Looking for joggers that aren’t way too long? Here’s where to find some solid joggers that actually fit.
Joggers are the quintessential garment of the athleisure movement, and they’re not going anywhere anytime soon.
A modern take on sweatpants, joggers prioritize function over form, but they’re usually slim enough to avoid looking sloppy.
The term “jogger” is thrown around to the point where it’s all but lost its meaning, but most guys would agree that joggers have:
- Elastic waistbands
- Drawstrings
- 4-way stretch
- Cuffed ankles
Some joggers are basically just chinos with cuffed ankles, and some more like slim fit sweats. Some are basically just technical pants or “travel” pants.
We’re not going to split hairs here. As a shorter guy, I’ve always had trouble finding a pair of joggers that isn’t too long.
So, I don’t really care what you call them – I’m willing to try them on.
Shorter Length Joggers
I think it’s tough to find shorter length joggers because, unlike jeans and chinos, joggers are sold in S/M/L sizing.
Sometimes the smaller sizes have shorter inseams, but not always, and the inseam is usually 28 inches or longer (even on size XS).
But, don’t worry! There are a few brands making joggers for short men, and I’m on a mission to try them all.
Here’s what I’ve found so far…
Under 510 Tyson Jogger
These lightweight, slim fit fleece joggers are available from Under 510 in grey or black, with a 28 or 26 inch inseam.
I’m wearing the grey colorway in 30×26:
I actually expected these to be slightly shorter for more of a no break look. I think they’re longer than expected for two reasons:
First, the actual inseam is 27 inches (before washing and drying).
Second, the rise is on the longer side, which lengthens the outseam (total leg length).
I actually like the length and fit of these joggers, and they’re super comfortable, but know that they run 1-2″ long.
Ash & Erie French Terry Jogger
Compared to Under 510, these Ash & Erie joggers are very fitted and have shorter inseams (size XS, 25-27″):
They’re made with 95% cotton and 5% Spandex, so they have plenty of stretch built in.
I could probably size up to a size S and maybe even 27-29″ inseam, but these will be good for lifting.
lululemon Engineered Warmth joggers
Athleisure giant, lululemon, makes make styles of men’s pants, most of which are not available in shorter lengths.
Some of their joggers are available with 27 and 28 inch inseams, although they’re hard to find in stock online.
I happened to snag a pair of 27″ Engineered Warmth Joggers a few months ago, and they quickly became a cold weather lazy Sunday favorite.
I’d love to try lululemon’s Surge Jogger or ABC Jogger in a shorter length, but it’s proving difficult to find the right size/length combo in stock.
A7 Defy Joggers
A7 makes competition-grade workout gear for strength training focused athletes.
Their Defy Joggers are sold in unisex sizes from XS to 3XL, with inseams ranging from 26 to 32 inches.
I chose size S to accommodate my waist and hips:
They’re pretty snug all over and very comfy, equally great for lounging around the house or attempting a new deadlift PR in the gym.
My one complaint is the bright logo mark on the thigh.
I’d prefer no visible branding or a more monochromatic logo that didn’t jump stand out so much.
Adidas ID Striker Pants (Women’s)
I accidentally ordered the women’s version of these pants, and I’m glad I did because they quickly became my favorite workout pants.
These are super slim and tapered. They’re made from a meshy polyester fabric that has plenty of stretch built in and doesn’t get too warm.
These joggers don’t have any drawstring in the waistband or back pockets, which makes them minimal, lightweight and comfy.
To me, these feel like part of Spiderman’s uniform, and I really enjoy working out in them.
Hylete Flexion II Jogger
These are the second iteration of Hylete’s popular Flexion Pants. They’re the right length, gently fitted and extremely comfortable.
Compared to the original version, the Flexion II features a shorter inseam and more tapered ankle.
I wear these a lot inside and in the gym. They’re some of the most comfortable pants I own.
Peter Manning NYC Everywhere Pants
Okay, these aren’t really “joggers” in the traditional sense, but I wanted to include them because they’ve been serving the same functional purpose in my wardrobe.
The big difference between these and a traditional jogger is the lack of a cuffed ankle.
That said, these leg openings are very cuffable, and I like wearing them rolled up a couple of times.
Peter Manning also makes more traditional sweatpants, the All Day Sweatpants, that are available in 25 and 27 inches.
These are gently tapered but not super slim fit like some of these other options on this list.
They’re 96% cotton and have a cuffed ankle as you’d expect from classic cotton sweats.
What did I miss?
What’s your favorite pair of shorter length joggers? Let me know in the comments section below, and I’ll add them to the list!
My fav joggers is the lightweight homestretch jogger from Bonobos. They have inseam length available in 27″
Hello, I’m pretty difficult to fit in joggers. My waist is 38, but I’m 5’ 7”, yeah I know little chunky in middle. Also it’s hard to find joggers to fit inseam, hips, waist. I’m like a short chunky fire hydrant. I measured my jeans that actually fit and they measure 27” inseam. I’m pretty much like other short men, waist fits but the length is too long or waist is too small but length is just right. If I have to get women’s size just to fit so be it, most joggers I’ve seen you can’t tell they’re women’s joggers. Any suggestions
Wings + Horns Cabin Fleece Joggers. I’m 5”6 and the inseam is almost right. I think it read 26” on the site. Material and design are also excellent.
Thanks for this article! I’m 5’5” and on the heavier side (for now, that’s why I want to get some good workout pants). This seems like a good guide to get me started on my search. Would love to see a guide for some recommendations for all sorts of clothing for heavier short guys, we want to look good too!
After reading your article, I decided to buy two Peter Manning All Day Sweatpants (Grey and Navy). I’m 5’6”, 160 lbs. (gained 15 pounds during COVID-19 quarantine), waist 32-34 inches, and inseam 28-29 inches. I bought the 30 / 32 waist x 25 inseam; and it’s a perfect fit since the waistband is elastic so there’s lots of give (for the recent weight gain). It’s not a “slim fit”, but that suits me because I’ve got thick calves. As with all short guys, the inseam was the big question. The 25-inch inseam ends above my ankle bone which is the perfect length. The thickness of the sweatpants cotton was a very pleasant surprise. I was expecting sweatpants that were lighter and thinner (similar to what you’d find at Old Navy or the Gap) so I’m really happy at the thickness of the Peter Manning sweatpants.
I am glad you cover this subject. I look forward to visiting their websites. Thank you.
Fabletics men has joggers in 26” inseam. Really good quality too.
Thanks for this recommendation! I was a bit wary of jumping into their “VIP” thing they seem to push so I just ordered a pair of the Takeover pants in a XS with 25″ inseam at retail, which was the last one in stock. For reference, I am 5’6″ with pretty short legs. They fit great and are more like a hybrid pant/tight where they have a little room on the top, but hug around the calves downward. I am thinking of trying some of their joggers, but still don’t know if I want to sign up for VIP even though there’s heavy “discounts”.
I’m a huge fan of Public Rec. They offer the All Day Every Day Pant (no cuffed hem), joggers, and the Stadium Jogger (a lighter version of traditional jogger). Public Rec offers both waist and inseam just like jeans or chinos, even in 28″. For fit, comfort and quality, they’re the best in the business imo. Additionally they offer other items like henleys and bomber jackets.
The Ace Sweatpants from Mack Wheldon are the most comfortable and surprisingly best fitting joggers I have purchased. Their site says a small has an inseam of 30″ but it fits me perfect (I’m 5’4″). I gave it try after I read reviews with comments being slightly shorter in length. They were right cause the Small fits me perfect. I now have 5 of these sweatpants.
For the Fit also makes various joggers and lounge-type pants specifically for shorter men.
I’m probably a 27-28 inseam. I have been wearing Marine layer and Vuori joggers. I think it helps when they are cuffed at the bottom. I also agree with Lululemon ABC joggers. They fit great as well.
I believe LuLulemon will hem any pair of pants you buy from them for free. Even joggers.