Welcome to the era of fashion meets function, where the humble tracksuit has earned its place on the runway, on the ‘Gram, and in the hearts (and wardrobes) of Gen Z trendsetters. At the centre of this stylish revolution? The Essentials Tracksuit — minimal, monochrome, and madly versatile.
Whether you’re lounging, brunching, airport-hopping or street-styling, the Essentials Tracksuit is a fit (pun fully intended) for all seasons. So, let’s dive into why this cult classic is blowing up and how to make it your next wardrobe staple.
From Gym Gear to Global Icon: A Quick History
Once reserved for early morning jogs and post-match interviews, tracksuits have undergone the ultimate fashion glow-up. Enter: the Essentials by Fear of God line — a minimalistic, luxe-streetwear brand founded by Jerry Lorenzo that’s taken the basics game and made it fashion.
The Essentials Tracksuit, typically comprised of a matching oversized hoodie and joggers in muted tones like oatmeal, charcoal, and sand, has become the off-duty uniform for anyone who’s anyone. Think of it as the tracksuit’s answer to the little black dress — timeless, flattering, and universally cool.
Celebs in Essentials: Who’s Wearing It?
It’s not just your favourite influencers rocking this co-ord. The Essentials Tracksuit has major celebrity backing. Here’s just a brief highlight reel:
- Kendall Jenner was spotted post-Pilates in a cream Essentials hoodie, paired with sleek sunnies and a green juice. Iconic.
- Justin Bieber, practically the poster boy for Fear of God, is often snapped in oversized Essentials loungewear while grabbing coffee or heading to the studio.
- Hailey Bieber, ever the street-style queen, balances the tracksuit’s slouchy silhouette with chunky gold jewellery and a slicked-back bun. Chef’s kiss.
- Even K-pop stars like BTS have been seen sporting the brand during downtime, proving its global reach.
In short? If celebs were a classroom, Essentials would be the popular kid everyone wants to sit next to.
The Gen Z Effect: Comfort, But Make It Cool
Gen Z has redefined fashion norms, and honestly, we’re here for it. They’ve blurred the line between loungewear and streetwear, turning everyday basics into trend pieces. The Essentials Tracksuit fits right into their vibe: gender-neutral, relaxed, and effortlessly Insta-worthy.
TikTok has become the modern-day runway, and Essentials is all over it. Try searching #EssentialsTracksuit — you’ll find GRWM videos, styling hacks, and outfit checks galore. The youth have spoken: basics are no longer basic.
Style It Like a Pro: Tips & Tricks
Let’s talk styling hacks. Just because it’s a tracksuit doesn’t mean you can’t make it look high fashion. Here’s how to elevate your Essentials look without trying too hard (because that’s the goal, right?):
1. Layer with Leather
Throw on a faux leather trench over your hoodie for a high-low mix that screams street-style goddess.
2. Accessorise, Always
Think crossbody bags, claw clips, statement sunglasses, or even a baseball cap. Accessories add personal flair to your neutral canvas.
3. Shoes Make the Fit
White chunky trainers are the go-to, but don’t sleep on combat boots or even a sleek mule to add a twist.
4. Play with Proportions
Tuck the hoodie slightly into the waistband, or pull the joggers up to a mid-calf crop to show off socks or statement kicks.
5. Jewellery is Your Best Friend
Layered gold chains, silver hoops, or even a pearl choker? Yes, yes, and yes. The contrast of luxe jewellery against soft cotton is chef’s kiss.
The Gender-Neutral Glow-Up
Fashion’s moving beyond the binary, and the Essentials Tracksuit is leading the charge. With its boxy silhouettes, earthy colour palette, and oversized fit, it’s completely unisex — and proud of it.
Forget labels like “menswear” or “womenswear” — this is everyone-wear. It’s androgynous, inclusive, and lets you define your style, not a tag on the label.
Culture Check: Streetwear Meets Softwear
Culturally, we’re living in the golden age of “softwear” — clothing that prioritises comfort and aesthetics. The Essentials Tracksuit is peak softwear, with its brushed fleece textures and slouchy appeal, but it also fits neatly into the streetwear scene.
It’s the uniform of modern creatives, off-duty models, and sneakerheads. Whether you’re queueing for the latest drop or heading to a coffee meeting at Shoreditch House, Essentials says, “I woke up like this… and I still look better than you.”
Fashion on a Budget: Worth the Investment?
Essentials sits at that sweet spot between high-end and high-street. While it’s not fast fashion cheap, it’s also not runway inaccessible — making it the perfect entry point into the world of premium streetwear.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal drops on websites like SSENSE, END Clothing, or even StockX for harder-to-find shades and sizes. And yes, Essentials sells out fast — so set those alarms and hit refresh like your wardrobe depends on it (because it does)
How to Wash Without Ruining It (Seriously)
It’s comfy, cosy, and cute — but it can be delicate. Wash your Essentials tracksuit on a cold cycle, inside out, and avoid the tumble dryer like it’s your ex at a house party. Air dry flat to keep the fit and fabric fresh. You’re welcome.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
In a word: absolutely. The Essentials Tracksuit is more than just a tracksuit — it’s a lifestyle. It’s about feeling good while looking like you didn’t even try, and isn’t that the dream?
It ticks all the boxes:
✔ Comfortable
✔ Cool
✔ Celeb-approved
✔ Gen Z certified
✔ Gender-neutral
✔ Easy to style
Whether you’re working from home, grabbing brunch, or headed to the airport, this two-piece wonder has got your back (and legs, and arms, and vibe).