If there’s one outfit that’s redefined effortless style in recent years, it’s the Essentials tracksuit. Born out of athleisure’s takeover and now firmly cemented as a Gen Z wardrobe staple, the tracksuit has transformed from a “lazy-day outfit” into a full-on cultural movement. Think streetwear luxe meets cosy-core.
From celebrities rocking it in paparazzi shots to TikTokers styling it with the confidence of runway models, the Essentials tracksuit has become the ultimate blend of practicality, comfort, and Instagram-worthy cool. Let’s dive into why this set is everywhere, how it’s being styled across different trends, and why it’s not just a trend but the uniform for our times.
Why the Essentials Tracksuit Took Over the Fashion Game
Gone are the days when tracksuits were reserved for gym sessions or Sunday sofa marathons. The rise of athleisure—combined with a cultural shift towards comfort—has pushed the Essentials Tracksuit into the spotlight. With its muted colours, minimalist branding, and oversized silhouettes, it strikes the perfect balance between “off-duty model” and “streetwear star.”
It also helps that Essentials by Fear of God taps into that sweet spot between high-fashion energy and everyday wearability. The quality is elevated, but the vibe screams relaxed and accessible. And let’s be real: post-pandemic, comfort is currency.
Celebrity Influences: From LA to London
Celebs have played a huge role in catapulting the Essentials tracksuit to cult status. You can’t scroll Instagram or flip through paparazzi snaps without spotting someone very famous in one.
- Justin Bieber is practically the poster boy, often styled in head-to-toe neutral-toned tracksuits with chunky trainers.
- Hailey Bieber takes it to model-off-duty levels, pairing hers with sleek shades, a tiny bag, and slick-back hair.
- Kanye West (a long-time pioneer of the monochrome lounge-set aesthetic) paved the way for the whole oversized streetwear vibe.
- Over in the UK, artists like Stormzy and Central Cee have embraced the look, weaving it into the drill and grime scene.
When your faves are stepping out in something as cosy as a hoodie-and-jogger set, it quickly shifts from “loungewear” to aspirational street-style.
How It’s Worn Across Different Scenes
1. Streetwear Cool
Think layered hoodies, oversized bomber jackets, and chunky sneakers. The tracksuit acts as a clean canvas, perfect for building that curated-but-casual aesthetic.
2. Airport Fashion
Celebs have officially made the Essentials Tracksuit the ultimate jet-set uniform. It’s practical for long flights but also photogenic enough for those “just landed” paparazzi moments.
3. Minimalist Luxe
For the clean-girl aesthetic (hello TikTok trend), a neutral beige or grey set paired with sleek hair, gold hoops, and fresh white trainers is chef’s kiss.
4. Music & Festival Culture
For Gen Z ravers and concert-goers, the tracksuit is a no-brainer. Add a cap, chunky jewellery, and some statement trainers, and you’re good to dance until 3 a.m.
Gen Z Loves It – Here’s Why
For Gen Z, fashion is about self-expression, gender fluidity, and comfort without compromise. The Essentials tracksuit checks all three boxes.
- Gender-neutral appeal: Oversized cuts and muted palettes mean anyone can wear them without feeling boxed into traditional “menswear” or “womenswear” categories.
- Sustainability mindset: Instead of fast-fashion cycles, Essentials offers quality basics that you can rewear endlessly.
- Social media clout: Let’s face it—these sets photograph beautifully. TikTok outfit-of-the-day videos thrive on this understated drip.
Plus, Gen Z has mastered the art of styling tracksuits in ways that keep them fresh—think layering, accessories, and mixing with vintage finds.
Styling Hacks to Elevate Your Essentials Tracksuit
If you’re worried about looking like you’ve just rolled out of bed, here’s how to elevate the vibe:
- Layer Smart: Throw on an oversized trench coat or leather jacket to take it from loungewear to city chic.
- Accessorise: Statement sunnies, baseball caps, and bold trainers add personality.
- Mix & Match: Don’t be afraid to separate the set—pair the hoodie with jeans or the joggers with a crop top for endless versatility.
- Go Monochrome: A full beige or all-black set creates that sleek, put-together effect.
- Play With Proportions: Oversized hoodie with fitted joggers or cropped hoodie with baggy joggers—it’s all about balance.
Cultural Impact: From 2000s Throwback to 2020s Cool
It’s worth noting the glow-up. Back in the early 2000s, Juicy Couture tracksuits were the celebrity off-duty uniform. Now, the Essentials tracksuit is like Juicy’s cooler, minimalist cousin. Instead of rhinestones and velour, we’ve got clean lines and muted tones.
Streetwear culture has embraced it, TikTok has amplified it, and even traditional fashion houses are nodding to it with their own luxury versions. The Essentials tracksuit is no longer a trend piece—it’s a cultural staple.
Final Word: More Than Just a Tracksuit
The Essentials tracksuit is more than just “something comfy to wear.” It’s a symbol of modern fashion’s priorities: comfort, versatility, and cultural resonance. It bridges the gap between high fashion and everyday life, making it just as suitable for a Tesco run as it is for a music video shoot.
So whether you’re styling yours with trainers and a cap for Sunday errands, or pairing it with a trench and chunky jewellery for a London brunch, one thing’s clear: the Essentials tracksuit isn’t going anywhere. It’s here to stay as fashion’s ultimate chill-yet-chic uniform.
