Sometimes clothing trends are just beyond my understanding.

Remember when Uggs first became a huge thing and every girl just had to get a pair? How about when middle school boys thought it was cool to wear their pants low so that their butts were hanging out?

Yeah, I know, I don’t want to remember either.

Of course, there were some pretty amazing trends as well. Heelys were one of my personal favorites. Though I never was able to convince my parents to buy me a pair, I lived vicariously through my friends.

Whether it’s skinny jeans, leggings, platform shoes, moto jackets, or distressed denim – we’ve seen it all!

And not too long ago, there was a new phenomenon. They started out as new menswear but slowly became more popular, expanding to womenswear and exploding in all styles, textures and patterns. These bottoms are as comfortable as sweatpants, yet they have a certain edgy flair that makes them cool enough to wear out. They are versatile; casual enough to bum around the house in and stylish enough to pair with some high tops and a cute shirt.

That’s right: joggers.

Of course, not everyone is a fan. Many of my friends give me scathing looks when I leave the house with joggers on, convinced I look like I just rolled out of bed (which to be honest, I most likely did. But that’s besides the point).

In all honesty, I’ve never been very up to date with current fashion trends, so I generally am clueless as to what’s hot and what’s not. Usually the way it works is I notice what other people wear and if I think it’s cute, the next time I see something similar in the store, I buy it. I’m also not very creative when it comes to colors, preferring to stick with my simple basics of black, white, grey, blue and the occasional dash of maroon. Thus, I would never make the bold claim of being a fashion guru.

However, because I am absolutely in love with joggers, I am going to take a stand for my newly beloved article of clothing. This is my case for joggers:

1. They’re like sweatpants. But better.

Don’t get me wrong. Sweatpants are great. They’re nice to toss on after a long day of school or to wear to school if it’s just one of those days. They’re perfect for layering over thermal leggings in New England winter and work as PJs when your three blankets just aren’t cutting it.

However, I don’t know about you, but I like to move around in bed to get into that perfect, comfortable position to sleep. When I wear sweatpants though, the pant legs tend to ride up to my knees when I move, and I have to reach under my blanket to tug them back down. A few minutes later, they’re back at my knees, leaving my calves bare.

Joggers, though. Joggers are cinched at the ankle so no matter how much you move around, they stay where they are. Get yourself a pair of thermal joggers as PJs and you’ll never have to worry about cold calves again.

2. They’re like leggings. But better.

I love leggings. Thermal leggings, thin leggings, patterned leggings, textured leggings or just plain black leggings – I love them all. If I wasn’t so conservative about wearing thin, skin-tight clothing, I would wear leggings everywhere. However, because I do have a more conservative style, I tend to only wear leggings at home or to layer under other pants.

But joggers. Joggers give that body-hugging feel at the calves, while staying loose around the thighs and backside, giving the body room to breathe. They are the perfect in-between.

3. Athleisure is the new chic.

Athleisure. It’s a thing. Yes, blazers and pantsuits are nice and all, but they really can’t compare to the easy breezy feel of joggers. Most people think of joggers as made of cotton or terry cloth, like sweatpants. This idea limits joggers to being sportswear or casualwear, unsuitable for more formal, elegant settings.

However, there are also joggers made of silk, satin, denim, leather – you name it! Pair them with some heels, tuck in a loose blouse and you’re all set for that business lunch. The shape of joggers actually looks really good with heels, since the wider hips and slimmer calves give off the impression that you have long, shapely legs. You can get that chic, elegant vibe but also look comfortable and approachable. No more of those stiff blazers with padded shoulders and dress pants that you can’t bend down in! Joggers, joggers, joggers!

So yes: Joggers are the new everything! If I haven’t convinced you yet, go buy a pair and try them out. I promise you won’t regret it.

Now, excuse me while I go and buy out the entire stock at the nearest Primark...