In a time in which fashion trends change daily the tracksuit of the present has proven to be extremely durable. Since its introduction from the mid-’60s onwards the sporty garment has been faithful to its fundamental tenets. It’s not surprising that the pioneering brands such as Ellesse which were essential in the development of the tracksuit don’t try to reinvent the wheel so often as they offer the latest in fashion and technology at times. A timeless classic remains the ultimate fashion accessory that can be worn over time. next. Here’s why.
What exactly is a Tracksuit?
Aiming for active wear, but not less appropriate for relaxing – an athletic tracksuit (aka “warmups”) generally includes a zippered coat as well as a pair of drawstring pants. If purchased as an entire set, the two pieces generally align in terms of style and materials. A majority of examples have waistbands that are elastic as well as other elasticized details in order to provide the perfect fit and provide comfort and flexibility.
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The History of the Tracksuit
According to legend that the first tracksuit was developed as early as 1930s. But, the idea was not widely adopted until the mid-sixties mostly in the world that was professional sport. In particular the athletes were required to wear tracksuits on top of their uniforms or clothes for competition in order to keep cool and agile in breaks. This is why the clothing was commonly referred to as”a “warm-up costume” or simply “warmups.”
In the early 1970s the tracksuits began to take on the character of their own outside of the realm of fitness. Although they were still great for all kinds of sports like morning walks, the clothing was trendy enough to wear out of the fitness centre. It was constructed from polyester, cotton terry cloth, an amalgam of both. Then came the velour tracksuit trend, which lasted only a few years until nylon was the primary fabric of choice, although fabrics like polyester and cotton were to be reintroduced to the fashion scene.
Lifestyle and fitness were able to merge and the tracksuit was never out of fashion. It’s as popular today as it was and before, it’s an absolute staple across many different environments. Today, you’re as likely to spot someone on the sidelines at the course of a professional sport as you are wearing an informal outfit. It is still made of materials such as polyester and nylon, the traditional clothing has literally survived the years.
The history of Ellesse
In 1959, an experienced tailor who was passionate about skiing Italian fashion brand Ellesse created a revolution in the early 1960s through the development in the form of Jet Pant. The Jet Pant was designed to target fellow skiers, the pants had knees with padding, the back seams and elastic yokes on your waist as well as gaiters (so that snow from getting through the boot) along with the iconic penguin-themed details. The iconic brand was birthed.
Never content with their accomplishments, Ellesse kept the innovations in the span of many decades. The 1970s were when they released an innovative quilted ski jacket as well as their first tennis collection. Then, a decade later they expanded their range to more than 100 countries, joined forces with professional tennis players like Boris Becker and Chris Evert and got involved in FIFA, Formula 1, surfing and golf. Since since then, tracksuits are the epitome of street style, and are the self-expression of a generation that has been a hit with creatives and musicians of all sorts as they are for athletes and those who are comfortable.
The 20th century and Ellesse have shown no sign to slow down. Their coverage has never been more expansive and spans from the slopes of skiing to the city streets, and then everywhere between. They are the absolute masters of the tracksuit too and, just like it, the suit has never been out of style.