A Defence of Trackies

1. New Year, Same Gym

Look, I love a tracksuit. A minority position around the Arts Block, but if I don’t look like I’m waiting for the call up to the B-team, then I’m not in my natural element. I believe this simple sportswear has been ignored, disgraced even, for too long and I declare 2023 to be the Year of the Trackie.

If you’re not already convinced, here’s a list of reasons why you have got to get on the trend:

It’s that time of the year again; time to brave the gym for a couple weeks only to then peter out and realise it’s just not worth it. New year and all the old talk - of course it’s for real this time - it’s going to stick. But that means you have got to look the part. And that means suiting up, tracksuiting up that is. I promise, they will all talk about you otherwise.

2. Paul Mescal Chic

This young actor has emerged as a style icon with his commitment to O’Neills’ shorts, but did you know this iconic look is allowed to extend below the knees (not that it’s recommended in Paul’s case). The rest of us, who don’t take such pride in our calves, can avail of full length trackies while also repping county colours at the same time. Sure what’s not to love?

3. Commuter Clothing

Whether you are trying to catch the 46A in from Dun Laoghaire or booking it across campus after the train from Maynooth was delayed, you never know nowadays when you will need to break out into a light jog en route to campus. No outfit will serve you better than a solid tracksuit in such times of need. It is also a comfy, freeing option if you want to utilise your commute time to actually get some sleep in. The upsides are endless.

4. Sue Sylvester Core

5. Vintage

Am I really looking to Glee as a key pillar of my argument? Why not? Have you ever wanted to embody and exemplify the mindset of a fictional high school cheerleading coach from a terrible early 2010’s musical comedy show? Have you longed to be a jock slash mean girl? Of course you have! Sue Sylvester is the hero you have been waiting for. However, in order to follow her courageous lead, you will have to adopt the look. That means wearing a matching tracksuit set at all times. That’s just how Sue sees it. (This is not an endorsement of Glee).

Vintage is cool and vintage tracksuits are no exception. Admittedly, the colour schemes will make you look like you are an Olympic bobsleigh team member from the 80’s, but that’s cool right? I mean you already have the mullet to match, so why not commit to the bit? If charity shopping is more your thing, don’t worry, there are plenty of options left for you, just don’t get too concerned about where it has been.

The list could go on but I know I already have you convinced. So this is your sign to hop on the tracksuit trend. (Or at least stop looking at me weird when I rock up to my 9a.m in a three stripe Adidas that I’ve had since I was sixteen. Seriously, who knew it would be this hard to get some college students on board with a few white lines!)