If there’s one outfit that’s making waves across the UK Style fashion scene, from East London’s gritty-cool streets to Manchester’s music-fuelled vibes and Leeds’ indie alleyways — it’s the Essentials tracksuit. Loved for its minimalist design, soft tones, and unbeatable comfort, the Essentials tracksuit has gone from gym gear to street-style gold.
A favourite among Gen Z, style icons, and celebs alike, this cosy co-ord has cemented its place as the it-garment of modern British fashion. Let’s dive into how it’s being styled in different UK cities, why it’s captured the hearts (and wardrobes) of the masses, and how you can effortlessly rock it — no matter your postcode.
London: Luxe Meets Laid-Back
Vibe: Trendy, high-low dressing, street luxe
In the capital, fashion is all about balancing comfort with sophistication. Think: a cream Essentials tracksuit paired with a trench coat, chunky gold hoops, and the latest trainers. You’ll see it in Notting Hill brunch queues, Soho coffee runs, and Hackney thrift shops.
Celeb influence? Yep, London’s fashion royalty like Stormzy, Dua Lipa, and Maya Jama have all been spotted in the iconic Essentials look — often adding statement accessories like oversized shades or crossbody designer bags.
Style tip: Layer your tracksuit with a longline tailored coat and white Air Force 1s. Bonus points for a sleek bun or clean fade.
Manchester: Music, Monochrome & Mood
Vibe: Grunge meets streetwear, moody neutrals, and ‘don’t try too hard’ cool.
The fashion in Manchester nods to its rich music culture — with a bit of that 90s Oasis swagger. In this city, the Essentials hoodie and joggers combo is worn in shades of grey, charcoal, and sage, often teamed with beanies and beat-up trainers.
Celeb watch: Aitch, Manchester’s very own rap star, often rocks his Essentials fits with classic North Face jackets or puffer coats, reflecting the city’s love for urban wear.
Style hack: Mix your Essentials set with vintage or thrifted pieces. Try a cropped bomber or layered flannel over your hoodie for a gritty, Northern vibe.
Leeds: Youthful Energy & Bold Layering
Vibe: Creative, colourful, experimental
Leeds is buzzing with student life and a thriving indie scene — which means Essentials tracksuits here are anything but basic. You’ll see bold colour layering, clashing textures, and unexpected pairings, like stone Essentials joggers with a neon puffer or graphic tee.
Cultural twist: The city’s multicultural crowd brings a global twist to styling. Expect vibrant trainers, bold hijab styles with matching Essentials hoodies, and gender-fluid interpretations galore.
Style tip: Don’t be afraid to mix up your neutrals with a splash of colour. Try lime green socks or a statement bucket hat to stand out in the crowd.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
The Essentials tracksuit has TikTok trending status, and Gen Z is driving the hype. Why? It’s everything they want:
- Gender-neutral: The oversized silhouette and neutral palette work for everyone.
- Sustainable-ish: With quality materials and timeless design, it ticks the conscious consumer box.
- Instagrammable: Whether you’re posing in front of a mural in Shoreditch or snapping mirror selfies at home, the outfit always slaps.
From #OOTD reels to “what I wear in a week” YouTube vids, the Essentials tracksuit is a social media staple.
Celebrity Style: Who’s Wearing It?
Some of the biggest names in the UK and beyond have been spotted repping Essentials:
- Hailey Bieber: Queen of off-duty model looks, usually styled with tube socks and a slick bun.
- Jorja Smith: Adds gold jewellery and statement lips to dress it up.
- Central Cee: Wears his grey Essentials hoodie on stage and in the studio.
- Brooklyn Beckham: Papped in LA, but still repping his British roots with an Essentials set and vintage cap.
Want to channel these looks? Go monochrome with subtle luxury touches — think small leather bags, designer shades, and minimal effort.
Fashion Hacks: Essentials, But Elevated
You don’t have to be a fashion pro to level up your Essentials game. Here are a few quick hacks:
- Mix & match: Pair your hoodie with tailored trousers or your joggers with a crisp white shirt.
- Add structure: A structured bag or coat can contrast beautifully with the slouchy fit.
- Layer smart: Oversized Essentials hoodie under a denim jacket? Always a win.
- Play with proportions: Tuck the hoodie into your joggers and pull them high-waisted for a cropped, cinched look.
And remember — sometimes the best accessory is confidence.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the standout things about the Essentials tracksuit is that it doesn’t try to box you in. There are no ‘his’ or ‘hers’ labels, just clean designs that look good on everyone.
For men, it’s the ultimate off-duty look — easy, cool, and sporty.
For women, it’s a power move — effortlessly stylish with a touch of tomboy charm.
For everyone in between, it’s a canvas for self-expression. And in today’s fashion world, that kind of versatility is priceless.
Cultural Trends: Streetwear Meets Comfort Core
The UK fashion scene is embracing comfort-core — think elevated loungewear, soft tailoring, and wearable pieces that still look put-together. The Essentials tracksuit fits right into this shift.
It also taps into the broader streetwear-to-runway trend. Brands like Fear of God (behind Essentials) have blurred the line between high fashion and streetwear — and the UK crowd is all in.
Where to Buy in the UK
Ready to join the club? You can grab your Essentials tracksuit
online or in select UK stockists. Popular spots include:
- Selfridges
- END. Clothing
- Farfetch
- SSENSE
- StockX (for rare colourways)
Pro tip: These babies sell out fast, so sign up for restock alerts or shop resale platforms.
Final Thoughts: Why the Essentials Tracksuit is More Than Just a Trend
From the cobbled streets of Camden to the nightlife buzz in Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit has become more than just loungewear — it’s a cultural uniform, a fashion statement, and a comfort-first lifestyle wrapped into one.
Whether you’re styling it for city strolls, chill hangs, or your next airport look, this set brings together everything UK fashion currently loves — effortlessness, authenticity, and cool without trying too hard.
