Athleisure
Joggers and Track Pants for Men
Track pants for men have left the gym. Here is how to choose between joggers, straight lowers and shorts, which fabrics suit workouts or lounging, and how to wear athleisure outside without looking like you forgot to change.
In most Indian homes the "lower" is the first thing men change into after work. It is also what they wear to the gym, on long train and bus journeys and on weekend errands. That makes track pants for men one of the hardest-working items in the wardrobe, and one of the easiest to get wrong: baggy knees, faded black, a waistband that rolls.
This guide explains the main styles (joggers, straight track pants, baggy and bootcut lowers, and shorts), the fabrics behind them, and how to style athleisure for travel or a casual day out. For utility styles, see cargo pants; for smarter bottoms, read our trousers guide.
Joggers vs track pants vs lowers
| Style | Shape | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Joggers for men | Tapered leg, cuffed ankle, drawstring waist | Gym, travel, casual outings |
| Straight track pants | Open hem, even leg width, often side stripes or zip pockets | Sport, training, warm-ups |
| Baggy lower / baggy track pants | Wide leg, relaxed seat, open or loose hem | Streetwear, lounging |
| Bootcut lower | Slight flare at the hem | Casual wear with chunky shoes |
| Cargo track pants | Jogger or straight with thigh pockets | Travel, utility looks |
"Lower for men" in India is an umbrella word for any soft, elastic-waist pant worn at home or for sport. Joggers are the neatest choice for wearing outside, because the cuffed hem keeps the leg tidy over sneakers.
Fabrics: cotton, polyester and stretch
Cotton track pants for men and cotton lowers are soft and comfortable for home and light activity. French terry (loops on the inside) breathes well; brushed fleece is warmer for winter mornings. Cotton holds sweat, so it gets heavy during intense workouts.
Polyester: MFA Boston's CAMEO database notes polyester is strong, resists shrinking, stretching and creasing, and has very low moisture regain (0.1 to 0.4%). In practice that means it dries quickly, which is why most gym and running pants are polyester or poly blends.
Spandex (elastane): a fibre that stretches at least 200% and is almost always used in small amounts with other fibres. A gym lower for men with some spandex moves with squats and lunges without bagging at the knee.
Denim joggers for men: jogger shapes in stretch denim look sharper than fleece but are not workout wear.
Gym, running and sport picks
Match the garment to the activity.
- Weight training: tapered joggers or straight gym track pants for men in poly-spandex, so nothing catches on the bench or bar.
- Running: running shorts for men with a split hem or inner liner, or light tapered running tights for cooler mornings. Avoid heavy cotton.
- Football, cricket and badminton: sports shorts for men with an elastic waist and quick-dry fabric.
- Yoga: soft cotton-spandex joggers or straight lowers with no stiff seams.
- Walking and home: cotton lowers and cotton shorts for men are fine.
Pair workout bottoms with polyester gym tees; see our T-shirt guide for gym T-shirt fabrics.
Shorts for men
Sports and running shorts
Light, quick-drying and usually above the knee. A split hem gives your stride room.
Cotton shorts
Chino or knit cotton shorts for daily summer wear. Choose a hem two to three fingers above the knee for a modern look.
Denim shorts
Casual and sturdy. Keep the wash simple and the length just above the knee, and pair with a plain tee or a short sleeve shirt.
Cargo shorts
Covered in our cargo pants guide; great for travel and holidays.
How to style track pants outside the gym
- Pick a clean, tapered pair: joggers in black, navy, grey or olive with no logos running down the leg look the most grown-up.
- Upgrade the top: a plain crew neck tee, a polo or a crew neck sweatshirt works better than a sweat-stained gym vest.
- Add a layer: an overshirt, denim jacket or bomber makes joggers look intentional.
- Choose clean shoes: white leather sneakers or minimal trainers, not worn-out running shoes.
- Match the setting: athleisure suits travel, college, casual cafes and errands, not offices or family functions.
A matching jogger and sweatshirt set is essentially a knit co-ord; our co-ord sets guide covers how to wear matching pieces.
Sportswear brands: a little background
Shoppers often search for a Nike, Adidas or Puma lower. Facts about these brands, not rankings:
- Puma was founded by Rudolf Dassler in Herzogenaurach, Germany, with operations from 1 June 1948.
- Adidas: Adi Dassler registered the company on 18 August 1949, also in Herzogenaurach, where it is still headquartered.
- Nike, Inc. was incorporated in 1967 in Oregon and is based in Beaverton, Oregon.
- Decathlon began in 1976 in Englos, France; its running brand Kalenji is named in homage to Kenya's Kalenjin running community. Decathlon began retail in India in 2009 in Bengaluru.
The best track pant for you is the one whose fabric suits your activity and whose measurements match your body, whatever the label.
Fit, sizing and care
Track pants should stay up without you pulling the drawstring tight, the seat should not sag, and joggers should cuff just at or above the ankle bone. Measure your waist at about navel level and your inseam from crotch to ankle, then compare with the brand's own chart; our size guide explains how.
Wash athleisure inside out in cold water, avoid fabric softener on technical fabrics, and line dry in the shade. Hot dryers can damage elastic and stretch fibres.
Questions men ask
What is the difference between joggers and track pants?
Joggers taper toward the ankle and finish with an elastic or ribbed cuff, so they look neat over sneakers. Track pants usually have an open, straight hem and are designed mainly for sport and warm-ups. Joggers are easier to wear outside the gym, while straight track pants suit training and sport.
Which fabric is best for track pants?
For workouts, polyester or polyester with spandex is best because it absorbs very little moisture and dries quickly. For lounging and home wear, cotton or cotton fleece is softer and more comfortable. Cotton with a little stretch is a good middle ground for travel and casual days.
Are baggy track pants in style?
Yes, baggy track pants and baggy lowers are popular in streetwear, usually worn with oversized tees, hoodies and chunky sneakers. Make sure the waist fits properly so the pants do not sag, and keep the top relaxed but not huge. Save them for casual settings.
What should I wear with joggers?
Plain tees, polos and crew neck sweatshirts are the easiest tops with joggers. Add an overshirt, denim jacket or bomber to look more put-together. White or minimal sneakers finish the outfit. Avoid formal shirts and leather dress shoes, which clash with the sporty fabric.
What length should men's shorts be?
For most men, shorts should end two to three fingers above the knee. Running and sports shorts can be shorter for movement. Very long shorts that cover the knee make the legs look shorter. Shorter men usually look better in slightly shorter lengths.
How do I stop my lowers from fading?
Wash them inside out in cold water with a mild detergent, avoid bleach and dry them in the shade rather than direct sun. Separate dark lowers from light clothes. For black lowers, wash less often and air them between wears when they are not actually dirty.
Sources: Polyester fiber (MFA Boston CAMEO) · Spandex (CottonWorks) · PUMA history · adidas history · Decathlon's key dates · Meet Kalenji (Decathlon). Updated 14 October 2026.