The tracksuit has become a wardrobe staple for its comfort and casual style. This article explores the history of the tracksuit, its rise in popularity, and how it has become a fashion icon.
A Brief History of the Tracksuit
The tracksuit originated as an athletic apparel item in the early 20th century. In the 1920s, athletic apparel brands like Adidas and Puma began producing suits for athletes to wear while training. They were made of knit cotton material that allowed freedom of movement.
By the 1960s, tracksuit gained widespread popularity as casual wear. They were commonly worn by hippies and celebrities like The Beatles. The 1970s fitness craze saw tracksuits adopt their iconic zip-up jackets and elastic cuff pants. Athletic brands continued to innovate tracksuit designs for optimal athletic performance.
The Rise of the Tracksuit in Fashion
In the 1980s and 90s, tracksuits broke into mainstream fashion. Hip hop culture embraced tracksuits as casual streetwear. Famous rappers and artists sported iconic tracksuits from brands like Adidas. The velour tracksuit also emerged as a luxurious, high-end fashion item with designer brands like Juicy Couture.
Soon the tracksuit transitioned from strictly athletic wear to acceptable everyday attire. The early 2000s saw Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, and other pop culture icons wear tracksuits out and about. High fashion brands started producing stylish tracksuits in sleek fabrics and cuts. The athleisure trend also made tracksuits more common to wear outside the gym.
Why Tracksuits Became So Popular
Several key factors contributed to the tracksuit craze:
- Comfort – Tracksuits are soft, cozy, and allow freedom of movement. The casual fit made them perfect for lounging and casual activities.
- Sporty look – Tracksuits are associated with sports and athletics. The look became fashionable even when not working out.
- 90s nostalgia – Millennials in the 2010s reminisced about 90s and 2000s fashion, bringing back the tracksuit.
- Athleisure trend – With athleisure wear popular, tracksuits fit right in for wearing post-workout and while out.
- Streetwear – Urban streetwear embraced tracksuits as casual apparel. Designers added fashion-forward details for styling.
- Celebrity influence – As stars sported tracksuits, fans copied their relaxed off-duty looks.
How to Style Tracksuits
While tracksuits are inherently casual, they can also look fashionable and put-together. Some tips for styling tracksuits:
- Opt for slim or tapered fits in lightweight fabrics. Avoid bulky, shapeless silhouettes.
- Choose a neutral color palette like black, white, gray, navy, or olive green for versatility.
- Dress them up with heels or wedges. Add metallic heels for evening.
- Layer with coats, kimonos, or cardigans. Leather, denim, and bomber jackets complement tracksuits.
- Add a crop top underneath or wear an open jacket to show some skin.
- Cuff the pants ankles to show off heels, socks, or sneakers.
- Finish with accessories – add statement sunglasses, hats, scarves, or bags.
The Tracksuit as Fashion Icon
From athletic wear to high fashion staple, the tracksuit has certainly evolved over the decades. It remains a go-to item in streetstyle wardrobes for its allure of comfort meets style. Mixing fashion and function, the tracksuit has earned its place as a versatile closet essential. The athletic origins stay intact but this look can now fittingly go from the gym to running errands with seamless flexibility. Overall, the tracksuit has solidified its status as a wear-anywhere fashion icon.