie, or a crisp white t-shirt.

Flaws but not deal breakers: For some, these fleece joggers might feel a little basic. And I do wish it had two back pockets instead of just one. But if you’re looking for soft comfort in an easy to wear style, this jogger works.

Truth be told, denim would not be my first pick when it comes to joggers for men. That being said, they can be fashionable depending on fit and styling. Without a doubt, though, this is a youthful style. Mature men, keep scrolling.

As you might suspect, denim joggers are made of jeans material, though the shape and thickness depends on the pair. Loose and relaxed is the way to go, in my opinion, to avoid looking off-trend. Anything too tight and you’ll wind up looking like a toddler. No offense.

My pick: H&M Loose Denim Joggers

Why it’s great: The Denim Joggers have all the makings of a jogger in stealth mode. A concealed drawstring and covered elastic waistband mean lots of comfort with a nice fashionable twist. It’s even got a drop gusset for ample breathability. The loose, round fit is very easy to wear when slung around the hips.

How it feels: The more I examine these joggers the more I’m tempted to buy a pair myself. The cotton denim is nice and thick with easy, ample draping.

Flaws but not deal breakers: A lot of men turn to joggers for a slim fit, so this loose fit might not do. If that’s what you’re after, take a look at some of my other picks.

Like denim joggers, cargo joggers have a youthful appeal. They’re fashion-forward, but not too trendy or ‘out there’ so most guys can feel comfortable wearing them.

Of course, cargo joggers come with those signature large pockets on the sides of the legs. I recommend starting simple pocket-wise, especially if you’re older. Too many pockets and you’ll look weighed down.

Focus on pocket placement (higher on the thigh is better) and pair with a plain-colored sweatshirt or t-shirt to smooth out the bulk.

My pick: Aeropostale Twill Cargo Joggers

Why it’s great: These joggers are an easy fashion-forward choice. A great price point without a huge commitment. I think you’ll love the roomy snap flap closure pockets and convenient drawstring tie. They have lots of pockets, but a nice slim fit that keeps your whole look pulled together.

How it feels: Cotton twill fabric is strong and resistant to tearing because of its well-known durability. It is also simple to care for; suited for machine or hand washing. Pair with a sweatshirt or a t-shirt and your favorite bomber jacket.

Flaws but not deal breakers: Some reviewers say they ripped pretty quickly at the seams, so make sure you purchased a big enough size to avoid any mishaps.

This is the pair you can dress up, so to speak. While you can’t wear these types of joggers during a workout, you can take them on a date—so long as it’s casual.

As a fabric, chino is inherently laidback. It’s usually made of a cotton blend that is woven in a twill weave, similar to denim. Throw that on a jogger silhouette, however, and you have a great relaxed style of pants. Perfect for daytime and showing off your casual, albeit trendy, side.

With these joggers, you can wear them a little bit on the shorter side, and show off more of your ankle.

My pick: Levi’s XX Chino Jogger

Why it’s great: Clean and crisp with the right subtle details, like deep front pockets, Levis knows how to make a great pair of chino joggers. They always use quality materials, like this durable blend of cotton twill and elastane that maintains its shape and moves with you throughout the years. An easy staple for your wardrobe.

How it feels: Structured yet soft, these joggers are smooth and crisp and easy to play with fashion-wise. I love the olive green paired with a denim shirt and a chunky black sandal or a crisp pair of white kicks. If you need a jacket, consider this denim cargo jacket from Closed.

Flaws but not deal breakers: The inseam is standard across all sizes at 29.5 inches. If you’re tall, this jogger might not be right for you, though I do think you can wear these  joggers so that they hit at the top of the ankle.

Why you should trust us

I’m a fashion and groomer writer at Fashionbeans, and use my fifteen years of expertise in the fashion industry to guide my advice.

For this review, I researched many different reliable sources, poured over my own closet, and consulted my fellow experts in the business to bring you the best joggers, when to wear them, and most importantly, how.

After reviewing dozens of brands, I’ve laid out only the very best of the best, from price point to fit, material, and availability, so that everyone can find the best joggers for them.

Final Verdict 

Ultimately, all types of joggers are casual, it’s the style and material that will dictate the appropriate occasion in which to wear them. Overall, you usually can’t go wrong with athletic joggers, because of functionality, and especially not the easy ankle zippers and clean, smooth look of Public Record Stadium Jogger.