While the words joggers and sweatpants may ring to be synonymous for most people, it is essential to know that there are some major contrasts between the two.
Picking the correct bottom wear for you might not seem like a major life decision, but it can be determined based on your location, your style, your persona, and your preferential fit.
For people who lead active lifestyles, it is important to select the right kind of joggers or sweatpants.
Joggers vs. Sweatpants: Key Distinctions
Although there are multiple similarities between the two, there are also some striking distinctions that set them apart like the fabric used in them, the fit of both, the shape and size, the thickness of the material, and the use of them in different occasions.
While joggers are slightly less casual and can be worn in more situations, sweatpants may not be appropriate for some classier events or occasions.
Comparing Features and Characteristics
Fabrics
The most common fabrics and materials you’ll come across when looking for a pair of good quality sweatpants are cotton, polyester, cotton-polyester blend, fleece, spandex, etc.
One of the most popular fabrics for sweatpants is the cotton-polyester blend because of their versatility in different weathers.
For people who live in colder regions where temperatures can dip below 0℃ go for warmer fabrics like fleece, and a blend of fleece and cotton.
While spandex has more stretch than cotton-polyester, it is less durable which makes cotton-polyester the most optimum choice for everyone.
On the other hand, joggers are generally built from fleece fabrics like polar fleece, ponte, French Terry, Jersey knit cotton, etc. These materials are slightly fancier than that of sweatpants, and amount to more expense.
Fit
Fabrics used in the construction of joggers and sweatpants are not the only distinction between them. Another major difference is the fit.
Sweatpants are baggier and have a slightly looser fit. Their material of cotton-polyester makes for a heavier and thicker feel. This accounts for sweatpants being the most used piece of loungewear.
Contrarily, joggers are more form-fitting and slimmer and fall beautifully off the user’s legs.
This accounts for joggers not being the most optimum form of loungewear, and as a result are more comfortable and convenient as a form of activewear.
Joggers also tend to have a tapered fit at the bottom and ankles, while sweatpants are not generally tapered.
Exploring Fashion ability, Weight, and Flexibility
Fashion
One of the most prominent differences between the two is the occasion when they can be worn and be socially acceptable.
Joggers while not being one of the most formal bottom wear pieces to exist are still more formally accepted than sweatpants. Depending upon the fit, colour, and texture, your favourite pair of joggers might even be workplace-appropriate.
Sweatpants can also be worn outside of just working out and lounging. However, sweatpants are associated heavily with lax and inappropriate attire. This heavily restricts the usage of sweatpants in public, especially in more formal settings.
Weight
The weight of your joggers and sweatpants generally depends on the type of material used to build it.
Sweatpants tend to be heavier because of the heavy cotton blend material generally used. Also, most sweatpants tend to be made of thicker material than joggers because joggers are more used as activewear.
As most joggers are utilized as activewear, it is important to note that they are not heavy because a thicker material lowers the moisture-wicking technology of the bottom wear.
Flexibility
The flexibility of sweatpants is slightly more limited than joggers. This is because of the lack of flexible materials in it.
Sweatpants are more loungewear than activewear, which makes sense for them to be less flexible.
On the contrary, joggers are way more flexible because they are the preferred choice of people who lead extremely active lifestyles.
Decoding Joggers
Joggers, as the name suggests, were invented for physical activities and an active lifestyle. They provide you with the maximum flexibility and mobility to achieve the best physical results possible.
They are usually made from materials that support your workout needs without being too constricting.
Joggers are generally formed with materials like polyester, fleece and different forms of fleece, and cotton. Joggers are sporty, durable and extremely lightweight.
Joggers are extremely flattering and fit really well for most of the general population.
They are slightly more form-fitting and slimming than sweatpants, which helps in giving a little definition to your toned legs, without it feeling like a second skin.
Different types of joggers are lounge joggers which you can use casually without the compulsion of working out, sporty joggers which can be used for playing sports, and everyday joggers which can be worn outdoors as well because despite being comfortable, they are appropriate for most situations.
Defining Athletic Mobility in Joggers
Joggers are perfect for all outdoor activities. They provide a great amount of support to your legs, and especially if you are a runner, joggers are the right choice.
Because of the presence of spandex or polyester, they are stretchable, durable, and extremely mobile which allows you to achieve all your athletic goals.
The Comfort of Sweatpants
Sweatpants are baggy and loosely fitted bottom wear. While joggers are more inclined for athletic applications, sweatpants can be termed athleisure wear. They are more loungewear, because of how comfortable they truly are.
The baggy fit of sweatpants really allows them to be breathable and comfortable. While their mobility might be on the same level as that of joggers, their comfort and lax feeling really sets them apart.
Thick and Cozy: Exploring Fabric and Fit
Sweatpants are made from thicker and heavier because they are meant to be a form of loungewear. Sweatpants are generally made from fleece, wool, cotton blend, etc. Sweatpants are comfortable enough to get a good night’s sleep in.
Sweatpants can be your friend for colder days. And they give off a very cool vibe when paired with oversized hoodies or sweatshirts.
Tips for Choosing the Best Sweatpants: Weather, Style, & Materials
Keeping the major differences between sweatpants and joggers in mind, making a very informed decision of choosing the right bottom wear should not be difficult.
It is important to have a mental checklist ready when choosing the perfect pair of sweatpants for you.
Firstly, it is important to plan about the usage of your sweatpants. You must be clear of whether you wish to wear it outside your home and gym and for other outdoor situations.
Outdoor usage of sweatpants calls for its pairing with a comfortable and cool graphic t-shirt.
The Importance of Comfort: Opting for 100% Cotton
Another tip is choosing the right pair of sweatpants for you based on the weather of your locale.
If you live in a cold haven, it would be prudent to opt for a pair of sweatpants which are thick, and made of wool or fleece and can be a source of providing safety and coziness to you.
On the other hand, if you live in a warmer region, the best kind of sweatpants to go for is one that is made of 100% cotton.
100% cotton makes the pair of sweatpants extremely durable and breathable. The lack of a manmade fabric enhances its soft feel.
How to Style Sweatpants with Panache: Accessories, Footwear, and Jackets
Styling sweatpants for men and women does not have to be an intimidating task.
The notion of sweatpants being loungewear creates some restrictions to fully using them at maximum potential, you can still challenge these pre-defined notions and take risks.
You can pair your sweatpants with a nice jacket. This casual jacket doubles down the athleisure tag and can be an extremely fashionable way to style sweatpants.
Another styling tip is to add a pair of sports shoes or slides.
Sports shoes can look extremely stylish when styled in the right manner, and pairing them with sweatpants and a jacket is just that.
sweatpants in everyday life for both men and women does not have to be difficult. Men can add a nice slim-fit t-shirt to cage in the boxy look of their sweatpants. On the other hand, women can add a small tee that fits them like second skin to balance out the bagginess of the sweatpants. Opting for solid and plain colors is a very efficient hack to be comfortable, confident and look stylish in your sweatpants attire. For the winter days, adding on a jacket or an oversized coat can just elevate your look to the next level. Another way to style them is by adding on a pair of button-down shirt to bring in the preppy look with your sweatpants.
Conclusion
Joggers and sweatpants have a lot in common, but they also have a lot of distinctions. Learning these differences between them can help you get the hang of each of them and how to use them as tools in your styling game. Whether you wish to lead an active lifestyle and go for joggers, or you’re looking to expand your loungewear collection by opting for sweatpants, it doesn’t have to be complicated anymore. So, grab your favorite pair of joggers or sweatpants, and set out to achieve all your goals!