tracksuit
TRAK-soot
/ˈtræksuːt/
A loose, warm outfit consisting of a matching jacket and trousers, worn especially by athletes training or warming up.
Refers specifically to a coordinated two-piece set, often associated with sports teams, athletic warm-ups, or casual streetwear culture.
The story behind the word. The tracksuit was invented in the mid-20th century specifically for athletes to wear on the running 'track' before and after races to keep their muscles warm. It gained massive mainstream popularity in the late 1960s when Adidas released its first piece of apparel—a tracksuit designed in collaboration with German football star Franz Beckenbauer.
Word relationships
- warm-up suit: Warm-up suit is a more functional, sports-specific term, while tracksuit is a broader term that also encompasses casual fashion and streetwear.
- sweat suit: Sweat suit typically refers to heavier, cotton fleece sets designed to induce sweating, whereas tracksuits can be made of lighter, synthetic materials.
- business suit: A business suit is a formal, structured outfit consisting of a matching jacket and trousers made of woven wool or blend fabrics, worn for professional events.
Commonly confused with
- jumpsuit: A jumpsuit is a single, one-piece garment that combines a top and trousers, whereas a tracksuit is always a two-piece set.
Collocations
- matching tracksuit
- velour tracksuit
- designer tracksuit
- wear a tracksuit
Example sentences
- "Before stepping onto the track, the sprinter stayed warm by wearing her team's official tracksuit over her racing uniform." Describing an athlete before a competition.
Memory hook
It is a 'suit' designed to be worn on the running 'track' to keep athletes warm between events. A matching suit for the running track.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to a single piece of clothing, or formal suits worn in professional settings.
Fun facts
- In the late 1970s and 1980s, the tracksuit transitioned from athletic gear to a major fashion statement within the emerging hip-hop and breakdancing communities, who valued its comfort and flexibility.
Related words
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