When it comes to fashion in the UK, few pieces have achieved the cultural legend status of the Essentials tracksuit. It’s comfy, sleek, gender-neutral, and a streetwear staple that refuses to go out of style. Whether you’re strutting down Oxford Street, hitting the Northern Quarter in Manchester, or chilling at Leeds Dock, the Essentials tracksuit is everywhere — and it’s not just about loungewear anymore.
From A-list celebs to Gen Z trendsetters, this piece has transcended its athletic roots to become the uniform of cool. Let’s break down how the Essentials tracksuit is worn across UK cities, who’s rocking it best, and how you can level up your look.
London: Streetwear Royalty
London is the beating heart of UK streetwear, and naturally, the Essentials Tracksuit reigns supreme. In Shoreditch, Hackney, and Brixton, you’ll spot young creatives styling their neutral-toned tracksuits with chunky trainers, oversized bomber jackets, and statement caps.
Londoners love the monochrome effect — all-black or beige Essentials fits styled with minimalist kicks like Air Force 1s or Yeezy slides. Celebrities spotted in London wearing Essentials include Stormzy, who pairs his tracksuits with statement coats, and Maya Jama, who keeps it effortlessly chic with sleek hair and hoop earrings.
Style Hack: In London, it’s all about layering. Add a trench coat or puffer over your Essentials tracksuit for that classic “effortlessly put-together but not trying too hard” look.
Manchester: Sporty with Swagger
Manchester’s fashion scene is bold, sporty, and unapologetic. From Deansgate to the buzzing nightlife of the Northern Quarter, Mancunians love tracksuits that feel as good in the gym as they do in the club queue.
Here, Essentials tracksuits are styled with statement trainers (hello, Nike Dunks and Air Max 95s), bucket hats, and retro shades. Think football casuals meets modern streetwear.
Celebs like Aitch and Bugzy Malone embody the Manchester vibe — blending street-smart swagger with a polished edge. It’s about being comfortable but always looking like you’ve made an effort.
Style Hack: Manc style means colour. If Londoners go neutral, Manchester adds pops of neon trainers or brightly coloured accessories to break up the muted tones of the Essentials set.
Leeds: Laid-Back but Luxe
Leeds is where comfort collides with quiet luxury. Students and young professionals dominate the fashion scene, and the Essentials tracksuit is a favourite for day-to-night dressing.
In Leeds Dock or Trinity shopping centre, you’ll see Essentials fits styled with oversized denim jackets, vintage crossbody bags, and gold hoops. It’s casual but polished — a perfect blend for city days that can turn into bar nights.
Celebs like Zayn Malik, who grew up in nearby Bradford, embody this vibe. Zayn often keeps his streetwear understated but elevated, making the Essentials tracksuit a perfect fit for the Leeds aesthetic.
Style Hack: Leeds fashion is about mixing high and low. Pair your Essentials tracksuit with luxury accessories (think designer sunnies or a leather tote) to give that chic contrast.
Birmingham: Bold and Blinged-Out
In Birmingham, fashion comes with attitude. Brummies aren’t afraid to make a statement, and the Essentials tracksuit is often styled with flashy trainers, standout jewellery, and designer accents.
Celebrities like Lady Leshurr and Jaykae embody this mix of street and high-fashion flair. In Digbeth, you’ll see Essentials tracksuits paired with oversized chains, bold logos, and colourful sneakers.
Style Hack: Don’t be afraid of accessories. From gold watches to crossbody bags, Birmingham fashion thrives on the little extras that turn a simple tracksuit into a head-turning outfit.
Celebrity Influence: Why the Essentials Tracksuit Took Off
The Essentials tracksuit didn’t just rise from nowhere. Its popularity skyrocketed thanks to A-listers like Justin Bieber, Kanye West, and Hailey Bieber, who wore it everywhere — from airports to coffee runs. That celeb endorsement made it the off-duty uniform.
In the UK, grime and rap artists like Dave, Skepta, and Stormzy have been instrumental in keeping tracksuits culturally relevant. Their influence trickled down to Gen Z, who value both comfort and clout when it comes to fashion choices.
Gen Z: The Tracksuit Generation
Gen Z’s love for the Essentials tracksuit is about more than looks — it’s cultural. For them, fashion is fluid, comfy, and inclusive. Gender-neutral fits like the Essentials line hit that sweet spot of style + identity.
TikTok is filled with Gen Zers showing off how they style their tracksuits: oversized hoodies cropped at the waist, joggers tucked into socks, and endless sneaker swaps. It’s a generation that values versatility — and the Essentials tracksuit delivers.
Gender-Neutral Appeal: One Outfit, Everyone’s Vibe
One of the biggest wins of the Essentials Tracksuit? It’s for everyone. The clean lines, muted colour palette, and oversized fits mean it works across genders and body types. Whether you’re styling it with heels in London or sneakers in Manchester, it adapts to your vibe.
That’s why it’s become such a universal UK fashion staple. Unlike skinny jeans (RIP), it doesn’t exclude anyone. Instead, it lets the wearer shape it into their personal style.
Fashion Hacks: How to Elevate Your Essentials Tracksuit
Want to take your Essentials look from basic to bold? Try these fashion hacks:
- Layering Game Strong: Throw on a trench, leather jacket, or oversized blazer. Instant chic.
- Sneaker Swap: Rotate between chunky trainers, slides, and even Doc Martens for different moods.
- Accessorise Smart: Gold hoops, caps, and statement bags go a long way.
- Monochrome Magic: Stick to one colour palette (all-grey, all-beige, all-black) for a sleek, editorial vibe.
- Cuff & Crop: Roll your joggers at the ankle or crop your hoodie for a more tailored, styled look.
Cultural Impact: From Council Estates to Catwalks
Tracksuits have always had deep cultural roots in the UK, from football terraces to hip-hop stages. What makes the Essentials version so special is how it bridges luxury minimalism with street authenticity.
It’s the outfit you’ll see at Westfield shopping centre and at a Drake concert. It’s practical for the British weather, stylish enough for Instagram, and comfortable enough for Sunday lounging. That cultural adaptability is why it has stuck.
Final Word: Essentials Is Here to Stay
The Essentials tracksuit is more than just clothing; it’s a cultural phenomenon. In London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and beyond, it’s styled to reflect the identity of each city. Add in celeb cosigns, Gen Z creativity, and its gender-neutral design, and you’ve got the ultimate UK wardrobe staple.
So whether you’re dressing it up for a night out in Shoreditch or keeping it casual in Leeds Dock, remember: the Essentials tracksuit isn’t just a trend — it’s the new uniform of cool Britain.
