The Essentials Tracksuit: The Off-Duty Uniform Taking Over Fashion (and Your FYP)
If you’ve opened TikTok, scrolled Instagram, or wandered through a London café in the past year, you’ve definitely clocked the rise of the Essentials tracksuit. Comfortable yet curated. Casual yet cool. Neutral but never boring. It’s the fashion world’s favourite paradox: a wardrobe staple that’s somehow both effortless and intentional.
Whether you’re a street-style enthusiast, a sneaker obsessive, or simply someone who enjoys leaving the house looking chic without trying too hard, the Essentials tracksuit has become the go-to uniform. Let’s dive into why everyone from Gen Z tastemakers to A-list celebrities can’t stop wearing it—and how you can style it like a pro.
Celebrity Influence: Why the Stars Made Essentials Essential
The rise of the Essentials tracksuit isn’t accidental. It’s been worn, posted, and popularised by a number of fashion-forward celebrities who basically turned it into the world’s comfiest status symbol.
Think Justin Bieber, king of the cosy aesthetic. He’s been spotted in multiple neutral Essentials sets, usually paired with a beanie and an oversized jacket. Then there’s Hailey Bieber, whose off-duty looks often mix the tracksuit bottoms with tailored coats for that contrast of slouch and structure.
Add Kendall Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and pretty much every British footballer who loves a good luxury-streetwear crossover, and suddenly the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just loungewear—it’s practically an It-girl/boy/they badge.
Even UK musicians like Central Cee and Dave have been making the monochrome, minimalist vibe of Essentials part of the British streetwear landscape. When celebs treat a tracksuit like it’s couture, the rest of us follow suit. Naturally.
Why Gen Z Is Obsessed: The Vibe, The Comfort, The Culture
Gen Z loves a fashion item with a vibe—and the vibe here is soft, neutral, and unbothered. Essentials fits right into their aesthetic priorities: authenticity, comfort, minimalism, and that quiet flex energy.
1. It photographs beautifully.
The soft colours—think oat, mocha, graphite, stone—look amazing on camera. Gen Z’s love for neutral palettes and moody mirror selfies? Perfect match.
2. It’s unisex without making a fuss about it.
Essentials has landed right in the middle of the gender-neutral fashion movement. The silhouettes are boxy, oversized, and universal. Nobody has to pick from “his” or “hers”—just pick what fits your vibe.
3. Quality without insane prices.
It’s more premium than your average tracksuit but far less intimidating than high-end luxury brands. Gen Z loves accessible luxury, and Essentials serves it up beautifully.
4. It taps into that ‘quiet luxury’ trend.
Logo? Small. Colours? Muted. Flex? Immaculate. It’s the anti-flashy flex, which Gen Z has adopted as their unofficial fashion motto.
How It’s Worn Around the World: A Global Style Tour
The Essentials tracksuit has gone international, and different regions are putting their own twist on it.
London & Manchester – The Streetwear Cities
In the UK, it’s become a weekend staple. Pair it with Air Force 1s or New Balance 550s, throw on a puffer jacket, and you’ve basically nailed the modern British street-casual look. Bonus points for a crossbody bag.
Los Angeles – The Celebrity Influence
LA leans into oversized silhouettes and neutral-on-neutral layering. Essentials hoodie, shorts even in winter (because… LA), chunky socks, and high-top trainers. Effortless, but curated.
Seoul – The Minimalist’s Dream
In South Korea, the Essentials tracksuit fits right into the clean, structured aesthetic that dominates Korean street fashion. Expect tailored coats over hoodies, sleek trainers, and neat hair.
Paris – Casual but Chic
The French have mastered the art of making loungewear look elevated. Essentials hoodie tucked slightly into tailored trousers? Très bien.
Dubai – The Luxe Touch
Gold jewellery, fresh sneakers, and a matching Essentials set in a bolder colourway. Comfortable meets opulent.
Gender-Neutral Appeal: Fashion for Everyone
The Essentials tracksuit is the poster child for genderless dressing. And it’s not just because the brand intended it that way—it’s because the shape, colour palette, fit, and styling all lend themselves to universality.
Oversized hoodies? They don’t belong to “men” or “women”.
Straight-cut joggers? They flatter every body type.
Muted tones? They ignore traditional fashion gender boundaries entirely.
This inclusivity is a huge part of the tracksuit’s cultural staying power. Fashion trends come and go, but comfort and confidence?永远 in style.
Style Tips: How to Wear the Essentials Tracksuit Without Looking Like You’re Just Popping to Tesco
Sure, you can wear it for errands—but you absolutely don’t have to look like you’ve rolled out of bed. Here’s how to elevate your Essentials look:
1. Layer Like a Stylist
Throw on:
- A longline wool coat
- A bomber jacket
- A quilted puffer
- A leather jacket for contrast
Layers instantly make the outfit feel intentional.
2. Accessorise the Right Way
- Baseball cap (for that effortless cool)
- Minimal jewellery
- Crossbody or shoulder bag
- Chunky socks
Small details. Big difference.
3. Trainers Matter
To fully nail the Essentials aesthetic, choose footwear wisely:
- Nike Air Max 95 (UK classic)
- Adidas Samba or Gazelle
- New Balance 990/2002R
- Yeezy 700 for hypebeasts
Think clean lines and neutral colours.
4. Mix & Match Textures
Swap joggers for:
- Cargo trousers
- Parachute trousers
- Tailored wool trousers
Or pair the track bottoms with:
- Crop tops
- Knitted jumpers
- Overshirts
The versatility is next-level.
Cultural Trends: Why the Essentials Tracksuit is More Than a Trend
The Essentials tracksuit represents a cultural shift. Here’s why:
1. Comfort is the new cool
Post-pandemic fashion has embraced comfort unapologetically. Essentials is the perfect blend of comfy and curated.
2. Minimalism is in
We’re moving away from loud branding and towards subtle design. Essentials champions this “quiet confidence” style.
3. Streetwear has entered the everyday wardrobe
Once considered niche, streetwear is now mainstream—seen at brunches, offices, airports, you name it.
4. Fashion is becoming democratised
Everyone wears Essentials—celebrities, students, creatives, athletes. It transcends class and culture, creating a sense of style equality.
Fashion Hacks: Small Tweaks to Make Your Essentials Outfit Look Elite
Glow Up Your Tracksuit Game
✔ Add a structured coat – instantly stylish.
✔ Match your tracksuit to your sneakers – monochrome magic.
✔ Use a ‘half-tuck’ on your hoodie – adds shape to an oversized fit.
✔ Keep the colour palette cohesive – neutrals look luxe when they’re tonal.
✔ Roll or cuff your joggers to show off your trainers.
✔ Iron or steam the set – crisp beats creased every time.
Bonus Hack: The Airport Outfit Test
If it looks expensive at the airport, it passes. Essentials tracksuits excel at this.
Why Essentials Tracksuits Are Here to Stay
Trends fade—but comfortable, neutral, effortlessly cool clothing? That’s more of a lifestyle. The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just having a moment; it’s transitioned into a wardrobe cornerstone.
It hits every modern fashion requirement:
✔ Gender-neutral
✔ High quality
✔ Timeless colourways
✔ Celebrity-approved
✔ Fits multiple aesthetics
✔ Works year-round
It’s rare that a single clothing item captures comfort, culture, and cool in equal measure—but the Essentials tracksuit does exactly that.
Final Thoughts: Make it Essential, Make it Yours
Whether you’re styling it like a celebrity running to Pilates, a Gen Z trendsetter filming a GRWM, or a cozy-core girlie grabbing your iced latte, the Essentials tracksuit is the one piece that makes you look put together without any actual effort.
It’s versatile. It’s stylish. It’s comfortable.
And most importantly—it just feels good to wear.
So yes, you absolutely need one.
And yes, once you put it on, you’ll understand why it’s called Essentials.
