When it comes to blending comfort with style, nothing has taken over British wardrobes quite like the Essentials tracksuit. Once seen as just cosy loungewear, it’s now the go-to uniform for everything from morning coffee runs to late-night gigs. Loved by celebs, adored by Gen Z, and worn across every city from London to Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit is no longer just an outfit—it’s a whole vibe.
So, let’s take a stylish stroll through the UK and see how different cities are putting their own spin on this iconic look.
London: Streetwear Meets High Fashion
Londoners are known for pushing boundaries when it comes to fashion, and the Essentials Tracksuit is no exception. In Shoreditch, you’ll spot creatives pairing their tracksuits with chunky trainers and oversized blazers for that off-duty model aesthetic. Over in Chelsea, the look gets polished with designer handbags, statement jewellery, and sleek sunglasses.
London’s style tribes treat the tracksuit as a canvas. Some keep it minimalist in classic greys and blacks, while others play with bolder tones and mix-and-match sets. With celebs like Skepta and Stormzy rocking Essentials in the capital, it’s no wonder the city has crowned the tracksuit as the ultimate “anytime, anywhere” outfit.
Style Tip: In London, it’s all about layering. Throw on a longline coat over your Essentials tracksuit to nail that city-chic streetwear look.
Manchester: Music Scene Energy
If London is about blending high fashion with streetwear, Manchester’s tracksuit culture is fuelled by its legendary music scene. The city that gave us Oasis, The Stone Roses, and a thriving underground rave scene has always had an eye for cool, casual gear.
Here, the Essentials tracksuit is worn with a distinctly northern edge—think bucket hats, retro trainers, and bold sports jackets layered on top. Manchester fashionistas love the comfort of Essentials but add their own swagger with vintage pieces and football-inspired accessories.
Celebs like Aitch and Bugzy Malone often sport tracksuits both on stage and off, solidifying the look as part of Manchester’s style DNA.
Style Tip: For a Mancunian twist, team your Essentials tracksuit with retro Adidas trainers and a cap. It’s effortless, authentic, and very northern cool.
Leeds: Casual Cool Meets Campus Life
Leeds has a growing reputation for its buzzing student culture and creative edge, and that translates directly into how the city wears its tracksuits. On campus, students mix their Essentials tracksuits with oversized hoodies, tote bags, and headphones slung around their necks. It’s the go-to uniform for lectures, library sessions, and nights out that blur into mornings.
Leeds loves comfort, but never at the expense of individuality. Tracksuits here are styled with colourful beanies, layered t-shirts, or even chunky Doc Martens for that alternative, slightly rebellious vibe.
Style Tip: Add playful accessories—like colourful trainers or patterned socks—to give your Essentials tracksuit a personalised Leeds-inspired edge.
Birmingham: Bold, Bright, and Branded
Brummies aren’t shy when it comes to making a statement, and their Essentials tracksuit styling reflects that bold spirit. Whether it’s on Broad Street during a night out or in Digbeth exploring the creative quarter, Birmingham’s tracksuit looks are vibrant and unapologetic.
Expect to see bright Essentials hoodies, oversized logos, and a strong preference for standout trainers. Influences from grime and hip-hop culture are particularly strong in Birmingham, with celebs and local artists helping drive the popularity of bold, branded tracksuits.
Style Tip: Don’t hold back. Pick an Essentials tracksuit in a standout shade (cream, brown, or pastel hues) and pair it with eye-catching trainers for the ultimate Brummie look.
Celebrity Influence: From Airports to Instagram
Part of the Essentials tracksuit’s appeal is its celebrity backing. Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Kanye West have all been spotted in Essentials fits, while in the UK, stars like Maya Jama and Anthony Joshua have championed the look. On Instagram and TikTok, these outfits are endlessly reposted, giving fans instant inspo for how to style theirs.
For Gen Z especially, celebrity influence plays a massive role. The tracksuit isn’t just comfortable—it’s a statement that you’re clued into the same trends as your favourite stars.
Gen Z and the Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the reasons the Essentials Tracksuit is so popular is its inclusivity. Designed with a relaxed, oversized fit, it naturally lends itself to being gender-neutral. Gen Z loves this—it fits with their preference for fluid, unrestrictive fashion that prioritises comfort without sacrificing style.
Whether you’re pairing the joggers with crop tops or styling the hoodie with biker shorts, the tracksuit adapts to your personal style. It’s unisex, versatile, and universally flattering.
Fashion Hacks: Making Your Essentials Tracksuit Stand Out
So, how do you make your tracksuit look less “lazy day in” and more “street style icon”? Here are a few quick hacks:
- Accessorise smartly: A statement bag, cap, or chunky necklace can elevate the whole look.
- Play with footwear: Trainers are classic, but chunky boots or even slides can switch up the vibe.
- Layer like a pro: Longline coats, denim jackets, or gilets over your Essentials tracksuit add instant sophistication.
- Mix & match: Don’t be afraid to pair Essentials joggers with a different hoodie colour for a contrast effect.
- Fit matters: Oversized is in, but balance it—if your hoodie is super baggy, go for slimmer joggers, and vice versa.
The Essentials Tracksuit: More Than Just Loungewear
What started as a cosy, at-home outfit has transformed into one of the most versatile staples in UK fashion. From London’s high-fashion streets to Manchester’s music-infused energy, the Essentials tracksuit has become a cultural icon—one that’s inclusive, stylish, and endlessly adaptable.
So, whether you’re grabbing a flat white in Shoreditch, heading to a gig in Manchester, or strolling through Leeds’ Hyde Park, there’s one thing you can count on: the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just clothing—it’s the uniform of modern Britain.
Final Word: The rise of the Essentials tracksuit shows us one simple truth: the UK loves fashion that works hard and looks good doing it. Comfortable, cool, and celeb-approved—what’s not to love?