From the buzzing streets of London to the laid-back lanes of Leeds, the Essentials Tracksuit has become the undisputed king of casual wear in the UK. It’s that outfit — the one that works for your Sunday coffee run, your midweek Zoom call, and even a low-key dinner date.
Blending comfort, versatility, and effortless street style, the Essentials Tracksuit has evolved from “loungewear” to “look”. And here’s how it’s worn across different UK cities, what’s fuelling its rise, and why it’s become the go-to for Gen Z and beyond.
London: The Fashion Capital with a Street Edge
If there’s one city that knows how to dress up (or down) the Essentials Tracksuit, it’s London. In Shoreditch, you’ll see it paired with chunky trainers, micro sunglasses, and a designer crossbody. West London brings a cleaner, more polished approach — think monochrome tracksuits with crisp white trainers and a flash of gold jewellery.
Celebrities like Stormzy and Jorja Smith have been spotted in neutral-toned Essentials pieces, setting the tone for London’s high-low fashion game. Here, the tracksuit isn’t just for comfort — it’s a statement piece that says, I know trends, but I’m not trying too hard.
Manchester: The Home of Sporty-Casual Swagger
Manchester’s fashion scene is deeply rooted in music and football culture — which makes the Essentials Tracksuit a perfect fit. It’s casual, comfortable, and looks just as good on a match day as it does at a gig.
The Manc look often involves layering: Essentials hoodie under a puffer jacket, joggers tucked into socks, and retro Adidas kicks. Local influencers and footballers like Marcus Rashford have helped cement the look, making it part of the city’s everyday street style.
Leeds: Effortless Cool with a Northern Twist
Leeds has a knack for making streetwear look completely effortless. Essentials Tracksuits here are often styled with oversized denim jackets or statement coats during colder months. In summer, you might spot people rocking the Essentials shorts version, teamed with high socks and bucket hats.
Leeds’ student-heavy population also means the look gets plenty of playful twists — bold trainers, layered chains, and even colourful beanies to contrast the often-muted tones of Essentials.
Why Celebrities Can’t Get Enough of It
From Justin Bieber (the man behind the Fear of God label that created Essentials) to UK icons like Dave, celebs have turned the Essentials Tracksuit into an airport, festival, and afterparty staple. It ticks every box:
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Camera-ready without effort
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Gender-neutral appeal
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Comfortable enough to wear all day
When celebrities post candid snaps in their tracksuits, it sends a clear message to fans: style doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort.
The Gen Z Obsession
Gen Z is leading the charge on making the Essentials Tracksuit a cultural must-have. For them, fashion is about identity, inclusivity, and sustainability. The Essentials range’s gender-neutral design fits perfectly into that ethos.
They’re wearing it oversized for that “borrowed from your mate” look, mixing it with vintage accessories, or even cropping hoodies for a DIY twist. On TikTok, #EssentialsTracksuit hauls rack up millions of views, proving this isn’t just a passing fad — it’s a lifestyle.
Style Hacks to Elevate Your Essentials Tracksuit
Sure, you can wear it straight out of the bag, but here are some ways to make it pop:
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Layer Smart: Throw on a trench coat or longline puffer for instant city chic.
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Play with Proportions: Oversized hoodie with slim joggers, or vice versa.
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Accessorise Boldly: Think baseball caps, statement trainers, or chunky chains.
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Mix High & Low: Pair your Essentials joggers with a luxury handbag or a tailored blazer.
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Season Switch: Swap joggers for Essentials shorts when the weather turns warm.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the reasons the Essentials Tracksuit has soared in popularity is its inclusivity. The minimalist design, neutral palette, and relaxed fit work across all body types and genders. It’s the ultimate shared wardrobe piece — one hoodie for you, your partner, or your best friend.
This universality also means the tracksuit sidesteps microtrend fatigue. While neon cargos or micro miniskirts might have their moment, Essentials remains timeless.
Cultural Trends Powering the Essentials Movement
A few key shifts have helped cement the Essentials Tracksuit’s status in UK streetwear:
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Athleisure as Daily Wear: No longer just gym gear, sports-inspired looks now dominate everyday fashion.
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Post-Pandemic Comfort Priority: We’ve all fallen in love with cosy clothing, and we’re not letting it go.
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Influencer Culture: Instagram and TikTok style inspiration fuels desire for easy, camera-friendly outfits.
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Sustainability Shift: Buying one high-quality, versatile tracksuit is better than five throwaway outfits.
Final Word: From London to Leeds, It’s a National Style Icon
Whether you’re sipping an oat latte in East London, heading to Old Trafford for a match, or grabbing brunch in the Northern Quarter, the Essentials Tracksuit just works. It’s proof that comfort doesn’t have to kill style — in fact, it might just be the new definition of it.
Minimalist, genderless, and endlessly versatile, the Essentials Tracksuit has officially graduated from lazy-day gear to the UK streetwear staple. And if you don’t already own one… well, your wardrobe might just be missing its MVP.
