Few garments have climbed the style ladder as quickly as the jogger. Once a baggy grey sweatpant for running in, it is now cut slim, made in heavyweight cotton or technical fabric, and sold by streetwear labels and luxury houses alike.
London has been central to that shift. Labels such as Nicce, founded in the city in the early 2010s, built much of their following on clean, logo-light joggers and hoodies designed to look as good on the street as at the gym. The idea caught on because it was so practical: comfortable trousers that still look like a choice.
Fabric and fit
| Fabric | Feels like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Loopback cotton | Soft, structured, holds shape | Everyday wear, layering |
| Brushed fleece | Warm and fuzzy inside | Winter, lounging |
| Technical nylon or polyester | Light, quick-drying, slight stretch | Training, travel |
| Wool or wool blend | Smart, drapes well | Smart-casual, flights |
The fit should be tapered rather than skinny, with enough room through the thigh to sit comfortably. The cuffed ankle should land at or just above the ankle bone so it does not bunch over your trainers. A cord or elastic waist is standard; look for a flat drawstring rather than a thin one that tangles.
Three ways to wear them
All black, for the gym and after
Black joggers, a black hoodie and black-and-white trainers, finished with round frames. It is clean, it hides wear and it moves straight from a workout to a coffee. Read more in our athleisure guide.
Weekend smart
Grey or navy joggers with a fine-gauge knit, a denim or chore jacket and white leather trainers. The texture of the knit and jacket does the dressing up.
The travel uniform
For flights, joggers in a technical fabric or wool blend, a merino T-shirt and a light down layer are hard to beat. They also make sense on a long-haul trip to Las Vegas, where the plane is cold and the pavement is not; our Vegas weekend packing list explains what else goes in the case.
What to avoid
- Joggers that pool around the ankle or sag at the seat.
- Pairing them with formal leather shoes, which looks confused rather than clever.
- Wearing them to venues with a dress code. Many nightclubs, restaurants and casino salons still turn away sportswear at the door.
