How to Style Joggers: 4 Ways to Wear Joggers

Joggers are a casual-style pair of pants with a drawstring waist that have come to prominence with the popularity of athleisure. They can resemble sweatpants in material and overall fit but are generally distinguishable by their more tailored appearance and elasticized ankle cuffs. In more recent years, joggers that more closely resemble chinos or slacks have also become a popular option.

Whether you’re going for a more casual outfit or planning a look for date night, opt for a jogger with a more fitted, rather than baggy, look.

Styling jogger outfits can be tricky because they can feel more like you are wearing loungewear. Still, with the right fit and accompaniments, you can make a pair of joggers a surprisingly versatile part of your wardrobe regardless of your body type. Here are some tips and outfit ideas for your jogger pants:

1. 1. A casual look: Joggers are a classic part of a street style–inspired ensemble. One easy way to wear them is with streetwear fashion staples like a casual T-shirt or hoodie along with a pair of sneakers. As with the joggers themselves, you will have a more put-together outfit if you choose structured items, like a slim-fit sweatshirt. Similarly, since the elastic ankle cuffs will likely draw attention to your shoes, the sneakers you choose should be clean and in good condition. In other words, if your white sneakers are dirty while you’re wearing joggers, it will be easy to tell—here’s how to wear white sneakers to maximize their impact.
2. 2. Dressier applications: You likely can’t substitute joggers for more formal trousers due to their inevitably sporty appearance, but that also doesn’t rule them out for a more unconventional approach to a night out. Especially if your joggers are denim or twill (like chinos), try pairing them with an unstructured blazer and an untucked or partially tucked button-down. For your shoes, consider a more formal pair of sneakers or a pair of loafers. If you know how to wear a blazer with jeans, pairing one with joggers follows a similar concept.
3. 3. Layering: Since you can wear joggers and look casual and unassuming, the pants give you plenty of leeway to have fun with textures and patterns on your upper half. To dress up a white tee or tank top, consider adding a cardigan or a denim jacket. Similarly, you can experiment with wearing a chunky, colorful sweater to contrast with your joggers’ laid-back appearance. Check out fashion expert Tan France’s tips for mixing different clothing textures.
4. 4. A note on socks: Joggers can look awkward with high socks, so you’re better off choosing shoes and socks that don’t show them. For example, you can wear low socks with sneakers or a pair of casual ankle boots that hide your socks altogether.

Get a MasterClass Annual Membership and let Tan France be your very own style maestro. Queer Eye’s fashion guru spills everything he knows about building a capsule collection, finding a signature look, understanding proportions, and more (including why it’s important to wear underwear to bed)—all in a soothing British accent, no less.