What I Wore for a Week and Didn’t Regret: My Essentials Hoodie and Tracksuit Obsession

Have you ever bought something, not expecting much, and then a week later you catch yourself thinking, “Am I… living in this?” That was me, mid-April, halfway through a Melbourne cold snap, standing at the front door in my Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit, realising I hadn’t worn anything else in days. And honestly? I wasn’t even embarrassed.

Here’s how it happened.

Monday – The Lazy Reset

Monday started slowly. I’d had one of those weekends — not the relaxing kind, but the kind where everything spills over into the next week. Laundry is still in the machine. Dishes stacked like Jenga. I wasn’t about to put jeans on.

I reached for my Essentials Hoodie, tossed it over a worn-out tee, and pulled on the matching Essentials Tracksuit pants. Didn’t even check the mirror. Just chucked on some sneakers and walked out for a coffee. In Carlton, no one bats an eye if you’re dressed for comfort.

Funny thing — I got compliments. One guy in the café line said, “Nice hoodie, where’d you get it?” I shrugged. “Essentials,” I said, like I was in a fashion ad. But inside, I was like, Yup. Nailed it.

Tuesday – Dog Walk & Grocery Dash

The weather dipped even lower. I had a dog that needed walking and a fridge that was looking sad. The Essentials Hoodie came straight off the hook by the door. Still smelled like fabric softener from the weekend wash. The Tracksuit pants were nearby, folded (miraculously), so I was out the door in under five minutes.

In Brunswick, people dress like they’ve either come from yoga or an art class, and the Essentials fit right in. Functional but still presentable. Warm but not bulky. No logos screaming for attention. Just… clean.

Wednesday – Work-from-Home Hustle

I work part-time in digital marketing, which means I’m on Zoom more than I’d like to admit. I threw on the Essentials Hoodie again, but this time over a black tee to dress it up a touch. Hair brushed. Lighting adjusted. I passed the “Are you wearing real clothes?” test easily.

The Essentials Tracksuit stayed on, hidden from camera. I crossed my legs during a call and realised how nice the fabric still felt — not worn out, not stretched. Just the right amount of slouch.

Lunch break? Walked down to the corner in South Yarra for bánh mì. Nobody noticed I was basically still in loungewear. Or if they did, they probably thought I looked intentional.

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Thursday – Rain, Errands, Repeat

It bucketed down in Sydney when I flew up for a quick meeting. I tossed the hoodie and tracksuit in my carry-on because they pack light but don’t crumple. As soon as I checked in, I swapped my business shirt for the Essentials Hoodie and tracksuit bottoms and walked around the CBD with an umbrella and zero shame.

Wet weather tip: this hoodie dries fast and doesn’t hold that weird damp smell. It’s perfect for surprise drizzles or wet seats on the train.

Friday – Casual Friday (Literally)

By now, it was almost comical. Five days in and I hadn’t worn proper pants once. I could’ve changed it up for the sake of variety, but I didn’t want to. Why fix what isn’t broken?

Went for a movie at Hoyts in Chadstone that night, and yeah — still in full Essentials mode. Saw a few other people wearing similar fits. Had that low-key moment of mutual respect, like, “You get it.”

Weekend Wrap – Markets, Friends, Repeat

Saturday was all over the place. Farmers market in Fitzroy, brunch with friends, sitting in traffic, hanging at someone’s house till midnight. I layered the Essentials Hoodie under a bigger coat, switched up the shoes, and kept the Tracksuit pants because, well, I couldn’t imagine jeans at that point.

Sunday? No decisions. The hoodie and tracksuit were still on a chair from the night before. On they went. One last stroll through the park before the cycle began again.

Final Thoughts – It’s Not Just Clothes

After a full week in my Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit, I realised something: comfort doesn’t have to look careless. This combo carried me through work, errands, flights, dinner, and lazy mornings without missing a beat.

Their clothes I don’t have to overthink. And in a world where everything from bills to inboxes demands your energy, having one part of your life that just works? That’s gold.

So if you’re in Australia, dealing with weather that swings like a cricket bat and a schedule that never slows down, do yourself a favour. Get an outfit that keeps up.

And if anyone asks? Just say it’s “Essentials.”