If there’s one wardrobe hero that has quietly (and then very loudly) taken over our feeds, coffee runs and airport lounges, it’s the Essentials tracksuit. Equal parts comfort and cultural currency, this laid-back co-ord has transcended its humble loungewear beginnings to become a full-blown fashion statement.
From Gen Z tastemakers on TikTok to A-list celebrities dodging paparazzi in oversized hoodies, the Essentials tracksuit is no longer just something you throw on — it’s something you style.
Let’s unpack why this minimalist masterpiece has become the ultimate off-duty uniform, how it’s worn across different scenes, and why it’s rewriting the rules of modern streetwear.
The Rise of the Essentials Aesthetic
Born from the contemporary luxury label Fear of God, created by Jerry Lorenzo, Essentials was designed with one mission: elevated basics for everyday life.
And it shows.
Muted colour palettes. Relaxed silhouettes. Subtle branding. No fuss. No flashy logos screaming for attention. Just clean lines and premium fabrics that drape effortlessly. In an era obsessed with authenticity and quiet luxury, that restraint hits differently.
The Essentials tracksuit became popular precisely because it doesn’t try too hard. It feels organic. Unforced. Like you just happen to look that good rolling out of bed.
Celebrity Influence: From Pap Walks to Private Jets
We can’t ignore the celebrity co-sign.
From Justin Bieber’s oversized hoodie-and-joggers combo to Hailey Bieber’s sleek monochrome sets styled with sharp sunglasses, the Essentials tracksuit has become a paparazzi staple. Kanye West has long championed oversized, neutral-toned silhouettes that echo the same relaxed energy.
And across the pond? UK rap heavyweights and footballers have adopted it as part of their off-duty arsenal. It’s the go-to airport fit, studio uniform and “just grabbing a juice” look.
Why do celebs love it? Because it hits that sweet spot between comfort and curated. It photographs well. It layers well. It travels well. It’s the ultimate low-effort, high-impact outfit.
How It’s Worn: From Street to Sofa
1. The Streetwear Statement
Styled with chunky trainers, high socks and a crossbody bag, the Essentials tracksuit becomes pure streetwear gold. Gen Z especially leans into the oversized fit — hoodie slightly pooled at the wrists, joggers sitting just above statement trainers.
Add a beanie or a fitted cap, and suddenly you’re serving “model off-duty” energy.
Pro tip: Go tonal. A sand-coloured set with cream trainers? Elite. A charcoal set with black accessories? Effortlessly cool.
2. The Elevated Casual Look
Who says a tracksuit can’t look polished?
Layer the hoodie under a tailored overcoat. Swap trainers for sleek leather trainers or even minimalist boots. Add a structured tote and subtle jewellery.
This is how millennials and fashion insiders are wearing it: blending high and low. Comfort meets sophistication. The result feels intentional, not lazy.
It’s giving quiet luxury without the eye-watering price tag.
3. The At-Home Aesthetic
Of course, let’s not forget its roots. The Essentials tracksuit still reigns supreme as luxury loungewear.
Working from home? Brunching at a friend’s? Sunday reset errands? It delivers comfort without the “I’ve given up” vibe. The structured hoodie and tapered joggers create shape, even when you’re just curled up with a matcha.
And yes, it absolutely belongs in your mirror selfie rotation.
Why Gen Z Is Obsessed
Gen Z doesn’t just buy clothes — they buy into moods, identities and cultural moments. The Essentials tracksuit ticks every box.
It’s Gender-Neutral
One of its biggest strengths is its fluid, unisex appeal. The relaxed fit works across body types and style identities. No overly fitted shapes. No rigid tailoring. Just freedom.
Gen Z gravitates towards brands that don’t box them in. Essentials feels inclusive without making a big marketing song and dance about it.
It’s Instagram-Ready (Without Trying)
The subtle logo placement and earthy colourways photograph beautifully. In the age of curated feeds and GRWM TikToks, that matters.
The tracksuit doesn’t compete with you — it complements you. It lets your personality shine through styling choices rather than loud branding.
It Aligns With the Comfort Revolution
Post-pandemic fashion shifted dramatically. Heels gave way to trainers. Structured suits made room for soft tailoring and athleisure.
The Essentials tracksuit sits at the heart of that comfort-first movement. It reflects how we live now — fluid, flexible and hybrid. We move between work, social life and downtime seamlessly. Our wardrobes need to keep up.
Cultural Impact: More Than Just Loungewear
The tracksuit has always had cultural weight in the UK. From Britpop to grime, it’s been a symbol of youth identity, rebellion and belonging.
Essentials taps into that heritage while modernising it. It feels premium but still accessible. High-end but not exclusionary.
In many ways, it represents the blurring of fashion hierarchies. You no longer need stiff tailoring to look “put together”. A perfectly styled tracksuit carries the same clout as a designer suit — sometimes more.
Style Hacks: Making It Your Own
Want to avoid looking like you’re wearing your gym kit? Here’s how to elevate your Essentials tracksuit game:
1. Play With Proportions
If your hoodie is oversized, balance it with slightly tapered joggers. If both pieces are relaxed, keep your footwear streamlined.
2. Accessorise Smartly
Layered silver chains. Statement socks. A structured bag. Tiny details make a huge difference.
3. Experiment With Layers
Throw a denim jacket over the hoodie. Add a puffer gilet. Wear the hoodie under a blazer for a fashion-week twist.
4. Sock Strategy
Scrunched sports socks with trainers give that effortless London street-style vibe. Invisible socks? Only if you’re going for ultra-minimal.
5. Colour Confidence
Don’t just stick to grey and black. Essentials’ muted sage, taupe and cream tones are wardrobe gold. They mix and match seamlessly.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
Fashion is becoming less about “menswear” and “womenswear” and more about silhouettes and self-expression.
The Essentials tracksuit thrives in this space. It’s roomy without drowning you. Structured without being stiff. The branding is subtle, which makes it adaptable to different style personalities — sporty, minimalist, edgy or soft.
Couples share sets. Friends swap hoodies. It’s communal fashion in the best way.
From Airport to Afterparty
One of the reasons the Essentials tracksuit continues to dominate is its versatility.
Airport look? Add slides and a tote.
Coffee date? Clean trainers and sleek sunglasses.
Casual dinner? Layer with a long coat and bold accessories.
It’s the ultimate “base layer” for modern dressing. Think of it as a blank canvas that you can remix endlessly.
The Quiet Luxury Connection
In a world where flashy logos are slowly giving way to understated elegance, Essentials fits the brief.
The branding is present but restrained. The focus is on fabric weight, fit and feel. It nods to the quiet luxury trend without pretending to be something it’s not.
It’s aspirational yet attainable — a rare balance.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?
Short answer? Yes.
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just another fleeting trend. It represents a broader shift in how we define style. Comfort is no longer the opposite of chic. Minimal doesn’t mean boring. Gender-neutral doesn’t mean shapeless.
It’s the kind of piece that evolves with you. Dress it up. Dress it down. Wear it oversized today and more fitted tomorrow. Share it. Customise it. Make it yours.
In an era obsessed with individuality, the beauty of the Essentials tracksuit lies in its simplicity. It doesn’t demand attention — it earns it.
And honestly? That’s exactly why it’s here to stay.
