Let’s be real: the struggle for an outfit that is both impossibly cool and feels like being hugged by a cloud is real. We’ve all been there. But what if we told you the sartorial holy grail exists, and it’s probably already in your wardrobe or flooding your Instagram feed?
Enter the Essentials Tracksuit. This isn’t your nan’s old shell suit or the awkward, shiny number you wore for PE. This is the pinnacle of elevated casualwear, a cultural reset in neutral tones that has seamlessly blurred the lines between high fashion, streetwear, and blissful comfort.
From A-list celebrities to your most stylish mate, the Essentials tracksuit has become the go-to uniform for a generation that values authenticity, comfort, and a killer aesthetic. But how do you wear it without looking like you’ve just given up? Buckle up, fashion fam. We’re diving deep into the world of Essentials.
From Sidewalk to Catwalk: A Brief History of the Tracksuit’s Glow-Up
The tracksuit has had one of the most fascinating glow-ups in fashion history. It started its life firmly in the realm of athletics (hence the name, duh), a practical garment for joggers and athletes in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Its journey into mainstream coolness was heavily influenced by hip-hop culture in the ‘80s and ‘90s, becoming a symbol of relaxed, aspirational style.
But the moment it truly became a luxury item was thanks to designers like Juicy Couture (throwback!) and later, monumental figures like Kanye West. Fast forward to today, and Fear of God’s副线 (diffusion line), Essentials, has masterfully captured this spirit. Designed by Jerry Lorenzo, Essentials strips back the extravagance of high fashion and focuses on what matters: impeccable basics, perfect fits, and luxurious fabrics. The tracksuit is its crown jewel—a minimalist masterpiece that speaks volumes without saying a word.
Celebrity Approved: The A-List’s Off-Duty Uniform
You can’t talk about the Essentials tracksuit without shouting out its celebrity fan club. This is where the hype truly transcended into a must-have item.
The Hailey Bieber Effect: Queen of the ‘quiet luxury’ and ‘model-off-duty’ look, Hailey is constantly snapped in Essentials separates. She’s a master of pairing the hoodie with oversized blazers, leather trousers, or just some impeccable vintage jeans and a cap. It’s effortless, it’s cool, and we all want to copy it.
The Justin Bieber Staples: A long-time devotee of Jerry Lorenzo’s designs, Justin has been spotted in Essentials more times than we can count. His style is more relaxed, often wearing the full tracksuit with a beanie and some chunky sneakers, perfectly embodying that skater-meets-streetwear vibe.
The Gen-Z Mafia: From the Kardashian-Jenners (who are practically the royal family of modern casualwear) to stars like Lil Nas X and Kendall Jenner, the Essentials tracksuit is the go-to for airport travel, running errands, or just lounging in style. They’ve shown us that looking put together doesn’t have to be painful.
How to Style Your Essentials Tracksuit: Break the Rules
Gone are the days of only wearing the jacket with the matching bottoms. The real style power lies in breaking up the set and creating something uniquely you.
The Full Send: Coordinated Comfort
Let’s start with the classic. Wearing the full tracksuit is a mood, and it’s a power move. The key to nailing the head-to-toe look is in the accessories and footwear.
- Sneakers are key: This is non-negotiable. Chunky dad sneakers (think New Balance, Asics, or Balenciaga) add a fashion-forward edge. Classic minimalist trainers (like Vejas or Adidas Sambas) keep it clean and timeless.
- Accessorise: A beanie, a sleek cap, a statement crossbody bag, or some layered silver necklaces can stop the look from falling flat. It adds that intentional, ‘I meant to look this good’ touch.
The Mix & Match Hack: Hoodie Heaven
This is where your Essentials hoodie truly becomes the workhorse of your wardrobe.
- Under a Blazer or Leather Jacket: This is the ultimate high-low hack. Throw your cream or black Essentials hoodie under a tailored blazer or a sharp leather jacket. Pair it with some smart trousers or dark jeans and boots. Instant cool-girl credibility.
- With Cargos or Denim: Ditch the matching joggers and pair the hoodie with some baggy cargo pants or your best-fitting vintage denim. It’s a more grounded, everyday look that’s still supremely stylish.
The Jacket as a Staple: The Versatile Hero
Don’t forget about the zip-up jacket on its own!
- Over a White Tee: The simplest, most effective combo. A crisp white tee, blue jeans, the Essentials jacket, and your favourite trainers. Chef’s kiss.
- Layered Under a Coat: When the temperature drops, your tracksuit jacket becomes the perfect mid-layer. Pop it under a long, heavyweight wool coat or a puffer jacket for a dose of texture and streetwear flair.
Why Gen Z is Obsessed: It’s More Than Just Clothing
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just a trend; it’s a symbol of Gen Z’s fashion values.
- Comfort is King (and Queen): This generation prioritises comfort and practicality without sacrificing style. The tracksuit is the literal embodiment of this.
- Gender-Neutral Appeal: The minimalist design, relaxed fit, and neutral colour palette make it a truly unisex item. It’s clothing for everyone, rejecting outdated gendered fashion rules. It’s about finding your size and your style, full stop.
- Quiet Luxury on a Budget: While still a premium item, Essentials offers a slice of the elevated, logo-averse ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic without the four-figure price tag of its parent line, Fear of God. It’s about discernment and quality, which Gen Z loves.
- It’s Instagrammable: The clean, tonal looks photograph incredibly well, making it a favourite for content creators and anyone crafting a cohesive aesthetic feed.
Colour Story: Beyond Heathered Grey
While the classic heather grey and black are undisputed icons, the Essentials palette is a lesson in wearable neutrals. Think:
- Oatmeal/Tan: The ultimate warm, earthy tone that feels expensive and goes with everything.
- Dusty Olive: A military-inspired shade that adds a unique twist to the neutral family.
- Cement/Light Grey: A cooler, sharper alternative to the classic grey.
- White: A bold choice that screams confidence and clean style.
Choosing a colour is about expressing your mood and building a capsule wardrobe. Our tip? Start with a core colour like black or grey, then branch out into tan or olive for your second set.
The Final Verdict: Your New Wardrobe Essential (Pun Intended)
The Essentials tracksuit has earned its place as a modern classic. It’s a versatile, comfortable, and deeply stylish set of pieces that work harder than almost anything else in your closet. It represents a shift in fashion—a move towards wearability, authenticity, and intelligent design.
So, whether you’re rocking it head-to-toe with chunky sneakers, layering the hoodie under a blazer for a coffee meet-up, or throwing the jacket over a dress for a cool contrast, you’re participating in a defining trend of the era. You’re not just wearing a tracksuit; you’re wearing a mindset.
Now, go on and live your most comfortable, stylish life. You’ve earned it.