If there’s one outfit that has quietly—but oh-so-confidently—taken over Instagram grids, TikTok FYPs, street-style galleries, and your favourite celebs’ airport fits, it’s the Essentials Tracksuit. Comfortable yet impossibly cool, minimalist but instantly recognisable, gender-neutral and gloriously versatile, this matching set has become the unofficial uniform of the stylishly laid-back.
How did a simple two-piece loungewear set become a global cultural moment? Let’s break down the hype, the influencers behind the trend, and all the ways you can style the iconic Essentials Tracksuit to keep your wardrobe feeling modern, effortless, and vibe-checked.
The Rise of the Essentials Tracksuit: From Minimalist to Must-Have
A few years ago, you might have associated tracksuits with gym warm-ups or a Sunday run to the shop. But then came a fashion shift—a cultural softening toward comfort, the boom of athleisure, and a newfound appreciation for clean silhouettes. Enter: the Essentials Tracksuit, part of the Fear of God Essentials line known for its pared-back aesthetic, muted tones, and elevated basics.
Suddenly, tracksuits weren’t just for lounging—they were for living. They represented an ethos: uncomplicated, slow-fashion, comfort-first dressing that didn’t compromise on style. The Essentials logo became a symbol of understated luxury, and the rest is history.
Celebrities Who Made the Essentials Tracksuit Go Viral
Let’s be honest: a tracksuit doesn’t go from “cute” to “cultural phenomenon” without a few famous names giving it the spotlight treatment.
Justin Bieber has been spotted in more colourways than most of us knew existed. Hailey Bieber pairs hers with tiny sunnies and big energy for the ultimate model-off-duty look. Kanye West, ever the champion of neutral-toned streetwear, rocked Essentials long before its mainstream explosion.
Even the UK’s own style darlings have dipped in. From Stormzy, who loves a clean monochrome fit, to Jorja Smith, who has a knack for making comfort look angelic, British celebs helped the Essentials look translate perfectly into the London street-style vibe: a little sporty, a little cosy, a lot iconic.
Every time a celeb was snapped in their Essentials set—coffee run, studio session, airport corridor—it added another dose of cultural currency. Before long, the tracksuit became its own fashion status symbol.
Why Gen Z Is Obsessed with the Essentials Tracksuit
Gen Z didn’t just wear the trend—they weaponised it. And it makes sense.
1. Minimalist Aesthetic? Tick.
Gen Z loves a clean, curated look. Essentials fits the “quiet luxury” aesthetic without shouting about branding.
2. Comfort Is Non-Negotiable
Why wear stiff denim when you can float through the day in brushed cotton fleece?
3. Instagrammable Without Trying Too Hard
The muted palette photographs beautifully. Whether you’re taking mirror selfies or rooftop shots, the Essentials Tracksuit always comes through.
4. Gender Neutrality
Gen Z champions inclusive fashion. Essentials’ sizing and styling are deliberately universal—something everyone can wear and feel at home in.
5. Sustainable Mindset
Fast fashion is out, elevated basics with longevity are in. Essentials offers quality without ostentatious flash.
Together, it’s a recipe cooked to perfection for the social-media-savvy generation.
How to Wear the Essentials Tracksuit: Style Tips for Every Occasion
Let’s get into the fun part—styling. Here’s how to elevate your Essentials Tracksuit depending on the vibe.
1. The “Airport Chic” Look
Everyone wants to look like a celeb at Heathrow or Gatwick, and the Essentials Tracksuit practically guarantees it.
Style it with:
- Chunky trainers
- Oversized hoodie layered under a trench
- Minimalist crossbody bag
- Dark sunglasses (yes, even indoors)
Effortless, unbothered, quietly iconic.
2. The “Running Errands but Make It Fashion” Fit
You know the drill—coffee run, post office, grocery dash, but you want to look like you’ve got your life together.
Try pairing:
- Essentials joggers with a crisp white tee
- Puffer gilet or bomber jacket
- Small hoop earrings
- Sleek bun or messy topknot
It’s a look that says, “I may be grabbing oat milk, but I’m also serving.”
3. The “Gym-to-Brunch” Transition
The Essentials Tracksuit was practically invented for the days when plans blur together.
Complete the vibe with:
- Lightweight runners
- Baseball cap
- Mini backpack
- Gold jewellery to add some polish
From treadmill to terrace brunch seating—smooth and seamless.
4. The “Night Out, But Cozy” Twist
Who says you can’t wear a tracksuit out at night? With the right pieces, you absolutely can.
Go for:
- Dark-coloured Essentials set (charcoal, moss, or black)
- Sleek trainers or even minimalist leather boots
- Fitted long-sleeve tee under an open hoodie
- Statement bag or chain necklace
It’s giving late-night Soho energy with none of the discomfort.
5. The “Study Session Aesthetic” for Students
Uni life calls for pieces you can wear from study sessions to society events.
Style with:
- Essentials sweatshirt + loose-fit joggers
- Dad trainers
- Tote bag with laptop, notebook, and probably snacks
- Tiny necklace or rings for subtle personality
You’ll look like the star of your own campus romance film.
Gender-Neutral Appeal: Fashion for Everyone
One of the biggest wins for the Essentials Tracksuit is its unisex silhouette. It doesn’t lean masculine or feminine—it’s just cool. The oversized fit, the neutral tones, the simple branding… it all blends into a style landscape where personal expression matters more than labels.
Couples wear matching sets. Friends twin unintentionally. Sizing is flexible, forgiving, and made for layering. It’s exactly the kind of fashion the new generation supports—fluid, inclusive, and based on comfort rather than old-school rules.
Cultural Impact: From Streetwear to Social Currency
Tracksuits have always held space in fashion—think early 2000s Juicy Couture or adidas classics—but Essentials brought a new flavour: luxury minimalism meets street apparel.
The Essentials Tracksuit aligns with several cultural movements:
- The rise of athleisure
- The normalisation of comfort-wear post-pandemic
- The “clean girl / clean boy” aesthetic
- Scandi minimalist influence
- The UK’s love affair with street style and urban fashion
It’s become more than clothing—it’s a visual shorthand for a lifestyle. Relaxed, creative, confident, connected.
Fashion Hacks: Making the Essentials Tracksuit Look 10/10 Every Time
Want to level up your look even more? Try these editorial-approved hacks.
✔ Mix Textures
Add a leather jacket, suede trainers, or a ribbed vest underneath for subtle contrast.
✔ Go Monochrome
Pick one colour—grey, beige, black—and style every piece around it. Ultra chic.
✔ Add Statement Trainers
A neutral tracksuit means you can flex your favourite kicks—Air Max, Yeezys, New Balance 550s, or Adidas Sambas.
✔ Accessorise Like You Mean It
Think caps, sporty sunglasses, layered necklaces, or shoulder bags.
✔ Play With Silhouette
Oversized hoodie + tapered joggers = balanced.
Oversized on oversized = streetwear authenticity.
✔ Roll the Hem
A slight cuff on your joggers can instantly elevate the look.
Which Colour Should You Buy? A Quick Guide
Not sure which Essentials set to pick? Let’s break it down.
- Grey: The classic. Impossible to get wrong.
- Black: Sleek, clean, low-maintenance. The night-out favourite.
- Beige / Taupe: The influencer favourite. Soft, chic, photogenic.
- Moss / Sage: Earthy and cool—perfect for autumn aesthetics.
- Cream: Elevated and angelic, but you will need to be careful with coffee.
Match your colour to your lifestyle… or just get more than one. No judgement.
Final Verdict: Do You Need an Essentials Tracksuit?
Let’s put it this way: if you want an outfit that’s stylish, gender-inclusive, celebrity-approved, comfy enough to sleep in, and versatile enough for almost any casual scenario, then yes—the Essentials Tracksuit deserves a place in your wardrobe.
It’s modern street style distilled into the simplest, coziest form. A piece of cultural fashion DNA. A style staple that feels personal, effortless, and endlessly wearable.
And the best part? You don’t need to try too hard. Slip it on, step outside, and let the vibe speak for itself.
