How to Break In New Joggers Without Losing Their Shape

By Pouch Underwear with the Joey Pouch® | Published: 2026-10-15

Category: How-to Guides

New joggers feel stiff because the fabric hasn't relaxed yet. Here's a simple break-in routine that softens them without causing bagging or sagging.

Quick answer

Wear them for short sessions first, then wash cold and air dry to relax the fibers without heat damage. Avoid hot water, high dryer heat, and fabric softener, which break down stretch and cause bagging. With two or three wear-and-wash cycles, most joggers soften and settle into their shape.

Why new joggers feel stiff (and what actually softens them)

New joggers often feel stiff because the fabric has sizing or finish from manufacturing, and the stretch fibers haven't been flexed yet. The fix isn't to force them with heat. It's to move in them, then wash them correctly so the fibers relax without losing recovery. If your joggers are too tight in the waist or thighs, size up rather than trying to stretch them out, because stretch fabric that's overextended won't bounce back.

The break-in routine that protects shape

Start with short wear sessions: 30 to 60 minutes around the house, then take them off. This begins flexing the fabric without stressing seams. Repeat for two or three days. Then wash cold on a gentle cycle with like colors and a small amount of mild detergent. Skip fabric softener and dryer sheets, which coat the fibers and reduce stretch recovery. Air dry flat or hang, away from direct heat. If you must use a dryer, choose the lowest heat setting and remove them while slightly damp.

How to tell if the fit is right before you commit

Put them on and do a squat, a lunge, and a seated cross-legged position. The waistband should stay put without digging in, and the knees shouldn't bag out when you stand back up. If the fabric feels restrictive at the hips or thighs, it's too small. If it bunches heavily at the ankles or sags at the seat, it's too large. A good fit feels snug but not tight, with enough room to move.

Step-by-step break-in process

Step 1: Wear them briefly at home: Put on your new joggers for 30–60 minutes while doing light activity like walking or stretching. This starts flexing the fabric without overstressing it. Common mistake: wearing them all day right away, which can cause premature stretching at the knees and seat. Checkpoint: They should feel snug but not restrictive. If they dig in, size up.
Step 2: Wash cold on a gentle cycle: Turn them inside out, use cold water, and choose a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid hot water, which can shrink or damage stretch fibers. Common mistake: using fabric softener, which coats fibers and reduces their ability to recover. Checkpoint: After washing, the fabric should feel slightly softer but still firm.
Step 3: Air dry flat or hang: Lay them flat on a drying rack or hang them by the waistband in a well-ventilated area. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from radiators. Common mistake: tossing them in a hot dryer, which breaks down elasticity and causes bagging. Checkpoint: If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat and remove while damp.
Step 4: Repeat wear-and-wash 2–3 times: Alternate short wear sessions with cold washes and air drying. This gradually relaxes the fabric without forcing it. Common mistake: trying to speed up the process with heat or stretching by hand, which can distort the shape. Checkpoint: By the third cycle, the joggers should feel noticeably more comfortable and hold their shape.

Product facts

Thurlow Jogger - Black: From range sessions to red-eyes, the Thurlow Jogger delivers next-level comfort with clean, athletic styling. Whether you're grinding through a practice round or cruising through your day off, the Thurlow looks sharp on course and travels well everywhere else. These joggers are designed for both active and casual wear, so a proper break-in helps them keep their shape through repeated use.