From Gym to Runway: The Evolution of the Tracksuit

In modern fashion, the tracksuit has become a symbol of both style and practicality. This versatile outfit has undergone numerous transformations over its 85-year history, evolving from a purely athletic garment to a staple in the fashion world. The journey of the tracksuit began in 1939, thanks to the brand Le Coq Sportif, which introduced it as the "Sunday Suit." Over time, this outfit has continuously changed, sometimes sparking controversy and other times becoming a cultural icon. Each revival of the tracksuit has brought new meanings and associations, solidifying its place in various subcultures.

Although the tracksuit first appeared in the early 20th century, it only gained widespread popularity in the 1960s, known then as the "warm-up suit." Adidas founder Adolf "Adi" Dassler aimed to expand the brand's range, and with the advent of nylon, a lightweight, breathable, and cost-effective material, the tracksuit became a practical choice for athletes. Nylon could be easily combined with wool, replacing the heavy natural fabric outfits athletes used at the time.

The first technical "warm-up" tracksuit was released in Germany in 1967, featuring Adidas' signature three stripes and the endorsement of football star Franz Beckenbauer, ensuring its success. However, during this period, the tracksuit was still primarily sportswear, worn before and after training sessions.

In the UK, the tracksuit also began to gain attention around the same time, partially due to the famous Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Olympics, as noted by design historian Dr. Joanne Turney in an interview with Vice magazine.

The 1970s saw the tracksuit stepping out of the gym, driven by a couple of interesting phenomena. Firstly, there was a jogging boom, particularly in affluent countries, as people embraced outdoor exercise for health. Secondly, cinema and television significantly influenced fashion. The legendary Bruce Lee appeared on screens in striking tracksuits, his red suit from the 1971 series "The Streets of San Francisco" and the iconic yellow suit from the 1978 film "Game of Death" leaving a lasting impression.

In the UK, music icon Bob Marley also influenced tracksuit fashion. Photos of him in stylish tracksuits during the recording of the "Exodus" album in London in the late 1970s became iconic. By the 1980s, the tracksuit confidently crossed over into music culture. The famous rap group Run-D.M.C. preferred Adidas Superstar sneakers since 1983, and their 1986 song "My Adidas" celebrated their favorite brand, leading to a $1.6 million contract with Adidas and boosting the brand's popularity in hip-hop and street style.

Breakdancing, born in the Bronx about a decade earlier, also intertwined with hip-hop culture, with tracksuits becoming a practical and stylish choice for dancers.

Simultaneously, tracksuits gained popularity in British everyday life. Working-class youth paired designer clothes with tracksuits for attending football matches, transforming the tracksuit from strictly sportswear into a true fashion trend.

In the 2000s, the perception of tracksuits in pop culture became even more intriguing. They remained a convenient garment for the working class, while also being parodied as symbols of football hooligans (as in the comedy series "Little Britain"). Yet, tracksuits unexpectedly captured attention in fashion and film. Uma Thurman wore a yellow and black tracksuit in the 2003 cult film "Kill Bill," reminiscent of Bruce Lee's outfit from 25 years earlier, but with a modern twist of being a two-piece suit.

The versatility of the tracksuit allowed it to embody various meanings, symbolizing athleticism, laziness, or even martial arts combat gear. For some millennial celebrities, the tracksuit became a luxurious home outfit, hinting at a busy schedule of yoga, shopping, and beauty salon visits. Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie significantly contributed to the popularity of Juicy Couture velour tracksuits, which, along with caps, UGG boots, and lavishly decorated phones, remain unforgettable symbols of the early 2000s.

Today, the tracksuit continues to draw inspiration from the past. British grime artist Stormzy, in his 2015 "Shut Up" music video, dons a bright red Adidas tracksuit, echoing old-school hip-hop styles of Run-DMC while representing working-class street fashion. His outfit closely resembles the one worn by Franz Beckenbauer in 1967, a testament to the cyclical nature of fashion and the enduring adaptability of the tracksuit.

The pandemic and lockdowns profoundly impacted fashion, leading to an organic resurgence of the tracksuit as many people adopted it as their work-from-home uniform. Classic tracksuits gave way to more innovative designs with high waists, sand hues, and unique styles, highlighting that tracksuits can be both comfortable and fashionable.

Surprisingly, tracksuits have now found acceptance even in unexpected places like red carpets and fashion show front rows. Celebrities like Zendaya embrace this trend, showing that tracksuits can be part of a chic and elegant ensemble.

In conclusion, the once humble "Sunday Suit" has evolved into a fashion chameleon, constantly reinventing itself by incorporating elements from various styles and adding new details. Whether you're running on the track or handling daily errands, the tracksuit remains a fantastic choice, sure to continue surprising us with its transformations.