If you haven’t spotted an Essentials tracksuit on your morning coffee run, on TikTok, or even on your mate from Leeds who swears he “doesn’t follow trends,” then, honestly, where have you been? This understated yet statement-making co-ord has taken over the UK, city by city, generation by generation. From London’s street style scene to Manchester’s nightlife queues, the Essentials tracksuit has become the outfit that balances comfort, clout, and effortless cool.
Let’s take a little fashion road trip across the UK and dive into how this tracksuit is styling up in London, Manchester, Leeds, and beyond — plus all the celeb inspo, hacks, and Gen Z-approved takes you’ll need to make it your own.
London: Streetwear Royalty Meets City Slickers
London isn’t just the capital of the UK — it’s the capital of street style. In Shoreditch, Dalston, and Brixton, the Essentials Tracksuit has become practically uniform. Think oversized hoodies paired with chunky trainers, vintage sunglasses, and (of course) a designer crossbody bag for that effortless city-meets-street vibe.
Celebrities spotted in London rocking Essentials include Skepta, whose influence in grime culture has solidified the tracksuit as more than just loungewear. Meanwhile, influencers around Soho wear theirs with bold jewellery stacks and slicked-back hair, giving the minimal co-ord a maximalist twist.
Style tip: In London, it’s all about layering. Toss a trench coat or oversized blazer over your Essentials tracksuit, and suddenly you’re more runway than gym day.
Manchester: Nightlife Swagger in a Tracksuit
Manchester has long been a style pioneer — from the Madchester rave scene to its current wave of indie cool. The Essentials tracksuit here isn’t just for daytime; it’s become part of the city’s nightlife DNA. Imagine pre-drinks in the Northern Quarter, then heading to Warehouse Project — yes, in your tracksuit, paired with bold kicks and maybe even a bit of subtle jewellery sparkle.
Celeb influence? Enter Aitch, Manchester’s rap golden boy, who regularly champions the cosy-yet-cool vibe. Fans mirror his look: Essentials hoodie zipped halfway, chains layered on top, and that “I woke up like this” confidence that Mancunians pull off so well.
Style hack: If you’re in Manchester, you can get away with elevating your Essentials tracksuit using just footwear. Swap chunky trainers for statement boots, and suddenly, you’re gig-ready.
Leeds: Laid-Back with a Sporty Edge
Leeds has a knack for making fashion casual without ever looking careless. In Hyde Park or around Headingley, the Essentials tracksuit is the go-to for students and young professionals who want something versatile. It’s the perfect lecture-to-pub uniform: wear the joggers with an oversized tee in the day, then throw the hoodie back on for pub crawls when the Yorkshire chill sets in.
Here, it’s less about flexing and more about functionality with style. Essentials fits in perfectly with Leeds’ sporty-meets-social culture. Pair it with retro trainers, a baseball cap, and you’ve nailed the look.
Style tip: In Leeds, keep it clean and minimal. Stick to neutral shades like black, grey, or cream, and let the relaxed fit do the talking.
Beyond the Big Three: How Other UK Cities Wear It
- Birmingham loves a bold, logo-heavy Essentials tracksuit, often styled with fresh trims and statement trainers.
- Liverpool makes it glam, with girls pairing Essentials with slick hair, hoop earrings, and pristine white trainers.
- Glasgow has a more rebellious take — layering Essentials with biker jackets or retro sports gear.
Each city adapts the tracksuit to its own cultural beat, proving that this isn’t just a piece of clothing — it’s a blank canvas for local style identity.
The Celebrity Seal of Approval
The Essentials tracksuit isn’t just blowing up in the UK because of TikTok (though let’s be honest, that helped massively). It’s been co-signed by some of the biggest names in music, sport, and fashion.
- Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber have made Essentials their airport uniform.
- Kanye West, who’s inspired the brand’s minimal aesthetic, set the tone for understated luxury.
- Closer to home, Stormzy has been spotted in Essentials, giving it the ultimate British stamp of approval.
When celebs wear something that simple and make it look iconic, it’s no wonder the rest of us are reaching for the same.
Why Gen Z Is Obsessed
Gen Z aren’t just following trends; they’re rewriting them. The Essentials tracksuit is a perfect example of how their style rules work:
- Gender-neutral: The unisex design makes it universally wearable, no matter how you identify.
- Sustainable mindset: One tracksuit can serve as multiple outfits — hoodie with jeans, joggers with a crop top, or the full set.
- Anti-try-hard energy: It screams “I didn’t spend hours on this outfit,” but it still looks stylish.
For Gen Z, the Essentials tracksuit is less about flexing and more about curating a vibe.
Style Hacks: How to Make the Essentials Tracksuit Your Own
So, how do you elevate your Essentials tracksuit from “just chilling” to “street-style star”? Try these fashion-mag hacks:
- Mix with luxury: Add a designer handbag or watch to contrast the casual fit.
- Play with proportions: Oversized hoodie with slim joggers, or cropped hoodie with baggy bottoms.
- Footwear focus: Trainers make it casual, boots make it edgy, slides make it effortless.
- Jewellery game: Chunky chains, layered rings, or subtle studs can change the whole vibe.
- Outerwear power: Bomber jackets, puffers, or tailored coats take the tracksuit to the next level.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
Unlike so many fashion trends that split along “his” and “hers” lines, the Essentials Tracksuit thrives in its inclusivity. It’s equally cool on women, men, and everyone in between. Girls wear it with slicked-back buns and fresh white trainers, while guys keep it baggy with caps and slides. Non-binary wearers style it fluidly, breaking the mould and proving that the tracksuit works outside the binary.
This gender-neutral energy is one of the reasons Essentials has become the uniform of now.
Final Word: Essentials Isn’t Just a Tracksuit, It’s a Movement
From London’s fashion playgrounds to Manchester’s clubs, Leeds’ pubs, and Glasgow’s streets, the Essentials tracksuit is everywhere — and it’s not going anywhere soon. More than just loungewear, it’s a cultural signifier: cosy yet stylish, minimal yet full of expression, gender-neutral yet personal.
Whether you’re channelling Aitch in Manchester, Stormzy in London, or your best TikTok fit-check in Leeds, the Essentials tracksuit is your ticket to staying stylish without ever trying too hard.