Buying a jogging suit for the first time
Short answer: A jogging suit consists of a top and trousers in the same soft fabric, and it is worn at home, on the go and for light exercise. The first purchase is about choosing fit, fabric weight and size so that the suit actually gets worn.
What a jogging suit should do
A jogging suit is first and foremost clothing for comfort. It should be soft, allow freedom of movement and withstand many washes. Many people wear one at home in the evening, when travelling, on walks and for light training. A suit in bamboo viscose blended with cotton or elastane feels smooth and drapes well, so it can also be worn outside the home without looking scruffy.
Choose the fit for how you will use it
Jogging bottoms come with ribbed cuffs at the ankle, which keep them in place, or with a straight leg, which looks relaxed but tidy. The top can have a hood, a round neck or a zip. If you mainly plan to wear the suit at home, a loose fit is comfortable. If you will wear it out, a slightly slimmer fit gives a neater impression. Browse the bamboo jogging suit for men to compare cuts.
Fabric weight and season
The fabric may be thin jersey or a thicker sweatshirt fabric with a soft, brushed inside. Thin fabric suits summer and indoor use, while thicker fabric holds warmth better in winter. Viscose feels cool, so a suit with a high viscose content is pleasant in warm rooms. Check the weight in the description if it is given, and whether the fabric is brushed on the inside.
Size and length
Measure your chest, waist and inside leg. Jogging bottoms with an elastic waist give some room, but leg length does not stretch. Legs that are too long with cuffs bunch at the ankle, while legs that are too short look wrong. The top should pull over your head without straining, and the sleeves should reach your wrist. Choose your usual size unless the description says the style runs small.
Washing and durability
Turn the garments inside out and wash at 30 to 40 degrees with similar colours. This reduces pilling and fading. Use a mild detergent and skip the fabric softener. Hang the suit over a rack to dry so it does not pull out of shape. Avoid the tumble dryer, because heat can make viscose shrink. Brands such as Boody also make soft basics that take the same kind of care.
Brands and what to look for
Look for flat seams, a waistband that does not roll and a drawstring so you can adjust the fit. Zipped pockets are handy if you will wear the suit on walks. Different brands use different cuts and fabrics, and a brand such as Lindbergh is one example of the labels you can compare. Start with one suit and see how often you reach for it.
Frequently asked questions
Can you run in a jogging suit
For light jogging and walks, yes. For hard training, closer fitting sportswear is often more practical.
Should the top and trousers be the same size
Not necessarily. Buy each piece according to the relevant measurements if you can.
Does a bamboo jogging suit pill
Viscose can pill a little with friction. Wash it inside out and keep it away from towels.
