Let’s be real, we’ve all had that moment. Staring into the abyss of our wardrobe, the siren call of jeans feeling more like a chore than a choice. We crave comfort, but we also want to look like we’ve made an effort. We want to be cosy, but also cool. Enter the hero we didn’t know we needed, but now can’t live without: the Essentials Tracksuit.
This isn’t your Year 10 PE kit we’re talking about. This is high-fashion comfort, a cultural reset, and the ultimate sartorial cheat code all rolled into one impeccably minimalistic package. Gone are the days of garish logos and shiny nylon; the Essentials look is all about elevated basics, a luxe-feel fabrication, and that undeniable aura of effortless cool.
But how did a simple tracksuit become the undisputed champion of modern style? Buckle up, fashion fam, we’re diving deep into the phenomenon.
From Sidelines to Spotlight: A Brief History of the Tracksuit’s Glow-Up
The tracksuit has had one of the most fascinating journeys in fashion. It started, unsurprisingly, on the tracks—worn by athletes for warming up. Then, it was adopted by hip-hop royalty in the ‘80s and ‘90s, becoming a symbol of streetwise authenticity. But it often lingered on the periphery of ‘high fashion’.
The real game-changer? The rise of athleisure and the seismic shift in how we define luxury. Luxury is no longer just stiff, formal wear; it’s about feeling incredible in what you have on. It’s the confidence that comes from a perfect fit and premium materials. Fear of God’s副线 (diffusion line), Essentials, launched by visionary designer Jerry Lorenzo, masterfully tapped into this. It took the blueprint of classic American sportswear, stripped it back to its purest form, and elevated it with perfect cuts, heavyweight French terry cotton, and a muted, sophisticated colour palette. It was the moment the tracksuit graduated from the street to the front row.
Celebrity Stamp of Approval: The A-List’s Go-To Off-Duty Uniform
You can’t talk about the Essentials tracksuit frenzy without giving a nod to the celebs who made it their second skin. This is where the hype truly transcended into a must-have.
Forget red carpets; the real style moments happen at LAX. Just take a look at Hailey Bieber’s endless arsenal of off-duty looks. She’s constantly spotted in coordinated Essentials sets, usually in tonal shades of oatmeal, black, or grey, layered under a perfect oversized leather jacket or paired with straight-leg jeans. It’s the epitome of quiet luxury meets California cool.
Then there’s Kendall Jenner, who uses the tracksuit as the ultimate base layer for her model-off-duty aesthetic. She’s a master of the gender-neutral appeal, often sporting the men’s pieces for a more oversized, slouchy look that is pure fire.
But it’s not just the ladies. Justin Bieber, a long-time Lorenzo collaborator, is practically the unofficial mascot. From his Purpose era to now, he’s been seen in every colourway, proving its laid-back, skater-inspired vibe. You’ve also got the likes of Jennifer Lopez, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Gigi Hadid all rocking the look, each adding their own unique flair. This A-list co-sign didn’t just make it popular; it made it prestige.
Mastering the Vibe: Style Hacks & How to Wear It (Without Looking Like You’ve Given Up)
Alright, you’ve got the kit. Now, how do you style it to avoid the “just rolled out of bed” look? It’s all in the details, babes.
1. The Full Send: Coordinated Set
The easiest and most iconic way. A matching hoodie and joggers. The key here is the fit—aim for a slightly oversized but still tailored silhouette. Too baggy and you’ll look swamped; too tight and you lose the vibe. Pair with your chunkiest, cleanest white trainers (think New Balance 550s, Nike Dunks, or Air Force 1s) and a sleek shoulder bag.
2. The Elevated Layer
Take your full set and throw an unexpected topper over it. A long, wool blend coat in winter, a smart blazer (yes, really!), or a classic denim jacket. This juxtaposition of “comfy” and “structured” is pure fashion magic and instantly elevates the entire outfit.
3. The Mix & Match
Who says the top and bottom have to match? Break the rules! Try a black Essentials hoodie with heather grey joggers. Or use the incredibly versatile joggers as a standalone piece. Pair them with a crisp white tee, an oversized shirt unbuttoned, and a vest. This separates the pieces, making your wardrobe infinitely more versatile.
4. The Gender-Neutral Magic
This is where Essentials truly shines. The minimalist design and relaxed fit make it a dream for anyone, regardless of gender. It’s all about how you style it. Cinch the waist of the hoodie with a carabiner or a sleek belt bag worn cross-body to add shape. Roll the cuffs of the joggers to show a peek of ankle or your statement socks. Play with proportions—this is fashion, not a uniform!
Why Gen Z is Obsessed: It’s More Than Just Clothing
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just a trend for Gen Z; it’s a mindset. It perfectly encapsulates their core values:
- Comfort is King (or Queen): This generation prioritises well-being and practicality. They reject uncomfortable fashion in favour of what feels good.
- Gender Fluidity: The androgynous, oversized fit of the tracksuit aligns perfectly with a more fluid approach to fashion, moving away from rigid gendered sections.
- Quiet Luxury: In a world of maximalist logomania, the understated, almost anonymous branding of Essentials (just that subtle script) feels more sophisticated and exclusive. It’s for those in the know.
- Versatility: It’s a outfit that can literally do it all: a lazy Sunday, a coffee run, a lecture, even a casual dinner. In a fast-paced world, it’s the ultimate efficient wardrobe workhorse.
The Cultural Currency: A Blank Canvas for Self-Expression
What’s so genius about the Essentials palette—think ‘Oatmeal’, ‘Taupe’, ‘Black’, ‘Dark Olive’—is that it acts as a neutral canvas. It’s the perfect base for expressing your personal style through accessories, footwear, and layers. It says, “I’m cool, I’m comfortable, and I don’t need to scream it.” It’s the fashion equivalent of having a really good skincare routine—it’s the healthy base that makes everything else look better.
It represents a cultural shift towards a more relaxed, authentic, and inclusive definition of style. It’s the uniform for a generation that values experience over artifice and comfort over constraint.
The Final Verdict: Is the Essentials Tracksuit Worth the Hype?
In a word: absolutely.
It’s more than just a passing fad; it’s a modern staple. It’s the sartorial embodiment of the world’s collective sigh for ease and authenticity. It’s a testament to the idea that the best items in your wardrobe are the ones you reach for again and again—the ones that make you feel both completely at ease and utterly iconic.
So, whether you’re rocking it head-to-toe, mixing the pieces, or layering it under your smartest coat, remember—you’re not just wearing a tracksuit. You’re wearing a piece of cultural history, a badge of effortless cool, and let’s be honest, the comfiest flex of 2024.
