I’m not big on shopping. Never really have been. I like gear that works and keeps working without fuss. That’s why this Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit combo just became a regular part of my week — not because it’s trendy, but because I wear it to bits and it still holds up.
I Didn’t Plan to Like It
Honestly, I didn’t go out looking for a hoodie and matching trackies. I’d just landed in Melbourne last winter — bloody freezing — and realised I hadn’t packed right. Walked into a store near Southern Cross, grabbed the Essentials Hoodie because it looked warm enough, and didn’t think twice. But it ended up being one of the best things I bought that trip. I wore it every single day from then on.
Couple of months later, I grabbed the Essentials Tracksuit pants to match. No regrets.
A Regular Across Aussie Cities
I’ve worn this setup from one end of the country to the other — and I’m not exaggerating.
- Brisbane: Cool mornings call for the hoodie, but you can shed it by lunch. Easy.
- Darwin: Only wore it at night in the dry season, and it was just right.
- Fremantle: Breezy by the coast — the tracksuit pants were a win walking the dog.
- Sydney: Great for grabbing brekkie in Newtown or heading to a late arvo pub session.
- Canberra: Cold, and I mean COLD. Hoodie and tracksuit combo saved me in winter.
I don’t care where you’re from — if you live in Aus, this set will fit into your week somewhere. Probably more than somewhere. It’ll just sneak into your routine.
See also: The Importance of Functional Commercial Kitchens in Shrewsbury
It’s Not Just About Comfort (Though Yeah, It’s Comfy)
You get to a certain point where you don’t want your clothes to feel like a chore. This stuff is:
- Warm without the sweat
- Fits right without adjusting it all the time
- Easy to wash and never shrinks
- Soft, but doesn’t look like PJs
I wear it to the servo. I wear it on the couch. I’ve worn it on flights from Sydney to Perth, and even to dinner at a mate’s in Adelaide (fancier than I expected — luckily the hoodie looked clean).
Local Weekends? Sorted.
Most weekends, I’m somewhere outdoors. Whether it’s a beach walk at Glenelg, a bush trail near Wollongong, or just coffee with mates in Fitzroy, this set’s always what I throw on. I’ve taken it camping in Tassie — held up in the wind, and I even used the hoodie as a pillow one night.
It’s just the kind of outfit you don’t have to think about. And that’s a big win.
The Fit Is Spot On
Let’s talk shape. You know how some hoodies make you look like a sack of spuds? Not this one. The Essentials Hoodie has structure — not stiff, but it sits right. You can chuck it over anything and not look like you just rolled out of bed (even if you did).
Same with the Essentials Tracksuit pants. They’re not skinny jeans — thank god — but they don’t flap around either. Tapered just enough to look tidy with sneakers or even slides.
Mates Keep Asking Me Where I Got It
It’s funny — I don’t think I’ve worn anything this much that’s sparked this many comments. A mate in Byron tried mine on once and ended up ordering two sets. My sister stole mine for a road trip to the Snowy Mountains and refused to give it back until I ordered her one too.
Even my old man — who still wears flannel shirts from the 90s — said it was “pretty bloody decent.”
Low-Key, High Impact
There’s no big logo on the front screaming LOOK AT ME. And I reckon that’s part of why I like it. You can wear it anywhere. Dress it up with a jacket, layer it over a tee, wear it to the gym, or just chill out on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.
I even wore the full set for a Sunday BBQ in Cairns. Nobody said a word about being underdressed — probably because they were all in something similar. It’s that kind of outfit. Aussies just get it.
Final Take
If you’re after something that just gets the job done — and keeps getting it done, rain or shine, city or coast — the Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit are a no-brainer. I didn’t buy them for the label. I bought them because they worked. And after months of wear, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
