Tracksuit – Not just a suit, it’s a culture

Like other sports products, tracksuit has long been a face of sport, and as time goes on, tracksuit has grown in popularity and mainstream, no longer confined to the mainstream sports realm. . To be blunt, the tracksuit is a fashion statement for its convenience and comfort. Tracksuit can be found anywhere, and it is class-independent, from politicians to rap stars. In recent times, the tracksuit has slowly moved beyond its original boundaries, integrating itself into other aspects of fashion. From Gucci under time Alessandro Michele to the Russian giants – Gosha Rubchinskiy, the tracksuit is well experienced.

But that was not enough, the tracksuit even carried a massive history, with references to past pop culture, and laid the foundation for the development of that culture during that time. This great. And today, let’s find out, how tracksuit has to become a cultural feature today!

From sports to mainstream

Bruce Lee in Game Of Death

The tracksuit came out in 1960, and as the name suggests, this two-piece was created for athletic athletes. As a warming body, the tracksuit was originally made of cotton, polyester or terry cloth – designed to insulate and keep athletes warm before the game.

The charm of this outfit gradually spread in the sports world, and gradually created an influence over the generations at that time. In 1970, runners began to adopt this style because of their comfort and ease of use. One of the symbols of the sports world at that time was Bruce Lee has also begun to show her support for this style. He was often seen using the red-striped tracksuit on ABC TV’s Longstreet in 1971. Of course, his most classic outfit ever is the yellow and black jumpsuit that ever appeared in Game Of Death in 1972. This image gradually became a reference material in popular culture at the time, but perhaps, more famous than all, was the yellow costume of The Bride’s character. Kill Bill: Volume 1, performed by Uma Thurman.

Uma Thurman’s outfit from Kill Bill: Vol 1

The tracksuit gradually became more modern and improved. In 1980, this suit was also known by another name as “shell suits” when made of synthetic material. The tracksuit then switches to nylon to reduce moisture and keep the wearer cool.

A statement in the music industry

Run DMC

Having emerged with hip-hop in the 1980s, the tracksuit gradually became an unspoken rule of style around that time. The tracksuit gradually emerged as an integration of a new culture as B-Boys, MCs or breakdancers continued to use them. Appeared in the Beat Street film and the graffiti documentary – Wild Style, the tracksuit appeared almost everywhere from the Bronx, Brooklyn to Queens.

Most prominent at the time, the adidas’ three-striped tracksuit version was associated with the group’s image Run DMC legendary. Considered one of the most successful rap groups of the first generation, the trio continuously recorded their names in history with Tricky, King Of Rock or Walk This Way. Throughout the decade, this group’s loyalty to adidas never wavered, they even released a song called My Adidas to express their love for this brand with the famous Superstar clamshell sneakers version. Strong supporters of the tracksuit style at the time included The Beastie Boys and LL Cool J. The good relationship between tracksuit and hip-hop goes back to the 90s. From Nas come Snoop Dogg, from the West Coast to the East Coast, from the video to the album cover, the tracksuit was present.

The Oasis group

Rap isn’t the only musical genre tracksuit does. They have even influenced a part of British music culture. For rock groups like Oasis, Blur good The Stone RosesThe tracksuit is an iconic choice as well as a style that clearly captures the working roots of these groups. The tracksuit has also gradually become the favorite style of European ravers. Everyone, from teenagers in Amsterdam to floor bar Londoners, has chosen the tracksuit as a way of expressing themselves, as well as the comfort it offers.

The UK garages in the 1990s were pivotal in paving the way for today’s grime genre. Grime is a unique mix of musical elements, creating tunes with high BPMs, deep in the minds of people in East End, London in 2000. Initially, they were spread through radio stations like Rise FM and Freeze 92.7. And they spread elsewhere with melodies that reflect the grim realities of inner London life. Music of the time was accompanied by an expressive style of dress, with the tracksuit being the name that pioneered the style at the time. That time gave birth to stars like Dizzee Rascal, groups like Roll Deep and BBK of the Skepta (Boy Better Know).

Grime style today

Grime’s style of the time was associated with convenience, and the tracksuit and sweatsuit naturally became the main factor. With favor coming from adidas and Nike, tracksuit suits were then comfortable and simple in a given width, accompanied by monochrome colors. The psychological elements of the grime style were explored in a short video Grace Ladoja in 2014 as “Air Max – The Uniform”. The Top Boy program in the UK also focuses on this issue and related factors in 2011.

Occurs throughout popular culture

The Sopranos

One of the most interesting aspects of the tracksuit is their popularity in pop culture. In particular, they also have a connection with organized criminals as their relaxed style is a favorite among bandits, including John Angelo “Junior” Gotti. This perspective has been explored in the drama The Sopranos from HBO TV. Movies like Goodfellas, Reservoir Dogs, La Haine and Departed Also chose this outfit as the outfit for the criminals in the movie. Besides, Gucci Mane also appeared in an adidas tracksuit in the popular Spring Breakers movie.

Tenenbaums in the movie The Royal Tenenbaums

Gangster, robbery and crime aside, anyone who loves cinema will remember the red adidas tracksuit that stands out in the movie. The Royal Tenenbaums. The film is directed by Wes Anderson, with Ben Stiller play Chas Tenenbaum – a neurotic widow always ready for any dangerous situation by having the whole family dressed in red adidas tracksuit.

Kim Kardashian in Juicy Couture’s outfit

Paris Hilton dressed in Juicy Couture

The year 2000 was a milestone of the tracksuit, when the family Hiltons and Kardashians always use the tracksuit from Juicy Couture. When it comes to the moment, few styles or brands surpass Juicy Couture’s tracksuit suits.

Revolutionary Hugo Chavez

Besides, tracksuit is also an indispensable item for leaders when they are walking around or taking time for themselves. Revolutionary’s Venezuela – Hugo Chavez and former prime minister Cuba – Fidel Castro, consistently appearing in the tracksuit when in public. Quartz it even published a flashback titled “revolutionary tracksuit” featuring Fidel’s best outfits in years.

Former US President Barack Obama

Nor can Western politicians overlook the convenience of the tracksuit during vacations. In the UK, the leader of Labor party – Jeremy Corbyn has appeared countless times in the tracksuit Wilson his gray color. Meanwhile, the image of the former president Obama walking in adidas’ black tracksuit became a hot topic on social media.

Integration of high fashion and streetwear

Nike Gyakusou

With tracksuit’s influences on popular culture so far, it’s no wonder the fashion industry is starting to be influenced by this style. With its sudden transition into high fashion, the tracksuit is now more prolific than ever, offering a wide range of releases for fans to choose from. Even sportswear giants like Nike and adidas have to offer more variations of the tracksuit, with ease and trendiness. Product line Y-3 and Gyakusou it is the result of that transformation.

Palace x adidas

Streetwear and skating brands also apply this style to their seasonal products. Palace became famous for incorporating elements of London street culture into their designs. In addition, the annual collaboration of Palace and adidas also offers a wide selection of tracksuit for fans. Other British designers like Nasir Mahar and Cottweiler has brought futuristic breath to grime style, deeply exploited the inspiration from sportswear, creating a more modern look for old styles.

Gosha Rubchinskiy x adidas

A new face of post-Soviet fashion – Gosha Rubchinskiy, has always been a pioneer in the tracksuit. Like the Palace with the influence of British culture, Gosha Rubchinskiy injected the energy of Russian teenagers into each of their products, with influences from the Soviet uniform.

Gucci tracksuit

Speaking of the expensive aspect, well Alessandro Michele of the Gucci has put the most premium materials into the tracksuit, along with heavy accessories. Those who love vintage style can look to the brand Needles Japanese.

Palm Angels tracksuit

Fall / Winter 2017’s collection Palm Angels LA gave LA’s extravagant breath to put on their tracksuit, while Vetements then cooperate with Juicy Couture in Spring / Summer 2017.

Palm Angels tracksuit

Although the tracksuit has been constantly evolving over the years, its popularity in each period is undeniable. Tracksuit is not a trend, but a culture as it has been associated with every stage of popular culture since its inception. From athletes to criminals, from celebrities to teenagers, the tracksuit has been a staple for decades. It is not wrong to say that the tracksuit created a distinct culture, with highlights taken from other cultures throughout history.

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