Sweatpants and joggers are two of the most iconic pieces of clothing in history. They both started as athletic gear, but they’re used for much more today. So what exactly is the difference between men’s sweatpants and joggers?
This article has covered each clothing’s origin story and how they differ on a visual level so you can confidently wear whichever is best suited for you.
What’s the Difference Between Sweatpants and Joggers?
Sweatpants are the more casual of the two, with an athletic fit and loose baggy fit. They’re typically made from cotton and sometimes with a blend of cotton and polyester.
Joggers, on the other hand, are tighter fitting than sweatpants and usually have an elastic waistband as opposed to a drawstring or belt. They can also be made from either 100 percent cotton or a blend of cotton and polyester (usually 50/50).
Casual Style
Sweatpants are casual, and joggers are more formal. Sweatpants can be paired with a t-shirt or tank top, but joggers look better with button-up shirts. Sweatpants are often associated with hoodies; jogging pants usually aren’t.
Wearing Sweatpants vs. Wearing Joggers
A sweatpant is a classic pair of pants worn when working out or relaxing. These are made of cotton, polyester, or other fabrics and come in many colors and styles. Sweatpants typically have elastic bands around the waist and ankles to help keep them in place during exercise.
Sweatpants are typically paired with athletic shoes like Chuck Taylors or Nike Free Runs because they’re great for exercising outdoors or running errands around town. You could also wear them with your favorite sneakers if you want to look more casual—it all depends on how much effort you want to put into getting dressed up!
Joggers (also called track pants) are similar garments in many ways but have some distinct features to sweatpants, such as:
Longer History, More Popular
Joggers are newer than sweatpants, but they’re not that new. They began to gain popularity in the 80s and 90s as athletic wear became more common among casual consumers. Jogger pants were roomy enough to allow for comfort while exercising and flattering enough to be worn outside of the gym.
Sweatpants had a similar function, with their loose-fitting design allowing for free movement (and no need to worry about your butt hanging out). But until recently, sweatpants weren’t considered an appropriate option for wearing outside unisex dormitories or fraternity houses.
The thing is, sweatpants and joggers are both athletic-inspired garments. Fashion experts at Champion advise,”Complete your outfit from top to bottom with our essential collection of men’s t-shirts, in both plain and printed designs, and one of our iconic hoodies with signature logo details.” So how does it matter whether you wear one or the other? The answer is simple: It doesn’t.
Wear whatever makes you feel great! Just don’t forget about the subtle differences between these two types of pants so that when someone asks where they came from or why they look different from everyday jeans and trousers, you can give them an educated response. So, what are you waiting for? Get a pair of joggers or sweatpants to reflect your style.