How to Style Joggers: A Fashion Editor’s Take on the Most Versatile Pant in Your Closet

EVEN AS A menswear editor, I still dress for comfort. I’ve been wearing hoodies and sweatpants for years, ever since my undergrad days at Howard University. Back then, joggers were practically my uniform. I wore them to early-morning classes, late-night study sessions, or casual hangs on the yard. Like most millennial men in their 20s, I usually paired them with a graphic tee, beat-up sneakers, and maybe a denim jacket if I was feeling dressier. It wasn’t about style so much as survival.

Fast forward to now, and my jogger game has grown up with me. At Men’s Health HQ, I still wear them, but I know how to make them look ten times more polished. Luckily, my favorite menswear brands have also leveled up their joggers with slimmer cuts in technical fabrics that look as great as they perform. Some days I’ll wear my joggers to the office on casual Friday. I’ve even worn them to laidback dinners with friends in the city. That’s the beauty of joggers. They’ve evolved right alongside me—from college comfort to everyday essential—and I’m not giving them up. And I’m not alone: leading guys like Chris Hemsworth and Alan Ritchson are making their joggers work. And here’s how you can, too.

Start with the Basics

Before we get into where to wear joggers, let’s start with the basics. The right pair should be tapered, but not tight, with a clean cuff that hits just above the ankle. Too baggy and you look sloppy, too skinny and you lose the relaxed vibe entirely. Stick to neutrals like black, navy, gray, or olive, to make them work with anything in your closet. In terms of fabric, go with a soft cotton blend or stretchy tech material, which will make your joggers feel more polished.

Just keep a few pitfalls in mind. Skip the gym-only joggers—anything shiny, mesh, or overly sporty rarely translates once you’re off the treadmill. Avoid sloppy fits and loud logos, and make sure your tops actually fit; the goal is balanced proportions, not a mismatched sweatsuit.

For the Office or Creative Meetings

If your office leans business-casual—or if you work in advertising, design, media, or tech—you can absolutely pull off joggers during the workday. The trick is pairing them with structured pieces to elevate their casual nature. A neat button-down, fine-gauge sweater or tailored sport coat gives your upper half definition and keeps the look sharp. Finish with clean leather or dress sneakers. With the right layers and finishes, joggers can look professional enough for meetings, yet still feel relaxed enough for your commute, coffee runs, or post-workout errands. You’ll stay comfortable, but you’ll look like you planned your outfit instead of settling for sweatpants.

For Weekends and Errands

Weekends are typically my time to catch up on errands, grab coffee, or meet a friend—but even if I’m not heading anywhere major, I still look presentable. You can wear a crisp t-shirt or hoodie and top it off with a denim jacket or bomber to give your look some structure. Clean, classic sneakers—like Koio’s Capri or Common Projects—anchor the outfit, while accessories such as a chronograph watch, slim backpack, or structured cap can take it up a notch. Even a lightweight scarf or subtle sunglasses can make a relaxed jogger-and-tee combo feel pull-together.

For Travel Days

If there’s a place joggers come in handy, it’s at 30,000 feet in the air. I stopped wearing jeans on the plane a long time ago—nothing about stiff denim is comfortable in those cramped seats. Joggers, on the other hand, are comfortable enough to survive a cross-country flight but stylish enough for whatever comes next once you land. I usually go with a stretchy tech-fabric pair that won’t wrinkle midair, and I’ll layer a T-shirt and hoodie under a tailored Barbour jacket or trench coat (since the cabin inevitably gets freezing). Structured outerwear elevates the look and keeps it from feeling like pajamas at the airport lounge. Slip-on sneakers make getting through TSA lines less of a hassle, but never go so cozy you’re wearing slippers. Add a sleek backpack or carry-on, and you’ve got an outfit that’s relaxed in the air but looks put-together in the airport lounge—or even for a meeting or coffee straight off the plane. Think first-class comfort without sacrificing style.

For Dinners

Yes, joggers can even hold their own on a night out—I’ve done it more times than I can count. When I’m heading to dinner, I’ll reach for a slim-yet-relaxed pair in a premium fabric—something with a bit of weight, like wool or heavyweight cotton. That’s what makes the difference between ‘just left the gym’ and ‘just showed up in style’. I usually throw on a button-down or crewneck sweater, then top it with a leather jacket or wool overshirt to add some edge. On my feet, a minimal dress sneaker makes the most sense, keeping everything sleek.

What to Style with Your Joggers

Final Tips

You want to look like you chose to put on joggers on purpose, not because your laundry pile won. Start with a clean, well-fitting pair in a neutral color—that’s your foundation. From there, think about where you’re headed and dress accordingly. Layer with a sport coat, blazer, or jacket for the office or travel; throw on a denim or bomber jacket for weekends and errands, or add a leather jacket or wool overshirt for dinners. Clean sneakers keep the look grounded, and subtle accessories like a watch, beanie, minimalist backpack, or classic sunglasses give it a nice finishing touch. With the right pieces, joggers can work anywhere, look sharp, and still keep you ridiculously comfortable.

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