Use these essential tips to put together an outfit with jogger outfits for men that is both comfortable and fashionable. Feel relaxed and still look good – it’s possible with these versatile pants.
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Five years ago, if you would’ve said “Jogger pants will be a menswear staple,” most would have laughed.
They looked like retro activewear, had an awkward pegged silhouette, and their wider, occasionally drop-crotched style didn’t quite pair well with anything. In short, they epitomized a single-season novelty item.
Yet, the jogger pants have evolved into their own category. On the active end, they’re now a classic, in line with that heathered Champion logo sweatshirt. On the fashion end, moto details, paneling, and materials ranging from traditional poly/cotton blends to nylon add clear streetwear appeal.
And, in between all that, they became the harbinger of athleisure – clothing that feels comfy and looks stylish in and outside of the gym.
So, the question then becomes, “How do you style fashion joggers?” Away from the strictly athletic silhouette, its skinnier, tapered fit flatters more body shapes, paneled details bridge active and style features, and side pockets and a faux fly seem reminiscent of a pair of jeans.
For an initial impression, they’re the ultimate hybrid garment that has shed its gimmicky origins.
You can both feel comfortable and look amazing. These jogger outfits for men are all of those things!
What’s the Difference Between Fashion Joggers and Athleisure Track Pants?
Before we get into the essential tips you need to be able to wear jogger sweatpants correctly, we need to clear up one very important distinction: the difference between fashion joggers and straight-up athletic pants.
The trick to pulling off an athleisure look is to not seem like you’ve just come from the gym. What to stay away from? Track pants, moisture-wicking tees, and anything originally designed for a cross-training session.
The fashion jogger pants, while based on these origins, strays in a few key ways. One, its construction is less stretchy and, therefore, less conspicuous on the street. Secondly, it borrows from denim and chinos, enhancing its casual, everyday character.
And, three, it appears less modern: Perhaps you’d spot them in an ‘80s activewear advertisement, but, today, streamline’s the name of the game.
As such, keep the quarter-zips and anything with reflective strips at home. Instead, look through the vintage lens at any pullover hoodie – if it’s heathered, the better – or full-zip style with a contrasting T-shirt underneath. For footwear, think about high-tops inspired by basketball styles or even a dad shoe, based on something runners would have worn 30 years ago.
Jogger Outfits for Men – 3 Distinct Looks
Now that you know what type of jogger pants you need, let’s look at how to wear them.
There are 3 very distinct ways to wear jogger outfits for men – casually, to work, and as part of a streetwear outfit.
1. Casual Jogger Sweatpants Outfits
Outside of athleisure, the fashion jogger is the epitome of casual – neither restrictive nor slouchy, more comfortable than denim, but less business-oriented than chinos and khakis.
Joggers shine by creating a contrast with tees and tanks. As you can see from Instagram and street fashion shoots, a short-sleeve tee plus matching joggers and a snapback equals effortless monochrome.
For warmer weather, matching it with a tank turns into prime festival style. And, with fall approaching, pairing it with a long-sleeve, solid-color tee transitions the piece into cooler weather.
2. Business-Casual Looks with Joggers
Even as the streetwear world quickly adopted jogger pants, menswear held them at a distance. Amongst blazers and button-downs, the tapered-and-cuffed shape seemed oddly informal and generally out of place.
As high-fashion brands collaborate with streetwear designers – or, in the case of Louis Vuitton, make them creative director – those divisions are now ever the muddier and intentionally so.
Supreme sees nothing of selling button-downs and blazers, while it’s not rare to spot hooded silhouettes, slouchier fits, anoraks, and camouflage prints on the runway. Thus, with joggers shedding their “nothing but casual” reputation, it’s only fitting to polish them up a bit.
Begin with your top: A fitted tee or relaxed button-down, in a contrasting shade, get you started. From here, a jacket is a necessity:
Although blazers tend to be too formal (but you shouldn’t entirely count them out), a darker-colored bomber or even a structured denim jacket has you ready to head into the city.
For footwear, stay toward classic sneakers, like a canvas skate shoe, high-tops, or even Stan Smiths. As an alternative, go for a workwear accent with a pair of thicker-soled lace-up boots.
Beyond this, however, chukkas, Chelsea boots, and oxfords seem too upscale and incongruous.
Just remember that you can dress up a nice pair of jogger pants with the right shirt and accessories.
3. Streetwear Jogger Outfits For Men
Streetwear, to a certain extent, pulls from everything above – the athleisure silhouettes, the casual pieces, and even the menswear-leaning styles. Yet, as the step taking it all beyond, patterns and graphics make the outfit, in this case.
Although you can find joggers in plenty of patterns – from space-dye to geometric – stay with the example’s solid shades. Rather, for that streetwear edge, match them with a camouflage print or an all-over graphic.
Metallic shades or quilted materials can give it a textural contrast, while, with workwear being one popular influence, consider playing your joggers off a shirt jacket. Or, to give your athleisure combination a bit of an edge, seek out box graphics – they don’t have to be Supreme – or even parody designs for an old-school, rave-influenced hint.
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Ivan Yaskey is a Philly-born menswear fashion blogger and copywriter. When not writing about men's style he's also an EDM and synthpop enthusiast.
