Once reserved for off-duty athletes and airport dashes, the Essentials tracksuit has become the modern-day power suit. Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, flipping through paparazzi shots, or hitting your favourite brunch spot, there’s a good chance you’ll spot someone rocking this minimal, monochrome set. But how did it go from gym staple to cultural icon? Let’s dive into the world of the Essentials tracksuit — and why it’s become the wardrobe must-have.
From the Locker Room to London Fashion Week
Tracksuits have had quite the glow-up. Once the territory of 2000s velour Juicy Couture and baggy Adidas co-ords, today’s tracksuit is sleek, elevated, and rooted in effortless cool. The Essentials line — launched by Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo — nailed that sweet spot: clean branding, premium fabrics, and a fit that says “I know fashion, but I’m not trying too hard.”
Think of it as the perfect balance between streetwear and luxury. It’s casual enough for a coffee run but polished enough to sit front row at a fashion show.
Celebrities Who Put It on the Map
You know a piece has arrived when celebrities wear it religiously. The Essentials tracksuit has become a red-carpet-in-disguise uniform for A-listers:
- Hailey Bieber wears hers with oversized sunnies and chunky trainers — the ultimate model-off-duty look.
- Justin Bieber leans into the oversized vibe, pairing his with slides and a beanie.
- Kendall Jenner has been spotted styling hers with tailored coats and luxe leather handbags, proving a tracksuit can be downright chic.
- Even Drake and Kanye West have had their moments in Essentials, pushing it firmly into the hip-hop-meets-high-fashion conversation.
It’s celebrity-approved, but the magic lies in how accessible it still feels.
Why Gen Z Is Obsessed
Gen Z didn’t just adopt the tracksuit; they turned it into a lifestyle. Here’s why:
- Gender-neutral appeal: The Essentials tracksuit doesn’t scream “men’s” or “women’s.” It’s for anyone, anywhere. Gen Z love fashion that doesn’t box them in, and Essentials nails that inclusivity.
- TikTok-friendly: One scroll and you’ll find endless “Get Ready With Me” videos featuring the tracksuit in beige, grey, or black — styled a hundred different ways.
- Casual luxury: Essentials gives designer vibes without the four-figure price tag. Gen Z are savvy shoppers who want labels with clout but also value.
- Comfort meets clout: Nothing feels better than a soft hoodie and roomy joggers. Bonus points if your outfit also racks up likes.
For Gen Z, fashion is about expression, comfort, and accessibility. The Essentials tracksuit ticks every box.
The Gender-Neutral Revolution
Fashion has been inching towards gender-fluidity for years, and Essentials has become one of the most visible players in this space. Its relaxed, oversized silhouettes allow wearers to move away from restrictive fits and embrace a more universal style.
A neutral palette (think sand, taupe, cream, charcoal) means anyone can wear it without feeling boxed in by colour stereotypes. Whether you’re pairing yours with sneakers, boots, or heels, the outfit feels effortless and empowering.
Style Tips: How to Rock Your Essentials Tracksuit
Okay, so you’ve got your tracksuit. Now, how do you wear it without looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed? Here are some fashion-mag approved hacks:
- Layer Up – Throw on a trench coat or oversized blazer over your tracksuit for instant street-style cred.
- Accessorise Smartly – Minimal gold jewellery, sleek sunglasses, or a structured bag can elevate your set from casual to chic.
- Play with Proportions – Balance oversized joggers with a more fitted tee underneath the hoodie, or vice versa.
- Shoes Matter – Trainers keep it sporty, loafers make it unexpectedly polished, and heels? That’s how you turn heads.
- Mix and Match – Don’t be afraid to pair your Essentials hoodie with jeans or your joggers with a crop top. The versatility is half the fun.
Tracksuits and Cultural Trends
The rise of the Essentials tracksuit isn’t happening in a vacuum. It ties directly into some of the biggest cultural trends of the decade:
- Work-from-home fashion: Comfort became king during lockdowns, and tracksuits became a uniform we never quite gave up.
- Athleisure takeover: Blurring the line between activewear and everyday wear, Essentials makes it okay to wear “gym clothes” to dinner.
- The ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic: Essentials fits right into the “stealth wealth” trend — minimal logos, premium fabrics, and neutral tones that scream sophistication without shouting it.
- Pop culture dominance: When your favourite rapper, supermodel, and TikTok creator are all wearing the same tracksuit, it becomes a cultural phenomenon.
Fashion Hacks to Keep It Fresh
Want to make your tracksuit stand out in a sea of Essentials-wearers? Here are some cheeky hacks:
- Monochrome Magic: Stick to one colour head-to-toe for a sleek, statuesque effect.
- Statement Outerwear: Pair with a leather jacket, denim shacket, or bomber for an instant upgrade.
- Unexpected Shoes: Try pairing with pointed-toe boots or platform sandals — yes, really.
- Seasonal Switch-Up: In summer, swap joggers for Essentials shorts; in winter, layer a roll-neck under your hoodie.
- Personalise It: Add a cap, belt bag, or even custom embroidery if you’re feeling creative.
Why It’s Here to Stay
The Essentials tracksuit is more than just a fashion moment — it’s a cultural staple. In a world where comfort, versatility, and subtle branding reign supreme, it’s the perfect blend of all three. It’s not just for celebs, not just for Gen Z, not just for lazy Sundays. It’s the kind of piece that slips seamlessly into everyone’s wardrobe.
And let’s be honest: when something looks this good and feels like pyjamas, why would it ever go out of style?
Final Word
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just another trend. It’s the modern-day uniform, a symbol of cultural crossover, and proof that sometimes the simplest pieces make the boldest statements. Whether you’re running errands, heading to brunch, or simply scrolling TikTok from your sofa, this tracksuit is here to serve comfort and clout.
So, if you haven’t already… maybe it’s time to add one to your wardrobe. Trust us — you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.