If there’s one fashion piece that’s dominated both TikTok feeds and street style shots in 2025, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. Sleek yet oversized, minimal yet statement-making — it’s the hoodie that’s got Gen Z, millennials, and even celebs hooked. But why is it more than just another hoodie? Let’s dive into how the Essentials Hoodie has cemented itself as the ultimate uniform across continents, genders, and cultures.
The Rise of the Essentials Hoodie
Fear of God’s Essentials line, created by Jerry Lorenzo, began as a diffusion brand aimed at making luxury streetwear more accessible. The hoodie quickly became its crown jewel. With its boxy silhouette, muted palette, and subtle branding, it struck the perfect balance between luxury and wearability. The result? A piece equally at home in a London café, a New York recording studio, or a Tokyo street corner.
Celebrity Influence: When Stars Make It Mainstream
From Drake stepping out in a taupe Essentials Hoodie to Kendall Jenner pairing hers with leather trousers, celebrities have been instrumental in skyrocketing its popularity. In the US, Travis Scott and Kanye West have long been champions of oversized silhouettes, creating a ripple effect that cemented hoodies as high-fashion staples. Meanwhile, in the UK, Skepta and Stormzy have been spotted in Essentials fits, pairing them with trainers that scream low-key luxe. When celebs wear it, the rest of us take notes — and add to basket.
Gen Z and the Gender-Neutral Revolution
Gen Z has been the real driving force behind the hoodie’s cult status. This generation doesn’t see fashion through rigid gender binaries, and the Essentials Hoodie, with its unisex sizing and boxy shape, fits perfectly into that ethos. It’s oversized enough to style as a dress with chunky boots, or layered with cargos for that skater aesthetic. For Gen Z, it’s not just a hoodie, it’s a cultural statement — one that says, I’m laid-back, stylish, and I don’t believe in outdated rules.
Styling the Essentials Hoodie: Fashion Hacks to Nail the Look
- Layer it up: Throw on a trench coat or oversized blazer over your hoodie for that London street-style chic.
- Go sporty: Pair with joggers and New Balance trainers for a vibe that screams effortless cool.
- High-low mix: Team it with tailored trousers and loafers for a fashion-forward clash of street and smart.
- Accessorise: Gold hoops, baseball caps, or even a mini handbag can elevate the hoodie from basic to iconic.
The beauty of the Essentials Hoodie is its adaptability. It’s that blank canvas every wardrobe secretly craves.
The Essentials Hoodie in the UK
In London, it’s practically part of the unofficial city uniform. You’ll see fashion students at Central Saint Martins layering it under trench coats, while creatives in Shoreditch wear theirs oversized with cargos and Dunks. Manchester’s music scene has also embraced the hoodie, with DJs and grime artists making it their go-to for gigs.
When it comes to shopping, UK fans can grab theirs at Selfridges, END Clothing, or through coveted drops on SSENSE. Celebrities like Jorja Smith and Aitch have been spotted in Essentials hoodie fits, solidifying its role in Britain’s style landscape.
The Essentials Hoodie in the US
Across the pond, the hoodie is synonymous with celebrity street style. Think Travis Scott pairing his Essentials hoodie with camo trousers or Hailey Bieber rocking hers with biker shorts and shades. In LA, the look is all about effortless athleisure — oversized hoodies, cycling shorts, sneakers, and a matcha latte in hand. In New York, it skews more layered and fashion-forward, styled under trench coats or oversized leather jackets.
You can pick up your hoodie stateside at PacSun, Nordstrom, or exclusive Fear of God drops. The hype culture surrounding American streetwear means Essentials pieces often sell out in seconds — and resell for double online.
Cultural Trends: Minimalism Meets Streetwear
The Essentials Hoodie is more than just a clothing item; it’s emblematic of broader cultural trends. We’re living in an age where minimalism meets hype. People want clothes that feel luxe but not shouty, casual but not sloppy. The hoodie delivers on all counts — it’s understated, versatile, and instantly recognisable to those in the know.
It’s also become a symbol of investment fashion. Rather than buying five fast-fashion hoodies, style-conscious shoppers are opting for one well-made Essentials piece that lasts and elevates their wardrobe.
Why the Essentials Hoodie is Here to Stay
Trends come and go, but the Essentials Hoodie has hit that sweet spot between hype and timelessness. Its muted tones make it wearable season after season, while its cultural clout keeps it perpetually relevant. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, LA, or NYC, the hoodie transcends borders and subcultures.
And let’s face it: comfort has never been cooler. In a world that’s increasingly hybrid — work from home, coffee shop meetings, late-night DJ sets — the hoodie adapts seamlessly to every scenario.
Final Word: Essential, Indeed
The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a piece of clothing. It’s a lifestyle signifier, a cultural marker, and a wardrobe MVP. Whether you’re styling it with cargos in Camden, pairing it with joggers in Brooklyn, or layering it with a blazer in Paris, one thing’s clear: it’s not going anywhere.So, the next time you see it pop up on your Instagram explore page or in a TikTok GRWM, remember: this isn’t just another hoodie. It’s the Essentials Hoodie — the name says it all.
