The Essentials Hoodie: The Global Streetwear Staple Everyone’s Obsessed With

Few fashion items have managed to bridge the gap between high fashion, streetwear, and everyday casual quite like the Essentials Hoodie. It’s not just a hoodie; it’s a cultural marker—one that’s been spotted on A-listers, loved by Gen Z, and adopted across the globe as a go-to piece for effortless style. From the buzzing streets of London to the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles, this versatile hoodie has become more than just clothing—it’s a statement.

Let’s break down how the Essentials Hoodie is styled across different regions, the celebrities influencing its rise, and why it’s one of the most gender-neutral, trend-driven pieces in modern wardrobes.

The Rise of the Essentials Hoodie: A Quick Style Story

Fear of God’s Essentials line was created with a clear purpose: to redefine the concept of everyday basics. What started as minimal, oversized streetwear with muted tones quickly turned into a cultural phenomenon. The Essentials Hoodie has become the hero piece of the collection—praised for its cosy fit, neutral palette, and logo that screams understated cool.

Celebrities across music, sport, and fashion have turned it into an icon. It’s the hoodie you’ll see in airport ‘fit pics, gym runs, and backstage shots—and thanks to its unisex design, it appeals to everyone.

The Essentials Hoodie in the UK: London Cool Meets Northern Edge

In the UK, the Essentials Hoodie has found its place at the heart of urban fashion. London’s streetwear scene—where high fashion collides with gritty street culture—has been a major hub for its popularity. In Shoreditch or Soho, it’s common to see oversized Essentials Hoodies paired with cargo trousers, Nike Dunks, and crossbody bags.

Manchester, known for its rich music and football culture, has also embraced the hoodie. Whether it’s worn by students on Oxford Road or by influencers at Northern Quarter cafés, the Essentials Hoodie captures that perfect mix of casual and cool.

UK celebs like Stormzy and Skepta have also given it a nod, often spotted in muted Essentials pieces that align with their low-key, effortlessly stylish aesthetic. And if you’re shopping in Britain? Retail giants like Selfridges and END Clothing are your go-to spots for securing the latest drops.

Style tip (UK edition): Layer your Essentials Hoodie under a trench coat or puffer jacket for a London-ready look that balances smart with street.

The Essentials Hoodie in the US: Streetwear Royalty

Across the pond, the Essentials Hoodie has become a staple in the American streetwear lexicon. Stars like Travis Scott and Kanye West (both trendsetters in the streetwear and sneaker world) have been seen rocking the hoodie, instantly giving it clout. Their influence on Gen Z style is massive, and the hoodie has become a symbol of effortless cool for their fanbase.

The hoodie is often styled with baggy jeans, snapbacks, and chunky trainers—think California skate culture meets hip-hop energy. You’ll also find it layered under varsity jackets, a nod to the American college aesthetic.

For shoppers in the US, it’s all about stores like PacSun and Nordstrom, which stock Essentials pieces and make them accessible to the everyday fashion enthusiast.

Style tip (US edition): Go for the oversized fit, pair with distressed denim and high-tops, and you’ve got a look that feels straight out of LA’s Fairfax district.

Celebrity Influence: Why Stars Can’t Stop Wearing It

From Justin Bieber in Beverly Hills to Hailey Bieber at off-duty model castings, celebrities have been instrumental in keeping the Essentials Hoodie trending. Its logo may be minimal, but that’s exactly what makes it so appealing—celebrities can style it up or down without clashing with their statement accessories or sneakers.

Sports stars, too, are embracing it. From NBA players stepping into arenas to footballers arriving at stadiums, the Essentials Hoodie has become part of the modern athlete’s wardrobe rotation.

Fashion hack: Celebs often size up two or three levels for that ultra-slouchy, draped look. If you want to channel Bieber or Kanye, go oversized.

Gen Z and the Gender-Neutral Revolution

One of the biggest reasons behind the hoodie’s popularity? Its gender-neutral design. Gen Z is rewriting the rules of fashion, ditching labels like “menswear” or “womenswear” in favour of pieces that simply work for everyone. The Essentials Hoodie’s oversized cut and neutral colours make it the perfect unisex item.

On TikTok, you’ll find endless videos of teens and twenty-somethings styling the hoodie in creative ways—from cropped versions for a Y2K twist to pairing it with wide-leg trousers for that laid-back aesthetic.

Style hack: Cinch your hoodie at the waist with a belt bag to create a silhouette that’s both flattering and fashion-forward.

Cultural Trends: Why It’s More Than Just a Hoodie

The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just about fashion—it’s tied to a cultural shift towards comfort and versatility. Post-pandemic, loungewear blurred into streetwear, and the hoodie became the symbol of comfort dressing. Essentials managed to tap into this perfectly by designing a hoodie that looks just as good on a Zoom call as it does at a late-night gig.

It also plays into the quiet luxury trend, where subtle branding and neutral tones dominate over flashy logos. For fashion fans who want to look stylish without screaming for attention, the Essentials Hoodie is the ultimate go-to.

Fashion Hacks: Making the Essentials Hoodie Your Own

The beauty of the Essentials Hoodie lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to make it work for you:

• Layer it smart: Throw it under a blazer or trench coat for that model-off-duty vibe.
  
• Monochrome magic: Pair an Essentials Hoodie with matching joggers for a sleek, coordinated tracksuit look.
  
• Accessorise: Elevate the neutral tones with bold sneakers, statement jewellery, or a bright beanie.
  
• Seasonal switch-up: In summer, wear it oversized with cycling shorts; in winter, layer it under a chunky coat with boots.

Final Thoughts: Why the Essentials Hoodie is Here to Stay

From the high streets of Manchester to the boulevards of Los Angeles, the Essentials Hoodie has cemented itself as a global wardrobe staple. Its ability to transcend gender, age, and geography makes it one of the most relevant pieces in today’s fashion landscape.

Whether you’re into celebrity-inspired styling, Gen Z hacks, or simply want a cosy, stylish hoodie that works with everything—this piece delivers. It’s not just an item of clothing; it’s part of a cultural movement, proving that essentials really can be extraordinary.