Introduction to Essentials Tracksuits

Essentials tracksuits have become a staple in streetwear and athleisure fashion. An essentials tracksuit is defined as a matching hoodie and joggers or sweatpants set with an oversized, casual fit. The hoodie typically features a full zip or pullover design while the joggers have an elastic waistband and cuffed ankles.

This style was popularized by the brand Fear of God through their Essentials line launched in 2015. The collection featured premium materials and a signature baggy silhouette that created an elevated take on sportswear basics. Since then, essentials tracksuits have exploded in popularity within the streetwear scene.

Their versatility to be dressed up or down makes essentials tracksuits a comfortable go-to look. The oversized hoodies and joggers provide a relaxed vibe while still looking put-together. This athleisure aesthetic has now become a mainstay in many closets and street style.

Overview of Fear of God Essentials

Fear of God is a luxury streetwear brand founded by designer Jerry Lorenzo in 2012. Known for its elevated, luxury basics and religious influences, Fear of God exploded in popularity in the late 2010s amongst celebrities and streetwear fans.

In 2018, Lorenzo launched Essentials, a more accessible diffusion line from Fear of God that focused on casual basics like hoodies, sweatpants and t-shirts. Staying true to the Fear of God aesthetic, Essentials featured oversized, comfortable fits and high-end details like fleece fabrics and custom trims.

Signature elements of the Essentials line include neutral color palettes, tonal color blocking, and co-ordinating hoodie and jogger sets. The aesthetic is elevated basics with a streetwear edge. Essentials quickly became massively popular for its comfort and style.

There are a few key reasons why Fear of God Essentials exploded in popularity so quickly:

• High-quality, luxurious fabrics and construction
• Oversized yet flattering, stylish fits
• Minimalist, neutral palette that's easy to style
• Cozy comfort for casualwear and athleisure
• Prestige and cool factor of the Fear of God name

Key Features of High-Quality Essentials Tracksuits

A high-quality essentials tracksuit is made with soft, comfortable fabrics that are breathable and moisture-wicking. Popular fabrics for tracksuits include cotton, cotton-poly blends, fleece, and jersey. These fabrics are lightweight and have a nice drape, while still being substantial enough to provide coverage and warmth. According to an article on Better Fashion Sense, good tracksuits are made with "wicking fabrics and have ventilation panels" to help manage moisture and heat buildup during activity.

Essentials tracksuits should have a relaxed, oversized silhouette for a streetwear look while still fitting comfortably through the hips and thighs. Design features like drawstrings, elastic waistbands, and ribbed cuffs help customize the fit. Drawstrings at the hoodie neck and hem allow adjusting the tightness. Elastic waistbands with a functional drawcord on the joggers provide a stay-put fit. Ribbed cuffs at the sleeves and ankles prevent the fabric from riding up. These small accents elevate the tracksuit while maintaining the casual athleisure vibe.

The beauty of the essentials tracksuit is its versatility - made to transition seamlessly from lounging at home to running errands to working out. Choosing soft, breathable fabrics and a relaxed yet tailored fit makes for the ideal essentials tracksuit for all-day wear.

Top Men's Essentials Tracksuits

When it comes to the top essentials tracksuits for men, Fear of God's signature oversized hoodies and slim joggers are unmatched. The neutral color palettes and premium fabrics like fleece and waffle knit make any man look stylish whether headed to the gym or running errands. Some of the best Essentials pieces for men include:

The Icon Hoodie - This is Fear of God's signature oversized hoodie featuring a dropped shoulder, kangaroo pocket and relaxed fit through the body and arms. It comes in versatile colors like black, gray and tan. The Icon Hoodie pairs perfectly with Essentials' Matching Sweatpant for a monochrome look.

The Waffle Knit Hoodie - Constructed from a textured cotton waffle knit, this hoodie has a boxy fit through the body and raglan sleeves. With ribbed cuffs and hem, it looks great styled with joggers.

The Warm Up Pant - These slim joggers have an elastic waistband and ankle cuffs that give a tapered look. They come in tonal colorblock options like black/gray and moss green/army green. Pair with a matching hoodie for an elevated athleisure outfit.

The Seventh Collection - Inspired by Kanye West's Sunday church services, earth tones like brown, olive and cream were featured. Oversized crewnecks and hoodies with cross graphics made this a standout capsule.

Overall, men's Essentials tracksuits focus on neutral, versatile colors in soft premium fabrics. The oversized hoodies and slim joggers balance each other out for a flattering silhouette. Key pieces to look out for are Icon Hoodies, Waffle Knit tops and Warm Up joggers.

Top Women's Essentials Tracksuits

Some of the most popular essentials tracksuits for women include cropped hoodies and joggers for a modern, athleisure look. The oversized hoodie paired with fitted joggers is also a stylish silhouette. Women tend to gravitate towards neutral earth tones like tan, gray, and black as well as soft pastels for essentials tracksuits. Key features in women's styles include hoodies with adjustable cinch waist ties and coordinating monochrome sets.

Fear of God's Essentials collection for women offers iconic oversized hoodies, crewnecks, and joggers in luxe fabrics like terry cloth and velour. The neutral color palette and signature Fear of God details like raw hems and oversized silhouettes make these tracksuits ultra-stylish. Other notable collections for women are the Boxy Zip Up Hoodie and Sweatpant in matching sets from Skims and Outdoor Voices CloudKnit tracksuits with a cropped hoodie and tapered sweatpant.

For fit, women's essentials tracksuits tend to feature a roomy but not overly baggy hoodie with a cropped, boxy shape. The joggers are fitted through the hips and thighs but remain loose enough for comfort with a tapered leg. This creates a flattering silhouette when sized appropriately. High-quality, soft fabrics also allow the tracksuits to drape nicely on the body.

Styling Tracksuits for Everyday Wear

Essentials tracksuits offer incredible versatility for casual everyday wear when styled properly. Here are some tips to elevate your tracksuit from the gym to the streets:

Outfit ideas for casual wear:

• Layer with coats like denim jackets, leather jackets or oversized blazers for a streetwear vibe (source)
• Wear a basic t-shirt or fitted tank underneath the hoodie
• Cropped hoodie with high-waisted jeans or shorts
• Oversized hoodie with leggings or skinny jeans

Layering pieces:

• Denim jackets
• Oversized flannels or button-downs
• Bomber or biker jackets
• Lightweight cardigans

Footwear:

• White sneakers like Air Force 1s
• Slides or slip-on sandals
• Ankle boots or low-top Converse

Accessories:

• Baseball caps
• Oversized sunglasses
• Gold jewelry
• Small shoulder bags or crossbody purses

The key is to keep the tracksuit as the foundation and build up stylish layers and accessories on top. This allows the comfort of athleisure while still looking fashionable for everyday wear.

Styling Tracksuits for Working Out

When wearing your essentials tracksuit for exercise or training, choosing the right fabrics and footwear is key for performance. Look for moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon that will keep you cool and dry during intense workouts (Adidas). Match your tracksuit with proper running or training shoes to support different types of exercise. Asics are known for their technology-focused performance shoes for activities like running, cross-training, tennis, and more.

For the gym, keep hair pulled back and accessorize minimally. Small hoop earrings or studs are perfect, along with a simple watch and basic crossbody bag for essentials. Avoid loose or dangling accessories that could get in the way of your workout (Pinterest). Stay focused on the training at hand and let your tracksuit carry your style.

Where to Buy Quality Essentials Tracksuits

When looking to purchase a high-quality essentials tracksuit, there are a few key brands and retailers to consider:

Fear of God Essentials - As the originator of the essentials tracksuit trend, Fear of God offers premium quality with luxury details and fabrics. Expect to pay $300-$1000 for a Fear of God set.

Adidas - For a more affordable option, Adidas has many classic tracksuits in the $60-$150 range made from performance fabrics like French terry. Models like the Tiro line offer a slimmer fit.

Reigning Champ - Known for top-notch basics, Reigning Champ has high-quality cotton fleece and jersey tracksuits typically around $150-$250.

When evaluating quality, focus on details like metal zippers, soft natural fabrics, and reinforced seams. High cotton content, fleece backs, and heavyweight fabrics also signal quality construction. While more affordable than designer, quality essentials tracksuits still range from $100 to $300 at full retail price.

Caring for Your Essentials Tracksuit

An essentials tracksuit is an investment piece, so you'll want to properly care for it to prevent shrinkage, fading, and other damage. Here are some tips for keeping your tracksuit looking fresh:

Washing: Turn the tracksuit inside out and zip up the hoodie before washing. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can cause fading. Air dry the tracksuit flat rather than putting it in the dryer.

Preventing Shrinkage: Always wash in cold water and air dry. Avoid putting the tracksuit in the dryer, as the heat can cause shrinkage. You can help stretch items back to size while damp by gently pulling and smoothing the fabric.

Storage: Fold or hang tracksuits neatly in your closet. Storing flat helps prevent creasing. Use cedar blocks or fabric refreshing sprays to keep closets smelling fresh. Avoid wire hangers, which can cause hanger bumps on the shoulders.

Spot Cleaning: Gently dab stains on tracksuits with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid vigorously rubbing, which can damage the fabric. For tougher stains, pre-treat with stain remover before washing.

With proper care, your beloved essentials tracksuit will maintain its quality and comfort for many wears to come. Follow these tips to keep it looking stylish for seasons ahead.

Conclusion

In summary, essentials tracksuits have become a versatile wardrobe staple. Originally popularized by Fear of God's luxury basics line, they now come in many styles from various brands. The hallmarks of a quality essentials tracksuit are soft, breathable fabrics, a roomy but tapered fit, and considered details like drawstrings and ribbing. For men, top picks include solid neutrals and tonal colorblocking with relaxed hoodies and joggers. Women have options like cropped and oversized hoodies paired with fitted pants. Tracksuits transition seamlessly from the gym to the streets. Style them with sneakers, layers, and accessories for casual wear. Keep silhouettes loose and fabrics technical for working out. With proper care and styling, essentials tracksuits are a comfortable go-to look.

When shopping for essentials tracksuits, prioritize quality over quantity. Seek out reputable athleisure brands known for soft fabrics and flattering fits. Avoid fast fashion copies with cheap materials that won't hold up. Invest in versatile neutral colors you can mix and match. Care for your tracksuits properly to extend their lifespan. With high-end design and everyday wearability, essentials tracksuits are a fashion essential worth the investment.