If there’s one piece of clothing that’s gone from niche streetwear drop to global wardrobe staple, it’s the Essentials hoodie. Comfortable? Yes. Minimalist? Totally. Instagrammable? Without a doubt. Whether you’re in London, Los Angeles, or lounging in your living room, this hoodie has secured its spot as the must-have fashion item for Gen Z, millennials, and even the sneaky fashion dads who claim they don’t care about clothes (but we know they do).
So, how did this understated hoodie become the crown jewel of off-duty cool? Let’s dive into the hype, the styling hacks, and the cultural waves behind the Essentials hoodie.
Celebrity Seal of Approval
Celebrities are partly to thank (or blame) for turning the Essentials hoodie into the global phenomenon it is today. Over in the US, Kanye West and Travis Scott have been spotted rocking Essentials with that “I didn’t try but still look cooler than you” energy. Add to that the likes of Justin Bieber running errands in oversized fits, and suddenly the hoodie wasn’t just loungewear — it was paparazzi-worthy streetwear.
Across the pond, UK icons like Stormzy and Skepta have brought the hoodie into the grime and rap scene, styling it with Nike Air Max 95s and cargos. Even Dua Lipa, who usually goes for bolder looks, has been seen pairing a neutral-toned Essentials hoodie with jeans, showing that the piece isn’t just for lads on the block.
Why Gen Z Loves It
Let’s be real: Gen Z has rewritten the fashion rulebook. They’re not about fussy trends or tight fits; it’s all about comfort, oversized silhouettes, and unisex vibes. Enter the Essentials hoodie.
- Gender-neutral appeal: The hoodie doesn’t scream “menswear” or “womenswear” — it just is. That’s exactly what Gen Z craves: clothes without labels.
- Instagram & TikTok ready: From #OOTD posts to “get ready with me” reels, the muted tones and oversized fits look effortlessly chic on camera.
- Affordable luxury: Compared to Fear of God’s main line, Essentials is the “accessible sibling.” It feels premium without being unreachable.
This hoodie is essentially (pun intended) the sartorial equivalent of an oat milk latte: cool, versatile, and widely approved.
The UK Take: From London Streets to Manchester Nights
In the UK, the Essentials hoodie has found a sweet spot between high fashion and everyday wear. In London, it’s the uniform for Shoreditch creatives who pair it with vintage Levi’s and chunky trainers while sipping flat whites in Hackney. In Manchester, it’s the go-to for the night-out-to-afterparty crowd, layered under puffer jackets with Jordans or Yeezys.
Shopping-wise, UK fans don’t have to rely on dodgy resellers anymore. Retailers like Selfridges, END Clothing, and Flannels regularly stock Essentials drops. Of course, the pieces sell out quickly, but that’s half the thrill — it’s basically modern-day treasure hunting.
The US Vibe: Laidback Luxury Meets Hype Culture
In the States, the Essentials hoodie is more than clothing; it’s a cultural statement. Think LA coffee runs, New York sneaker drops, or Coachella weekends. It slots perfectly into the “quiet luxury” movement that’s been bubbling up — all about looking rich without screaming about it.
- At PacSun, Essentials often sells out within hours of release, showing how mainstream it’s become.
- Nordstrom brings it to the masses, making it a mall staple for teens and twenty-somethings.
- Celebs like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner style their hoodies with biker shorts, instantly turning it into a trend that’s half gym, half runway.
In the US, the hoodie embodies that effortless, just rolled out of bed but actually styled this look for an hour energy.
How to Style Your Essentials Hoodie
So, how do you take this hoodie from “Netflix marathon” to “streetwear chic”? Here are some hacks:
- Layer Up: Throw it under a leather jacket for a mix of edgy and cosy. Londoners love pairing it with oversized trench coats for a high-low contrast.
- Go Full Athleisure: Match it with joggers and chunky trainers. It’s an airport look that screams “celebrity incognito”.
- Add a Pop of Colour: The hoodie comes in muted shades like taupe, grey, and black. Balance it out with colourful sneakers or a neon accessory.
- Mix High & Low: Pair your Essentials hoodie with designer accessories (think a Dior saddle bag or Gucci loafers) for that modern “casual luxury” blend.
- Keep It Genderless: Style it with cargo trousers, skirts, or even over dresses. The whole point is versatility.
Fashion Hacks: Making It Your Own
Want to stand out in a sea of neutral hoodies? Try these little tricks:
- Layer chains or pearls over the hoodie to bring a touch of glamour.
- Crop it yourself if you want a more feminine silhouette. TikTok is full of DIY cut-and-sew hacks.
- Size up two or three sizes for that ultra-oversized, Billie Eilish-inspired fit.
- Custom embroidery: Some streetwear fans add personal patches or initials to make their Essentials hoodie unique.
Cultural Influence: More Than Just a Hoodie
The Essentials hoodie isn’t just fashion — it’s culture. It symbolises the shift from maximalist logos of the 2010s to the stripped-back, neutral-toned minimalism that defines the 2020s. It’s part of a wider conversation about fashion as self-expression rather than branding overload.
In music, it’s a staple in hip-hop and grime videos. In film and TV, it shows up on characters meant to embody “cool without trying.” And on social media, it’s practically a currency — if you own it, you’re in on the vibe.
The Bottom Line
Whether you’re running errands in Soho, London, grabbing coffee in Downtown LA, or heading to a gig in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, the Essentials hoodie has become the unofficial uniform of modern cool. It’s versatile, gender-neutral, and endlessly Instagrammable — the holy trinity for fashion in the 2020s.
So, if you don’t already own one, maybe it’s time. Just be prepared to refresh your shopping cart at Selfridges, PacSun, or Nordstrom like your life depends on it. After all, Essentials may be minimalist in design, but the hype is anything but minimal.