The 2000s velour tracksuit is back. Why it blew up, who revived it, how to style it right now, and smart ways to buy and care for it without regret.
Seen everywhere again, the velour tracksuit is no longer a guilty pleasure. It is a statement. From Juicy logos to sleek monochrome sets, the 2000s fantasy returned to real life, fuelled by comfort culture and a taste for playful nostalgia.
Here is the context that matters. Juicy Couture’s velour tracksuit broke out in 2001 and stamped an era with Paris Hilton, Jennifer Lopez and Britney Spears. A fresh wave arrived in October 2020 when Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS dropped a velour capsule in sizes XXS to 4X, just as homewear dominated. McKinsey’s State of Fashion 2021 reported global fashion sales fell about 20 percent in 2020, while loungewear surged in relevance. The tracksuit, suddenly, made perfect sense again.
2000s velour tracksuit history: from Juicy Couture to a viral second life
Facts first. Juicy Couture, founded by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor in 1997, turned the velour set into pop culture currency by 2001. It was bold, photogenic, easy to wear on set or off. That visibility stuck.
A corporate marker of the trend’s weight followed. Authentic Brands Group acquired Juicy Couture’s intellectual property in 2013 for 195 million dollars, keeping the brand alive while retail shifted. The look never fully left red carpets or paparazzi shots, then reappeared on a new generation scrolling vintage archives.
Lockdowns changed wardrobes. According to McKinsey in 2021, category shifts favored comfort and casual. By late 2020, velour’s soft sheen read aspirational again, not just cozy. The result today is a hybrid: part Y2K, part polished set dressing, worn with jewelry and real shoes, not only slippers. Yes, the zip hoodie and low rise combo is back in feeds.
How to wear a velour tracksuit now without looking costume
Start with proportion. The 2000s loved body-skimming fits. Today, pairing a fitted velour jacket with straight or slightly wide pants feels current. One size up works if a relaxed silhouette is the goal.
Color strategy matters. Deep navy, chocolate or forest green instantly look elevated. Classic black stays versatile for day to night. If going for candy pink, balance with sleek sneakers or a leather mini bag to keep it grown up.
Accessories steer the vibe. A clean white tee under the hoodie. Small hoops. A watch. Then real shoes finish the look: low-profile trainers, loafers, even pointed pumps for evening. That mix keeps nostalgia fresh, not costume.
One more thing. Match the pile direction on jacket and pants. Velour reflects light differently, and mismatched nap can make a set look off under daylight or flash.
- Choose a set with a slightly structured waistband and zipped jacket for shape
- Stick to one color head to toe for the sleekest effect
- If logos, keep them small or centered to avoid visual noise
- Add one sharp element: a blazer, a trench, or polished sunglasses
- For heels, aim for a mid height and an almond toe to elongate the leg
Smart buying: fabric, fit, authentic details and resale finds
Fabric first. Velour is a knit with a short, dense pile. Cotton blends feel breathable and plush, while polyester blends add durability and stretch. Rub the fabric between fingers. It should rebound, not sag, and the pile should look even under natural light.
Fit comes next. A two piece set that aligns in length at the waist looks intentional. If between sizes, the jacket can be snug and the pant slightly looser. That balance reads modern and comfortable in motion.
Authenticity check for Juicy Couture. Original pieces from the 2000s typically feature branded hardware, consistent embroidery, and interior labels noting country of origin and RN numbers. Stitching should be tight with no loose threads. Price tags varied widely by retailer in the 2000s, so provenance and condition trump nostalgia alone.
Resale is gold for this category. Look for minimal pilling at inner thighs and elbows, elastic that still snaps back, and zippers that glide. A lint brush can revive most pre loved sets, which often come at a fraction of new-season capsules.
Care, comfort and footprint: make velour last longer
Care is simple but precise. Turn pieces inside out, wash cold on gentle at 30 degrees Celsius, use a mild detergent, then air dry flat. Heat can crush pile and fade color, so skip the dryer when possible. A soft garment brush lifts the nap between wears.
There is also the environmental angle. The International Union for Conservation of Nature reported in 2017 that synthetic textiles account for 35 percent of primary microplastics released to the ocean. If your velour blend includes synthetics, a microfibre-catching wash bag helps reduce shedding. Lower temperature cycles use less energy and are kinder to dyes.
Longevity beats impulse. Rotate sets, store them folded rather than hung to avoid shoulder bumps, and spot clean to extend intervals between full washes. That is how a velour favourite stays plush season after season.
One last nudge to act. Decide your route: a clean monochrome set for weekday errands, a logo nod for weekend brunch, or a thrifted Juicy jacket styled with tailored trousers. The 2000s survêtement en velours lives again, definitly, but with today’s eye and today’s habits.