Should loungewear sit loose, close or somewhere in between
Short answer: Joggers and sweats usually sit best somewhere in between, following the body without pinching and leaving room to move. What is right for you depends on how you use them, and here are simple tips for testing the fit.
What it means when jogging clothes fit well
Jogging clothes fit well when you can move freely and are not constantly adjusting them. The waist stays in place, the sleeves do not ride up over the elbows, and the trouser legs have room around the knee and thigh. If you forget you are wearing them, the fit is probably good.
Loose jogging clothes bring calm and room
Loose clothes are comfortable on days when you sit a lot, rest or just want calm against the body. They do not press on the stomach and leave air around the hips and thighs. The drawback is that too much fabric soon looks shapeless and can get in the way when you walk or bend.
Close-fitting jogging clothes follow the body
Close-fitting jogging clothes give a more unified outline and take up less room under a jacket. They suit active days when you do not want fabric flapping about. What matters is that the fabric has enough stretch to give, so you do not feel seams and nothing pulls at the knee or crotch.
In between is often the best choice
A fit in between is loose enough to be comfortable and close enough to look neat. The set works for rest, walks and errands, and you do not need to change. Look at a bamboo jogging suit for women, for example, if you want to try a set with this kind of fit.
Top and bottom may differ
You do not need the same fit on top and below. A slightly looser top can suit a closer pair of trousers, and the other way round. That brings balance to the whole and lets you choose room where your body needs it, instead of one cut all the way down.
The sweatshirt sets the whole impression
The sweatshirt is the piece that most often decides whether jogging clothes look calm or sloppy. The shoulder seam should sit at the shoulder, and the length should end around the hip. Try a bamboo sweatshirt for women, for instance, and check that you can lift your arms without the top coming up with them.
Layering changes how tight it may fit
If you wear something underneath, such as a thin long-sleeved T-shirt, think about extra room. It can help to pick a size that copes with one layer without becoming too tight. Also look at a women's long-sleeved bamboo T-shirt as a thin base under an open top.
How to check the fit at home
Sit down, walk up the stairs and lift your arms over your head while wearing the clothes. Notice whether the waist elastic stays put and whether the trouser legs ride up at the knees. If you are unsure, compare with a jumper or trousers of your own that you know fit well.
Frequently asked questions
Should jogging clothes be tight or loose for walks?
For walks, the fit in between is usually best, because you move freely without fabric dragging. If you get warm, a little more air can feel pleasant, otherwise closer clothes can be more practical.
How do I choose a size between two?
Think about where you will wear it. For rest and cold days the larger size can be best, while the smaller is nicer on active days. Always check the size guide and your own measurements.
Can jogging clothes shrink in the wash?
It can happen if they are washed too hot or dried too hard. Follow the care label, wash at a moderate temperature and let the clothes dry in open air so the fit holds better.
