The Ultimate Style Edit: Why the Essentials Tracksuit Is Fashion’s Favourite Right Now

If there’s one wardrobe piece that has sprinted from mere athleisure to style-icon status, it’s the Essentials Tracksuit. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white, hopping on the tube, or jet-setting like you’ve got your own carry-on stylist, this set has become fashion’s most beloved uniform. But why? What magic makes it so irresistible? And how do today’s trendsetters wear it without looking like they just came from the gym?

Let’s unpack this cosy yet cool phenomenon in all its cultural glory.  

What Is the Essentials Tracksuit — and Why It Matters

First things first: the Essentials Tracksuit (popularised by Fear of God’s Essentials label but now ubiquitous across fashion houses and high-street brands alike) isn’t your average sweatsuit. It’s that elevated loungewear that balances comfort with undeniable style.

• Baggy silhouettes and soft fabrics meet refined proportions
  
  

• Neutral colour palettes — think greys, blacks, sands, olives, creams
  
  

• Designed to feel effortless but look intentional
  
  

This is athleisure levelled up: comfortable enough for chores, chic enough for brunch, and stylish enough for Instagram reels — which leads us to…

Celebrity Cred: Who’s Wearing It (and How)

Celebrities have been the ultimate accelerant in making the Essentials Tracksuit a must-have. From strolls in Soho to paparazzi-snap strolls in LA, A-listers continue to prove that this set is a status symbol — without sacrificing chill vibes.

Hailey Bieber

The queen of “I woke up like this (but actually stylish)” effortlessly pairs her tracksuit with sleek trainers and minimalist jewellery for airport style that always gets bragged about on TikTok.

Justin Bieber

Justin turns up the cosy factor by embracing oversized fits and layering hoodies under jackets. High-low dressing? Totally lived-in.

Zendaya

A chameleon of style, Zendaya has been spotted transforming the tracksuit into evening-ready attire — swapping trainers for boots and adding statement accessories.

Stormzy & Skepta

Both bring a UK flavour to the trend, infusing streetwear attitude into their fits and proving the tracksuit doesn’t shy away from serious swagger.

Gender-Neutral Appeal: Fashion Without Boundaries

One of the most exciting things about the Essentials Tracksuit is its inclusive edge. This is not fashion divided — it’s fashion expanded.

Gone are the days when clothing had to be “for him” or “for her”. The oversized cuts, relaxed fits, and neutral palette make the tracksuit ultra gender-neutral. Whether you prefer boxy or slim, neutral or vibrant, this wardrobe hero adapts to you, not the other way around.

Fashion editor Anna-Louise Clark says it best:

“The tracksuit isn’t just clothing — it’s an attitude.”

And that attitude is open to everyone.

Style Tips: How to Wear the Tracksuit (So You Don’t Look Like You’re On a Jog)

Here’s where we get into the fun bit — styling! If you want to rock the tracksuit and actually look like you mean it, here are some pro tips you’ll want to bookmark.

1. Sneakers Are a Must — But Choose Wisely

• Chunky ’90s runners? Iconic.
  
  

• Sleek white leather kicks? Clean and refined.
  
  

• Throwback trainers? Nostalgic flair!
  
  

Swap your gym shoes for fashion sneakers to instantly elevate the look.

2. Layer Like a Pro

• Pair your tracksuit with a leather jacket
  
  

• Throw a long overcoat over it for unexpected elegance
  
  

• Go bold with an oversized blazer for street-meets-boardroom
  
  

Layers add structure to softness — a key trick for editorial-worthy dressing.

3. Accessorise Smartly

Never underestimate the power of:
  Tiny sunglasses
  Slender chains
  Bucket hats
  Tote bags (the bigger, the better)

These pieces take your look from “comfy” to “curated”.

4. Play With Proportions

If your tracksuit is oversized, balance it with fitted layers underneath, or do the opposite: slim at the bottom, roomy on top.

Fashion is a game — and proportions are your playing pieces.

Cultural Trends: From Raves to Runways

Tracksuits have roots deep in subcultures — from sportswear in the 1970s to hip-hop fashion in the 1990s. Today, they’re remixing all those influences.

• UK Garage & Grime: Tracksuits + trainers = sonic energy
  
  

• 90s Nostalgia: Revival of athleisure as lifestyle
  
  

• Paris & Milan Runways: Tracksuits sit beside tailored tailoring
  
  

This is a cultural echo loud enough to reverberate through decades.

Final Thoughts: The Tracksuit as an Expression of Self

At its best, the Essentials Tracksuit isn’t merely fashion — it’s a lifestyle. It embraces comfort without losing aesthetic ambition. It lets wearers play, express, and curate their version of cool. That’s why it resonates across generations — from Gen Z to seasoned style buffs who remember tracksuit culture from day one.

So next time you slip into your tracksuit, remember: you’re wearing more than cotton and stitching.
You’re wearing confidence.