The Essentials Tracksuit: The UK’s Favourite Fashion Flex

When it comes to streetwear in the UK, one name has completely taken over: the Essentials Tracksuit. Once just seen as cosy loungewear, this iconic set has become a wardrobe staple in London, Manchester, Leeds, and beyond. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white in Shoreditch, catching a gig in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, or heading to Leeds for a shopping day, the Essentials Tracksuit is everywhere.

But why has this minimalist fit become the go-to for Gen Z, style influencers, and even celebrities? Let’s take a tour of how the tracksuit is styled across UK cities, the cultural buzz it carries, and the fashion hacks to nail the look without overthinking it.

London: The Streetwear Capital

In London, fashion is all about making a statement without looking like you’re trying too hard. The Essentials Tracksuit fits perfectly into the city’s “effortlessly cool” vibe. From Hackney hipsters to Mayfair fashionistas, you’ll spot the tracksuit paired with chunky trainers (think Nike Air Max 95s or New Balance 550s), oversized sunnies, and a crossbody bag.

• Celebrity watch: Londoners love following the style cues of stars like Skepta, Stormzy, and Jorja Smith, who all embody that sleek streetwear-meets-luxury aesthetic.
  
• Style tip: Layer the Essentials hoodie with a trench coat or oversized blazer for that London blend of street and sophistication.

Manchester: Sporty Meets Street

Manchester has always had a strong sportswear culture – a city where football pride and fashion collide. The Essentials Tracksuit here is more than just an outfit; it’s an everyday uniform for hanging out, shopping in the Arndale, or hitting up the nightlife scene in Deansgate.

• Gen Z love: Manchester’s younger crowd is big on colour-blocking. They often style neutral Essentials tracksuits with bold kicks or colourful caps.
  
• Fashion hack: Swap out the hoodie for an Essentials sweatshirt and accessorise with gold chains or statement rings – it’s a nod to Manchester’s mix of music, sports, and fashion heritage.

Leeds: Effortless, Edgy, and Cool

Leeds has always had an edgy yet laid-back fashion scene, and the Essentials Tracksuit fits right in. Students and creatives alike embrace the comfort of the set but style it up in clever ways. You’ll often see the tracksuit paired with Doc Martens or layered with puffer jackets during winter months.

• Cultural trend: Leeds’ thriving student population leans into the gender-neutral appeal of the Essentials range. Everyone rocks it – and that’s the beauty of it.
  
• Style tip: For Leeds’ indie vibe, mix your Essentials joggers with a vintage tee or denim jacket. Add a beanie for that cool, unbothered look.

The Gender-Neutral Appeal

One of the biggest reasons behind the Essentials Tracksuit’s UK takeover? Its genderless design. The boxy silhouettes and neutral tones make it universally flattering. Couples share it, friends swap it, and it’s just as at home on a guy walking through Brixton as it is on a girl grabbing coffee in Leeds city centre.

• Trend alert: Oversized fits are still very much in, and Essentials has nailed that aesthetic without making it look sloppy.

Celebrity Influences: From LA to the UK

Let’s be real – the UK loves to follow celebrity style. And with stars like Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo (the designer behind Essentials) championing the brand, it was only a matter of time before the trend exploded across the UK.

British celebrities and influencers have jumped on board too. From Maya Jama rocking the tracksuit on Insta to footballers like Marcus Rashford giving it their stamp of approval, the Essentials look has become aspirational and accessible.

Gen Z Preferences: Comfort First, Always

Gen Z isn’t interested in suffering for fashion – comfort is non-negotiable. The Essentials Tracksuit nails this with soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and styles that look good both on TikTok and in real life.

• Why Gen Z loves it: It’s versatile. You can wear it to uni, to brunch, or even to the airport – and you’ll still look Instagram-ready.
  
• Pop culture pulse: TikTok hauls, styling reels, and “day in my life” vlogs constantly feature the Essentials set, cementing it as the tracksuit of the moment.

Fashion Hacks: How to Elevate the Essentials Tracksuit

So, how do you make the most of your Essentials Tracksuit without looking like you just rolled out of bed? Here are some UK-friendly styling hacks:

1. Layer like a pro – Throw on an oversized coat or a sleek bomber jacket. Londoners, in particular, love this trick.
   
2. Play with footwear – Trainers are classic, but swap them for chunky boots in Leeds or sleek Chelsea boots in Shoreditch to elevate the look.
   
3. Accessorise smartly – Think minimal gold jewellery, a dad cap, or even a tote bag to keep things practical but stylish.
   
4. Mix and match – Don’t be afraid to pair Essentials joggers with a statement top or wear the hoodie with tailored trousers for contrast.
   
5. Keep it clean – Essentials works best when it’s crisp. Keep your tracksuit fresh and crease-free for maximum impact.

The Cultural Moment

The Essentials Tracksuit isn’t just clothing – it’s a cultural phenomenon in the UK. It represents a shift towards athleisure as lifestyle, where being comfortable is just as important as looking stylish. From London’s fashion weeks to Manchester’s club nights, it’s proof that you don’t need flashy logos or loud colours to make an impact.

It’s also deeply tied to Gen Z’s love for minimalism, sustainability (since they’re investing in long-lasting pieces), and the rejection of fast fashion. Essentials ticks all the boxes: quality, versatility, and cultural relevance.

Final Thoughts: Why the Essentials Tracksuit Reigns Supreme

From London to Leeds, the Essentials Tracksuit has cemented itself as the UK’s go-to outfit. Its gender-neutral appeal, celebrity backing, and Gen Z-approved comfort-first vibe make it a fashion must-have. Whether you’re dressing it up with statement outerwear or keeping it simple with trainers, the Essentials Tracksuit proves that sometimes, the simplest looks make the boldest statements.

So, the next time you spot someone in Brixton, Deansgate, or Briggate rocking that sleek minimal fit – just know, they’re not just wearing a tracksuit. They’re wearing a piece of the UK’s streetwear culture.