If there’s one outfit ruling wardrobes across the UK right now, it’s the Essentials Tracksuit. From London’s fashion-forward creatives to Manchester’s street-style lovers and Leeds’ laid-back trendsetters, this cosy-yet-cool staple has become the nation’s unofficial uniform. Blame it on TikTok, blame it on celebrities, blame it on Gen Z — the Essentials Tracksuit is having a major moment, and it’s showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Whether you’re grabbing a Pret in Shoreditch, hitting the Northern Quarter for brunch, or chilling on campus in Leeds, the Essentials look simply fits. It’s minimal, it’s gender neutral, it’s effortlessly stylish — and it’s taking over the UK one oversized hoodie at a time.
Let’s dive into how this now-iconic two-piece became a British favourite and how each city is wearing it differently.
The Rise of the Essentials Tracksuit in the UK
The Essentials Tracksuit didn’t just appear out of nowhere. It has climbed the fashion ranks thanks to a mix of celebrity love, minimalist hype, and the UK’s growing obsession with comfort-meets-aesthetic dressing.
Throw in a pandemic that made loungewear the default, plus the UK’s deep-rooted streetwear culture, and boom — the Essentials Tracksuit became a fashion must-have rather than just a cosy option.
Gen Z, especially, has embraced the look wholeheartedly. They’re swapping skinny joggers for wide-leg comforts, choosing subtle branding over loud logos, and prioritising outfits that feel just as good as they look. Essentials ticks every box.
London: The Capital of Effortless Cool
In London, the Essentials Tracksuit is practically a street-style statement piece.
How Londoners Wear It
Londoners pair their Essentials sweats with:
- Chunky trainers (think New Balance 550 or Air Max)
- Crossbody bags for that “running-between-meetings” look
- Tailored coats thrown casually on top for high-low contrast
- Tiny sunglasses even when the sun hasn’t made an appearance for days
In Shoreditch, you’ll see neutral Essentials hoodies styled with cargo trousers or layered over longline tees. Over in Notting Hill, expect tonal looks — all-cream, all-sage, all-charcoal. London loves a polished monochrome moment.
Celebrity Influence in London
With celebs like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Kanye West, and Justin Bieber previously spotted wearing Essentials, London influencers were quick to adopt the trend. You’ll now catch creators outside Soho cafés turning matching tracksuits into full editorial looks.
Manchester: Streetwear Energy With Northern Edge
If London is polished, Manchester is effortlessly raw and expressive.
How Manchester Styles It
Manchester brings a bold twist to the Essentials Tracksuit:
- Oversized fits (the bigger, the better)
- Statement trainers like Yeezys or Jordan 4s
- Puffer jackets (absolutely essential for that Manc weather)
- Bucket hats or beanies for a complete streetwear vibe
The Northern Quarter has basically turned oversized essentials into a lifestyle. Expect earthy tones, oversized sweatshirts, and a “don’t-try-too-hard” attitude.
Cultural Influence
Manchester’s deep music and street culture — from indie bands to grime beats — strongly shape how fashion evolves in the city. Essentials fits into the aesthetic perfectly, blending comfort, urban practicality, and just the right amount of attitude.
Leeds: Minimalist, Laid-Back, and Campus-Approved
Leeds is all about chilled vibes, and the Essentials Tracksuit is the unofficial uniform for students and creatives.
How Leeds Wears Essentials
- Grey or oatmeal tracksuits with classic white trainers
- Tote bags and headphones for that study-meets-street aesthetic
- Layered tees for dimension
- Subtle jewellery (silver hoops, thin chains, minimal rings)
If you walk through Headingley or Hyde Park, you’ll see Essentials everywhere — from uni library sessions to casual nights out with friends.
Why Leeds Loves It
Leeds is the perfect mix of laid-back and fashionable. Essentials fits into that lifestyle seamlessly. You don’t look overdressed, you don’t look underdressed — just effortlessly cool.
Why Celebrities Made Essentials Go Viral
The moment stars like Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo, The Kardashians, and even UK footballers and artists were spotted wearing Essentials, the hype skyrocketed.
On TikTok and Instagram, British influencers like Molly-Mae Hague and various UK streetwear creators helped push the Essentials aesthetic into every For You Page imaginable.
Suddenly, the Essentials Tracksuit wasn’t just for fashion heads — it became a wardrobe essential for everyone.
Gen Z’s Love for the Essentials Look
Gen Z is rewriting the fashion rulebook, and the Essentials Tracksuit sits right at the centre of their style philosophy.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
- Gender-neutral designs → no limits, no labels
- Oversized silhouettes → comfort-first fashion
- Neutral colours → capsule wardrobe perfection
- Streetwear roots → cool without trying
- Influencer-approved → endless outfit inspo
Plus, Gen Z loves pieces that can transition from home to street to social media seamlessly — and Essentials is that versatility.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal of the Essentials Tracksuit
One of the biggest reasons for the tracksuit’s success is its universal fit. Essentials doesn’t cater to “men” or “women” in the traditional sense. Instead, it focuses on shape, drape, and fit — letting wearers style it however they want.
This hits perfectly in today’s UK fashion landscape, where individuality is key and gendered clothing is becoming less and less relevant.
Fashion Hacks: How to Style the Essentials Tracksuit Like a Pro
Want to level up your Essentials game? Try these easy-to-steal hacks:
1. Go Monochrome
Beige on beige. Charcoal on charcoal. Sage on sage.
Instantly more expensive-looking.
2. Mix Textures
Try pairing your hoodie with:
- A wool coat
- A leather jacket
- A puffer vest
This adds warmth and depth.
3. Accessorise Smartly
- Mini crossbody bags
- Baseball caps
- Chunky silver jewellery
- Clean white trainers
Accessories = effortless elevation.
4. Layer for Dimension
Wear a longer tee under your sweatshirt for that modern, streetwear stack.
5. Up Your Footwear Game
Sneakers make or break this look. Stick to:
- Jordans
- New Balance
- Air Force 1
- Yeezy 350s or Foam Runners
Why the Essentials Tracksuit Is Here to Stay
From city streets to campus libraries to influencer feeds, the Essentials Tracksuit has woven itself into the fabric of UK style culture. It’s comfortable, stylish, neutral, inclusive — and completely Instagram-ready.
And whether you’re strolling through Covent Garden, browsing the Arndale in Manchester, or grabbing a coffee in Leeds, one thing’s clear:
This tracksuit is more than just clothing — it’s a vibe, a movement, and a slice of modern British fashion.
