The Rise of the Essentials Tracksuit in British Streetwear
Once reserved for lazy Sundays and gym days, the Essentials Tracksuit has officially levelled up into one of the UK’s most stylish and versatile fashion staples. From London’s edgy streets to Manchester’s buzzing nightlife, and even up north in Leeds’ indie fashion scene, this two-piece wonder is redefining comfort wear with an effortlessly cool twist.
The British love affair with tracksuits isn’t new — from the 80s terrace culture to 2000s grime and now TikTok’s Gen Z streetwear boom — but the Essentials brand has modernised it. Their neutral palettes, minimalist design, and sleek fits have made the Essentials Tracksuit the uniform of choice for anyone who wants to look stylish without trying too hard.
London: Effortless Luxury in Motion
Londoners have always had a knack for turning everyday items into high-fashion statements. In Shoreditch and Camden, it’s common to see the Essentials Tracksuit paired with chunky trainers, oversized denim jackets, or designer crossbody bags.
Influencers and celebs like Stormzy, Skepta, and Maya Jama have been spotted rocking their Essentials hoodies and joggers on off-duty days, proving that minimalism can still be iconic. In West London, think more polished — an Essentials sweatshirt layered with a trench coat and clean white kicks. East London, on the other hand, goes bold — with loud accessories, caps, and even layered chains.
Style tip: Go monochrome. Matching tones — like beige, cream, or grey — give a cleaner, more luxe look that fits right into London’s street-luxe aesthetic.
Manchester: Streetwear Meets Swagger
Manchester’s streetwear scene has always been about confidence and individuality — and the Essentials Tracksuit fits right in. From Deansgate to the Northern Quarter, you’ll see locals mixing the comfort of Essentials joggers with bold, eye-catching trainers and varsity jackets.
Artists like Aitch and Bugzy Malone have helped push the laid-back streetwear aesthetic mainstream, making the tracksuit a go-to for daily wear. Whether it’s a night out at a rooftop bar or a chilled coffee run, the Essentials Tracksuit has become Manchester’s answer to sleek, functional fashion.
Style tip: Add layers. Throw a puffer or bomber jacket over your Essentials hoodie for a Northern-friendly, weatherproof look that screams cool and cosy.
Leeds: The Indie Fashion Playground
Leeds may be known for its festival vibes and indie fashion crowd, but the Essentials Tracksuit has carved a spot even here. The city’s Gen Z crowd has embraced Essentials as the perfect mix of minimalist and aesthetic.
In Leeds, it’s all about creative layering — pairing Essentials shorts with cropped tops and oversized hoodies, or adding beanies, vintage trainers, and tote bags for that effortlessly “I just threw this on” look.
Style tip: Go for contrast. Pair the muted tones of Essentials Tracksuits with colourful sneakers or statement accessories to make your outfit pop.
Celebrity Influence: From LA to the UK Streets
Celebrities have played a huge role in the Essentials Tracksuit phenomenon. Across the pond, Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner have been spotted in the collection. In the UK, stars like Central Cee and Dua Lipa have brought that same energy across the Atlantic — blending laid-back LA aesthetics with Britain’s gritty streetwear flair.
The appeal lies in versatility. Whether styled with chunky trainers and a sleek bun for the girls or layered under a puffer and cap for the guys, the Essentials Tracksuit works for every gender and every style tribe.
Style tip: Steal Dua’s minimalist vibe — go head-to-toe Essentials in neutral tones and let your accessories do the talking.
Gen Z’s Take: Gender-Neutral and Social Media Savvy
Gen Z has turned the Essentials Tracksuit into more than just a fashion piece — it’s a cultural statement. On TikTok and Instagram, the hashtag #EssentialsTracksuit is flooded with outfit-of-the-day posts, mirror selfies, and fashion transitions.
Why the hype? It’s gender-neutral, inclusive, and fits into the “clean fit” aesthetic dominating social media. The relaxed silhouettes, soft fabrics, and earthy tones give off that effortless vibe Gen Z loves — minimal yet expressive.
Style tip: For a Gen Z-approved look, mix an Essentials hoodie with Essentials shorts and high socks. Add vintage sneakers for a nostalgic touch.
Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Tracksuit Like a Pro
Let’s be honest — everyone loves a tracksuit, but not everyone knows how to make it look fashion-forward. Here are a few simple hacks to level up your Essentials game:
- Play with proportions: Pair oversized Essentials sweatshirts with fitted joggers for balance.
- Layer smart: Add a trench, denim jacket, or gilet to elevate the streetwear look.
- Accessorise: Gold hoops, minimalist watches, or a sleek cap can transform a casual tracksuit into a statement outfit.
- Footwear matters: Go classic with Nike Air Force 1s, or make a bold move with Yeezys or chunky New Balances.
- Mix and match: Combine your Essentials hoodie with jeans or shorts for a fresh, off-duty twist.
The Gender-Neutral Revolution
One of the strongest appeals of the Essentials Tracksuit is how effortlessly it crosses gender lines. Fear of God’s Essentials collection was designed to be inclusive — meaning both men and women can wear the same piece and style it their way.
In cities like Bristol and Birmingham, you’ll often see couples twinning in matching Essentials sets — a modern-day take on coordinated fashion. The unisex cuts and muted colours make it the perfect middle ground for anyone who wants comfort without compromising on aesthetics.
Style tip: Go oversized for an on-trend gender-neutral fit. A baggy hoodie paired with straight-cut joggers and clean trainers nails that “model off-duty” vibe.
From the Gym to the Streets: The Everyday Essential
What makes the Essentials Tracksuit truly iconic is its versatility. You can wear it to the gym, for a coffee catch-up, on a flight, or even out for drinks — just switch up your layers and footwear.
For the London commuter, it’s the ultimate grab-and-go outfit. For Manchester’s creative crowd, it’s a blank canvas for self-expression. And for Leeds’ fashion students, it’s the epitome of comfort-chic.
The best part? It never looks out of place. Whether you’re running errands or hitting up a music festival, the Essentials Tracksuit fits right in — relaxed, sleek, and effortlessly stylish.
Final Thoughts: Why the UK Can’t Get Enough of the Essentials Tracksuit
From the buzzing streets of London to the creative corners of Leeds, the Essentials Tracksuit has become a modern British fashion icon. It embodies everything UK streetwear stands for — comfort, confidence, and individuality.
It’s a wardrobe essential that transcends trends, gender, and seasons. Whether you’re a sneakerhead, a minimalist, or someone who just loves a good cosy fit, there’s an Essentials Tracksuit style waiting for you.
So, next time you’re debating between dressing up or dressing down — just slip into your Essentials Tracksuit. In Britain’s fashion landscape, that’s the ultimate power move.
