Are Sweatpants and Joggers the Same?
Sweatpants. Joggers. Exercise pants. Track pants. There’s a myriad of names for the stretchy, comfy bottoms you wear around the house or on a run, but they’re all pretty similar — loose and comfy.
The difference between joggers and sweatpants is subtle, but it matters when you’re shopping for your next pair of comfy bottoms. Sweatpants are looser fitting than joggers, while joggers hug your body more closely and have been made to look like designer athletic wear.
What is the Difference Between Joggers and Sweatpants?
Sweatpants and joggers are similar in that they both have elastic waistbands and slim leg openings, but they differ in several ways.
- Sweatpants are definitely made for comfort, but they aren’t just for going to the gym or jogging. They can be worn casually or dressed up.
- Joggers, on the other hand, are often made with materials that wick moisture away from your body so that you stay dry while you’re exercising or running around doing errands. They are designed to be worn while doing athletic activities, hence the name “joggers.”
- Sweatpants tend to be looser fitting than joggers, and they may have drawstrings around the waist or cuffs at the ankle. This makes them more comfortable to wear while lounging around the house or relaxing. They also have slanted pockets on either side of the front of the pant leg, whereas joggers have pockets that run vertically alongside the inner thigh.
- Joggers are designed for use during sports or physical activity and tend to be more form-fitting than sweatpants. They also often feature zippered pockets to secure important items like keys and wallets during a workout or run outdoors.
Why Are Sweatpants Called Sweatpants?
Sweatpants are called sweatpants because they used to be made from sweat-wicking fabrics (most often nylon). The name stuck even though many sweatpants now come in different materials besides cotton and spandex. Their fuzzy exterior also makes them comfortable to wear inside or out, so you might see people wearing them at home or at the gym.
Sweatpants are just the combination of two words sweat and pants. They were named for their ability to absorb sweat, hence the name sweatpants
“Sweat” is often used to describe perspiration and “pants” are the garments that are worn on the lower body. So when you combine “sweat” and “pants” together, you get a pair of pants that will absorb sweat.
Why Are Sweatpants Called Joggers?
Joggers are not sweatpants and technically they are 2 totally different items however manufacturers are making the two words almost interchangeable these days and it is not unusual these days to see the two terms used together to describe an item.
A jogger, in the clothing sense, is a type of loose-fitting and casual pant that is worn for exercise. They are made from elasticized material and are baggy enough to allow the wearer to exercise without restriction. Joggers are also coming back into fashion again as regular pants.
- Sweatpants are made from a heavy cotton-polyester blend, specifically designed to absorb sweat while you exercise. They have a drawstring waistband so they can be adjusted to fit comfortably over your waist, hips, and butt. They also have an elastic cuff at the bottom to help keep them in place during exercise.
- The legs of sweatpants are loose-fitting, so they don’t get stuck under your shoes when you run or work out.
- Tracks pants are made from a soft material with an elastic waistband so they can be pulled on easily over your head while you’re wearing your running shoes. They also have a wide legs so they won’t ride up during an intensive workout.
- Joggers are generally made from a lightweight knit fabric like cotton or spandex that’s designed for comfort and easy movement during exercise. They usually don’t have drawstrings at the waist or elastic cuffs on the legs because joggers aren’t designed for heavy workouts like running
Joggers were first introduced in the 1970s when they were called “jogging pants.” Their original purpose was to provide comfort and increased flexibility for outdoor fitness enthusiasts, who were using them for jogging or other outdoor activities. The pants were also popular with celebrities such as Elvis Presley and Diana Ross.
In the 1980s, joggers became popular among teenagers who would wear them with multiple pairs of underwear in order to make them look stylish and baggier. These so-called “over pants” gained popularity among urban youth during this time period.
Around this time, joggers became associated with sweatpants by manufacturers and clothing designers. While joggers have a straight leg line, sweatpants have more of a relaxed fit. This led some people who weren’t familiar with the technical differences between sweatpants and joggers to refer to both articles of clothing interchangeably as just “sweatpants.”
What Is Considered a Sweatpant?
There are many different types of sweatpants, but they all share certain features:
- They are loose-fitting. Every pair of sweatpants has elastic in the waistband so it can stretch over your stomach and hips. That’s important because otherwise, they’d be uncomfortable to wear around the house.
- They provide warmth and comfort. Sweatpants often have a fleece lining the inside or even whole sections made from fleece material to keep you warm in winter or cooler in summer. These sections can also be covered with mesh panels to provide additional breathability during hot weather months.
In summary, after clearing up the differences between sweatpants and joggers, it seems that you can have your cake and eat it too. Sweatpants are often more baggy and comfortable than joggers which make them easy to wear at home but also around town. Joggers are for working out in good weather but equally at home on the couch or going shopping.
The bottom line is that if you like looking fashionable without spending a ton of money, sweatpants and joggers offer style whether you’re going to the gym or heading outside to chase after your kids.
You may also be interested in… Where to Wear Sweatpants? and What Are Sweatpants Good For?
