Remember when a tracksuit was something you only wore to the gym or, let’s be honest, to the corner shop for a pint of milk looking like you’d just rolled out of bed? Yeah, those days are long gone. Thanks to Jerry Lorenzo’s brainchild, Fear of God’s Essentials sub-label, the tracksuit has had a major glow-up. It’s no longer just loungewear; it’s the look. In fact, we’ve entered the era of the “Essentials Tracksuit,” the piece that has officially become the UK’s coolest off-duty uniform .
From the trendy streets of Shoreditch to the rainy cobbles of Edinburgh, this minimalist staple has taken over. It’s the great unifier—worn by students, celebrities, and your mate who claims he doesn’t care about fashion but somehow looks immaculate. It’s comfort, it’s style, and depending on where you are in the UK, it’s a postcode passport. Let’s take a tour of how the nation is rocking this iconic two-piece.
London: The Art of “High-Low” Fashion
In the capital, particularly East London, the Essentials Tracksuit is all about that intentional effortlessness . You know the vibe—you spent £180 on a hoodie, but you want to look like you just rolled out of a warehouse party. In Shoreditch, you’ll spot the cool kids pairing their oversized hoodies with chunky trainers, micro sunglasses, and a designer crossbody bag that costs more than their rent .
West London, however, leans into a cleaner, more polished aesthetic. Think monochrome fits with crisp white trainers and a flash of gold jewellery . The London rule? Play with proportions. The “London Hack” is to size up twice and take the drawstrings out of the hood for that “I don’t try too hard” energy . With celebs like Stormzy and Jorja Smith consistently spotted in neutral-toned Essentials pieces, the message is clear: this tracksuit isn’t for the gym; it’s a statement .
Manchester: Sporty Swagger and Northern Grit
Up north, Manchester brings a sporty-chic swagger deeply rooted in the city’s music and football culture . This isn’t just fashion; it’s heritage. Here, the Essentials Tracksuit is treated like a blank canvas for fire footwear. While London hides their legs, Mancunians show off the tapered joggers, often pin-rolling the ankle cuff to sit perfectly above a pair of retro Adidas kicks, New Balance 1906Rs, or Nike TNs .
The weather in Manchester is famously unpredictable, so layering is key. You’ll see the hoodie thrown under a puffer jacket or paired with waxed shorts (yes, that’s a thing) to battle the drizzle . Local influencers and footballers like Marcus Rashford have cemented the look, making it part of the city’s uniform . If London is about minimalism, Manchester is about texture and bold trainers that pop against the muted Essentials tones .
Leeds: Effortless Cool with a Playful Twist
Leeds brings a youthful, creative energy to the trackie trend. With a massive student population, the look gets a playful twist. It’s festival-ready and fashion-forward. Yorkshire folk are known for their sharp sense of practicality, and they style the tracksuit with confidence .
A Leeds lad might keep the hoodie half-zipped to show a vintage band tee underneath, or pull the sleeves up to the forearm—essential for gripping a pint. The girls in Leeds love the “boyfriend” hack: buying the men’s Small, throwing it over an Alo Yoga bra, and wearing the joggers at the hip . During colder months, it’s common to see the Essentials tracksuit layered with oversized denim jackets or statement coats, while the summer brings the shorts version paired with high socks and bucket hats .
Birmingham: The “Full Kit” Energy
In the Second City, they don’t do half measures. If you buy the Essentials tracksuit in Birmingham, you wear the full tracksuit. Jacket, hoodie, and joggers—all at once, creating a triple-layer effect . This isn’t casual; it’s coordinated aggression.
Birmingham is where you’ll spot the rarer “Pistachio” or “Lavender” colourways . It’s urban edge meets classic cool . Accessories are absolutely mandatory—a thick Cuban chain and a cross-body bag complete the look . With the rise of UK Drill and Grime MCs from Brum, the tracksuit has become a form of armour; it demands respect. And the ultimate fashion faux pas here? Wrinkled drawstrings. Iron them flat .
The Celebrity Seal of Approval
Why are we all obsessed? Because the celebs can’t get enough. From the ultimate hypebeast Justin Bieber to UK icons like Dave and Central Cee, the Essentials Tracksuit is an airport and afterparty staple . Hailey Bieber styles hers with chunky trainers and a slick bun for that model-off-duty look, while Kendal Jenner uses it as her “stealth wealth” travel uniform . Even our very own Lewis Capaldi has been spotted living in his set, pairing it with a can of Irn-Bru—relatable king . When celebrities post candid snaps in this gear, it sends a clear message: style doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort.
Gen Z and the Genderless Phenomenon
Gen Z is leading the charge, and they love the Essentials Tracksuit because it fits their values perfectly: inclusivity, comfort, and style . Fashion for this generation is about identity, not gender labels. The oversized cuts and neutral palettes of the Essentials range mean it’s the ultimate shared wardrobe piece—one hoodie for you, your partner, or your best mate . On TikTok, #EssentialsTracksuit hauls rack up millions of views, proving it’s not just a passing fad .
Fashion Hacks: Keep It Fresh
So, you’ve bought the set. How do you keep it looking less “student” and more “stylish”?
- The Wash Hack: Always turn your hoodie inside out before washing. The rubber logo is fragile! Wash at 30 degrees, no fabric softener—it ruins the fleece .
- The Lace Swap: Those thick flat cotton laces on the hood? Swap them for waxed black or cream laces. It elevates the hoodie from “Primark” to “private school” instantly .
- The Blazer Move: For a night out, throw an oversized blazer over the hoodie but keep the joggers on. It’s the 2024 version of the “going out top” .
