What Are Jogging Pants? | Defining Joggers vs Sweatpants

In U.S. usage, “joggers” has become the dominant modern term, while “jogging pants” survives as an older label and in dictionary definitions. Dictionary.com defines jogging pants simply as “sweatpants, especially those used for jogging.” The practical answer to what jogging pants are comes down to one description: casual or athletic trousers with a drawstring or elastic waistband, a leg that narrows toward the ankle, and elastic cuffs at the bottom.

Most joggers are built from stretch fabrics like polyester-spandex blends, jersey, or lightweight breathable textiles, with some styles adding moisture-wicking or quick-dry performance features. Originally tied to running, they now dominate casual wear, lounging, and streetwear styling.

How Joggers Differ From Sweatpants And Track Pants

Sources distinguish joggers from sweatpants mainly by fit and finish. Joggers are typically lighter, more tapered, and more style-oriented, while sweatpants are looser and built for comfort or warmth. Track pants are another category again, usually featuring a straighter leg and often side stripes or snaps.

The practical differences show up in the details:

• Fit: joggers narrow from the knee to the ankle; sweatpants stay roomy throughout.
• Fabric: joggers lean on stretch blends like 88% polyester and 12% spandex; sweatpants often use thicker fleece.
• Cuff: both usually have elastic ankles, but joggers pair the cuff with a more tailored silhouette.
• Purpose: joggers straddle athletic and streetwear; sweatpants are pure comfort.

One caveat worth keeping in mind: “jogging pants” is not a technical standard. Definitions shift by retailer and region, so no single construction applies across every brand. Some products labeled “running pants” use a casual cut that suits fashion more than a serious workout.

Common Designs And Fabrics You Will Find

Retail examples show how varied the category has become. Patagonia’s Women’s Terrebonne Joggers use a slim jogger fit with a stretch waistband, cuffs, and a 28-inch inseam. Target’s Mizuno Men’s Alpha Jogger Running Pants pair 88% polyester with 12% spandex in a lightweight knit with a full elastic waistband and ankle-length cut. Their Burnside Active Performance Stretch Cargo Athletic Jogger adds a gathered cuff, drawstring waistband, cargo pocket, and zippered pocket in the same 88/12 blend.

Boys’ versions follow the same pattern: Target’s All In Motion Soft Stretch Jogger Pants use 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex in a jersey fabric with a full elastic waistband and an 18-inch inseam. Across all of these, the recurring features are elastic waists, gathered or cuffed hems, and stretch fabrics that hold their shape through movement.

How To Choose Joggers That Fit Well

Fit is where sizing gets tricky, because measurements vary by manufacturer. Measure your waist, hips, and inseam, then compare those numbers against the brand’s own size chart instead of relying on your usual size. When your measurements land between two sizes, one official guide from SBD Apparel recommends choosing the smaller size for a tighter fit or the larger size for a looser one. If your waist and hips point to different sizes, go with the larger measurement.

Men’s sizes in that same guide span XS through 5XL, with waist ranges starting at 27.5–31 inches and topping out at 48.5–51.5 inches. Women’s sizes run XS through 3XL, with waist ranges from 25.25–31.5 inches up to 43.25–45.75 inches. Popular cuts include tapered fit, which narrows from knee to ankle, and slim jogger fit, which hugs the leg more closely throughout.

If you are in the market, our tested roundup of the best women’s jogging pants compares top options by fit, fabric, and price.

FAQs