Iconic fashion piece or repurposed athletic wear? Whatever your feelings on the tracksuit, it’s undeniable that it’s one of the most recognisable items of clothing on the planet.
The popularity of the tracksuit has ebbed and flowed since its creation in the 1930s, as fads do. In recent years, however, there has been a startling and unstoppable resurgence, which some may regard as unstoppable.
Fitness fads, celebrity endorsements, and the rise of the designer tracksuit have all helped it reach new heights. When you factor in the pandemic-driven rise in demand for comfortable working-from-home attire, the sky appears to be the limit.
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The Past
Tracksuits were invented in the 1930s with the purpose of being worn by athletes around the track, as their name suggests. The Sunday Suit, introduced by Le Coq Sportif in 1939, is widely recognised as the first leisure-wear tracksuit.
However, it wasn’t until roughly 30 years later that the tracksuit gained widespread popularity as a fashion item. Adidas made its first piece of equipment, a tracksuit, in 1967, and signed a sponsorship arrangement with German footballer Franz Beckenbauer.
The Present Situation
Just when it looked like the tracksuit’s days were numbered, the twenty-first century arrived, bringing with it four things:
Obsession with Fitness
The twenty-first century saw a large increase in gym memberships, personal trainers, and a slew of other workout fads. People wanted to get in shape, and they required the correct clothes, therefore the tracksuit was revived.
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Dirty Clothes
Grime continued where hip hop left off, and a new generation of inspirational artists found themselves with endorsement deals. Huge performers like Novelist, Stormzy, and Skepta openly wore tracksuits on stage, and fans followed their lead.
Designer Clothes
As tracksuits became more popular among higher-income influencers, so did their quality, variety, and price tag. Tracksuits’ appeal has risen to new heights as a premium fashion item rather than an useful piece of comfort clothing.
Working from a Remote Location
With the outbreak of the pandemic, entire countries were forced to close their workplaces and set up shop at home. Dressing for comfort overdressing for business became the norm, resulting in millions of internet tracksuit purchases.
The Long Run
Over the last five years, this mix of circumstances has served to propel tracksuit popularity to new heights. High fashion and high street labels alike are now seamlessly blending comfort and style. Tracksuits now come in a variety of styles, from light and functional sportswear to fitting two-pieces that accentuate those gym-earned abs. You’re more than likely to own both outdated ‘trackies’ for relaxing at home and a fashionable suit for going out.
There is just one question to ask in this new era of popularity and expanded diversity of possibilities. Is the tracksuit here to stay this time, more than ever before?
