If you spot me outside of working hours, the chances of me being in a coloured cotton tracksuit is around 95%. I can’t even blame the pandemic because tracksuits and loungewear have been my go-to since my teenage years: where the majority probably outgrew the super casual, relaxed look and went on to sport chic Princess Diana-esque leggings and sweatshirt combos for off-duty, my love for them and their minimal, cosy vibe only grew stronger.
I go between coloured versions and neutral styles depending on my mood and the errands I’m planning to run – a Shellac appointment might call for my lilac Les Girls Les Boys set, whereas a khaki relaxed-fit Zara set works for picking up my dry cleaning. I have around 12 full sets in my wardrobe now, and other separate pieces that I can mix and match, but if I could add any to my weekend rotation (alongside my go-to striped knits and jeans), it would be a Pangaia set.
There was one point during the first UK lockdown when I couldn’t scroll my Instagram for more than 4 seconds without spotting a brightly coloured set by the brand. As a tracksuit connoisseur, I already knew of the brand: it had great sustainable credentials (it uses 100% organic cotton, plant-based fibres and recycled materials through the whole collection), sleek minimal silhouettes that look smarter than the average jogger set, and stylish colourways.
The It Pangaia tracksuits to know
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But at around £235 for a full suit (a hoodie is £130, sweatshirts are £115 and joggers are £105), it was out of reach. As much as I’d love to invest in a set, it’s more than I can justify right now, but they’ll remain a staple on my wish list.
In the meantime, though, cosy sets are needed. As we gear up for another bout of cold winter (outdoors and indoors), I’ll bet warm loungewear and pieces you can comfortably run around in on the weekend are high on your shopping list. So, if you’re keen for an off-duty wardrobe update much like a Pangaia tracksuit without the price tag, allow me to impart my wisdom.
The coloured sets
Think Pangaia, and I’ll bet a Kermit-green or baby pink tracksuit springs to mind. That’s not to say its neutral sets aren’t as popular, but of course, a bright colour that makes a statement on your Top 9 is definitely more memorable and recognisable.
If you’re keen, I’d head to Zara first. For £46, you can get a ‘plush’ set (which means the lining is super fluffy) in a bold shade: think bubblegum pink or pale blue. I have it in light blue and have washed it several times and it’s still as soft as when I bought it.
Elsewhere, Oysho’s range is equally good. The range offers ‘style and quality for modern living,’ which is exactly what my go-to tracksuit dress code is all about. This slouchy burgundy number would look great with white New Balance 550’s and gold jewellery.
H&M’s sweatshirt selection is unrivalled on the high street. It’s so good at a relaxed fit slogan sweater (they sell out at rapid speed, mind you), but it’s worth seeking out the plain styles that are more likely to have matching bottoms.
The best coloured tracksuit sets
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The neutral tracksuits
If you’re keen to fly a little more under the radar when you’re out and about, a neutral set will be the one for you. Pangaia does these just as well (the chocolate shade is my favourite), but they’re replicated up and down the high street for those of us looking to spend less.
NaKd is great for a simple set that ticks the box: this brushed style comes in a ton of colours (how chic is the taupe?), and it’s in a sturdy cotton that won’t lose it’s shape – those dreaded knee-cap outlines aren’t very chic.
For those after a more form-fitting style that brings a polished vibe, look to Stradivarius. I’d wear this camel set with Uggs (yep, I said it) and a shearling biker jacket for a cosy look that’ll see me through to February.
These plain styles are just crying out for some It accessories: Whether you’re a cap and sunglasses kind of gal, or a tortoiseshell crocodile clip and oversized blazer fan, see these minimal styles as the ideal autumn base for showcasing your stylish extras.
The best neutral tracksuits to buy now
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