When it comes to blending comfort with street-ready style, nothing does it quite like the Essentials tracksuit. Born from the Fear of God Essentials line, this laid-back-yet-luxury staple has found its way into wardrobes from Shoreditch to Salford. Whether you’re brunching in Notting Hill, shopping in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, or catching a gig in Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit has become a cultural signifier of fashion-savvy ease.
But why has this minimalist set captured the UK’s imagination? Let’s dive into the tracksuit takeover across different cities, the celeb power fuelling the trend, and the little hacks Gen Z and beyond are using to style it their way.
London Calling: The Essentials Tracksuit as a City Uniform
Londoners love an outfit that works from day to night, and the Essentials Tracksuit ticks every box. In East London, it’s the unofficial uniform of creatives dashing between vintage shops and coffee spots. Neutral shades like beige, grey, and black dominate, styled with chunky trainers, oversized sunglasses, and the occasional designer tote.
In West London, you’ll spot the Essentials look on King’s Road and Notting Hill, styled more polished—think layered under trench coats with sleek trainers or Chelsea boots. The tracksuit here isn’t just for lounging; it’s part of a carefully curated capsule wardrobe that screams effortless sophistication.
Manchester Swagger: Streetwear Meets Music Culture
Manchester has always had a reputation for mixing street style with a musical edge, and the Essentials tracksuit fits right in. From Deansgate to the Northern Quarter, it’s become a go-to for nights out, casual gigs, or even Sunday roasts at a trendy gastropub.
Locals often lean into darker colourways—black, navy, charcoal—paired with fresh white trainers (Nike Air Force 1s are still undefeated in Manchester). Hood up, crossbody bag slung across, and suddenly the laid-back Essentials look becomes Manc swagger in motion.
Leeds Energy: Athleisure with a Twist
In Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit has been adopted by a younger, Gen Z-driven crowd. Students on Headingley’s Otley Run often rock theirs with caps, bold-coloured sneakers, and oversized puffers when the Northern chill sets in.
The Leeds vibe is about playfulness—tracksuits layered with statement accessories like bucket hats, chunky chains, or even a splash of colour from limited-edition trainers. For the fashion-forward in Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit is the perfect canvas for experimentation.
Celebrity Power: From LA to the UK Streets
Part of the Essentials tracksuit’s rise in the UK comes down to celebrity influence. Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Kanye West have all been snapped in the pared-back sets. UK influencers and grime artists have also given it a hometown stamp of approval. Stormzy has been spotted mixing Fear of God Essentials with high-fashion pieces, while TikTok creators are constantly styling theirs in #OOTD reels that rack up millions of views.
This celebrity cosign has turned the tracksuit from “just another loungewear set” into a cultural icon. When celebs and style leaders treat a minimalist hoodie-and-jogger combo like a runway piece, the rest of us take notes.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the biggest reasons the Essentials tracksuit resonates so strongly in the UK is its genderless design. Oversized hoodies, relaxed joggers, and neutral tones mean it works for everyone—no need to overthink sizing or fit. Couples often share sets, while friends borrow pieces and style them their own way.
The appeal is that it doesn’t matter who you are; you can pull it on, style it up or down, and still look like you’re in the know.
How Gen Z Made It a Movement
For Gen Z, the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just about comfort—it’s about aesthetic. This is the TikTok and Instagram generation, and the neutral palette of the tracksuit is perfect for curating those moody feeds.
Gen Z love mixing it with statement sneakers, vintage caps, or layering it under oversized coats. They’ve also embraced the resale and “drop culture” around Fear of God Essentials, making it both a style flex and a lifestyle marker. In cities like London and Manchester, young crowds queue up outside pop-ups and scour Depop for rare colourways, proving that the Essentials tracksuit is more than just a trend—it’s a collector’s piece.
Styling Hacks: Making the Essentials Tracksuit Your Own
The beauty of the Essentials tracksuit is its versatility, but here are some hacks to elevate yours:
- Layer it up: Throw a tailored trench or oversized blazer over your set for a high-low mix that’s pure fashion-magazine chic.
- Sneaker game strong: Pair with statement kicks—think Jordans, Yeezys, or even classic Reebok Club Cs—to make the look pop.
- Accessorise cleverly: Crossbody bags, caps, and chunky jewellery instantly add personality.
- Go tonal: Monochrome outfits (all beige or all black) create that sleek, cohesive vibe.
- Smart casual twist: Swap joggers for tailored trousers while keeping the Essentials hoodie for a sharp, street-luxe combo.
Why the UK Loves It: Culture Meets Comfort
At the heart of its popularity is the UK’s love for fashion that feels as good as it looks. The Essentials Tracksuit brings together British practicality (warmth, comfort, layering options) with global streetwear aesthetics.
It’s versatile enough for a coffee in Soho, a night out in Manchester, or even a football match in Leeds. It blurs lines between athleisure, high fashion, and everyday wear—a sweet spot Brits adore.
Final Thoughts: Essentials as a Lifestyle
The Essentials tracksuit has cemented itself as more than a fashion piece—it’s a lifestyle uniform. It’s worn across UK cities differently, but the core appeal is the same: comfort, style, and a subtle nod to global streetwear culture.
Whether you’re channelling East London creative energy, Manchester’s music-fuelled swagger, or Leeds’ playful Gen Z spirit, the Essentials tracksuit adapts to your vibe. And that’s why it isn’t just a fleeting trend—it’s an essential.