The tracksuit is back: From Kappa to Chloe, how the tracksuit became cool again
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the tracksuit has returned to the fashion fore.
As seen on the catwalks of Chloe, Gucci, Vetements, Burberry and Loewe, the tracksuit is back as part of the industry's most prevalent trend - "athleisure". This nifty term, fusing athleticwear and leisurewear, has been born of the argument that we're all too impossibly busy to find the time to change after the gym, so must continue wearing said exercise gear for the rest of the day.
As we all know, fashion recycles looks of old constantly, but the rise of the tracksuit has taken us by surprise. Although the hoodie has made a clear comeback on the FROW of late (Vetements' slouchy hoodies were all over the past few seasons' fronr rows), the tracksuit top and bottoms as a full look hasn't managed to shed its reputation as the stereotypical uniform of the alleged ne'er-do-wells of Benefits Street for years. It has been snobbishly linked with being slovenly or lazy - when Jeremy Corbyn was seen wearing a silver tracksuit in his spare time last year, he was widely ridiculed on social media.
All this derision seems rather mad considering the tracksuit was worn first worn by sports heroes to keep them warm before they stripped off to their competition clothing - usually shorts and a vest. It was first welcomed by fashion in the 70s after Bruce Lee wore a mustard tracksuit in the iconic Game of Death, when he played a kung-fu master set on seeking revenge on Korean gangster thugs. In the 80s, it was embraced by hip-hop legends such as Run DMC and NWA, as well as gangsters - who would accessorise their looks with chunky gold chains and shearling detailing. It was a symbol of power and demanded swagger.
Damon Albarn gave it a Britpop edge in the 90s, adding to its badass appeal. In the 00s it went through a tricky stage when it was worn a lot by Paris Hilton, who favoured Juicy Couture velour styles. But, Paris aside, the tracksuit has always been a unifier - it's the ultimate geezer wardrobe staple, both subversive and accessible. But it's long carried a stigma; the matching two-piece is still associated with the disenfranchised. In 2005, the hoodie was officially banned by Bluewater Shopping Centre in Kent and later by several schools in England and Wales.
Despite it all, the tracksuit has managed to stage a comeback. It's utilitarian, unisex appeal didn't go unnoticed by Demna Gvasalia - the wunderkind behind fashion favourite Vetements, whose USP is twisting functional wardrobe items to make them immediately desirable again. Rihanna recently stepped out in one of the label's oversized black tracksuits, followed by Selena Gomez who wore one in red. FKA Twigs prefers a drawstring unisex style by Cottweiler. It still has a strong link with the music scene - specifically the grime genre. Famous patrons include Skepta and Stormzy.
So how do you wear the tracksuit now? For day, team it with a pair of trainers or a pair of ankle boots. Make like Gucci and wear yours with a pussy bow blouse and slip on loafers, or go all Chloe and wear with sandals (when the weather warms up, obviously). For the evening, add a strappy heel and an elegant accessory - a cashmere scarf for example - for a more refined edge. Or team with a sequined top for a more glam appeal. Tracksuits also look great under trench coats and smart tailoring. JD Sports, Topshop, Adidas and River Island all have good options.
The main detail to remember here though is that tracksuits require attitude, confidence and nonchalance. We're 110 percent in.
Picture Editor: Sandra Waibl
The moment that tracksuits became a fashion commodity - in 1972, when Bruce Lee wore one in Game of Death.
All StarSly Stallone works out in character in 1976 film Rocky.
Rex FeaturesWe're big fans of Danny Zuko's grey mark tracksuit as worn in [i]Grease[i] in 1978.
Getty ImagesBritish athlete Daley Thompson wears a classic Nike tracksuit in 1982.
Getty ImagesRun DMC was one of the first purveyors of the Adidas three-stripe style.
Getty ImagesDamon Albarn adds a Britpop edge to the funnel neck tracksuit pop during his Blur days in the 90s.
Rex FeaturesSaid Taghmaoui in 1995 film La Haine is the picture of the disenfranchised youth so often tied with the tracksuit.
Rex FeaturesParis Hilton working one of her signature velour Juicy Couture tracksuits.
Getty ImagesRihanna, a perenial fan of streetwear, works a rap-inspired tracksuit edge - adds a glam appeal with her shades and Gucci bag.
Getty ImagesSnoop Dogg wears a bright incarnation of the tracksuit, accessorised with a bling chain.
Getty ImagesVicky Pollard, the Little Britain character, parodies the common stereotype of the tracksuit wearer - a working class 'chav'.
Rex FeaturesChas Tenenbaum (played by Ben Stiller) works a retro tracksuit in Wes Anderson's 2001 cult film, The Royal Tenenbaums
Rex FeaturesJeremy Corbyn deigns to ride his bike in a grey tracksuit, sparking disdain on social media in 2015.
Getty ImagesSelena Gomez works the Vetements' reincarnation of the tracksuit in 2016.
Getty ImagesBella Hadid goes for a vintage adidas style.
