Men's joggers

Men's joggers have moved from strictly gym kit into genuine smart-casual territory, provided the fabric and cut are chosen with the same care as a pair of chinos.

Fabric, waistband and rise

A pair of men's joggers at Hackett London is typically built from a cotton-rich French terry or brushed fleece at 280-320 g/m², with a small percentage of elastane for stretch through the seat and knee. An elasticated drawcord waistband replaces the tab closure standard trousers use, giving a fully adjustable fit without a button or zip fly. Mid rise sits at the natural waist across the range, with a tapered leg that narrows from the knee to a ribbed cuff at the ankle.

A ribbed ankle cuff, knitted at a tighter gauge than the leg itself, is what keeps joggers from bunching loosely at the ankle the way a plain hemmed trouser leg would. Side seam pockets, cut deep enough to hold a phone securely, are reinforced at the entry point to prevent the stitching from splitting under repeated use.

Joggers versus chinos

Joggers trade the structured drape of a chino for stretch and an elasticated waist, making them the more comfortable choice for travel or genuinely casual days, while chinos hold a cleaner line for smart-casual dressing. Men's joggers in a heavier French terry can bridge the two registers when paired carefully, particularly in a tapered, dark colourway rather than a boxier, brighter fit.

Charcoal joggers with a plain white t-shirt and a field jacket, for a considered take on off-duty dressing rather than gym kit.
The same joggers with an unstructured blazer and trainers for a genuinely smart-casual look that still prioritises comfort.

Can joggers be dressed up?

A tapered, dark-coloured pair of men's joggers in a smooth French terry, rather than a heavily textured fleece, pairs more convincingly with a blazer than a boxier, brighter alternative.

What's the difference between joggers and chinos?

Joggers have an elasticated, drawcord waistband and a tapered leg with a ribbed ankle cuff, while chinos use a tab-closure waistband and a straight or slim-leg cut without a cuff. Joggers prioritise comfort and stretch; chinos hold a more structured, tailored line. Both can share a similar cotton-elastane composition depending on the style.

Can joggers be worn with a blazer?

A tapered pair in a smooth, dark fabric pairs reasonably well with an unstructured blazer for a smart-casual look, particularly in a French terry rather than a heavily textured fleece. Avoiding drawstrings left hanging loose keeps the pairing looking deliberate. Leather shoes rather than trainers push the look slightly more formal.

Do joggers run true to size compared to chinos?

Joggers generally fit more generously through the seat and thigh than a tailored chino of the same waist size, due to the added stretch and looser cut. Checking the tapered leg measurement against a favourite pair of chinos is the most reliable way to judge sizing. The elasticated waistband also allows more flexibility than a fixed chino waist.