If there’s one outfit that’s ruling the streets, gym sessions, coffee runs, and even the TikTok feed of every Gen Z fashionista, it’s the Essentials tracksuit. Sleek, versatile, and effortlessly stylish, this athleisure staple has crossed borders and fully cemented itself as a go-to look across UK cities. Whether you’re grabbing a flat white in Shoreditch, catching a gig in Manchester, or hitting Trinity Leeds for some retail therapy, the Essentials tracksuit is everywhere — and with good reason.

In this guide, we’ll break down how the Essentials tracksuit is styled across different UK cities, the celeb factor behind its rise, cultural influences, and clever fashion hacks to make it your own.

London: Streetwear Capital Meets Luxe Minimalism

London has always been the heart of UK street style. The city’s diverse fashion scene thrives on mixing high fashion with everyday wear — and the Essentials Tracksuit slips right in.

In Shoreditch and Camden, you’ll spot fashion-forward twenty-somethings pairing the tracksuit with chunky trainers, oversized coats, and statement sunglasses. South Kensington types? They elevate it with designer bags and fresh-out-the-box sneakers. London’s love for layering means the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just loungewear — it’s a whole vibe, versatile enough to transition from day to night with the right accessories.

Fashion hack: Add a trench coat or bomber jacket on top, and suddenly your tracksuit looks less "Netflix binge" and more "street-style paparazzi ready."

Manchester: The Sporty-Cool Aesthetic

Manchester has long embraced casual-cool, from its football heritage to its indie music roots. The Essentials tracksuit feels right at home in a city that knows how to mix sport with swagger.

In the Northern Quarter, you’ll see locals rocking the tracksuit with baseball caps and crossbody bags, giving it that laid-back, music-festival-meets-urban-streetwear energy. Thanks to Manchester’s rainy climate, oversized hoodies and water-resistant layers are often thrown on top — comfort never looked so cool.

And let’s not forget the football crowd. Heading to Old Trafford or the Etihad, an Essentials tracksuit is the unofficial uniform of the stylish fan, often paired with limited-edition trainers and a bold parka jacket.

Leeds: Effortless Everyday Cool

Leeds has always been about blending practicality with a playful edge. Students from the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett have embraced the Essentials tracksuit as their daily uniform. It’s comfy for lectures, stylish enough for a day out at the Corn Exchange, and perfect for after-hours bar hopping in Call Lane.

In Leeds, it’s less about flashy extras and more about relaxed, gender-neutral styling. Think neutral-toned tracksuits paired with white trainers, sleek tote bags, and beanies. The city’s fashion culture is heavily shaped by its youthful, student-driven population, so Essentials naturally fits into the effortless, "rolled-out-of-bed-but-still-cool" aesthetic.

Celebrity Influence: Why We’re All Obsessed

Celebrities have played a massive role in catapulting the Essentials tracksuit from gym gear to must-have fashion. The likes of Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Kanye West, and even UK stars like Stormzy and Central Cee have all been spotted in Fear of God Essentials fits. Their endorsement has given the tracksuit a stamp of cool that blends seamlessly with both luxury and everyday streetwear.

What’s particularly appealing is its gender-neutral appeal. Unlike older tracksuit trends that leaned masculine, the Essentials design is unisex — making it perfect for both him, her, and everyone in between. Celebs flaunt this versatility, styling it with everything from combat boots to heels.

Gen Z: Minimalism Meets TikTok-Approved Style

For Gen Z, the Essentials tracksuit is the perfect storm of everything they love in fashion:

• Minimal branding that feels premium but not loud.
  
  

• Gender-neutral sizing that embraces inclusivity.
  
  

• TikTok-worthy aesthetics that make every mirror selfie pop.
  
  

Across the UK, Gen Z creators are styling their tracksuits with oversized blazers, platform trainers, and Y2K accessories. On TikTok, “Essentials hauls” rack up millions of views, with users showcasing how the same tracksuit works for everything from study sessions to date nights.

The Cultural Impact: Beyond Athleisure

The rise of the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just about fashion — it’s about cultural shifts in how we dress. Post-lockdown, comfort reigns supreme, but no one wants to compromise on looking good. Essentials bridges that gap beautifully.

In UK cities where work-from-home meets hybrid lifestyles, this tracksuit has become the new smart-casual. No wonder it’s spotted everywhere from café corners to airport lounges. And let’s be real — the UK weather practically begs for cosy yet breathable fabrics like those in the Essentials collection.

Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Tracksuit

Want to make your tracksuit stand out? Here are some hacks:

1. Add a Statement Coat – A trench, puffer, or oversized blazer can instantly elevate the look.
   
   

2. Mix High & Low – Pair your Essentials with luxury trainers or a designer bag for that high-low aesthetic Londoners love.
   
   

3. Accessorise Smartly – Caps, chunky jewellery, or sleek sunglasses can make a tracksuit feel intentional, not lazy.
   
   

4. Play with Colours – While neutrals are classic, don’t shy away from earthy tones like olive or dusty pink to make your fit pop.
   
   

5. Footwear Switch-Up – Trainers for casual, combat boots for edgy, or even heels if you’re feeling bold.

The Future of the Essentials Tracksuit in the UK

With its unshakeable hold on streetwear, athleisure, and everyday style, the Essentials Tracksuit isn’t going anywhere. Its versatility makes it a timeless wardrobe investment, while its cultural relevance keeps it fresh.

From London to Manchester, Leeds to Birmingham, the tracksuit continues to morph into whatever the wearer wants it to be — luxe, casual, sporty, or chic. And with more celebs, influencers, and TikTok creators jumping on the trend daily, the Essentials tracksuit is firmly established as the UK’s new style uniform.

Final Word

The Essentials tracksuit is more than just a comfy co-ord — it’s a cultural phenomenon sweeping across UK cities. It embodies modern British fashion: practical, stylish, inclusive, and always ready to adapt. Whether you’re a Gen Z student in Leeds, a football fan in Manchester, or a trendsetter in London, there’s an Essentials tracksuit fit waiting to become your signature look.

So, the next time you’re debating what to wear? Keep it simple. Keep it minimal. Keep it Essentials.