tracksuit
A garment, usually consisting of a top and trousers (commonly known as tracksuit bottoms) worn as an outer layer by participants in sporting events such as athletics. The tracksuit is usually designed to be easily removed or replaced, before or after competing. Tracksuits have also been adopted in some cultures as leisurewear.
tracksuit: knit two-piece designed for athlete warmup and exit
A tracksuit is a matched pair of garments, typically a pullover or zip-front jacket and drawstring trousers, engineered as a quick-change layer for athletes. The top is usually cut loose through the shoulders and sleeves to slip on over competition kit without disrupting tape or support gear; the bottoms feature a tapered ankle or cuff to prevent catching on spikes or footwear. Both pieces are made from brushed knit fabrics, most commonly polyester jersey or cotton-blend fleece, chosen for warmth retention, moisture management, and ease of donning and removal.
The fabric weight ranges from 200 to 300 gsm (grams per square meter) for lightweight versions used in temperate climates to 400+ gsm for cold-weather variants. Seaming is designed to lie flat against the skin to avoid irritation under racing kit. Sleeves and trouser legs are typically finished with ribbed knit cuffs, usually 1 to 1.5 inches wide, that grip without binding. Zippers on jackets are commonly coil or nylon-tape construction, set slightly recessed to prevent snagging.
Tracksuits serve three distinct functions in athletic competition. First, they retain core body heat during the warm-up period before events, reducing muscle stiffness and injury risk. Second, they are removed immediately before competition, so the design prioritizes fast removal: jackets unzip fully or pull over the head in seconds, and trousers pull off without removing footwear. Third, they are put back on quickly after exertion to prevent rapid heat loss and muscle cramping during recovery. This cycle-of-use demands that seams hold under rapid stress and that fabrics dry quickly if the athlete is sweating.
Manufacturing tolerances are tighter than casual wear. Sleeve length is critical: too long and the cuff catches on the hand during removal; too short and the wrist is exposed. Most production facilities grade tracksuits across 8 to 12 size points (XS to 3XL or larger), with sleeve and inseam lengths adjusted proportionally. The contrast between inside and outside fabrics (lining versus face) is common, as the inside absorbs sweat while the outside resists rain and wind.
The term originated in the 1960s with the rise of modern athletic training protocols. Coaches began requiring athletes to warm up in dedicated outer layers before removing them at the track or field, and manufacturers responded by formalizing the garment. The name combines track (the running surface or event) with suit (a coordinated set of garments), though tracksuits are now worn across all Olympic and professional sports, not only track-and-field. Non-athletic versions retain the aesthetic but sacrifice performance features like moisture-wicking or seam placement.