Joggers vs. Sweatpants: What’s the Difference?

Athleisure has proven to the world that you can blend comfort and style. That same concept carries over to sweatpants & joggers, and you don’t have to choose between staying comfortable all day and looking good.

In your search for the perfect pants to complement your lifestyle and activity level, you’ll run into many different types of pants and bottoms vying for your attention. We’re going to take a closer look at two kinds of activewear you’ll often come across: sweatpants and joggers and take a look at the difference between them.

Are Joggers and Sweatpants the Same Thing?

It’s time to answer one of the most pressing questions of the century: Are joggers and sweatpants the same? At first glance, sweatpants and joggers seem to be nearly identical. They’re comfort-forward, and you’re likely to see them both on the street, at the gym, and at home.

Joggers and sweatpants can be a fashion statement or an enviable, casual loungewear set. Either can also be used for working out, running, or playing sports. Although joggers and sweatpants are indeed similar, the differences are all in the details that we’ll get into below.

What Are Joggers?

You can think of joggers as the slightly more posh cousin of sweatpants. Sure, there is a family resemblance, but joggers’ slimming, tapered construction make them a wiser choice for dressier occasions. Sweatpants can still be fashionable streetwear, but there’s a reason why you’re more likely to see joggers when you’re out on a date or at a casual work meeting.

Joggers feature a more tailored construction, cinch in at the ankle, and feature lighter weight, breathable fabrics. For activities where staying cool is paramount, joggers offer superior ventilation to sweatpants, which are typically thicker and warmer.

Characteristics of Joggers

  • Ventilated and breathable
  • Ideal for sports and training
  • Tapers at the ankle
  • Lighter weight fabrics
  • Slimmer fit

What Are Sweatpants?

Compared to joggers, sweatpants are heavier, looser, and often designed for cooler weather. The thicker material in sweatpants means better insulation and more efficient body heat retention. There’s a reason why wrestlers work out in sweatsuits to make their weight class.

With that said, sweatpants are an excellent option for lounging at home or exercising in colder weather. They’re typically a little wider around the ankles and loose-fitting, giving them an overall more casual feel when compared to joggers.

Of course, not all sweatpants are the same. You can find more fashion-forward mens sweatpants with slimmer silhouettes as easily as you can find sweats designed for top-notch lounging.

Characteristics of Sweatpants

  • Less structured and more slouchy
  • Heavier fabric
  • Loungewear
  • Soft
  • Straight leg fit with no taper

Sweatpants vs. Joggers: Who Takes Home Gold?

Your best option depends on activity level, style, and fit in the battle of sweatpants vs. joggers. If you’re ready to find the activewear pants of your dreams, the best place to start is Fabletics. Our wide range of activewear is designed to be comfort-forward, fashion-forward, and affordable.

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