Jogger pants have come a very long way from being just sporting gear. They are currently one of the must-haves of every woman’s closet. The comfort that these pants offer cannot be beat; still, getting the right fit that suits your shape could prove quite challenging at times. Here’s how to get the right fit of jogger pants.
Exploring Different Jogger Pant Styles
Before diving into body types, it's helpful to know the basic styles available. Jogger pants are defined by their elasticized ankle cuffs and, typically, an elastic or drawstring waist. However, the variations within this category are vast. The leg shape, the rise of the waistband, and the fabric all play critical roles in the final look and feel.
A style that works beautifully on one person might create an undesirable silhouette on another. The key is to match the elements of the pants to the proportions you want to highlight or balance. The most significant distinction in jogger pants is the cut of the leg, which determines the overall shape.
The table below breaks down the common jogger pant fits.
| Fit Style | Fit Description | Best For | Styling Vibe |
| Tapered Fit | Gradually narrows from the knee down to the ankle cuff. | Almost all body types; great for showcasing footwear. | Clean, versatile, modern. |
| Relaxed Fit | Offers more room throughout the hip, thigh, and leg. | Athletic builds or those prioritizing comfort. | Casual, streetwear, comfort-focused. |
| Slim Fit | Fits closely to the leg from hip to ankle. | Petite frames or those who prefer a sharp, tailored look. | Sharp, contemporary, sleek. |
Each of these cuts creates a different line and offers unique benefits depending on your build and personal style.
Tapered Fit Versus Relaxed Fit
The tapered fit is the most common and arguably most versatile style. It creates a clean, streamlined look that prevents the pants from appearing sloppy. Tapered joggers work well for almost all body types because they follow the natural line of the leg without adding excess bulk. They are excellent at showcasing footwear.
A relaxed fit or straight-leg jogger offers more room throughout the hip, thigh, and leg. This style often has a more casual, streetwear-inspired aesthetic. It prioritizes comfort and movement. Relaxed-fit joggers can be a great option for those with thicker thighs or an athletic build who find tapered fits too restrictive. The key is to ensure the cuff is still relatively snug, so the pants maintain their shape.
A slim fit is a close cousin to the tapered fit but is narrower through the entire leg. This style is modern and sharp but requires careful consideration of fabric. A good slim-fit jogger needs plenty of stretch to avoid looking and feeling restrictive.
High-Waisted and Mid-Rise Jogger Pants
The height of your jogging trousers determines how the waist sits on your body; this makes a great proportioning point.
High waisted joggers rest at or above the natural waist line. This trend is very common and sought after when it comes to jogger pants amongst female clothing. The higher waist line works beautifully when pairing with cropped tops or with tops that are tucked in. As a woman with the pear shape or hourglass figure, this type of clothing works wonders at creating the waist and hip line.
Mid-rise joggers are the classic choice. They sit comfortably just below the navel, resting on the hip bones. This rise is universally comfortable and works for nearly all body types and torso lengths. It's a "safe" and reliable option that doesn't demand specific top pairings. Men jogger pants most commonly feature a mid-rise.
A low-rise option exists but is less common in joggers. It sits well below the navel and offers a very specific, casual look that can shorten the appearance of the legs, so it's a less popular choice for a flattering fit.
Finding Jogger Pants for Athletic Body Types
People with an athletic build tend to have wider shoulders and bigger thighs. Usually, the major issue with this type of individual’s clothing fit that they may struggle with when looking out for their attire is the width of the waist.
Emphasizing Your Natural Shape
The point of an athletic fit is looking for jogging suits that flatter your figure, not camouflage it. Try not to go too baggy or boxy on the fit because this may camouflage the definition of the figure.
A relaxed tapered cut should be chosen. A relaxed tapered cut allows your trousers more room at the seat and thighs so that there are no constraints on movements or sitting. The tapered part of the cut after the knee region ensures that the material of the trousers does not overcrowd your leg.
A well-structured waist band that not too tight as well. A broad waist band made of flat elastic with a string at the waist band ensures that the trousers fit well on the thighs if the waist band cut is bigger.
Fabric Choices That Flatter
Fabric is your best friend. For athletic shapes, materials with good stretch are non-negotiable. Look for blends containing elastane or spandex.
- Performance Tech Fabrics: These (like polyester, nylon, or scuba-style knits) are excellent. They stretch, wick moisture, and drape smoothly over muscle rather than clinging or bunching. They offer a sleek, modern look.
- French Terry: This is an excellent compromise. This material is softer than bulky fleece but more rigid than a thin jersey material. This material gives form and comfort but doesn’t offer unnecessary thickness.
- Heavy Fleece: Although comfortable, one should consider that heavier and fuzzy material may contribute greatly to the visual mass of the garment. This material may fit well with laid-back joggers that do not require definition.
Best Jogger Pants for Curvy Figures
For curvy, pear, hourglass, or plus-size body types, the right joggers create balance, celebrate curves, and provide a smooth, comfortable fit. The biggest pitfalls are pulling across the hips, a gap at the back of the waistband, or a fit that is too tight in some places and too loose in others.
Creating Balance with the Right Cut
A great option that works well on a woman with curves is the high waist jogger. By giving definition at the waist, it pulls attention to the narrowest area of the waist line and creates an aesthetically appealing hourglass figure.
This should be paired with the tapered leg. A wide-leg silhouette may come across as bulky at times; the tapered leg creates a lean line of the ankle area, giving the silhouette definition. This avoids the "tent" phenomenon and promotes the celebration of your figure.
Much of the womens jogger pants line currently offers "curvy fit" options. This type of fit adds more inches around the hips and buttocks but still offers a natural fit around the waist. This line of clothing offers the best of both worlds by offering a completely comfortable fit with an enhanced silhouette.
Avoiding Common Fit Mistakes
Three common errors can detract from an amazing jogger look.
First is the fabric trap. A thin, flimsy jersey knit will cling to every line and may become sheer when stretched. Instead, opt for medium-weight, structured fabrics. Scuba knits, ponte, or high-quality French terry offer support and smoothing, skimming over curves rather than clinging to them.
Second is pocket puckering. Side-seam pockets can sometimes flare out, adding extra visual width to the hips. Look for joggers with slanted or zippered front pockets, which tend to lie flat. Or, seek out styles with back pockets, which can add a nice shape to the rear.
Finally, avoid sizing down for a "slimmer" look. Joggers are meant to have some ease. A pair that is too tight will be uncomfortable, restrictive, and will pull across the hips and thighs. If you are between sizes, it is almost always better to size up for a more graceful drape.
Jogger Pants for Petite Body Types
A petite body type (typically 5'4" or 163 cm and under) is about height, not weight. The biggest challenge may lie with the overbearing amount of material on their clothing. Having an improper set of joggers on may make an individual appear stout and shorter.
Length and Proportion Considerations
Inseam is everything. This is the single most important factor for a petite fit. The cuff of your jogger pants should hit right at or just slightly above the ankle bone. This creates a clean break and shows off the ankle.
If the jogger is too long, the cuff will bunch up in a messy pile on top of your shoes. This visually cuts off the leg line and shortens your frame. Look for retailers that offer "short" or "petite" inseam lengths. If you find a pair you love that is too long, getting them hemmed by a tailor is a worthy investment.
A slim-tapered fit is the most flattering cut. Avoid overly relaxed or baggy styles, which will add volume and swallow your frame. A fit that stays relatively close to the leg maintains your natural silhouette.
Visual Tricks to Add Height
Some styling tips can create the impression of longer legs.
Embrace the High Waist. This type of figure works well with the curve figure type because the waist line appears lifted. This makes your lower part of the body appear longer. This works better with jogger pants.
Make a monochromatic look. By wearing jogger pants with a shirt of the same hue (for instance black jogger pants with a black shirt or gray jogger pants with a gray knit), the impression of an unbroken line will be created. This creates the illusion that the wearer appears taller.
Show an inch of ankle. This tiny space between the jogger cuff and your feet is very significant. It serves as the point of distinction that avoids the "stump" look. To complete the jogger look, pair them with low-top sneakers or sandals that do not go over the ankle.
Styling Your Jogger Pants for Any Occasion
The beauty of modern jogger pants is their versatility. They can be styled for a huge range of settings, far beyond the gym or the sofa.
Casual Everyday Looks
This is the jogger's natural habitat. For a classic, effortless look, pair your favorite cotton or French terry joggers with a simple t-shirt or a casual knit. A denim jacket or a utility jacket tossed on top adds a layer of polish.
For footwear, you can't go wrong with classic sneakers. This look is perfect for running errands, grabbing coffee, or a casual weekend brunch. The key is to ensure the pieces are clean and fit well. A relaxed jogger often looks best with a more fitted top, while a slim jogger can be balanced with a slightly oversized hoodie or sweatshirt. This approach helps you elevate your comfort with simple, stylish pairings that work anywhere.
Dressing Up Your Athleisure
Yes, you can wear jogger pants for a "smart" look. The secret lies in two things: fabric and fit.
To dress them up, your joggers must be a sleek, elevated material. Think sateen, silk, scuba knit, ponte, or a premium, smooth-tech fabric. Black, navy, or charcoal are the easiest colors to elevate.
For womens jogger pants, pair them with a silk camisole and a sharp blazer. Add pointed-toe heels or sleek ankle boots. The juxtaposition of the sporty jogger cuff with the formal shoe is a chic, modern statement.
For men jogger pants, choose a slim, dark pair and team it with a fitted polo, a high-quality knit sweater, or even an unstructured blazer. Finish the look with minimalist leather sneakers or a clean pair of loafers for a smart-casual look that is perfect for a casual office or a nice dinner.
Find Your Perfect Joggers Now
Finding the right jogger pants truly comes down to honoring your unique shape. By paying attention to the rise, cut, fabric, and inseam, you can move beyond a "one-size-fits-all" mentality. The perfect pair awaits—one that offers maximum comfort without sacrificing an ounce of personal style.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jogger Pants
Q1: What Is the Difference Between Jogger Pants and Sweatpants?
The first distinction is the silhouette. Jogger pants almost invariably have a tapered leg that ends with an elasticized cuff at the ankle. Sweatpants may have a tapered leg but more frequently have an elasticized or open straight leg. Joggers are more frequently made of a wider variety of fabrics than are sweatpants. Additionally, jogger pants almost invariably have an elastic waist band, whereas sweatpants usually do not. While joggers are defined by their tapered fit, you can also embrace comfort and style with workout sweatpants for different activities.
Q2: Can Men Jogger Pants Be Worn for Formal Occasions?
For truly formal events (like black-tie), no. However, for "smart-casual" or business-casual settings, a very sleek, dark-colored pair of men jogger pants can work. They must be made of an elevated fabric (like a wool blend or high-end tech material), have a sharp taper, and be paired with smart pieces like a blazer, a button-down shirt, and leather shoes.
Q3: How Do I Find the Right Size Womens Jogger Pants Online?
Determine your natural waist measurement, hips at their widest point, and ideal inseam length (from crotch bone to ankle bone). Then compare this with the measurements of that particular company on their sizing chart as every company varies with their size. Some other reviews may state whether users prefer the pants to fit better if taken up or down a size according to their measurements. Some may even offer "curvy" or "petite" fit options if that suits your figure.
Q4: What Are the Best Shoes to Wear with Jogger Pants?
To sport an informal look, low-profile sneakers have remained an age-old choice. To give the wearer an approachable look, the choices are heels with the toes being point-shaped worn by the female gender and simple leather shoes or even loafer shoes with neat joggers worn by the male gender. The only requirement of the shoes should be that they should match well with the cuff of the jogger that needs to be flaunted.
Q5: How Should Jogger Pants Fit at the Ankle?
The elastic cuff should fit closely at or just above the point of the ankle bone. This helps create a clear "break" point at the transition into the shoe. You do not want the cuff too long so that it bunches up over the shoe, nor too high so that the look becomes more like that of capri pants. This ensures the correct fit for the classic tapered shape of the jogger
