Choosing the Right Inseam for Tall Jogger Pants

Some prefer the ribbed cuff to sit just above the ankle for sock and sneaker visibility. While others prefer the hem to fall below the ankle over the shoes for a fuller look with more coverage. Both styles are equally intentional and stylish, which one fits your look?

Tall men! Facing any challenges finding the right pair of tall jogger pants that fit the aforementioned looks? The frustration is understandable. While many standard joggers are designed around average proportions, taller frames often require extra length to achieve the fit and appearance desired. Height, body proportions, personal style, footwear selection, and wherever plans take you plays a role as well. 

Why Inseam Length Matters for Tall Men

The inseam is the measurement taken from the crotch area down the inside of the leg to the bottom hem of any pants. Vital in its purpose as it dictates how any bottoms fit lower proportions. Too short and unintentionally you expose the lower areas of the legs. Too long and you subject your pants to bunching and/or dragging. Understanding this will assist in discovering the jogger pants that fit your desired look.

Above the Ankle: A Sporty, Sneaker-Focused Look

One popular way to wear jogger pants is with the hem sitting right above the ankle. This look is especially popular for casual/relaxed outfits where sneakers are an important part of the overall appearance (providing for a modern and/or relaxed feel).

An above-ankle look can work particularly well if you:

• Like showing off your sneakers
• Want your socks to be part of your outfit
• Prefer a sporty or streetwear-inspired appearance
• Like a cleaner, more tapered ankle
• Want a slightly cropped jogger style

The key to the above ankle look is understanding your true inseam measurement followed by decreasing it by 1-2 in when purchasing the jogger pants of choice. 

For more inspiration, check out 6 Stylish Ways to Wear Tall Jogger Pants.

The BL Tall Joggers v2, for example, are designed with cuffs that can be worn to show off your sneakers or adjusted to expose more of the ankle and footwear.

Below the Ankle: A Fuller, More Covered Look

If your preference is a more fuller appearance where socks are covered with some shoe covering; consider the below the ankle look with tall jogger pants.

A below-ankle look can create a more traditional full-length appearance while still maintaining the relaxed style associated with jogger pants. The extra length provides more coverage around the ankle and gives it a longer, fuller silhouette.

This style can work well if you:

• Prefer your socks to stay mostly covered
• Want more coverage around your ankles
• Prefer a fuller jogger silhouette
• Like a relaxed everyday appearance

The key here is understanding your true inseam measurement; if accurate should allow for the jogger pant to rest at or below the ankle by default. Be mindful of overbunching, which can display an inseam measurement that's too long. 

Our Tall Twill Joggers is one good example of a relaxed, full-length style that provides additional coverage while maintaining a clean look at the cuff.

What is My Inseam?

If over 6 ft 3 in tall, your inseam measurements will more likely begin at 34 in and depending on how much taller you are, up to 38 in (those over 7 ft 1 in are truly rare and extraordinary and therefore may be in the 40 in inseam measurement). In order to learn of your true inseam measurement , we recommend seeing a seamstress or simply purchasing a measuring tape and completing the process yourself (see details below). For many, you will notice odd values for your inseam measurements, (ex: 35, 37, 39 in) great in learning your true inseam, but not so great when it comes time to find tall joggers with those exact numbers. This scenario will require some trial and error as almost all brands offer inseam measurements in even values (ex: 34, 36, 38 in). Consider shopping all tall brands for joggers pants that offer inseams close to your measured value followed by making a final selection on the tall jogger that aligns with your length. 

Your Activity Dictates your Jogger Decision and Inseam 

Your lifestyle and the setting where you plan to wear your joggers will decide which inseam is right for you.

For Active Wear

If you primarily wear joggers for workouts, training, or running, you may prefer a slightly shorter length that keeps your ankle and footwear more visible. A higher hem  in addition to a tapered fit can also provide an athletic appearance while in motion. 

Our Tall TR Pants, part of the TR Collection, cater to this as they are designed for training and running with lightweight stretchy fabric, as well as an athletic tapered fit with inseam choices from 34 in through 38 in.

For Casual Everyday Wear

For errands, travel, hanging out, or everyday casual outfits, either an above-ankle or below-ankle style can work depending on the environment and the desired look. Are you one that prefers the modern athletic appearance consider the above the ankle look ala a slightly shorter inseam. Vice versa; are you one that prefers the loose relaxed appearance go with the below ankle style.

For Streetwear 

Can't go wrong with any option while out and about, your style will simply come from the desired look that is chosen. If your sneaker is the key piece to your outfit, an above ankle jogger pant is your choice. 

Vice versa for a baggy or relaxed look, consider the fuller below the ankle jogger pant. 

How to Measure for the Right Tall Jogger Inseam 

When measuring for the best fitting tall jogger pants; measuring a pair of pants that already fits well can be a useful starting point. Lay the pants flat and measure from the crotch seam (where the front rise and and back rise meet) straight down the inside leg to the bottom of the pants. This gives you the inseam measurement that suits you.

Our tall jogger collection comes complete with a Size Chart that can be used as a guide in making an appropriate decision on inseam and much more. 

Don't Just Choose the Length Without Considering Other Details

Inseam is only one part of finding the right fit. Other considerations include:

• Waist Measurements
• Front Rise and Back Rise Measurements
• Fit (Tapered vs. Loose)
• Trend

(2014 - 2022) - True waist measurement and tapered fit tall jogger pants were the trend, thus a shorter front and back rise measurement.

(2023 - 2026) - Larger waist measurement and loose fit tall jogger pants is the current trend, thus a longer front and back rise measurement.

The Right Inseam Is the One That Matches Your Style

There is no universal "perfect" inseam for every tall man.

Two men who are the same height can prefer completely different jogger lengths. One may want the cuff above the ankle to show his socks and sneakers, while another may want the hem to fall below the ankle for more coverage and a fuller appearance. Your proportions, footwear, personal style, and intention should all play a role in your decision.

Find Your Best Fit at BL

At BL, we offer tall men's clothing specifically for men 6 ft 4 in with tall men's joggers designed with taller individuals of various stature in mind, beginning  with 34 in inseams, 36 in inseams, and even 38 in inseams; options for more flexibility to choose how you want your big and tall joggers (big as in how you appear to many) to look and feel.

Don’t settle for big and tall jogger pants that are simply labeled "long". The right pair should give you options for both fit and personal style.

Whether you prefer an above-ankle style that highlights your sneakers or a longer fit that provides fuller ankle coverage, having different inseam options allows you to choose the look that works best for you.

Explore our collection of tall jogger pants and bottoms and find the inseam that fits your frame, your wardrobe, and the way you like to wear your jogger pants.

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