Can you wear joggers to the office
Short answer: It depends on the workplace. In many relaxed offices, smart plain joggers are perfectly fine, especially if the rest of the outfit is a little more formal. Where there are client meetings or a fixed dress code, it is better to choose something else.
The dress code decides
There is no universal rule for what you can wear in an office. Some workplaces have a written dress code, others have an unwritten norm you pick up by looking around. Notice what colleagues and managers wear on an ordinary day and what they choose when visitors come in. If you are unsure, ask. That is better than guessing wrong in your first week at a new job.
Not all joggers are the same
There is a big difference between baggy tracksuit bottoms with stretched out knees and a pair of smooth joggers in a calm colour with a pressed crease or a straight cut. Choose a plain pair in black, navy, grey or beige without large logos or prints. The fabric should be smooth and free of bobbles. A cut that tapers slightly towards the ankle or falls straight looks more considered than a very loose one.
Balance them with the rest of the outfit
What makes joggers work in an office is often everything else you wear. Pair them with a shirt, a knitted jumper, a blazer or a smart top. A smooth bamboo T-shirt for women under a blazer gives a calm, simple look. Smart shoes, such as loafers or clean leather trainers, also make a big difference compared with running shoes.
Comfort on long days
Many people choose soft trousers at the office because they stay comfortable through hours of sitting. That makes sense. Comfort also depends on what you wear underneath, though. A bamboo bodysuit lies smoothly under both top and trousers and stays in place when you stand up and sit down. That gives a clean line without a top that rides up out of the waistband.
When to choose something else
For client meetings, presentations, job interviews and important meetings with senior management, it is wise to dress a little more formally than usual. It shows that you take the occasion seriously. If you wear joggers on an ordinary day, it can be useful to keep a pair of smart trousers or a blazer at the office in case a meeting suddenly appears in the calendar.
Layers for a cool office
Offices can be chilly, especially near windows and air vents. A thin layer under your top keeps you warm without adding bulk. A bamboo undershirt for women is thin enough to stay invisible under a shirt or knit and can help keep an even temperature through the day. If you feel the cold easily, building up layers is more practical than putting on a thick jumper.
Frequently asked questions
Are joggers unprofessional
Not necessarily. It depends on the workplace, the style and what you wear them with.
Which colours work best at the office
Calm, plain colours such as black, navy, grey or beige.
What should you wear on top with joggers
A shirt, a smart knit, a blazer or a smooth top gives a more formal look.
See our range of bamboo sweatpants for women.
