The Essentials Tracksuit: The Off-Duty Uniform That Took Over the Streets

If you’ve stepped outside in the last few years — whether in Shoreditch, Soho, or scrolling your For You Page at 2am — you’ll know one thing for certain: the Essentials Tracksuit is no longer just loungewear. It’s a cultural marker. A fashion flex. A lifestyle. Born from the minimalist genius of Fear of God and the creative vision of Jerry Lorenzo, Essentials has redefined what it means to dress casually. Think clean lines, muted tones, oversized silhouettes and that unmistakable rubberised logo that whispers luxury rather than shouting it. But what exactly makes the Essentials Tracksuit such a wardrobe heavyweight? Let’s get into it. From Sofa to Street Style Star Once upon a time, tracksuits were reserved for PE lessons and hungover Sundays. Now? They’re front row at Fashion Week. The Essentials Tracksuit thrives on versatility. It’s cut roomy but tailored enough to avoid looking sloppy. The hoodie drapes just right. The joggers taper perfectly at the ankle. It’s that sweet spot between structured and slouchy. In cities like London and New York, the look varies slightly: London: Paired with a long wool overcoat, Nike TNs or Salomons, and a crossbody bag. New York: Styled with chunky trainers, a fitted cap, and statement socks. Paris: (Yes, they’ve adopted it too.) Minimal trainers and slick sunglasses for that effortless insouciance. It’s become the unofficial off-duty uniform for creatives, stylists and anyone who wants to look “put together” without actually trying too hard. Celebrity Co-Sign: The Power Move Let’s be honest — half the reason something becomes iconic is the co-sign. When names like Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber step out in coordinated neutral sets, the internet takes notes. The oversized hoodie, the tonal layering, the undone-yet-intentional vibe — it all feeds the aesthetic. Even Kanye West helped cement the cultural shift towards elevated basics. The move away from loud logos to muted palettes and architectural fits paved the way for Essentials’ dominance. Celebrity influence has turned the tracksuit into a statement: relaxed, confident, and financially aware (because let’s face it, it sits at that aspirational-but-accessible price point). The Gen Z Effect: Comfort is King Gen Z didn’t just adopt the Essentials Tracksuit — they weaponised it. This is the generation that values: Comfort over constraint Fluid fashion over rigid dress codes Investment basics over fast-fashion chaos On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, “Essentials haul” videos rack up millions of views. Styling reels show five ways to wear the same grey hoodie. GRWM clips feature monochrome sets styled with headphones and slick-back buns. For Gen Z, it’s not just about looking good — it’s about feeling authentic. The oversized fit offers security. The neutral tones (stone, taupe, moss, charcoal) slot seamlessly into capsule wardrobes. It’s anti-try-hard energy, and that’s precisely the point. Gender-Neutral Done Right One of the strongest appeal