Let’s be real for a second. If you don’t own an Essentials Tracksuit by Fear of God, are you even dressed? Or are you just wearing clothes? In the post-lockdown era, the “smart casual” dress code has been respectfully binned by Gen Z and replaced with “Elevated Slouch.” At the centre of this revolution sits the neutral-toned, perfectly-oversized, cloud-like jersey of the Essentials tracksuit .
Whether you’re queueing for a bagel in Shoreditch or walking a whippet through the Northern Quarter, this two-piece has become the unofficial uniform of the UK. But here’s the catch: wearing one in London looks very different to wearing one in Manchester. Grab a brew, and let’s dive into the city-by-city blueprint for mastering the trendiest (and comfiest) fit of the year.
London: The Capital of High-Low Cool
In London, the Essentials Tracksuit isn’t just loungewear—it’s a fashion statement. Think brick-lined streets of Shoreditch, the bustling vibe of Camden, or the chic corners of Notting Hill. Londoners have mastered the art of high-low fashion, pairing their tracksuits with chunky trainers, oversized hoodies, and designer crossbody bags for a look that screams "I tried, but I didn't try too hard" .
The vibe here is luxe streetwear. Celebrities like Stormzy and Skepta have been spotted rocking the tracksuit, giving it serious street credibility, while Central Cee practically lives in the core collection between music videos . On the flip side, influencers and models are mixing cropped Essentials hoodies with high-waist joggers and classic Air Forces for an Instagram-ready aesthetic that’s utterly addictive .
Style Hack: Layer a longline trench coat or a structured wool coat over your tracksuit . That unexpected mix of relaxed fleece and tailored outerwear is the secret sauce to looking like a true London fashion plate.
Manchester: Northern Energy and Rugged Edge
Head north to Manchester, and the Essentials tracksuit takes on a more rugged, streetwise edge. Here, it’s all about practicality and style—perfect for catching a gig at Albert Hall or a weekend wander around the Northern Quarter . The city’s vibrant music scene means pairing your tracksuit with edgy accessories isn’t just acceptable; it’s expected .
Manchester-born rappers and footballers have cemented the tracksuit as a streetwear essential, making it the go-to outfit for both day-to-day life and nightlife adventures . While London leans into neutrals, Manchester isn't afraid of a bit of colour. Think bold trainers, vintage-inspired bucket hats, and oversized jackets that add texture and depth .
Style Hack: Match monochrome tracksuits with bold, limited-edition sneakers for an effortless pop of colour . Or, go full retro with vintage Adidas or Reebok sets to tap into the city’s rich sporting heritage .
Leeds: Effortless Northern Sophistication
In Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit is all about laid-back northern charm with a touch of city sophistication. Students and young professionals alike embrace neutral tones—think greys, blacks, and navy—to keep it simple but stylish . The city’s buzzing coffee shops and boutique stores make for perfect backdrops to show off a well-fitted tracksuit.
Leeds is young, creative, and always ready to experiment. You’ll see the tracksuit getting playful with bold prints or neon finishes, ready for everything from a gig at Brudenell Social Club to a Sunday brunch . The approach here is minimal but effective.
Style Hack: Roll up your jogger cuffs slightly to show off designer socks or limited-edition kicks—a subtle flex that screams fashion savvy . Pair with a sleek backpack and clean trainers for that effortlessly cool vibe .
Birmingham, Bristol & Beyond: The Regional Renaissance
The love affair isn't confined to the big three.
Bristol: Artsy and experimental; tracksuits are paired with vintage accessories and quirky trainers .
Liverpool: Bold colours and confident prints; perfect for festival season or weekend football .
Edinburgh: Sleek, neutral tones with minimal accessories; practical yet stylish for city strolls .
Birmingham: Streetwear-heavy; oversized fits, bright trainers, and heavy layering are key .
No matter the city, the Essentials tracksuit adapts, making it one of the most versatile pieces in UK fashion.
The Celeb Seal of Approval: Why We’re Hooked
You can’t talk about the Essentials tracksuit without mentioning celebrity influence. It has achieved something rare: it’s beloved by both The Only Way Is Essex cast and your mate who only listens to underground drill .
Across the pond, stars like Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber made it a staple for airport "stealth wealth" . In the UK, Stormzy has been spotted in the oatmeal hoodie more times than he’s been in the studio. Molly-Mae Hague (our queen of neutrals) has styled the beige set with a long wool coat, proving you can wear a tracksuit to a business meeting if you squint hard enough . The message is clear: this isn’t a tracksuit for the gym. It’s a tracksuit for status.
Gen Z & "Soft Luxury": The Comfort Revolution
If Gen Z had a fashion anthem, Essentials might be it. They don’t want fashion that feels unattainable or overly complicated. They want clothes they can live in—daily, casually, comfortably . TikTok trends like “Outfits with Essentials” have made the brand an everyday fashion vocabulary item .
The Essentials tracksuit checks all the boxes for the soft luxury trend:
✔️ Comfy enough for lounging
✔️ Stylish enough for posts and selfies
✔️ Gender-neutral vibes
✔️ Easy to customise with accessories .
Gender-Neutral Appeal: Style for Everyone
One of the most exciting things about the Essentials tracksuit is its gender-neutral design. Loose cuts flatter all body types, neutral tones suit every palette, and the mix-and-match pieces make it endlessly adaptable. This isn’t trend-driven exclusivity—it’s inclusivity by design .
Forget “his” and “hers” – the unisex design means anyone can wear it. Oversized joggers paired with relaxed hoodies don’t care about traditional gender boundaries. It’s fashion equality in fibre form .
Fashion Hacks: Level Up Your Tracksuit Game
Want to ensure your Essentials Tracksuit looks like a considered wardrobe investment and not an expensive accident? Follow these styling commandments :
Respect the Boxy Fit: The wide chest, dropped shoulder seam, relaxed thigh, and tapered ankle cuff are a complete visual architecture. Don’t fight it. Pairing a wide-chest hoodie with slim-fit trousers collapses the geometry. Always buy the set in the same size .
Footwear Matters: The tapered ankle cuff looks best with low-profile sneakers. Think New Balance 550s, Air Force 1 Lows, or simple leather court shoes. Chunky "dad" sneakers often add excessive bulk that fights the clean taper .
Mix Neutrals Like a Pro: Essentials is designed as a coordinated colour system. While you can mix and match, ensure the tones share the same warm or cool undertone. A warm cream hoodie pairs perfectly with a warm sand sweatpant .
Heavy Outerwear: Layering is your best friend in the UK. A puffer vest, structured overcoat, or heavy shearling jacket transforms the set from casual loungewear into a seasonal streetwear statement. Size up in the outerwear to provide enough chest clearance over the boxy hoodie .
Day to Night: Swap your white trainers for a clean suede loafer or leather boot and throw on a structured coat. This simple switch shifts the outfit from errands to a smart-casual dinner .
The Verdict: Why It’s Here to Stay
In the era of athleisure domination, the Essentials tracksuit is more than just comfortable clothing—it’s a statement. Its adaptability across cities, genders, and fashion sensibilities makes it a staple for any wardrobe. It’s not a fad; it’s a lifestyle .
So, if you’ve been sleeping on the Essentials tracksuit, it’s time to wake up and join the movement. Embrace it, style it, and wear it boldly—because from London to Leeds, this is the uniform of the modern Brit.
