Most joggers fit like a bag tied at the ankle and the brands selling them seem completely unbothered by this. The problem is the cut. Too much volume through the thigh, too aggressive a taper, and you end up with something that looks like a carrot wearing a drawstring. Get the proportions right though and a tapered jogger is one of the more considered things you can wear off duty without looking like you’ve given up on the whole project.

We’ve been looking specifically for pairs where the taper starts at the right point, where the waistband sits without rolling, and where the fabric has enough weight to drape rather than cling. Cotton jersey and French terry are the constructions we keep coming back to. These work with a clean trainer and a decent tee, or layered under a zip through on colder days.

The bar is low in this category. These clear it by a distance.