Why the Essentials Tracksuit Is the Unofficial Uniform of Now

Once viewed as the domain of weekend errands or lazy Sunday vibes, the Essentials Tracksuit has officially graduated to fashion royalty — favoured by celebrities, embraced by Gen Z, and styled in ways that would make even your sartorially-elite mate do a double take. From TikTok transitions to airport-style snaps, this comfy yet chic set has conquered the cultural zeitgeist — and it’s not slowing down.
Let’s unpack how this wardrobe staple went from basic to beloved — and how you can make it your own.
The Celebrity Endorsement That Changed Everything
If you’ve scrolled fashion reels in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen a Essentials Tracksuit on the A-list. It’s not just pop stars and influencers; mega celebs like Hailey Bieber and Justin Bieber have been spotted sporting this luxe leisurewear at every turn — airport runs, coffee runs, very important brunches — you name it. Their subtle cool-but-effortless energy has trickled down into mainstream culture, making the tracksuit feel less like loungewear and more like high fashion.
Celebrities are the modern fashion arbiters — if Rihanna wore it (hypothetically), you know it’s going to sell out. And since the Biebers first stepped out in it, designers and high street brands have been racing to put their own twist on the silhouette.
Celebrity Sightings That Trended:
- Airport-style snaps that went viral
- Late-night streetwear looks
- Music video cameos
- Sneaker collabs that broke the internet
With such star power in the mix, it’s no wonder this tracksuit has become a style icon in its own right.
Gen Z Loves It — Here’s Why
Scroll through TikTok or Instagram and you’ll see one name everywhere: Gen Z. This generation didn’t just adopt the tracksuit; they reinvented it.
For Gen Z, fashion isn’t just about looking good — it’s about identity, authenticity and play. The Essentials Tracksuit fits that ethos perfectly. It’s versatile, wearable, and doesn’t take itself too seriously — ideal for outfits that are as expressive as they are comfy.
Here’s how Gen Z are styling it:
- Layered over graphic tees, cropped tops or hoodies
- Chunky trainers and colourful socks for playful contrast
- Monochrome vibes for the minimalist at heart
- Outsize aesthetics — bigger, baggier, better
It’s no surprise that TikTok’s #TracksuitTrend has millions of views — because this isn’t just a look, it’s a movement.
Gender-Neutral Cool: Style Beyond Labels
One of the most refreshing things about the Essentials Tracksuit is how seamlessly it transcends gender norms. In an era where fashion is increasingly fluid, this tracksuit has become a champion of inclusivity.
Whether you’re gender-fluid, cis-male, cis-female or anywhere else on the spectrum, the beauty of this outfit lies in how you own it. It doesn’t dictate who should wear it — it just sits there, ready to be styled.
Style Tips for Everyone:
- Keep the fit relaxed for an androgynous vibe
- Try tailoring (yes, tailoring!) the cuffs or hems for a more personalised feel
- Mix with sharper accessories (belts, jewellery, tote bags) to elevate the look
- Pair with bold sneakers or boots depending on your mood
This tracksuit isn’t just unisex — it’s universally flattering, wearable, and ready for every wardrobe.
Style Hacks to Elevate Your Tracksuit Game
Now for the good stuff: how to make this wardrobe staple yours — in ways that feel fresh, stylish, and totally now:
1. Add a Statement Belt
Cinching your tracksuit at the waist instantly transforms the silhouette and adds structure to an otherwise relaxed fit.
2. Sneaker Pairings That Pop
From classic white trainers to bold, chunky silhouettes — footwear can make or break your look. Think contrast.
3. Layer with Luxe Accessories
Gold chains, sleek sunglasses, a premium tote — a few well-chosen accessories push this beyond plain lounging.
4. Mix Textures
Pair the soft tracksuit fabric with something edgier — like a leather jacket or denim waistcoat — for tactile contrast.
5. Go Cropped or Oversized
Depending on your vibe, altering proportions (literally or visually) adds personality. Crop the top, size up the bottoms — experiment!
Cultural Trends That Backed the Tracksuit Takeover
In the past decade, a few cultural shifts made this moment inevitable:
Athleisure = Everyday Wear
Once confined to gym floors, athletic wear is now streetwear’s beloved cousin. Comfort won — and we’re not looking back.
Work-from-Home Normalisation
As we spent more time at home, fashion adapted. The Essentials Tracksuit was perfectly poised for that pivot — comfort that still looks intentional.
Gender Fluidity in Dress Codes
As fashion becomes more inclusive, items like tracksuits have been celebrated for their neutrality and flexibility.
Social Media Style Cycles
Thanks to TikTok transitions and Instagram OOTDs, trends spread faster than ever — meaning the tracksuit didn’t just arrive; it exploded.
Seasonal Styling: Tracksuit All Year Round
Think this is just cosy winter wear? Think again. The Essentials Tracksuit adapts beautifully with the seasons:
Summer
Wear with slides, crop the top, or throw over festival-ready layers.
Autumn
Add chunky socks and trainers with an oversized jacket — seasonal and snuggly.
Winter
Swap the sneakers for boots, layer with a puffer, and you’re airport-ready in style.
Spring
Tone on tone pastel accessories give it that fresh new season refresh.
The key? Accessories, layers, and a bit of personal flair.
Why Everyone — Literally Everyone — Should Have One
The Essentials Tracksuit isn’t just a trend — it’s a wardrobe staple that ticks every box:
✔ Comfortable
✔ Stylish
✔ Gender-neutral
✔ Celebrity-approved
✔ TikTok-verified
It’s as suitable for coffee runs as it is for casual office days (hello, relaxed dress codes), date night in, or a spontaneous road trip playlist session.
Whether you’re a minimalist purist or a maximalist mix-and-matcher, there’s a tracksuit vibe for you.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Tracksuit Revolution
The Essentials Tracksuit has earned its place in fashion history. It’s more than an outfit — it’s a cultural emblem of comfort, identity, and self-expression. From celebs to Gen Z, from gender-neutral closets to highstreet and high fashion alike, this tracksuit isn’t just worn — it’s lived in.
So the next time someone tells you it’s “just a tracksuit,” smile knowingly. Because the magic isn’t in the fabric — it’s in the flex.









