If you live in the UK, chances are you’ve spotted an Essentials Tracksuit (or five) while out and about. Whether it’s the Tube in London, the streets of Manchester, or the buzzing nightlife of Leeds, this iconic co-ord has officially cemented its place as the UK’s ultimate streetwear staple. It’s not just about loungewear anymore—this is a full-blown fashion statement that blurs the line between comfort and style.
So, what makes the Essentials tracksuit such a hit across British cities? Let’s dive into how it’s styled, who’s wearing it, and why Gen Z and beyond are obsessed.
London: The Capital of Cool
Londoners don’t just wear the Essentials Tracksuit—they own it. From Shoreditch coffee shops to Soho nightlife, it’s become a signature part of the city’s fashion DNA. London street style thrives on mixing high and low, and the tracksuit fits right in with oversized blazers, chunky trainers, or even a designer trench thrown over the top.
Celebrities like Stormzy and Skepta have been spotted repping Fear of God’s Essentials line, reinforcing its ties to UK grime and hip-hop culture. For Londoners, the look is less about blending in and more about making loungewear luxe.
Style hack: Layer your grey Essentials hoodie under a tailored coat, add gold jewellery, and finish with Air Force 1s for a polished but laid-back London vibe.
Manchester: Sporty Meets Street
Manchester has long been the beating heart of UK sportswear culture. From its football legacy to its buzzing music scene, Mancunians know how to mix sport and style—and the Essentials tracksuit fits perfectly into that aesthetic.
In the Northern Quarter, you’ll spot uni students and young professionals rocking the full set with bucket hats and retro trainers. At the Etihad or Old Trafford, it’s just as common to see tracksuits as it is replica football shirts.
Cultural tip: Manchester’s rainy weather actually works in favour of the tracksuit. Pair it with a waterproof puffer or parka and you’re sorted for the drizzle.
Leeds: Laid-Back with an Edge
Leeds fashion sits somewhere between London’s sharpness and Manchester’s sporty aesthetic. The Essentials tracksuit here is all about laid-back weekend vibes. Think brunches in Headingley, pub crawls down Call Lane, or nights at the Belgrave Music Hall—it’s comfort with just the right amount of edge.
Gen Z in Leeds often experiment with bold colours, so you’ll see more cream, khaki, or even earthy-toned Essentials pieces layered with vintage finds. The gender-neutral fit of the tracksuit makes it easy for anyone to rock, whether oversized or more fitted.
Style hack: Go for the cream Essentials tracksuit, then add a pop of colour with neon trainers or a bold cross-body bag.
Celebrity Influence: From LA to the UK
Let’s be real—one of the reasons the Essentials tracksuit blew up in Britain is thanks to its celebrity power. Fear of God’s Essentials line has become a favourite among stars like Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Kanye West, and even Gigi Hadid.
But UK icons have made it their own too. Rappers, footballers, and reality TV stars have helped bring the look mainstream. Seeing your favourite Premier League star walk into training in a full Essentials set? Instant influence.
For young Brits, celebrities don’t just wear the tracksuit—they set the style codes for how to rock it.
Gen Z’s Love Affair with the Essentials Tracksuit
It’s no surprise Gen Z has fully embraced the Essentials tracksuit. This is the generation that loves gender-neutral fits, sustainability, and a blend of high-low dressing. Essentials ticks all those boxes.
- Gender-neutral appeal: The relaxed silhouettes work for everyone, regardless of gender.
- Mix and match vibes: Tracksuit bottoms with a crop top. Oversized hoodie with denim. Gen Z loves the versatility.
- TikTok trends: Fashion influencers on TikTok and Instagram Reels regularly showcase different ways to style Essentials, from cosy “uni library fits” to chic “date night minimalism.”
Fashion Hacks: How to Make the Essentials Tracksuit Your Own
The beauty of the Essentials tracksuit is that it’s a blank canvas. Here’s how Brits are remixing it across cities:
- Layer Like a Londoner – Add a trench or oversized wool coat over your set for that urban polish.
- Go Sporty Like a Mancunian – Pair it with football trainers, caps, and puffers for a pitch-side aesthetic.
- Channel Leeds Chill – Style with bold trainers, tote bags, or vintage outerwear for effortless cool.
- Accessorise Smart – Gold hoops, chunky chains, or sleek sunglasses instantly elevate the look.
- Switch Footwear – Tracksuit + chunky trainers = casual. Tracksuit + sleek Chelsea boots = high-low magic.
Why It’s More Than Just Streetwear
The Essentials tracksuit is more than an outfit—it’s a cultural shift. In the UK, streetwear has always been tied to music, sport, and identity. What Essentials has done is take the humble tracksuit and turn it into a luxury everyday uniform.
It’s not about overdressing; it’s about looking good while staying comfortable—something that resonates with everyone from Gen Z students to thirty-something professionals. Plus, with the growing popularity of work-from-home culture, the tracksuit doubles up as both an office-day fit and a night-out base.
Final Word: The Essentials of Essentials
From London’s fashion-forward streets to Manchester’s sporty energy and Leeds’ laid-back cool, the Essentials tracksuit has found a home in every corner of the UK. It’s versatile, genderless, and undeniably stylish—no wonder it’s become the nation’s go-to co-ord.
Whether you’re styling it with high-end outerwear, football trainers, or vintage accessories, the Essentials tracksuit proves one thing: comfort is the new luxury.
So, the next time you’re debating what to wear on a Saturday stroll or a casual night out, just remember—sometimes, the most essential choice is right in front of you.
