What Are Pants With Elastic at the Bottom Called?

Pants with elastic at the bottom are often called joggers , especially when they have a relaxed shape and a gathered cuff that narrows around the ankle. You may also hear them called elastic-cuff pants, cuffed pants, or ankle-cuff pants; “joggers” generally describes the overall style, while the other terms describe the ankle finish.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating what are they called.

Joggers and sweatpants can overlap, but the words describe different things: joggers usually have a tapered leg and fitted ankle cuff, while sweatpants are commonly made from soft, sweatshirt-like fabric and may have either cuffed or open hems. You can find jogger-style pants in materials other than traditional sweat fabric, so consider both the fabric and the cuff when choosing a pair for exercise, lounging, or everyday wear.

Look for a cuff that stays comfortably around your ankle without digging into your skin, and choose a leg length that lets you move without pulling at the cuff. A little gathering above the ankle is normal, but if the cuff feels restrictive or the fabric bunches excessively, you may prefer a different size, length, or cut.

Search for “joggers” or “elastic-cuff pants” if you want gathered ankles, and compare the material, leg shape, and care instructions to find a pair suited to your routine. An elastic waistband is a separate feature from elastic ankle cuffs: our Girls Winter Cotton Straight Pants with Elastic Waist – Pink are described by their straight-leg style and elastic waist, so you should not assume the hems are elastic too.

For a quick guide to the terminology, you can revisit our article on pants with elastic at the bottom.