If there’s one outfit that has truly taken the UK by storm, it’s the Essentials Tracksuit. What started as a laid-back loungewear staple has evolved into a full-blown fashion statement – beloved by Gen Z, embraced by celebrities, and styled on the streets of every major city. From London’s edgy boroughs to Manchester’s buzzing nightlife and Leeds’ cool indie corners, the Essentials Tracksuit has become the outfit of choice for comfort, culture, and serious style points.
Let’s take a city-by-city look at how this iconic set is worn, what’s fuelling its rise, and why it’s the ultimate gender-neutral fashion flex.
London: Where Streetwear Meets High Fashion
In London, fashion is never just about clothes – it’s a cultural language. The Essentials Tracksuit slots perfectly into the capital’s mix of heritage and hype. Wander around Shoreditch and you’ll see it paired with chunky trainers, oversized bomber jackets, and vintage caps for that “I woke up like this but still look cooler than you” vibe.
Head to Chelsea or Mayfair, and the styling gets luxe. Think: tracksuit bottoms with designer shades, a statement handbag, and jewellery stacked to the max. Celebs like Skepta and Stormzy have long been champions of streetwear done right, and their influence is written all over the way Londoners style Essentials.
Style tip for Londoners: Elevate your tracksuit by layering with trench coats or leather jackets. It’s giving streetwear sophistication without trying too hard.
Manchester: Bold, Sporty, and Always Night-Out Ready
Manchester has a love affair with sporty fits – and the Essentials Tracksuit fits the bill. This is a city that thrives on music, football, and nightlife, so the look is a little bolder, a little flashier, and very unapologetic.
On Deansgate or Northern Quarter nights out, you’ll catch the tracksuit paired with statement trainers, puffer jackets, and crossbody bags. Think Aitch or Bugzy Malone – Manchester’s fashion scene loves blending casual comfort with eye-catching confidence.
Style tip for Mancunians: Play with colour. While neutrals dominate Essentials, throw in bright trainers or a cap for that proper Manc swagger.
Leeds: The Indie, Laid-Back Cool
Leeds has always had an effortlessly cool energy – less polished than London, less bold than Manchester, but with a strong indie streak. Here, the Essentials Tracksuit is styled in a relaxed, no-fuss way. Oversized fits, neutral tones, and minimal accessories are the norm.
Leeds’ students and young professionals are big fans of the brand’s gender-neutral appeal. You’ll see tracksuits styled with chunky boots, oversized totes, and occasionally a vintage denim jacket thrown over the top. It’s comfort-first fashion, but still sharp enough for brunch on Call Lane.
Style tip for Leeds locals: Keep it oversized and minimal. Pair with Docs or Converse to nail that understated indie vibe.
Celebrity Influence: The Essentials Stamp of Approval
Part of what makes the Essentials Tracksuit so iconic is its celebrity fan base. From Justin Bieber (who helped catapult it into mainstream fashion) to Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, and Kanye West, the look has trickled down into UK culture through Instagram feeds and paparazzi shots.
Closer to home, UK influencers and grime artists have given Essentials their own twist. Dave often rocks it on off-duty days, while YouTubers and TikTok creators push the styling boundaries, pairing tracksuits with everything from high-fashion accessories to Crocs.
Celebs made it aspirational. Gen Z made it everyday essential.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
Gen Z is rewriting the rules of fashion – and the Essentials Tracksuit ticks all their boxes.
- Gender-neutral appeal: Essentials doesn’t push masculine or feminine designs. The oversized cuts work for everyone, which is exactly what this generation craves.
- Instagram-ready: Minimalist logo, neutral palette, and that effortlessly cool aesthetic. It’s quiet luxury without the hefty Balenciaga price tag.
- Versatility: Wear it to uni, to the gym, to brunch, or even on nights out. One outfit, endless possibilities.
The tracksuit isn’t just clothes for Gen Z – it’s a statement about comfort, identity, and rejecting outdated fashion rules.
The Gender-Neutral Fashion Revolution
Gone are the days when tracksuits were either “men’s” or “women’s.” Essentials has carved its reputation as one of the few brands that truly embraces fluidity. The boxy, oversized fits look just as good on anyone, and the styling freedom has made it a wardrobe must-have.
In the UK, this shift is clear. Couples swap and share tracksuits. TikTok trends show entire friend groups styling the same set in different ways. Essentials has made gender-neutral fashion mainstream – and the UK has fully embraced it.
Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Tracksuit
So, how do you make sure your tracksuit isn’t just loungewear but an actual look? Here are some hacks the UK is loving right now:
- Layer smart: Throw a trench, oversized blazer, or puffer over your tracksuit for instant street style.
- Play with trainers: From Air Jordans in London to Yeezys in Manchester, your kicks can totally change the vibe.
- Accessorise wisely: Caps, chunky gold chains, or minimalist totes can shift your look from gym to catwalk.
- Mix and match: Pair your Essentials hoodie with jeans or your tracksuit bottoms with a fitted crop top for variation.
Essentials Across the UK: One Outfit, Many Stories
What’s fascinating about the Essentials Tracksuit is how it adapts to its environment. In London, it’s polished and chic. In Manchester, it’s bold and sporty. In Leeds, it’s laid-back and indie. Yet across all these cities, it represents the same thing: comfort, confidence, and a shared cultural moment.
It’s not just clothing – it’s identity. A blank canvas for self-expression that’s resonated from underground music scenes to glossy magazine spreads.
Final Word: Why the Essentials Tracksuit Is Here to Stay
Fashion trends come and go, but the Essentials Tracksuit has cemented itself as a wardrobe staple in the UK. Its blend of comfort, style, and cultural relevance makes it more than just a trend – it’s a uniform for a generation.
Whether you’re strutting through Shoreditch, queuing for a gig in Manchester, or grabbing coffee in Leeds, the Essentials Tracksuit is the ultimate fit that blends seamlessly into every scene. It’s gender-neutral, endlessly versatile, and, quite frankly, the UK’s new national uniform of cool.