There was a time when tracksuits were reserved for PE lessons, Sunday lounging and the occasional airport dash. Fast forward to now, and the Essentials tracksuit is the undisputed king of off-duty cool. It’s the uniform of influencers, the go-to for low-key luxury lovers, and a Gen Z wardrobe staple that refuses to budge.
Born from the minimalist genius of Fear of God and its founder Jerry Lorenzo, Essentials has managed to bottle that rare magic formula: premium feel, understated branding, and street credibility without trying too hard. And in 2026? It’s not just a trend — it’s a lifestyle.
Let’s break down why the Essentials tracksuit has become fashion’s favourite comfort blanket.
From Streetwear to Status Symbol
When streetwear first collided with high fashion, it gave us logo mania and hype culture. But Essentials flipped the script. Instead of oversized graphics and loud statements, it leaned into neutral palettes, clean silhouettes and subtle rubberised logos. The vibe? Effortless.
The tracksuit became a quiet flex. You’re not screaming designer — you’re whispering taste.
Unlike flashy labels, Essentials thrives on muted tones: oat, taupe, smoke, jet black. These are colours that slide seamlessly into capsule wardrobes and look just as good grabbing coffee in Shoreditch as they do at Heathrow departures.
Minimalism has never felt so powerful.
The Celebrity Co-Sign Effect
Let’s be honest: nothing catapults a piece into cult status quite like a celebrity endorsement. And Essentials has had plenty.
From paparazzi snaps of Justin Bieber layering his hoodie with chunky trainers, to Hailey Bieber styling hers with sleek sunglasses and a slick bun, the tracksuit quickly became synonymous with model-off-duty energy.
Even before the rebrand of celebrity street style, artists like Kanye West helped normalise luxe loungewear as everyday attire. Now, UK rap stars like Central Cee regularly pair neutral co-ords with statement outerwear, reinforcing that relaxed silhouettes are here to stay.
When the world’s most photographed figures choose comfort without sacrificing style, everyone takes notes.
How It’s Worn Around the World
The beauty of the Essentials tracksuit lies in its versatility. It adapts to location, mood and personal aesthetic.
London: Layered & Luxe
In the capital, it’s all about clever layering. Think taupe Essentials hoodie under a long wool coat, finished with crisp white trainers. Add a crossbody bag and suddenly you’re less “gym run” and more “Soho showroom meeting”.
New York: Athleisure Edge
Across the pond, it’s styled with baseball caps, puffer jackets and bold trainers. The tracksuit becomes part of a bigger streetwear statement — relaxed but deliberate.
Paris: Understated Chic
Parisians tend to balance the sporty feel with tailored pieces. A structured blazer thrown over the hoodie? Très cool. Add leather loafers and it’s giving minimalist editorial.
Dubai: Elevated Comfort
Here, it’s often paired with luxury accessories — oversized shades, designer slides, maybe even a statement watch. The neutral tones work beautifully against sunlit backdrops.
One tracksuit. Infinite moods.
Gen Z’s Love Affair with Comfort
If Millennials walked so Gen Z could run, then Gen Z definitely ran — straight into comfort dressing.
Growing up during lockdown culture reshaped fashion priorities. Soft fabrics, oversized silhouettes and pieces that transition from sofa to street became non-negotiable. Essentials hit the sweet spot.
On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, “fit checks” frequently feature neutral co-ords styled with Sambas, New Balance trainers or UGGs. The hashtag culture around minimal streetwear keeps the tracksuit in constant rotation.
But beyond aesthetics, there’s something deeper: authenticity. Gen Z gravitates towards brands that feel intentional rather than ostentatious. Essentials’ stripped-back branding aligns perfectly with the “quiet luxury” movement dominating feeds.
It’s aspirational, but not alienating.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the strongest reasons for the Essentials tracksuit’s dominance? It doesn’t care about gender norms.
The oversized fit, muted palette and relaxed tailoring blur traditional menswear and womenswear lines. Hoodies hang effortlessly on any frame. Joggers sit just right whether styled baggy or fitted.
Couples share them. Friends swap them. It’s fashion without rigid rules.
In a world increasingly embracing fluidity, the Essentials tracksuit feels refreshingly inclusive. You don’t buy it because it’s “for him” or “for her”. You buy it because it looks good — full stop.
Styling Hacks: From Sofa to Street
Think a tracksuit can’t be dressed up? Think again.
Here’s how to elevate yours instantly:
1. Add Structure
Throw on a tailored coat or sharp blazer. The contrast between soft fleece and structured tailoring creates instant polish.
2. Play With Proportions
Oversized hoodie? Opt for slimmer joggers. Wide-leg joggers? Choose a cropped jacket. Balance is everything.
3. Upgrade the Footwear
Swap trainers for chunky loafers or sleek boots. Yes, really. It works.
4. Accessorise Smartly
A statement bag, layered chains or a beanie can completely transform the vibe.
5. Monochrome Magic
Stick to one colour family head-to-toe for a clean, editorial finish. Beige on beige? Always chic.
The trick is intention. Even relaxed outfits look elevated when styled deliberately.
Why It Works in Every Season
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t seasonal — it’s perennial.
- Autumn/Winter: Layer under puffers, shearling jackets or trench coats.
- Spring: Wear hoodie and shorts for transitional ease.
- Summer evenings: Drape the sweatshirt over shoulders for that nonchalant “just in case” layer.
The fabric weight is substantial without being suffocating, making it ideal for Britain’s unpredictable weather. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s spitting rain — and your co-ord handles both.
Cultural Currency & Quiet Luxury
We’re living in the era of subtle flexing. Gone are the days when logos needed to shout. The new wave of style signals wealth and taste through cut, fabric and restraint.
The Essentials tracksuit embodies this shift. It nods to luxury without demanding attention. It’s the sartorial equivalent of knowing the best coffee spot but not posting it online.
This understated approach has become cultural currency. It says you understand fashion without being consumed by it.
Investment or Impulse?
At first glance, some may baulk at the price tag compared to high street alternatives. But consider cost per wear. If it becomes your weekly uniform — airport outfit, brunch staple, errand essential — the value adds up quickly.
Plus, its timeless design avoids trend fatigue. While neon co-ords and logo-heavy sets fade, neutral minimalism endures.
It’s not just a purchase. It’s a wardrobe foundation.
The Future of the Tracksuit
Fashion cycles move fast, yet the Essentials tracksuit shows no signs of slowing. Why? Because it taps into something bigger than trend forecasting.
It reflects how we actually live now.
Hybrid work. Coffee meetings. Content creation. Travel. Comfort is no longer negotiable, but neither is style. The modern wardrobe demands both.
Expect to see continued experimentation — perhaps new textures, slightly refined cuts, fresh tonal drops — but always anchored in that recognisable Essentials DNA.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Loungewear
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t about laziness. It’s about intention. It proves you can be comfortable and considered, relaxed and refined.
Whether you’re layering it for a city stroll, styling it for a content shoot, or simply embracing the art of elevated lounging, one thing is certain: this is no fleeting fashion fling.
It’s the uniform of a generation that values ease, authenticity and quiet confidence.
And honestly? We’re not taking it off anytime soon.
