If there’s one fashion piece that’s managed to infiltrate every corner of culture—from celebrity airports to TikTok “fit checks”—it’s the Essentials tracksuit. What began as a minimalist take on athleisure has turned into a global uniform worn by A-listers, athletes, influencers, and that effortlessly stylish uni student who somehow looks incredible at 8 a.m. lectures.
Today, we’re diving into the world of the Essentials tracksuit: how it’s styled, why Gen Z swears by it, what makes it so gender-neutral and universal, and—most importantly—how you can wear it without looking like you just rolled out of bed (even if you did).
Why the Essentials Tracksuit Took Over Everything
The rise of the Essentials tracksuit wasn’t an overnight explosion—it was a slow-burn takeover built on comfort, clean design, and insane versatility. Fear of God’s “Essentials” line brought something refreshing to streetwear: premium minimalist basics that feel luxurious without screaming for attention.
This tracksuit in particular hits a sweet spot:
- Soft, heavyweight fabric for off-duty comfort
- Muted, neutral colourways that literally go with anything
- Relaxed yet elevated silhouette
- A logo that’s recognisable but not obnoxious
In short: it’s polished enough for brunch, comfy enough for lounging, and cool enough to flex on Instagram.
Celebrities Who Made the Essentials Tracksuit a Cultural Moment
Let’s be honest—half the reason the Essentials tracksuit blew up is because celebrities refused to take it off.
Justin Bieber: The King of Cozy Streetwear
Bieber practically turned the Essentials hoodie into his personal PR uniform. Airport? Essentials. Coffee run? Essentials. Recording studio? Guess. His oversized, layered take has become the blueprint for slouchy, effortless streetwear.
Hailey Bieber: Minimalist Chic
Hailey’s approach is all about balancing the slouch of the joggers with a sleek top knot, tiny sunglasses, and box-fresh trainers. She proves that loungewear doesn’t have to mean sloppy.
Zendaya: Gender-Neutral Icon
Zendaya’s been pushing relaxed tailoring and unisex fits for years, and her Essentials tracksuit moments highlight how easy it is to wear the set without leaning feminine or masculine. Just cool.
UK Influencers + Footballers
From Stormzy to Bukayo Saka, the UK fashion scene has adopted Essentials like it’s part of the national kit. Paired with Nike dunks, Air Max 95s, or Balenciaga Runners, it’s become a symbol of modern British street style.
How to Style the Essentials Tracksuit (Without Overthinking It)
Yes, it’s a tracksuit—but styling it well turns it from loungewear to a full fashion statement. Try these tried-and-tested combos:
✓ Airport Energy (The Celebrity Uniform)
- Oversized Essentials tracksuit
- Chunky trainers
- Baseball cap or beanie
- Crossbody bag
- Glossy lip + sunglasses (if applicable)
Instantly transforms “half asleep” into “caught by paparazzi”.
✓ Smart-Casual Street (The Editorial Look)
- Zip-up Essentials track jacket slightly unzipped
- Plain white tee
- Layered jewellery
- Sleek trainers (think Adidas Sambas or New Balance 9060s)
- Clean, gelled-back hair
This is the “I know streetwear, but I’m also polished” vibe.
✓ Gen Z Grunge-Street Mix
- Baggy tracksuit bottoms
- Essentials hoodie half-tucked
- Dad trainers
- Tote bag
- Messy hair
- Statement nails
Comfort but cool. High-effort, low-effort. Gen Z in a nutshell.
✓ Elevated Minimalist Fit (Scandi Inspired)
- Neutral-toned tracksuit (oatmeal, taupe, grey)
- Long wool coat
- Minimal gold jewellery
- Leather tote
It’s giving Copenhagen coffee run.
Why Gen Z Loves the Essentials Tracksuit
Gen Z didn’t just adopt the Essentials tracksuit—they canonised it.
Here’s why:
1. Effortless Aesthetic
Gen Z is done with trying too hard. The oversized proportions and muted palette hit the sweet spot between simple and stylish.
2. Comfort Is a Non-Negotiable
This generation grew up on “study in sweats”, “WFH forever”, and “cosy girl era”. A tracksuit that looks good at Tesco and on TikTok? Perfection.
3. Unisex Fashion Is the Future
Gender boundaries are fading, and Essentials’ structured-yet-relaxed silhouette works for literally everyone.
4. Influencer Validation
Let’s not pretend TikTok didn’t push the brand into superstardom. Gen Z saw their favourite creators rocking matching sets and thought: Yeah, I need that too.
5. Aesthetic Neutral Colours
No screaming neon. No unnecessary graphics. The palette is made for digital content—clean, cohesive, photogenic.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal: Who Is It Really For? Everyone.
One thing the Essentials tracksuit absolutely nails is its genderless design philosophy. Everything about it supports universality:
- Straight, slightly oversized silhouettes
- Neutral colours that aren’t coded masculine or feminine
- Minimal branding
- Elasticated, flexible fits
- Mix-and-match pieces
This makes it a go-to for:
- Men who want minimalist streetwear
- Women who love relaxed, off-duty chic
- Nonbinary wearers looking for non-gendered clothing
- Anyone who rejects rigid fashion categories
Essentials has proven that looking good isn’t about fitting into a category—it’s about feeling comfortable and confident.
Cultural Trends Powering the Essentials Craze
Fashion never exists in a vacuum, and the Essentials tracksuit’s renaissance is backed by several cultural currents:
✦ The Rise of “Blokecore” & UK Street Aesthetic
Baggy silhouettes, football-influenced streetwear, and no-fuss colours are fully in. Essentials fits perfectly into the mix.
✦ TikTok Matching-Set Culture
On TikTok, coordinated sets are a sign of aesthetic cohesion. Essentials = instant visual symmetry.
✦ Post-Pandemic Comfort Revolution
No one’s going back to stiff jeans daily. The future is soft, stretchy, and forgiving.
✦ Luxury Minimalism
Think The Row, COS, Pangaia—Essentials sits in that sphere of clean luxury without the insane price tag.
✦ The Neutral Colour Era
Beige, grey, espresso brown—this earthy palette has become the modern fashion lexicon.
Fashion Hacks: How to Make Your Essentials Tracksuit Look 10x Better
Even minimalist pieces can be elevated with clever styling. Here are the hacks:
1. Add Texture Layers
Throw on:
- a long wool coat
- a nylon bomber
- a quilted gilet
Layering adds dimension and breaks the “tracksuit monotony”.
2. Play With Proportions
Baggy hoodie + fitted joggers?
Slim hoodie + wide-leg track bottoms?
Experimentation = fashion magic.
3. Jewellery Fixes Everything
Chunky hoops, chain necklaces, stacked rings—trust me, accessories turn a tracksuit into a look.
4. Fresh Trainers Only
A crisp pair of trainers elevates the entire outfit. Essentials + beaters = sadness.
5. Tuck Strategically
A half-tuck or French tuck instantly adds shape.
6. Wear Matching Colours for High-End Vibes
Monochrome always feels premium.
7. Choose the Right Socks
Yes, socks matter.
High white ribbed socks? Chef’s kiss.
Final Thoughts: Why the Essentials Tracksuit Is Here to Stay
It’s rare for a single clothing item to transcend gender, age, culture, and geography—but the Essentials tracksuit manages it all with quiet confidence. It’s comfortable yet stylish, minimal yet recognisable, relaxed yet refined.
Whether you’re dressing for brunch, gym runs, Zoom calls, date nights, or just vibing at home, this tracksuit fits the mood. It’s pop-culture relevant, TikTok-approved, celebrity-endorsed, and effortlessly cool.
If there’s one wardrobe staple worth investing in this year, make it the Essentials tracksuit. It’s not just a look—it’s a lifestyle.