If there’s one outfit that has quietly (or not so quietly) become the nation’s go-to for effortless style, it’s the Essentials Tracksuit. From London’s fashion-forward corners to Manchester’s street-style hotspots, this cosy, minimal, and ultra-wearable set has gone from laid-back loungewear to full-blown cultural movement.
Whether you’re strolling through Shoreditch with an oat latte, heading to university lectures in Leeds, or catching a match day tram in Manchester, the Essentials Tracksuit just fits in every UK city. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t love comfort that also looks incredibly chic?
Let’s dive into how this streetwear staple has swept through the UK, the celebrities giving it clout, and the styling tricks you need to serve a look without even trying.
London: Where the Essentials Tracksuit Becomes a Streetwear Statement
When it comes to setting the pace for fashion, London never disappoints — and the Essentials Tracksuit has comfortably entered the city’s wardrobe rotation.
In Shoreditch and Camden, you’ll see it paired with chunky trainers, crossbody bags, and sleek sunglasses. It’s a vibe: minimal colours, oversized hoodies, clean lines, and effortless silhouettes. In West London, the look gets a little more polished — think neutral-toned tracksuit sets styled with luxury accessories like quilted bags, dainty jewellery, and spotless white sneakers.
Londoners adore its refined streetwear aesthetic. It’s unbranded enough to stay low-key, yet iconic enough to feel high-fashion. The city that loves individuality embraces its gender-neutral shape, making it a universal favourite among Gen Z fashion lovers and tech-startup twenty-somethings alike.
Manchester: Bold, Edgy, and Perfectly Sporty
Manchester has always had its own flavour — edgy, sporty, and heavily influenced by its deep music and football culture. The Essentials Tracksuit naturally blends in.
Here, you’ll catch it styled with baseball caps, puffers, and oversized bomber jackets. Athleisure meets street heritage. Manchunians style the tracksuit with confidence: bolder colours, chunkier footwear, and layering that looks both functional and fashionable.
Manchester loves a trend that’s cool but practical. A cosy tracksuit that works for city centre shopping, late-night takeaways, and Deansgate nights? Yes please.
Leeds: Casual, Clean, and Effortlessly Cool
Leeds fashion is chilled, but don’t underestimate it. Students, creatives, and workers alike have embraced the Essentials Tracksuit as their daily uniform — especially in neutral shades like grey, black, stone, and taupe.
In Hyde Park, it’s a campus staple: worn with tote bags, messy buns, and classic sports trainers. Head into the city and you’ll see it elevated with smart coats, sleek backpacks, and chunky jewellery.
Essentials fits perfectly with Leeds’ balance of comfort and intentional style — ideal for coffee shop hopping, student life, and weekend brunches.
Birmingham, Liverpool, Glasgow & More: The Essentials Love Spreads North and Beyond
Across the UK, every city has its own way of adopting the Essentials Tracksuit:
Birmingham
Mixed with street-luxury pieces like beanies, oversized jackets, and statement trainers.
Liverpool
Styled with glam — perfect hair, flawless make-up, designer bags, and bold colours. Scousers take “casual but cute” to a whole new level.
Glasgow
Layered with puffer jackets, scarves, and practical footwear — weather-proof fashion, but make it chic.
The versatility is unmatched — you can literally make it fit any city vibe.
Celebrity Influence: How Stars Made the Essentials Tracksuit a Global Staple
Let’s not pretend this trend grew on its own. Celebrities put the Essentials Tracksuit on the fashion map.
Justin Bieber
The unofficial ambassador. His oversized fits, neutral tones, and off-duty looks made the tracksuit internationally iconic.
Hailey Bieber
Athleisure queen. Her laid-back LA style — big hoodies, sleek hair, clean trainers — inspired an entire generation of “effortless but polished” outfits.
Drake, Kanye West, and UK Musicians
Streetwear giants who influenced the UK scene, especially within grime and hip-hop culture.
Celebrities love its quiet luxury vibe. No loud logos, no flashy graphics — just smooth, minimal, elevated design.
Gen Z’s Love Affair with the Essentials Tracksuit
If there’s one demographic that pushed the Essentials Tracksuit into superstardom, it’s Gen Z.
Why they love it:
- Gender-neutral design: Everyone can wear it — no rules, no limits.
- Minimal aesthetic: Fits perfectly with the “clean look” trend.
- Influencer culture: Instagram and TikTok are full of Essentials OOTDs.
- Comfort-first fashion: Finally, an era where looking good and chilling coexist.
- Sustainable mindset: A high-quality basics set that lasts? Yes, Gen Z approves.
For Gen Z, the Essentials Tracksuit is more than clothing — it’s a lifestyle symbol. Cosy, stylish, and easy to mix with whatever mood they’re in.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal: One Tracksuit, Unlimited Ways to Wear It
One of the biggest reasons for its success? Anyone can wear it.
The Essentials Tracksuit doesn’t box you into masculine or feminine styling. Its neutral colours and relaxed shapes let you experiment:
- Oversized for a unisex streetwear aesthetic
- Fitted with accessories for a feminine twist
- Layered with utility pieces for a more masculine edge
- Styled with jewellery, hats, or scarves for any vibe
It’s fashion freedom — and that resonates with modern UK culture.
How to Style the Essentials Tracksuit: Fashion Hacks You’ll Actually Use
Want to elevate your Essentials game? Here are some editorial-approved styling tricks:
1. Layer Smartly
Add a longline coat or trench over the tracksuit for that sleek London vibe. Or throw on a puffer for a sporty northern look.
2. Choose the Right Footwear
- Chunky trainers for streetwear
- Clean white sneakers for minimal style
- High-tops for a retro twist
- Slides for an ultra-casual outfit
3. Accessorise Like You Mean It
Crossbody bag, tote, sunglasses, cap, watch — the Essentials Tracksuit is a blank canvas.
4. Play with Colour Tones
Stick to neutrals for a monochrome fit, or mix earthy shades for a warm, modern contrast.
5. Go Oversized
The bigger the hoodie, the cooler the silhouette — thank you, Justin Bieber.
Why the Essentials Tracksuit Works for Every Occasion
Believe it or not, this tracksuit is more adaptable than it looks.
- University & college — comfy enough for long lectures
- Airport outfit — the ultimate travel uniform
- Gym & sporty days — functional, breathable, relaxed
- Work from home — the sweet spot between cosy and presentable
- Casual dates — pair with clean trainers and you’re sorted
- Shopping trips — stylish without the effort
It’s basically the Swiss Army knife of outfits.
The Final Word: Essentials Isn’t Just a Tracksuit — It’s a Lifestyle
Across London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, and every British city in between, the Essentials Tracksuit has become the unspoken dress code for modern life. It’s comfortable, cool, gender-neutral, celebrity-approved, and endlessly customisable.
It’s more than just fashion — it’s the UK’s modern uniform. A little street, a little luxury, and a whole lot of comfort.
And whether you’re a Gen Z trendsetter or just love a cosy fit that still looks stylish, the Essentials Tracksuit is here to stay.