Once limited to the sports arena, the tracksuit has transcended its athletic origins to become a powerful cultural statement. From gritty crime dramas to whimsical comedies, these matching two-piece sets have adorned some of cinema and TV's most unforgettable characters, cementing their place as true icons of style. More than just clothing, these tracksuits often define a character's essence, a specific era, or even an entire subculture.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the archives to celebrate the legendary on-screen tracksuits that continue to influence streetwear today.
The Best Movie and TV Tracksuits of All Time
Chas Tenenbaum - The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
Wes Andersonβs meticulous aesthetic found its peak with Chas Tenenbaum and his sons, all sporting matching red Adidas tracksuits. This iconic look, complete with matching headbands, became synonymous with their eccentric family dynamic and preppy-retro charm.
Cultural Impact: Launched a thousand Halloween costumes and solidified the Adidas three-stripe as a high-fashion statement. It proved matching sets could be quirky and sophisticated.
B Couture Vibe: Our Men's Full Tracksuit Sets offer clean lines and bold colours, perfect for creating your own distinct, coordinated look.
Bruce Lee - Game of Death (1978)
Perhaps the most iconic martial arts uniform ever, Bruce Lee's yellow and black striped tracksuit is instantly recognisable. It's minimalist, functional, and yet utterly legendary, symbolising speed, agility, and unmatched skill.
Cultural Impact: Elevated the tracksuit to a symbol of peak physical prowess and philosophical cool. It's been referenced countless times in film, TV, and video games.
B Couture Vibe: For performance-inspired comfort and a sharp silhouette, check out our Men's Woven Tracksuits, designed for movement and style.
Frankie "The Enforcer" - The Business (2005)
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of 80s Spain, Frankie (played by Danny Dyer) epitomised casual gangster cool in his immaculate pastel tracksuits. From baby blue to mint green, these sets were a subtle display of wealth and a relaxed menace.
Cultural Impact: Defined a specific subgenre of British gangster fashion, showcasing that tracksuits could be luxurious and understated.
B Couture Vibe: Our Men's Premium Tracksuit Sets focus on quality fabrics and sophisticated tailoring, perfect for those who demand both comfort and presence.
The Players - Squid Game (2021)
You canβt talk about iconic on-screen tracksuits without the teal number from Squid Game. The simple, retro design with the numbered patches became a global phenomenon almost overnight.
Cultural Impact: It turned the tracksuit into a symbol of "survival" and "uniformity." It also sparked a massive 97% spike in searches for "retro tracksuits" globally.
B Couture Vibe: While we don't do numbers, the tracksuit sets capture that retro-sporty aesthetic perfectly without needing to enter a deadly game.
The Coach & The Toddlers - The Gentlemen (2019)
Guy Ritchie basically created a modern marketing campaign for the "check" tracksuit with this film. Colin Farrellβs character, Coach, and his team of "Toddlers" wear custom, tailored, quilted-style tracksuits that look more like high-fashion suits than gym wear.
Cultural Impact: It single-handedly made "smart tracksuits" a trend. It showed that a tracksuit can be tailored, patterned, and worn with an air of absolute authority.
B Couture Vibe: This is perfect for your Men's Woven Tracksuits. If you want that sharp, "Proper Geezer" silhouette that isn't too baggy, a structured woven set is the way to go.
Find Your Iconic Fit at B Couture
Whether youβre after the rugged comfort of a heavyweight fleece or the sharp, tailored silhouette of a woven set, our latest drop has you covered. Explore the full range and claim your own piece of tracksuit history.Β