Joybuy Insights

Buying joggers: how to choose the right fit, fabric and style

For many people in Germany, joggers are a wardrobe essential. They’re worn for exercise, travel, working from home and relaxing. There’s plenty of choice, from classic sweatpants and tracksuit bottoms to yoga trousers, running trousers and cargo joggers. But with so much variety, it’s easy to make the wrong choice.

Common problems aren’t necessarily down to the price, but to unclear product information. A soft fabric may lose its shape after a few washes, a loose fit may get in the way when you’re running, or trousers without secure pockets may prove impractical for everyday use. The following points can help you narrow down your choice of joggers for women and men.

Common buying and marketing pitfalls when choosing joggers

1. “Comfortable” without specific fabric information

The word “comfortable” doesn’t describe a measurable feature. What matters is the fabric composition, the fabric weight and the fit. Cotton can feel pleasant against the skin, while polyester often dries more quickly. A touch of elastane can help you move freely, but on its own it says nothing about durability.

Look for specific details such as 95% cotton and 5% elastane or 70% cotton and 30% polyester. If fabric information is missing altogether, it’s harder to make an objective comparison.

2. Pockets that only look practical in the product photo

When choosing joggers with pockets, check whether the pockets are open or fasten with a zip or hook-and-loop fastening. Secure pockets are useful for keys and cards when commuting, going for a walk or travelling. Large side pockets, on the other hand, can get in the way during exercise if their contents move around.

The product description should also make it clear whether the trousers have “side pockets” or pockets that actually fasten securely.

3. Size details without body measurements

International sizes such as S, M and XL can vary between brands, so don’t rely on your usual clothing size alone. Compare your waist, hip and inside leg measurements with the size guide for the product.

For women’s joggers, the rise may also be important. For men’s joggers, waist and leg measurements have a particularly strong influence on the fit. A drawstring at the waist allows for some adjustment, but it can’t replace choosing the right base size.

The key things to consider at a glance

Fabric: cotton, blends or stretch

Cotton joggers are often chosen for leisure and relaxing. Product listings usually state the fabric composition clearly. For example, JBS PAUL is described as 100% cotton. Urban Classics lists a composition of 70% cotton and 30% polyester for its Fluffy Sweatpants.

A touch of elastane may be useful for yoga, stretching or everyday activities that involve plenty of movement. PULI and SPECIAL MAGIC both state 95% cotton and 5% elastane. This tells you about the fabric composition, but it isn’t proof of durability or comfort in itself.

Fit: tapered, straight or wide leg

A tapered fit narrows towards the ankle and is often used for running trousers, yoga trousers and sporty casual styles. Elasticated cuffs can help stop the legs riding up over your shoes as you move.

A straight or loose fit gives you more room to move and can be comfortable at home or when travelling. Wide-leg styles such as the SPECIAL MAGIC 0073 have an open leg and, according to the product description, are suitable for yoga, golf, running and everyday wear. If you’re choosing a loose fit, check that the leg width works with your shoes and the activity you have in mind.

Waistband, cuffs and care

An elasticated waistband with a drawstring can be adjusted to suit you. Follow the care instructions, especially if you wash your joggers regularly. Several of the styles mentioned recommend machine washing at a low temperature and advise against using bleach. For example, the Urban Classics Fluffy styles are suitable for a 30 °C wash and should not be tumble-dried.

If you wash your sportswear often, check the care instructions before buying. Washing at the wrong temperature or drying it incorrectly can affect the fabric and fit.

Our picks for different needs

Ideal for: budget-conscious first-time buyers
Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants in Union Beige

Urban Classics Fluffy Sweatpants Trousers Sweat Unionbeige

Why this product suits this profile: According to the product details, these joggers are designed for leisure and sport, with an elasticated waistband and side pockets. The size guide runs from XS to 6XL.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Fabric, care instructions, measurements and pocket details are all clearly listed. This makes it easier to compare these joggers with other sweatpants.

Key benefits and strengths

70% cotton and 30% polyester; side pockets; sizes from XS to 6XL.

Ideal for: buyers with high quality standards
PULI Women's Sweatpants 0014, Black, M

PULI Womens Sweatpants 0014 Black M

Why this product suits this profile: The product details list a high-rise waist with a drawstring, tapered legs and two zipped pockets. These features may appeal if you value adjustable details for everyday wear and exercise.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description gives the exact fabric composition and specific details about the pockets and waistband, rather than relying on vague claims about comfort.

Key benefits and strengths

95% cotton and 5% elastane; two zipped pockets; elasticated cuffs.

Ideal for: specific activities and frequent wear
SPECIAL MAGIC Women's Sweatpants 0019, Black, L

SPECIAL MAGIC Womens Sweatpants 0019 Black L

Why this product suits this profile: These cargo joggers are designed for women who need several pockets for running, hiking, yoga or everyday wear.

How this product avoids the pitfall

As well as two hand pockets, the product has two large cargo pockets with hook-and-loop fastenings. This gives you a clearer idea of the storage than you would get from a listing that only mentions open pockets.

Key benefits and strengths

95% cotton and 5% elastane; two cargo pockets with hook-and-loop fastenings; elasticated waistband with drawstring.

Ideal for: classic casualwear
JBS PAUL Sweatpants, Black

JBS PAUL Sweatpant Black

Why this product suits this profile: The simple cut is designed for relaxing and everyday casualwear. An elasticated waistband with a drawstring makes it easy to adjust the fit.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description clearly states that there are no pockets, so you can make a realistic assessment of how practical the joggers will be for everyday wear.

Key benefits and strengths

100% cotton; drawstring waist; elasticated cuffs; EU sizes from XXXS to 4XL.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Joggers FAQs

Which joggers are suitable for sport and everyday wear?

When choosing joggers for sport and everyday wear, check the fabric, freedom of movement and pockets. A touch of stretch can be useful for yoga or running. Secure pockets come in handy for travel and everyday use. If you mainly want to relax at home, you could choose a softer style with a simple cut and an elasticated waistband.

How do I find the right size in joggers?

Measure your waist and hips in a relaxed position, then compare the measurements with the brand’s size guide. If you’re unsure, also consider the inside leg, rise and fit you’re after. A loose fit doesn’t automatically mean you need a bigger size; it may simply be part of the design.

How long do joggers last?

There’s no reliable way to give a one-size-fits-all estimate of how long joggers will last. It depends on the fabric, how often you wear and wash them, and how you dry them. Follow the care instructions, wash similar colours together and avoid higher temperatures unless the label says they’re suitable. Before you buy, clear details about the fabric and care can help you get a more realistic idea of how the joggers will hold up over time.