A tracksuit is two pieces that already match, so there is less to decide than with most outfits. The things that change how it looks are the trainers, the layer underneath and whether you wear both pieces at once. Those are the three decisions worth thinking about.
Everything in the ASICS tracksuit range is built around the Core Windrunner and the Core Woven Pant, both black, both 100% polyester. That gives you a neutral base, which is the easiest thing in the world to work with and also the easiest thing to get boring.
This article covers what actually goes with it, what to avoid, and how to stop it reading as gym kit.
Trainers first
Trainers do more to the outfit than any other choice. A black tracksuit with black running trainers looks like you are going training. A black tracksuit with a cream or white Gel model looks like an outfit.
| Trainer | Price | With a black tracksuit |
|---|---|---|
| Gel-Kayano 14 'White Ivory' | £189.99 | The safest and best pairing |
| Gel-Kayano 14 'Fjord Grey' | £199.99 | Softer contrast, more subtle |
| GEL-1130 'White Silver' | £149.99 | Cleaner, lower, less bulk |
| GEL-NYC 'Cream White' | £189.99 | Chunkiest, strongest statement |
Our rule of thumb: go lighter than the tracksuit. A black tracksuit wants a pale trainer. It breaks the block of black at the ankle, which stops the whole outfit reading as one shape.
On sizing, the Gel-Kayano 14 is true to size and the roomiest of the three models. The GEL-1130 and GEL-NYC both run snug, so half a size up is the safer call. More in Gel trainers with sets and the trainers collection.
What goes under the jacket
A plain tee
The default and usually the right answer. The Black Core T-Shirt at £34.99 matches the fabric exactly, which is why it is included in the Core Tracksuit Tri-Set at £174.99. If you are buying the tracksuit and you want the tee, the tri-set is £25 more than the tracksuit at £149.99, so you save on the tee.
A white tee underneath a black jacket is the simplest upgrade there is. The collar line breaks up the black.
A hoodie
Works, but you have to plan for it. Size up one on the jacket if you intend to layer a hoodie underneath, because the polyester has no stretch and will not give. The pant stays at your normal size.
Visually this is the winter version of the outfit. Hood out over the jacket collar, jacket zipped three quarters. It adds bulk up top, which is a reason to pair it with the lower-profile GEL-1130 'Cream Black' at £139.99 rather than the chunkiest trainer.
A vest
For hot weather with the jacket carried rather than worn. The Black Core Vest is £34.99. Not a winter option, obviously.
Splitting the tracksuit up
This is where you get real value out of it, and most people underuse it.
The Core Windrunner at £89.99 goes over jeans. It goes over shorts. It goes over a coloured set, which is one of the better looks in the range: black jacket, bright bottom half. Try it with the Vital Green Core T-Shirt Set at £74.99 or the Maroon Core T-Shirt Set at £74.99.
The Core Woven Pant at £54.99 works under almost anything. A plain hoodie, an overshirt, a jacket that is not the windrunner. The straight taper is what makes this work; a tighter jogger would limit you.
We have written about this more fully in building an ASICS outfit from separates and how to style an ASICS set.
Adding colour without overdoing it
One coloured piece, maximum. That is the whole rule.
With a black tracksuit, the coloured piece should be either the tee underneath or the trainers. Not both. A Lazer Orange tee under the jacket at £74.99 for the set, with a white trainer, works. The same tee with a bright trainer does not.
Neutrals do not count as colour here. Cream, grey and stone all sit alongside black without competing. The Brown Stone Core Vest Set at £74.99 and the Grey Core T-Shirt Set at £74.99 are both safe. There is a full ranking in colourways ranked.
What we would avoid
Black trainers with a black tracksuit. It flattens everything into one shape and loses all the detail in the cut.
A branded hoodie from another sportswear brand underneath. Two sets of branding fighting each other, and the hood sits awkwardly over the windrunner collar.
Jewellery and a cap and a bag all at once. The tracksuit is already a complete outfit. It does not need help.
Dress shoes or boots. The pant is cut for a trainer. It sits on the shoe, and a hard sole underneath it looks wrong.
Both pieces plus a third piece of outerwear. If it is cold enough for a coat over the windrunner, wear the coat over something else.
Three outfits that work
Everyday. Core Tracksuit, white tee underneath, Gel-Kayano 14 'White Ivory'. Nothing else. This is the one to default to.
Summer. Core Windrunner Set at £129.99, jacket open or carried, tee underneath, GEL-1130 'White Silver'. Shorts come in 5in and 7in; pick on how much leg you want showing.
Winter. Core Tracksuit with the jacket one size up, hoodie underneath, woven pant at your normal size, GEL-1130 'Cream Black'.
Free UK delivery applies on orders over £100, and orders in before 2PM dispatch the same day. Klarna and Clearpay are both at checkout.
Prices correct at time of writing.
Quick answers
What trainers go with a black ASICS tracksuit?
A pale Gel model. White Ivory Gel-Kayano 14 or White Silver GEL-1130 are the two safest.
Can I wear a hoodie under an ASICS windrunner?
Yes, but size up one on the jacket. The polyester does not stretch, so a normal size will feel tight.
Can I wear the tracksuit jacket with jeans?
Yes. The windrunner is the most versatile piece in the range and works over most things.
Should the top and bottom always match?
No. Splitting the tracksuit is a better use of it. Black jacket with a coloured set underneath is one of the best looks available.
Do I need a tee if I buy the tracksuit?
You need something under the jacket, but it does not have to be an ASICS tee. If you want the matching one, the tri-set is better value than buying it separately.