The tracksuit, a ubiquitous garment in both athletic and casual wear, has seen a fascinating evolution in its construction materials over the decades. From its initial practical designs to its various fashion-forward iterations, the choice of fabric has played a crucial role in defining its comfort, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. This journey through different textiles highlights how material innovation and fashion trends have shaped the tracksuit's
identity, moving it from a purely performance-oriented item to a versatile fashion staple.
Early Materials and Functional Design
When sweatpants, the precursor to the tracksuit, were first invented in 1920 by Le Coq Sportif, the primary goal was to provide athletes with comfort and ease of mobility. While the specific materials of these earliest sweatpants are not detailed, the focus on athletic performance suggests durable, breathable, and flexible fabrics were likely used. The tracksuit itself, consisting of trousers and a jacket, was designed to keep athletes warm before, during breaks, and after competition, especially in cold weather. This functional requirement would have dictated the use of materials capable of providing insulation and comfort.
In almost all cases, sports teams would wear these garments using a fabric that matched their official team, school, or country colors. This indicates that early tracksuits were likely made from readily available and customizable textiles suitable for team branding. The tracksuit was also noted as one of the earliest uses of synthetic fibers in sportswear, suggesting an early adoption of new textile technologies to enhance athletic performance and durability.
The Rise of Velour and Synthetic Blends
As tracksuits gained popularity as casual wear, particularly after Adidas's collaboration with Franz Beckenbauer in 1967, the range of materials expanded. Tracksuits during this period were commonly made out of cotton, polyester, terry cloth, or a mix of these fibers. These materials offered a balance of comfort, durability, and ease of care, making them suitable for both athletic activities and everyday wear.
However, a significant shift occurred in the late 1970s with the emergence of velour. Velour became exceptionally popular, so much so that it became the most used form of fabric for tracksuits. This plush, soft material added a luxurious and fashionable dimension to the tracksuit, moving it further into the realm of casual and leisure wear. The velour tracksuit became an iconic symbol of 1970s fashion, demonstrating how material choice could elevate a functional garment to a style statement.
Modern Materials and Fashion Comebacks
The trend of using specific materials continued to evolve. In the late 1980s, tracksuits were briefly replaced by shellsuits, which were distinctively made out of nylon. This material offered a different aesthetic and feel, often characterized by a shiny appearance. Shellsuits were also manufactured from a mix of cellulose triacetate and polyester, creating distinctive combinations of colors and a glossy finish. This trend, however, was short-lived, lasting only a few years.
When tracksuits made a comeback in mainstream fashion in the late 1990s, they returned to the fabrics of the 1970s, most notably polyester. This material offered versatility and durability, aligning with the renewed interest in comfortable yet stylish casual wear. The 2000s saw another resurgence of velour, popularized by brands like Juicy Couture, which continued for most of the decade. This cyclical return to certain materials underscores their enduring appeal and the tracksuit's ability to adapt to changing fashion sensibilities while maintaining its core identity as a comfortable and stylish two-piece garment.
