Let’s be real. If you’ve stepped outside in the last few years—whether it’s for a flat white in Melbourne, a coastal walk in Sydney, or a cheeky bevvy in a Brisbane beer garden—you’ve seen it. The uniform of the effortlessly cool. The holy grail of high-low dressing. The humble, yet impossibly chic, Essentials Hoodie.
It’s more than just a piece of fleece; it’s a cultural reset button. In a nation that champions laid-back luxury and pragmatic style, the Essentials Hoodie from Fear of God’s diffusion line has found its spiritual home. But how did this specific, minimalist sweatshirt become the cornerstone of every Aussie’s wardrobe, from Bondi to Brunswick?
Grab your favourite brew (we’ll wait), and let’s deep-dive into the phenomenon of the Essentials Hoodie in Australia. We’re talking celeb inspo, styling hacks for every occasion, and why Gen Z and beyond are living in this thing.
The Vibe: Less is More, But Make it Fashion
First things first, let’s decode the appeal. In a fashion landscape often saturated with logos and loud prints, the Essentials Hoodie is the quiet kid in the room who everyone knows is actually the coolest.
Crafted from a heavyweight, premium French terry cotton, it’s the antithesis of the flimsy, shapeless hoodies of yesteryear. The fit is intentionally oversized—but not sloppy. It’s a deliberate, fashion-forward slouch. The branding is subtle: often just the Futura Bold font spelling out ‘ESSENTIALS’ down the arm or across the chest in a tonal finish. It’s a whisper of label consciousness in a world that’s often shouting.
This minimalist ethos perfectly aligns with the Australian approach to style. We’re all about that “undone” look, that feeling of having thrown something on that just works, without looking like you tried too hard. It’s the sartorial equivalent of perfectly messy bed hair.
From LA to Aus: The Celebrity Influence
No trend exists in a vacuum, and the Essentials Hoodie meteoric rise has been fuelled by the world’s most famous wardrobes. The brainchild of Jerry Lorenzo, the hoodie has been spotted on a who’s who of global style icons, making it a certified A-lister staple.
Hailey Bieber practically lives in hers, often pairing a beige or grey hoodie with bike shorts, chunky sneakers, and an oversized blazer—a look instantly adopted on the streets of Chapel Street. Justin Bieber, a long-time Lorenzo collaborator, is rarely seen without one, cementing its status in the realm of cool-guy casualwear.
But it’s not just the Yanks. Homegrown heroes have fully embraced the trend. Troye Sivan has been spotted multiple times in L.A. and Melbourne rocking the oversized fit. Even athletes like Ben Simmons have been seen off-duty in the iconic piece, proving its cross-discipline appeal.
This celeb endorsement didn’t just make the hoodie popular; it provided a million different styling blueprints for the everyday Aussie to copy, adapt, and make their own.
Styling the Staples: Your Hoodie, Your Rules
The sheer genius of the Essentials Hoodie lies in its chameleon-like ability to adapt. It’s the ultimate canvas for self-expression. Here’s how to wear it across the Australian cultural landscape.
The Coastal Grandmother (But Make it Cool)
- The Look: A light beige or oat milk-coloured hoodie, layered over a crisp white tee. Pair with tailored loose-fit trousers (think linen or wide-leg cotton) and minimalist leather slides or clean white sneakers.
- Perfect for: A weekend brunch in Noosa, a stroll along the Manly to Spit walk, or browsing the farmers’ markets. It’s relaxed elegance at its finest.
The Inner-City Edge
- The Look: A black or charcoal hoodie thrown under a leather biker jacket. Add some ripped black jeans, a pair of beaten-up Doc Martens or chunky Balenciaga-style trainers, and a beanie.
- Perfect for: Grabbing a coffee at a moody Fitzroy café, seeing a band at a gritty inner-city pub, or just nailing that “I-only-listen-to-vinyl” aesthetic.
The Elevated Athleisure Queen
- The Look: This is where the hoodie truly shines. Pair it with high-waisted, flared leggings or technical track pants and a pair of platform sneakers (New Balance 550s or Nike Dunks, anyone?). Add a sleek crossbody bag and oversized sunglasses.
- Perfect for: Running actual errands, gym-to-brunch transitions, or airport travel that requires both comfort and Insta-worthy style.
The Gender-Neutral Essential
Perhaps its greatest strength is its universal appeal. The oversized, minimalist design completely disregards traditional gender norms in fashion. It’s a piece built on silhouette and feel, not on fitting a specific masculine or feminine form. A shared wardrobe has never been easier—or more stylish. It’s a powerful, quiet statement that style is for everyone, a value that resonates deeply with modern Australian consumers.
Why Gen Z Aussies Are Built Different (In Their Hoodies)
For Gen Z, fashion is a language. It’s about authenticity, comfort, and value. The Essentials Hoodie speaks this language fluently.
- Comfort is King (or Queen): This generation prioritises feeling good. The plush, cocoon-like feel of the hoodie is a wearable security blanket.
- Thrift Flip Potential: While buying new is an option, the durability of the hoodie makes it a thrift store holy grail. Finding a vintage colourway is a major flex, aligning with Gen Z’s sustainable and unique shopping habits.
- It’s an Investment Piece: Yes, it’s pricier than a Kmart basic, but it’s positioned as a timeless investment. It’s a piece of a luxury-adjacent brand that won’t go out of style next season, making it a justifiable purchase for a generation that values quality over quantity.
Pro Hacks: How to Make Your Hoodie Really Work
Want to level up? Here are some insider tips to maximise your Essentials Hoodie game.
- The Half-Tuck: This is the ultimate hack. Tucking just the front section of your hoodie into your high-waisted jeans or cargos defines your waist and breaks up the boxy silhouette. Instant style points.
- Layer, Layer, Layer: Don’t just wear it as a top. Treat it as a mid-layer. A longline coat over the top, or a denim jacket underneath with the collar popping out, adds incredible depth and texture to your outfit.
- Accessorise: A hoodie is a neutral backdrop. Elevate it with layered gold necklaces, a statement belt bag worn crossbody, or some bold, colourful socks peeking over your sneakers.
- The Colour Palette: While black, grey, and beige are classics, don’t sleep on the seasonal colours. Olive green, taupe, and even the occasional pastel can add a unique twist to your rotation and make your outfit pop.
The Verdict: More Than a Trend, It’s a Staple
The Essentials Hoodie isn’t a passing fad; it’s cemented itself as a modern classic within the Australian fashion lexicon. It represents a shift towards intelligent, versatile, and comfort-driven dressing without sacrificing an ounce of style. It’s the piece you reach for when you can’t be bothered, but still want to look like you definitely bothered.
In the end, it earns its name. It truly is an Essential.
What’s your favourite way to style your Essentials Hoodie? Tag us in your pics using #EssentialsAus!