If there’s one outfit that’s gone from gym-bag staple to front-row fashion flex, it’s the Essentials tracksuit. Comfortable, minimalist, and surprisingly versatile, this cult classic from Fear of God Essentials is no longer just for lazy Sundays—it’s a whole lifestyle vibe. From Instagram grids to street-style blogs, the Essentials tracksuit has cemented itself as the unofficial uniform of Gen Z (and a good handful of millennials who refuse to be left behind).
So, why is the world losing its mind over neutral-toned joggers and hoodies? And more importantly, how can you style it so you’re giving “effortlessly chic” instead of “nipped to Tesco in a rush”? Let’s break it down.
The Celebrity Seal of Approval
Nothing makes a brand blow up faster than a celebrity co-sign, and Essentials has plenty. Justin Bieber practically made the tracksuit his second skin, styling it with chunky trainers and oversized outerwear. Hailey Bieber elevates hers with sleek hair and gold jewellery, proving you can go from airport to aperitivo with minimal effort.
Across the pond, Stormzy and Dave have embraced the look in the UK, bringing that London streetwear edge. On TikTok, rising stars like Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio sport Essentials sets like they were born in them. Bottom line? The tracksuit has transcended loungewear—it’s celebrity off-duty chic.
A Love Letter from Gen Z
Gen Z’s obsession with comfort-first fashion has catapulted the Essentials tracksuit into icon status. They’re not here for restrictive denim or overcomplicated silhouettes; instead, they want clothes that feel as good as they look.
Neutral tones—think oat, stone, taupe, and grey—fit perfectly into the TikTok-approved aesthetic of “clean girl” minimalism. Pair it with slick-back buns, dewy skin, and chunky trainers, and you’ve got the modern Gen Z uniform. But it’s also gender-neutral, which speaks volumes. Essentials doesn’t scream “his” or “hers”—it’s just cool, universally flattering gear. And that inclusivity is exactly why it resonates with younger crowds.
Gender-Neutral Fashion Done Right
Tracksuits used to be coded: men in sporty Adidas sets, women in Juicy Couture velour. But the Essentials tracksuit sits right in the middle—oversized enough to feel relaxed, tailored enough to look sharp. It’s not about hugging curves or flexing muscles; it’s about silhouette, drape, and that perfect slightly-boxy cut.
Fashion has shifted away from binary dressing, and Essentials nails the vibe. Your girlfriend, your brother, your mum—even your grandad—could wear the same tracksuit, and it’d still look good. It’s a democratization of fashion without sacrificing style.
How to Style It Without Looking Like You Just Rolled Out of Bed
Yes, tracksuits are comfy. But that doesn’t mean you need to look sloppy. Here are some easy styling hacks to take your Essentials set from Netflix binge to street-style king or queen:
1. Layer with Outerwear
Think oversized trench, puffer, or leather jacket. Suddenly, your cosy hoodie-and-joggers combo looks like a thought-out outfit.
2. Accessorise Smartly
Chunky trainers are the obvious choice, but swap them for loafers or sleek Chelsea boots and you’ll flip the narrative. Add gold hoops, a baseball cap, or even a designer tote, and you’re golden.
3. Play with Proportions
Oversized hoodie? Pair with fitted joggers. Wide-leg track bottoms? Balance with a cropped or tucked-in sweatshirt. It’s all about shape and contrast.
4. Go Monochrome
Head-to-toe taupe or charcoal? Chef’s kiss. It elongates the silhouette and looks intentional—even if you got dressed in two minutes flat.
5. Elevate with Tailoring
A blazer over an Essentials hoodie is a power move. Effortlessly blends comfort with polish. Think Paris Fashion Week street-style energy.
Tracksuits and Cultural Cool
Tracksuits have always carried cultural weight. In the UK, they were tied to grime, football culture, and council estate swagger. Across the pond, they were linked with hip-hop and streetwear evolution. Essentials manages to bridge the gap—keeping the roots of tracksuit culture intact while packaging it in minimalist, high-fashion sensibility.
The result? A look that works in Brixton as well as in Beverly Hills. It’s a rare cross-cultural moment in fashion where everyone feels included.
The TikTok Effect
Let’s be real: if TikTok loves it, it’s already sold out. Essentials drops vanish in minutes, fuelled by “haul” videos and endless styling tips. The app has given tracksuits new life as an everyday fashion staple—not just something to wear when you’ve got nothing else clean.
From the “that girl” aesthetic to “blokecore” edits, the Essentials tracksuit plays chameleon. One scroll and you’ll see it paired with New Balance dad trainers, another scroll and it’s styled with Dior B23s. TikTok thrives on remix culture, and Essentials fits right in.
Fashion Hacks for Making It Your Own
Sure, Essentials is already stylish, but fashion’s all about personal touches. Here are a few hacks to stand out:
- Add Statement Trainers: White Air Force 1s? Too easy. Go bold with colourful Jordans or retro ASICS.
- Jewellery is Key: Layer chains, rings, or chunky earrings. Minimalist fit + maximalist accessories = chef’s kiss.
- Mix High and Low: Pair your Essentials set with a luxury bag or belt. Think Balenciaga meets budget-friendly cool.
- Play with Socks: Pull them high, scrunch them down, or go logo-heavy. A small tweak that changes the whole vibe.
- DIY Twist: Some Gen Zers are cropping hoodies or adding custom embroidery. It’s fashion with personality.
Why It’s More Than Just a Tracksuit
At its core, the Essentials tracksuit represents something bigger: a shift in fashion priorities. We’re done suffering in stiff jeans and blister-inducing heels. Comfort, accessibility, and fluidity are now the gold standards. Essentials doesn’t just give you a matching hoodie and joggers—it gives you permission to be both chill and chic.
In a world where everyone’s juggling work-from-home days, coffee dates, and night-outs, the Essentials tracksuit is the ultimate wardrobe hack. It’s not a trend—it’s a lifestyle staple.
Final Word: Essentials, But Make It Iconic
The rise of the Essentials tracksuit is proof that sometimes, the simplest pieces make the biggest cultural waves. From Bieber to Brixton, from TikTok teens to off-duty models, this is the uniform of now. Whether you’re a Gen Z trendsetter, a millennial multitasker, or someone who just wants to look good while being comfy, the Essentials tracksuit has your back.
So, the next time you slip into your neutral-toned co-ord, remember: you’re not just dressing for comfort—you’re tapping into one of the defining fashion moments of our time. And honestly? That’s pretty iconic.
