If you haven’t heard of the Essentials Hoodie yet, where have you been hiding? This cult-favourite streetwear piece has moved way beyond just being “something comfy to throw on.” It’s now a bona fide fashion statement spotted on celebs, influencers, and cool kids across London, LA, and everywhere in between. Think of it as the hoodie that blurred the line between loungewear and luxury.
So, why is the Essentials Hoodie such a vibe? Let’s break it down – from celebrity influence to street style hacks, Gen Z’s obsession, and even where you can cop one (without scrolling endlessly).
Celebrity Power: Who Wears the Essentials Hoodie?
One of the biggest reasons the Essentials Hoodie blew up is, well, famous people. Celebs have basically turned it into their off-duty uniform.
- In the US: Travis Scott’s cosy-but-cool fits featuring Essentials gave the hoodie instant hype status. Kanye West, the master of oversized, neutral-toned fashion, was often spotted rocking Fear of God Essentials before launching his own fashion juggernaut. Add in TikTok stars layering Essentials with cargo trousers, and you’ve got a formula for global dominance.
- In the UK: From Stormzy pairing it with chunky trainers in London to Jorja Smith styling it with hoops and oversized shades, the hoodie is having a very Brit streetwear moment. Manchester-based grime artists have also embraced it, teaming it with puffer jackets and Air Max for that effortlessly cool northern vibe.
When celebrities wear it, we take notes. And the Essentials Hoodie has become shorthand for, “I’m laidback, but I still know what’s up.”
The Gender-Neutral Appeal: Why Everyone’s Obsessed
One of the biggest draws of the Essentials Hoodie is its genderless energy. Oversized? Boxy? Neutral colourways? Check, check, and check. It doesn’t scream “menswear” or “womenswear” – it just screams style.
Gen Z, in particular, loves this non-binary approach to fashion. They’re all about mixing and matching pieces without caring about labels (pun intended). A hoodie that looks just as good on your boyfriend, your sister, or you? That’s the dream.
Pro tip: Size up if you want that slouchy, TikTok-approved look. Or, if you’re leaning towards sharp layering, go true to size and throw it under a trench coat.
UK Street Style: The Essentials Hoodie in London & Beyond
In London, the Essentials Hoodie is practically part of the city’s streetwear DNA. Whether you’re queuing at Shoreditch’s Boxpark or grabbing a matcha in Notting Hill, you’ll probably spot a few. The palette of muted tones fits right in with the urban aesthetic – think grey skies, black trousers, chunky trainers, and a latte in hand.
Manchester has its own spin: the hoodie is styled with big puffers, crossbody bags, and classic Nikes. It’s less “effortless fashion editor” and more “road-ready chic” – which, honestly, is even cooler.
Where to shop in the UK:
- Selfridges – the holy grail of luxury streetwear in central London.
- END Clothing – for that curated, fashion-forward selection.
- Flannels – bringing the hype to high streets across the UK.
US Streetwear Vibes: West Coast Chill Meets East Coast Edge
Across the pond, the Essentials Hoodie has a whole different personality. In LA, it’s paired with biker shorts, oversized sunnies, and chunky trainers for that celeb-off-duty vibe. In New York? Expect it layered under leather jackets, with baggy jeans and statement sneakers.
Where to shop in the US:
- PacSun – where Gen Z shops Essentials alongside ripped jeans and graphic tees.
- Nordstrom – if you want a more elevated retail experience.
- SSENSE (online) – the internet’s favourite hypebeast shopping destination.
Celebs like Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Kendall Jenner have all been snapped in Essentials hoodie cementing their “I just rolled out of bed and still look perfect” aesthetic.
Fashion Hacks: How to Wear Your Essentials Hoodie Like a Stylist
Let’s be real: hoodies can go wrong. Too baggy, too sloppy, too basic. But with the right styling, the Essentials Hoodie becomes the star of your outfit. Here are some quick hacks:
- The Monochrome Moment – Pair your hoodie with matching joggers or shorts in the same shade. Instant cohesion.
- Trench Coat Layering – Slide it under a classic trench or oversized blazer for an elevated twist.
- Accessories Matter – A cap, chunky trainers, or layered necklaces can turn “hoodie and jeans” into a full look.
- Play With Proportions – Wide-leg trousers? Yes. Slim-fit jeans? Also yes. The oversized hoodie balances everything out.
- The Luxe Touch – Team it with leather trousers or tailored coats. High-low fashion always wins.
Gen Z Loves It: TikTok & The Aesthetic Factor
If millennials made athleisure cool, Gen Z made it an aesthetic. On TikTok, the Essentials Hoodie is everywhere: styled with cargos, tucked into skirts, paired with oversized denim. It’s become part of the “clean girl,” “streetwear chic,” and “normcore-but-make-it-fashion” vibes all at once.
Hashtags like #EssentialsFit and #StreetwearOOTD rack up millions of views, with creators showing how versatile the hoodie really is. It’s not just a hoodie; it’s a lifestyle marker.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Is More Than Just a Hoodie
What makes the Essentials Hoodie so iconic isn’t just the fit, the fabric, or the neutral palette. It’s that it represents a cultural shift. We want comfort, but we also want clout. We want to look effortless, but secretly we put in the effort.
It’s a hoodie that works for everyone: celebs, students, city commuters, sneakerheads, and fashion editors. It’s not going anywhere anytime soon, and honestly? We’re here for it.
Final Word
Whether you’re styling it with cycling shorts in LA, puffers in Manchester, or trench coats in London, the Essentials Hoodie is the wardrobe essential (pun very much intended) that keeps proving it’s more than hype. It’s genderless, versatile, and celeb-approved – basically, the definition of a modern fashion staple.
So, next time you slip one on, just remember: you’re not just wearing a hoodie. You’re part of a global streetwear movement.
