The history of wearing tracksuits
And a few other things to consider.
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GOOD STYLE NEVER DIES
The tracksuit
Few menswear pieces have translated as smoothly across socioeconomic backgrounds over the last 60+ years as the tracksuit. Since the 1960s, the tracksuit has gradually weaved its way into fashion and entertainment, from low-end to high-end. Here’s a walk down memory lane…
Origins
Tracksuits have been around since the early 1900s. They used to be cotton fabric warmups that athletes used before competing (that… checks out). But they weren’t supposed to be flashy or outspoken. The first moment where that changed was at the 1968 Olympics, held in Mexico City. American runners John Carlos and Tommie Smith famously raised their fists during the awards ceremony after competing. They were wearing Team USA warm-ups.
This was an iconic sports moment. A statement.
In the decades that followed, through the 80s, 90, and 00s, became synonymous with early hip-hop style. Black artists wore tracksuits in photoshoots, at parties, while traveling, and in music videos. Notables were: Run DMC, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Puff Daddy, and the Beastie Boys, to name a few.
Hell, even US Presidents wore ‘em while exercising (which sounds awful btw).
Simultaneously, athletic brands jumped in on this movement. Adidas was the frontrunner, advertising with their running, tennis, and soccer gear. Other brands like Puma (see above) and Fila made their own marks too.
Tracksuits have even played a strong role in the film industry too. Movies like The Royal Tenenbaums and The Sopranos were known for posting fits like this. And honestly, they did a great job too.
Today, the tracksuit lives on, thanks to artists like Pharrell and A$AP Rocky.
Good style never dies.
Wanna wear a tracksuit? Here’re a few mystery brands to check out:
Catch you on the flipside
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A few other things
Hoop gear
Mifland’s back again with the Sporting Club mesh uniforms, and they do such a fine job making that color pop.
These uniforms are great for hooping or lounging.
Grab ‘em here.
4 lovely things
You might not look as sexy as Robert Redford, but…
Huckberry’s got a bangin’ collection of western-wear that sure could help. I’m talking pearl snap shirts from Wythe, jackets by Schott and Taylor Stitch, boots from Rhodes, and all sorts of other goodies.
Check it out. Send me a photo if you manage to get close to looking like this. I’ll be impressed.
Y’all have a great week!