Heightism is real. From theme parks to dating apps, there are many people and establishments that try and kill the vibe of those lacking in the height department.
Thankfully, sweatpants are far more welcoming. And while tracking down the perfect pair doesn’t come without its challenges, the best joggers for short men are a lot easier to find than you may think.
I’ve pulled together a selection of the finest designs that will suit all men of a smaller stature—whether you’re built like Tom Holland, Jack Black, or Mark Wahlberg. So keep reading for my round-up of the top recommendations for every style, budget, and occasion. You’ll also find some handy tips on how to wear them.
Key Takeaways
Many put blame on the global pandemic for sweatpants taking over our wardrobes. But the truth is, they were always a big part of our lives—we just didn’t want to admit it. As cozy as they are stylish, the best joggers for short men are now proudly an integral part of any man’s sartorial arsenal. Finally giving jeans a run for their money as the number one go-to pant.
In order to narrow down your options, I’ve handpicked seven of the most sought after pairs that will soon become a mainstay in your everyday rotation. You’ll find a variety of pant choices, from Todd Snynder’s French terry version to the designer splurge from Luca Faloni.
Our Top Picks
Why it’s great: What’s not to love about these Todd Snyder joggers? Versatile enough to wear with T-shirts, zip-up hoodies, and polos, they’re tailored for a slim fit shape (perfect for short frames) and finished with cuffed bottoms that hit the sweet spot between tight and loose.
How it feels: Thanks to the garment-dyed French terry fabric, these joggers aren’t only super soft but feature a lived-in texture that makes them feel like an old favorite.
Flaws but no dealbreakers: They run a little small, so unless you like your joggers a little tight, you’ll probably need to order one size bigger than you’d normally buy.
Material: 100% Cotton French terry | Colors: 6 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam: 28.5-31 inches | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: It doesn’t get any more luxurious than a pair of cashmere joggers. Luca Faloni has definitely brought their A game with their take on the downtime essential. A comfortable choice for all-day lounging, they’re also smart enough to wear at the weekend with a crew neck tee or hoodie. The tapered fit and cuffed bottoms make sure little legs don’t look any shorter.
How it feels: If you know anything about cashmere, you’ll already have an understanding of just how sweet these joggers feel. They’ve been knitted in Northern Italy from 100% two ply pure cashmere, making them exceptionally soft and seriously smooth.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: These will be a non-starter for anyone on a budget. As far as gray sweatpants go, they’re probably some of the most expensive you’ll come across. But did you expect anything less from something made of pure cashmere?
Material: 100% Cashmere | Colors: 6 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam: Not specified | Care: Hand wash
Why it’s great: Not just super affordable, Champion’s joggers come with a tapered leg, cuffed bottoms, and 31” inseam that’ll look great on small guys. The brand’s iconic logo is featured at the front for a sporty finish suitable for casual weekends and trips to the gym.
How it feels: Made from 100% cotton, they’re lightweight and super soft. If you’re serious about comfort, these are some of the very best joggers for short men.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While these joggers are unbelievably comfy, they do have the type of light handle you’d expect from a pair of lounge pants. If you’re looking for something a little thicker, they’re probably not your perfect pair.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 6 | Sizes: S-XXL | Inseam: 31 inches | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great:
How it feels: The cotton construction ensures a soft handle, but it’s the internal cozy fleece fabric that will have you turning to them time and time again.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: The fleece lining comes in particularly handy during the colder months but can feel a little too hot as the temperature rises. For summer, you’ll probably find yourself swapping them for something a bit more weather-appropriate.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 10+ | Sizes: XS-XXXXL | Inseam: 28” | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: If you’re looking for the kind of sweatpants you can wear for your everyday escapades, Reigning Champ’s tapered pair are the perfect choice. Ticking all the required boxes, they’re slim, comfortable, and versatile enough to wear around the house and lunch with friends.
How it feels: These joggers have been skilfully handcrafted in Canada from a cotton Terry fabric that’s beautifully soft. They’re not as heavy as your average pair of sweats, so expect a similar feel to your favorite pair of house pants.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: They may feel too light for guys who are used to that heavier cotton fabric you usually get with regular sweatpants.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors: 10 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam: 30.25” | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: Designed for running, Lululemon’s Surge joggers have everything you need when keeping active (and they’re available in a 27” inseam too). They’re lightweight, quick-drying, and feature reflective detailing that’ll keep you safe in the dark. There’s also a zipperless back pocket that’ll ensure your keys are safe while pounding the pavement.
How it feels: The nylon fabric is soft to touch and super lightweight, so you’ll really feel the freedom as you walk, run, or chill at home.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: As with many running pants, the fabric is super thin. And while this doesn’t mean they’re low on quality, you will need to be extra careful if you plan to wear them as everyday joggers.
Material: 79% Recycled nylon, 21% Xtra life lycra® elastane | Colors: 8 | Sizes: XS-XXXXXL | Inseam: 27-31” | Care: Machine wash
Why it’s great: These pants give you the comfort of an everyday jogger with the smartness of some formal slacks. Perfect, right? You can dress them up with shirts or keep it casual with tees or hoodies. The styling opportunities are endless and the inseam is a great length for small builds.
How it feels: They feel more like slacks than joggers, featuring plenty of stretch for optimum comfort and movement.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: If we’re putting them into the jogger category, they’re quite pricey compared to some of the other options out there. However, seeing as you’re basically getting two pairs of pants in one, I think they actually make a shrewd investment.
Material: 92% Polyester, 8% Elastane | Colors: 1 | Sizes: XS-XXL | Inseam: 29.1” | Care: Machine wash
Buying Considerations for The Best Joggers For Short Men
Inseam
The inseam length is a critical factor to consider when finding joggers for short men. The inseam refers to the measurement from the crotch to the bottom of the leg. For shorter guys, it’s important to look for sweatpants with a shorter inseam to avoid excess fabric bunching up around the ankles.
Cuffs
Joggers often come with elastic cuffs at the bottom of the legs, which can impact the overall fit for shorter men. Opt for joggers with cuffs that are not too tight but still have enough elasticity to stay in place without bunching up too much. A well-fitted cuff will prevent the joggers from dragging on the ground and create a more streamlined silhouette for shorter individuals.
Fit
Pay close attention to the overall proportions and fit of your joggers. Some styles may have a baggy or oversized design, which can overwhelm the frame of shorter men. You’ll need to look for designs that are slimmer-fitting or tailored. Avoid excessively loose or wide-legged joggers that can make you appear even shorter.
Why You Should Trust Us
Sourcing the best joggers for short men is no easy task. Which is why it pays to have a little help. Using my experience in the industry (that’s over a decade of writing about menswear) and a lot of hard graft, I’ve done some seriously heavy research—making my way through endless options and narrowing them down to just seven must-have styles.
Final Verdict
There you have it: the best joggers for short men. But which one will you choose? My favorite remains Todd Snyder’s French terry pair. Super soft with a slightly lived-in look, they’ll be your go-to for relaxed days at home and casual weekends exploring the city. Don’t forget to order one size bigger if you’d prefer them to be a little loose.
FAQ
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Joggers are a great casual option regardless of your height. If you’re on the shorter side, you simply need to take a few more things into consideration. These include the fit, length, and cuffs. Remember, fashion is subjective, and personal preferences play a significant role in how one perceives their appearance. As long as you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear, joggers can undoubtedly be a stylish and trendy choice for shorter men.
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When styled correctly, joggers can be used to create an illusion of height and make short guys look taller. The key lies in paying attention to certain design elements and styling choices that can visually elongate the silhouette. You’ll require the proper fit and color, while you should also consider wearing proportionate footwear that complements your joggers and provides a seamless transition between the pants and shoes.
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