Tracksuit vs. Suit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 24, 2024
A tracksuit is casual, sporty attire, often made of soft, comfortable materials, designed for exercise or leisure, while a suit is formal, consisting of a jacket and trousers made of matching fabric, intended for business or formal events.
Difference Between Tracksuit and Suit
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Key Differences
Tracksuits are designed for comfort and flexibility, often made from materials like cotton, polyester, or a blend, which allows for easy movement and breathability during physical activities. On the other hand, suits are crafted from finer fabrics such as wool, linen, or silk, tailored to fit closely to the body, projecting a sharp and formal silhouette suitable for professional or ceremonial occasions.
Tracksuits typically feature an elastic waistband, cuffs, and sometimes a zipper front, making them highly adjustable and easy to wear for various body types. In contrast, suits require precise measurements for the jacket and trousers, ensuring a custom fit that enhances the wearer's appearance, emphasizing structure and formality.
The aesthetic of a tracksuit is inherently casual and sporty, often accompanied by vibrant colors, patterns, and brand logos, reflecting a laid-back lifestyle or athletic endeavor. Whereas suits embody sophistication and elegance, with colors tending towards neutrals like black, navy, or gray, suitable for business meetings, weddings, and formal gatherings.
Tracksuits offer practicality with features like pockets and breathable fabrics, making them ideal for everyday wear or sports. Suits, while less geared towards physical comfort, focus on aesthetic appeal and social appropriateness, featuring elements like lapels, buttons, and pockets designed for visual impact rather than utility.
While tracksuits can be mixed and matched, allowing for a high degree of personal expression and comfort, suits demand consistency in fabric and color between the jacket and trousers, emphasizing uniformity and tradition in formal attire.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Casual, sporty activities
Formal occasions, business settings
Material
Cotton, polyester, blends
Wool, linen, silk
Fit
Loose and comfortable
Tailored and close-fitting
Style Elements
Elastic waistbands, cuffs, zippers
Lapels, buttons, tailored trousers
Color & Patterns
Often vibrant, with logos and patterns
Typically neutral, solid colors
Practicality
High, with features like pockets
Lower, with focus on aesthetic elements
Mix & Match
Yes, often possible
No, requires matching jacket and trousers
Aesthetic
Casual, sporty
Sophisticated, formal
Flexibility
Designed for movement and flexibility
Structured for appearance, less flexible
Occasion Suitability
Leisure, everyday wear, exercise
Business meetings, weddings, formal events
Compare with Definitions
Tracksuit
A comfortable, casual outfit typically worn for sports or leisure activities.
She wore a bright blue tracksuit for her morning jog.
Suit
A set of garments made from the same cloth, including a jacket and trousers.
He wore a sharp, navy blue suit to the interview.
Tracksuit
Athletic attire consisting of a jacket and matching trousers.
He received a branded tracksuit as part of his team uniform.
Suit
A symbol of professionalism and elegance.
She invested in a tailored suit for her upcoming corporate presentations.
Tracksuit
Sporty apparel often featuring brand logos and vibrant designs.
The latest tracksuit collection showcases bold patterns and colors.
Suit
A matching jacket and trousers tailored for a close fit.
Finding the perfect suit involves precise measurements and fabric selection.
Tracksuit
Leisurewear made from soft, flexible materials.
On her day off, she lounged in a cozy tracksuit.
Suit
An ensemble representing traditional formal wear.
For the gala, he chose a classic black suit with a satin lapel.
Tracksuit
A two-piece outfit designed for ease of movement.
The new tracksuit design includes a stretchable fabric for better performance.
Suit
Formal attire worn for business or ceremonial occasions.
The wedding invitation specified a suit and tie for all male guests.
Tracksuit
A tracksuit is an article of clothing consisting of two parts: trousers and a jacket usually with front zipper. It was originally intended for use in sports, mainly for athletes to wear over competition clothing (such as running shirt and shorts or a swimsuit) and to take off before competition.
Suit
A set of outer clothes made of the same fabric and designed to be worn together, typically consisting of a jacket and trousers or a jacket and skirt
A pinstriped suit
Tracksuit
A usually zippered jacket and matching pants worn by athletes and exercisers usually before and after workouts.
Suit
Any of the sets into which a pack of playing cards is divided (in conventional packs comprising spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs).
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.
Suit
A lawsuit.
Suit
The process of trying to win a woman's affection with a view to marriage
He could not compete with John in Marian's eyes and his suit came to nothing
Suit
A complete set of sails required for a ship or for a set of spars
They went ashore and changed to another suit of sails
Suit
Be convenient for or acceptable to
The flat has two bedrooms—if it suits, you can have one of them
What time would suit you?
Suit
Enhance the features, figure, or character of (someone)
The dress didn't suit her
Suit
Put on clothes, especially for a particular activity
I suited up and entered the water
Suit
A set of matching outer garments, especially one consisting of a coat with trousers or a skirt, often worn on formal occasions.
Suit
(Slang)A person, especially an executive, who wears one of these garments at work.
Suit
An outfit worn for a special activity
A diving suit.
A running suit.
Suit
A group of things used together; a set or collection
A suit of sails.
A suit of tools.
Suit
(Games)Any of the four sets of 13 playing cards (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) in a standard deck, the members of which bear the same marks.
Suit
Attendance required of a vassal at his feudal lord's court or manor.
Suit
(Law)A lawsuit.
Suit
The act or an instance of courting a woman; courtship
She was inclined to accept his suit.
Suit
To meet the requirements of; fit
This candidate does not suit our qualifications.
Suit
To make appropriate or suitable; adapt
Builders who suit the house to the owner's specifications.
Suit
To be appropriate for; befit
A color that suits you.
Suit
To please; satisfy
A choice that suits us all.
Suit
To provide with clothing; dress
The NCOs suited the recruits in green uniforms.
Suit
To be suitable or acceptable.
Suit
To be in accord; agree or match.
Suit
A set of clothes to be worn together, now especially a man's matching jacket and trousers (also business suit or lounge suit), or a similar outfit for a woman.
Nick hired a navy-blue suit for the wedding.
Suit
(by extension) A garment or set of garments suitable and/or required for a given task or activity: space suit, boiler suit, protective suit, swimsuit.
Suit
A person who wears matching jacket and trousers, especially a boss or a supervisor.
Be sure to keep your nose to the grindstone today; the suits are making a "surprise" visit to this department.
Suit
A full set of armour.
Suit
(legal) The attempt to gain an end by legal process; a process instituted in a court of law for the recovery of a right or claim; a lawsuit.
If you take my advice, you'll file a suit against him immediately.
Suit
Petition, request, entreaty.
Suit
The act of following or pursuing; pursuit, chase.
Suit
Pursuit of a love-interest; wooing, courtship.
Suit
(obsolete) The act of suing; the pursuit of a particular object or goal.
Suit
The full set of sails required for a ship.
Suit
(card games) Each of the sets of a pack of cards distinguished by color and/or specific emblems, such as the spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs of traditional Anglo, Hispanic, and French playing cards.
Suit
(obsolete) Regular order; succession.
Every five and thirty years the same kind and suit of weather comes again.
Suit
(archaic) A company of attendants or followers; a retinue.
Suit
(archaic) A group of similar or related objects or items considered as a whole; a suite (of rooms etc.)
Suit
(transitive) To make proper or suitable; to adapt or fit.
Suit
To be suitable or apt for one's image.
The ripped jeans didn't suit her elegant image.
That new top suits you. Where did you buy it?
Suit
(transitive) To be appropriate or apt for.
The nickname "Bullet" suits her, since she is a fast runner.
Suit
To dress; to clothe.
Suit
To please; to make content; to fit one's taste.
He is well suited with his place.
My new job suits me, as I work fewer hours and don't have to commute so much.
Suit
(intransitive) To agree; to be fitted; to correspond (usually followed by to, archaically also followed by with)
Suit
The act of following or pursuing, as game; pursuit.
Suit
The act of suing; the process by which one endeavors to gain an end or an object; an attempt to attain a certain result; pursuit; endeavor.
Thenceforth the suit of earthly conquest shone.
Suit
The act of wooing in love; the solicitation of a woman in marriage; courtship.
Rebate your loves, each rival suit suspend,Till this funereal web my labors end.
Suit
The attempt to gain an end by legal process; an action or process for the recovery of a right or claim; legal application to a court for justice; prosecution of right before any tribunal; as, a civil suit; a criminal suit; a suit in chancery.
I arrest thee at the suit of Count Orsino.
In England the several suits, or remedial instruments of justice, are distinguished into three kinds - actions personal, real, and mixed.
Suit
That which follows as a retinue; a company of attendants or followers; the assembly of persons who attend upon a prince, magistrate, or other person of distinction; - often written suite, and pronounced swēt.
Suit
Things that follow in a series or succession; the individual objects, collectively considered, which constitute a series, as of rooms, buildings, compositions, etc.; - often written suite, and pronounced swēt.
Suit
A number of things used together, and generally necessary to be united in order to answer their purpose; a number of things ordinarily classed or used together; a set; as, a suit of curtains; a suit of armor; a suit of clothes; a three-piece business suit.
Suit
One of the four sets of cards which constitute a pack; - each set consisting of thirteen cards bearing a particular emblem, as hearts, spades, clubs, or diamonds; also, the members of each such suit held by a player in certain games, such as bridge; as, hearts were her long suit.
To deal and shuffle, to divide and sortHer mingled suits and sequences.
Suit
Regular order; succession.
Every five and thirty years the same kind and suit of weather comes again.
Suit
Someone who dresses in a business suit, as contrasted with more informal attire;
Suit
To fit; to adapt; to make proper or suitable; as, to suit the action to the word.
Suit
To be fitted to; to accord with; to become; to befit.
Ill suits his cloth the praise of railing well.
Raise her notes to that sublime degreeWhich suits song of piety and thee.
Suit
To dress; to clothe.
So went he suited to his watery tomb.
Suit
To please; to make content; as, he is well suited with his place; to suit one's taste.
Suit
To agree; to accord; to be fitted; to correspond; - usually followed by with or to.
The place itself was suiting to his care.
Give me not an officeThat suits with me so ill.
Suit
A comprehensive term for any proceeding in a court of law whereby an individual seeks a legal remedy;
The family brought suit against the landlord
Suit
A set of garments (usually including a jacket and trousers or skirt) for outerwear all of the same fabric and color;
They buried him in his best suit
Suit
Playing card in any of four sets of 13 cards in a pack; each set has its own symbol and color;
A flush is five cards in the same suit
In bridge you must follow suit
What suit is trumps?
Suit
A businessman dressed in a business suit;
All the suits care about is the bottom line
Suit
A man's courting of a woman; seeking the affections of a woman (usually with the hope of marriage);
Its was a brief and intense courtship
Suit
A petition or appeal made to a person of superior status or rank
Suit
Be agreeable or acceptable to;
This suits my needs
Suit
Be agreeable or acceptable;
This time suits me
Suit
Accord or comport with;
This kind of behavior does not suit a young woman!
Suit
Enhance the appearance of;
Mourning becomes Electra
This behavior doesn't suit you!
Common Curiosities
Can I wear a tracksuit in a business setting?
Generally, tracksuits are not appropriate for business settings, which require more formal attire.
Can tracksuits be worn for formal events?
No, tracksuits are considered casual and are not suitable for formal events.
Are suits comfortable for everyday wear?
While suits are less comfortable than casual wear, modern designs offer more comfort than traditional versions.
Are all suits made of wool?
No, suits can be made from various fabrics, including wool, linen, and silk, among others.
How should a tracksuit fit?
A tracksuit should fit comfortably, allowing for ease of movement without being too baggy.
Are there sustainable options for tracksuits and suits?
Yes, there are eco-friendly and sustainable options available for both tracksuits and suits.
Is it acceptable to mix and match tracksuit pieces?
Yes, tracksuit pieces can often be mixed and matched for a personalized look.
Do suits always require a tie?
Not always, but ties are commonly worn with suits for a more formal appearance.
Can women wear tracksuits and suits?
Absolutely, both tracksuits and suits are designed for and worn by women.
What occasions are best for wearing a suit?
Suits are best for formal occasions, business meetings, and ceremonial events.
Are there different types of suits?
Yes, there are various types of suits, including single-breasted, double-breasted, and tuxedos.
Can accessories be added to a tracksuit for a stylish look?
Yes, accessories like hats, sunglasses, and sneakers can enhance a tracksuit's style.
How do I choose the right suit for my body type?
Consulting with a tailor or stylist can help you choose a suit that fits well and complements your body type.
Can tracksuits be fashionable?
Yes, many designers create fashionable tracksuits that are stylish and trendy.
Is dry cleaning necessary for suits?
Yes, dry cleaning is recommended for suits to maintain their fabric and appearance.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
