Leisurewear for men isn’t news.
We’ve had the sweatshirt, the sneaker, the polo, and of course the tracksuit.
Much of the modern man’s wardrobe finds its origins in the uniform of sport; this two-piece suit is no different. A 1960s athletic staple to a modern-day favourite, this cultural icon has seen itself transcend across the decades.
Acceptable as daywear for the office worker, Thom Browne offers pure luxury in his casual designs. Drawing inspiration from classic American style, the cuts are refreshed with preppy details and shrunken silhouettes, boasting grosgrain trims and signature white stripes.
Stylish and comfortable in equal measure, Browne elevates traditional sportswear by the use of premium fabrics and fine details, thus creating a luxe future for the tracksuit.
Superstars like Michael Jordan and some of New York’s finest hip hop artists caught the world’s attention overnight, instigating the tracksuits reinterpretation into a streetwear icon. Brooklyn’s breakdancers did their best to make the shell suit cool in the 1980s, with influential styles seen in the dance studios and on suburban streets.
Although we might have moved away from the brighter colours, Japanese brands like A BATHING APE still bring streets to the tracksuit. Comfortable and eye-catching? It’s easy to see why the style caught on as quickly as it did, still produced with an urban edge.
First emerging on the track in the 60s, the original cotton models were intended for the practical use of keeping athletes warm while training. It sprung into 1970s pop culture and TV; coming into full bloom by the end of the decade.
The OG was personified by adidas’ three stripes, with early iterations combining synthetic nylon fabrics with a monochromatic pant and jacket set (complete with stirrups on the earlier models). Make it the ultimate mod uniform and add the traditions of British subcultures with a piece from Fred Perry.
By the 90’s, the tracksuit was entrenched as an on-field staple and a musical icon; sported in the 1992 Olympic games and by Brit Pop bands like Blur and Oasis. Earlier decades opted for a slimmer fit, but these later renditions were cut for a relaxed silhouette and saw technologies transform them into pre and post-game attire – as well as lounging of course.
The evolution of the elasticated waist, zip up two-piece fashion statement has raced back into style in 2016 and has been pivotal in the comeback of hi-tech performance sportswear. Practical and comfortable, Nike integrate the tracksuit into its performance enduring pieces with their Tech Hypermesh Collection.
