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Last Updated on March 17, 2022
Whoever said tracksuits are a fashion crime, may as well hand themselves in.
Because they’re completely wrong.
The 90s was choc-a-bloc full of wicked tracksuits that you can still wear today.
I’m going to go through some of the more popular brands and styles that you can still buy today.
Let’s get started:
Contents
Adidas tracksuit
So, this is like, the OG tracksuit, right? Every person I’ve ever seen in a tracksuit was wearing Adidas, so just gonna assume that’s A Thing. I don’t even know if we should address the whole white tracksuit situation. Actually, let’s address it right now: NO.
I’m so glad we did that.
Anyway, the Adidas tracksuit is a good basic option if you don’t want anything too flashy or outrageously expensive. I see the black ones all the time, and the three stripes on the side are iconic. So I could probably see you rocking this with heels and wouldn’t even be mad at it.
Read: Battle of the Activewear Brands: Adidas vs. Puma
Fila tracksuit
Rivalling the Adidas tracksuit is the Fila tracksuit…and a few others that we’ll get to in a minute. Listen, this is like men and football teams – you can only support one. So, don’t go around in your Adidas tracksuit with Fila shoes and a Reebok cap, because you might get beaten up.
Okay, not literally. Back to the literal tracksuit. If we’re talking genuine vintage Fila from the 90s…that means those grey ones, and those were butt ugly. Perhaps go for something cuter, like a dark blue one.
Read:
Brand Overview: FILA has Carved a Niche as a Real Cool Brand
15 of the Best FILA Sneakers for Women (You Won’t Ever Want To Slip Off)
Fila Outfit Ideas: What to Wear with Fila Sneakers
Hip hop tracksuit
Like most Hip-Hop Things, the hip hop tracksuit tends to be looser than other garments, which also makes it more comfortable, and instantly cooler. You need to pair it with an equally cool pair of sneakers, and you will look BALLER.
Of course, not all of us mere mortals can pull this off (I sure as hell can’t), but if you’re the type who can, then you need to do the rest of us a solid and wear this everywhere: to school, to the market, to church, on nights out, on a first date. Then report back with details.
You May Like:
10 Things You Shouldn’t Do with Tracksuits
90s Women’s Hip Hop Fashion Guide: Outfits, Brands, and Trends
Chola Style, Looks and Fashion Trends from the 90s
Kappa tracksuit
Is anyone really ever a Kappa fan? I don’t even know, girl. I like their little logo more than other brands, if that helps. It probably doesn’t. They do tend to add that logo to the sleeves and everything else, so if you prefer something simpler, cleaner, and more streamlined, maybe don’t pick this one.
HOWEVER. If other tracksuits look boring af to you and just kinda basic and similar to every other one, you might actually love the visual interest on this one.
Neon tracksuit
Not gonna lie, this is…A LOT of look. A tracksuit is already A statement in itself, but making it neon is a baller move that I have no choice but to respect, as much as I need to shield my eyes from the perversion.
If you don’t want to assault people’s retinas first thing in the morning on their way to work, you might consider wearing this at night, especially in the club. There is zero chance that you will go unnoticed, that’s for sure.
Read: How to Style Neon Pants
Parachute tracksuit
You know what? My fave tracksuit is absolutely the parachute, because it’s soooo 80s. LOOK at it – it’s bright, it’s colourful, it’s tacky, it’s unflattering, and it’s excellent! Wear it ironically, or not, I am personally genuinely delighted.
Of course, time and place are important – can’t really rock this in the dead of summer, but it’s ideal for springtime and even autumn. Especially if you like your morning runs or you love hitting the gym, you will be the coolest, 80s-exercise-tape-trainer-esque person around, and people will be grateful, my friend.
Puma tracksuit
Another one of the big contenders is Puma, and you recognize their tracksuits and the rest of their merchandise by – you guessed it – the puma on the logo. Creative, I know. But what they lack in creativity they make up for in quality, so if you’re looking for a good piece of sportswear, this can be your bone.
Read: Family Roots Run Deep: Adidas vs. Puma
Rave tracksuit
And speaking of tracksuits to wear to the club, a rave tracksuit may even be more obnoxious than the neon one we talked about earlier. You see, when you’re a raver, your choice of garments is special, and by special, I mean loud, colourful, obnoxious, in-your-face kind of bright.
In fact, if it’s possible for your tracksuit to literally glow in the dark, that’s actually perfect, and you will be an absolute legend among your mates. A word of caution: do not wear this out in public during daylight hours, because someone’s bound to be blinded.
Reebok tracksuit
Adidas’ main competitor, when it comes to tracksuits-as-fashion might be Reebok, so Adidas, you in danger, girl! Do all of these tracksuits look the same to you? Because they sort of look the same to me. They’re also super 80s in design, what is up with that?
Same goes as for the other ones – black and white if you’re boring, pink and red and blue if you’re looking for a good time.
Read: Nike vs Reebok: Battle of the Footwear Brands
Shell suits
Listen, you KNOW shell suits are right up my alley, because they are vaguely reminiscent of Work-out Barbie, and anything Barbie would wear is the height of fashion, if you ask me. Like, can you name a more iconic 90s fashion inspiration? Kate Moss WHO?
You can’t go wrong when you pair so many pretty colours together, or at least in my view. Tacky? Yep, probably, but I like that.
Tracksuit hoodie
What’s better than a tracksuit? Especially in a place where it rains as much as it does in the UK? A tracksuit with a hood. Thus, the tracksuit hoodie was born. Is it an abomination? Well…maybe. But it can also be mad cute, so don’t knock it till’ you try it!
This is great for when you’re just popping to the shops, hanging out with your friends, or just having a casual day. It’s not a tracksuit, but it’s not NOT a tracksuit, do you feel me?
Umbro tracksuit
You know what? The Umbro tracksuits aren’t even bad, because they have a consistent colour palette that I’m not mad at. The design is mainly the same, but you get to pick your best colour and look stylish at the gym.
You get extra points if you’ve got a genuine, vintage one that your mom may have worn in her glory days and that you can now steal borrow to bask in the shadow of her former glory.
Velour tracksuit
Ah Juicy Couture tacky velour tracksuits, I knew we’d meet again, I just wasn’t sure when, but apparently, it’s right now.
If you’ve been living under a rock and/or have never seen Mean Girls (no, really, where have you been?), the classic velour tracksuit is what Regina George’s mom wears – you know, she’s not a regular mom, she’s a cool mom? That tacky pink monstrosity is the velour tracksuit.
And listen, if you like that sh*t, more power to you, and I bet you look bangin’ in it. However, I do not, nor do I wish to put in the amount of effort required at the gym to obtain a booty that will look good in that thing. HARD PASS.
Tracksuit styling ideas
Tracksuits are universally loved because of how comfy and versatile they are.
For some people, however, they can be quite hard to style because of how inherently sporty both tracksuit pants and jackets are. If you have been that person, I’m here to tell you that ain’t right!
There is no secret to styling tracksuits, just hear me out. I’ll unpack the mystifying secrets of tracksuit styling in easy-to-follow steps.
First of all, tracksuits are no longer considered lazy-bum material. Athleisure is rad right now and an off-duty-model staple, in case you still had any doubts. If it’s good enough for Kendall and Gigi, it’s good enough for me, right?
Which clothing to add?
So, the easiest thing to add to tracksuit pants is a smart jacket, blazer, or long coat. Even a trench will do! Why? Well, outerwear tops, in general, have sharp lines that add a pull-together sense to any ensemble, upping your tracksuits game in a jiffy.
Avoid wearing your tops loose over your pants, instead, tuck them in so it looks smarter. I actually try to avoid t-shirts and opt for blouses. Yeah, and lose the jacket. There is no rule that you have to go all matchy-matchy.
And for footwear?
You know how everyone says that high heels can up your game? Yeah, it’s no joke. High heels can instantly make your butt look ten times better and they can also make your tracksuits look smarter. Not only that, but they will also elongate your legs and add a sense of elegance to your steps.
If you are adamant about going all out and wearing your full tracksuit, wear it like you own it. Heels, sandals, an extra bomber jacket on top, everything goes!
Check Out:
The 90’s Bomber Jacket: The Ultimate 411
Complete Guide To All Birkenstock Sandal Styles (For Every Personality)
10 Things You Should Never Do With Tracksuits
Matching sets are super trendy, having appeared everywhere on runway shows, so go for designer bags and heels to make your ensemble high fashion and you’ll be ready for anything.
Speaking in general terms, tracksuit jackets can be worn with jeans, sweatshirt joggers, or denim shorts. Color matching is key for an elegant look, otherwise, things can look dodgy or like you got your clothes from a bad second-hand shop (the kind that looks more like drags from your second cousin thrice removed and not like classy-vintage).
Underneath, you can go for simple crew tees, a knit sweater, a V-neck blouse, or a fitted down tube top. The sky is the limit!
A geometrical print, like a Missoni knit tank top, can add a little glam and an element of flair to a flat color ensemble. Same for a romantic lace blouse with a couple of flounces.
Keeping things smart-casual by mixing up higher fashion elements with your old sporty tracksuit is the way to go to make it your all-terrain favorite piece of clothing. This is why accessories are key: big ear hoops, dangly chandelier earrings, big colorful rings, or waist chains. Take your pick!
Where do you wear tracksuits? Are they part of your daily wardrobe? Write a comment below!
