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The Rise (and Rise) of the Tracksuit

  • Writer: Catherine Potter
    Catherine Potter
  • Jul 6
  • 3 min read

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Once upon a time, tracksuits were strictly for school carnivals, early morning jogs, and maybe your dad mowing the lawn on a Saturday. These days, look around the Beaches and you’ll see they’ve gone from something you’d avoid being seen in to something you’ll happily drop a hundred on and wear just about anywhere, anytime. The tracksuit isn’t just back; it’s here to stay, and it’s having a moment bigger than ever.


Tracksuits first hit the scene in the 60s as sportswear, made for athletes to don during a warmup and cool down without catching a chill. They were about practicality and freedom of movement, nothing more, nothing less.


Then came the 80s, and hip-hop culture made tracksuits kinda cool. Think breakdancers spinning on cardboard, rappers in matching Adidas sets, and Run-D.M.C rocking theirs with fat laces and Kangol hats.


The 2000s brought a different kind of tracksuit energy. The Juicy Couture velour tracksuit became the must-have piece, seen on every celebrity worth their salt. Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian before the billion-dollar empire, and J.Lo in pastel pink or baby blue sets with rhinestones on the bum, a Starbucks iced latte in hand, and tiny dogs peeking out of designer handbags. It was the era of low-rise everything, and the tracksuit was at the heart of it all. Tracksuits didn’t disappear after that; they just evolved. Celebrities like Rihanna, Timothée Chalamet, and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted in luxury tracksuit sets that look as comfortable as they are stylish. Adele has been seen in cosy sweats while out and about, proving that comfort doesn’t have to come at the expense of style.


On screen, tracksuits have remained iconic. The Sopranos made them a mafia staple, while Squid Game turned the green tracksuit into an eerie symbol of desperation and survival, and even in Euphoria, matching sweats sneak in as part of the off-duty uniform of its stylish, troubled teens.

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Here on the Beaches, you’ll spot mums in matching sets at the school drop-off, dads grabbing a coffee in sleek athleisure before heading to work, and teenagers pairing theirs with chunky sneakers as they film TikTok dances just about anywhere. The tracksuit has become a uniform for anyone wanting comfort without giving up style, we're talking serious practicality in a world that still likes to look and feel good.


So why are we all still so obsessed with them? It’s simple. They’re comfortable. Tracksuits let you get through the day without the restrictions of denim or the stiffness of a structured outfit. They take you from the sofa to the supermarket without a second thought, and with the right accessories, from your morning walk at Mona Vale to brunch at Avalon without needing to change.


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The stigma around tracksuits has well and truly shifted, with brands like P.E Nation and Assembly Label making them look sleek and elevated, while Adidas Originals keeps the classic look alive. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank, Kmart and Cotton On have matching sets that keep the cool factor without the hefty price tag.


The best part is, styling your tracksuit is easier than ever. Matching tops and bottoms in neutral colours instantly lift the look, while a fresh pair of white sneakers can take your outfit from lounge to café ready. If you’re feeling brave, throwing a structured blazer over your tracksuit might sound odd, but it’s the kind of street style move you’ll see during Fashion Week. Add some gold hoops and a good pair of sunglasses, and suddenly your outfit says “effortlessly cool” rather than “just rolled off the couch”. Who knew?


The tracksuit has come a long way from its sporty beginnings and is now a symbol of embracing comfort without sacrificing style. It’s a reminder that life on the Beaches is all about balance. Whether you’re walking the dog along the sand, grabbing a latte after Pilates, or working from home to the RSL, there’s a tracksuit that fits right in with your day.


It’s the quiet hero of our wardrobes, the piece we reach for on days when we want to feel relaxed but still pulled together, a reminder that you don’t have to give up comfort to feel good in what you’re wearing.


On the Northern Beaches, where the pace is just a little slower and the lifestyle is about enjoying the moment, the tracksuit isn’t just a trend; it’s part of the rhythm of how we live now.


 
 
 

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