Whether you’re scrolling through TikTok, walking down Shoreditch High Street, or flipping through your favourite fashion ‘grammers, one thing’s clear: Essentials clothing is everywhere.
Minimalist, oversized, and seriously cool, the Essentials label — yes, we’re talking about Fear of God Essentials — has gone from streetwear staple to full-blown cultural moment. But what’s all the hype about? And how are fashion lovers styling it across different scenes?
Let’s take a deep dive into the brand that’s rewriting the rulebook on everyday style, one drop at a time.
Wait, What Is Essentials Clothing, Anyway?
If you’re just catching on, Essentials is the pared-back, accessibly priced diffusion line from Jerry Lorenzo’s high-end label Fear of God. While Fear of God plays in the luxury streetwear realm (with price tags to match), Essentials strips things back to — well — the essentials.
Think neutral palettes, heavyweight cottons, exaggerated silhouettes, and a logo so minimal it practically whispers. The vibe? Effortless luxury without trying too hard. Just how Gen Z likes it.
How Celebs Are Wearing Essentials Right Now
Spoiler alert: Essentials isn’t just a hit with the TikTok set — everyone from NBA stars to fashion icons has been spotted in the brand.
- Hailey Bieber loves her oversized Essentials hoodies, often styling them with biker shorts, white socks, and chunky trainers for that model-off-duty look.
- Justin Bieber is practically the poster boy, often rocking full Essentials fits with layered neutrals and beanies.
- Kendall Jenner? She’s been seen pairing the classic Essentials sweatshirt with leather trousers and a slick bun — turning cosy into chic.
- And over in the music world, Jaden Smith and Drake have both dropped Essentials fits into their rotation, giving streetwear their signature twist.
Celebrity Style Tip:
Copy the celebs and size up for that relaxed, drop-shoulder silhouette. Essentials is all about that slouchy, luxe comfort.
Gen Z and the Rise of Quiet Flexing
We’re officially in the age of the “quiet flex”. Gone are the days of screaming logos and designer overload. Today’s fashion-forward Gen Z-ers want subtler signals of style — and Essentials nails that brief.
Why it works for Gen Z:
- Gender-neutral appeal: The unisex cuts make it effortlessly inclusive.
- Neutral tones: Sage, beige, taupe, and greys? Chef’s kiss.
- Social media-friendly: Essentials looks mad good on the ‘gram.
- Comfort is king: These fits are made for lounging and flexing.
Fashion Hack:
Pair your Essentials sweatshirt with a crisp white shirt peeking out underneath and chunky loafers for an “academia meets street” vibe.
From Street to Sofa: How It’s Styled Around the World
In London:
Essentials reigns supreme among fashion students, content creators, and anyone with a Depop account. Think: oversized hoodie, trench coat, wide-leg trousers, and sambas. Add some wired headphones for that too-cool-for-AirPods aesthetic.
In New York:
Here, Essentials merges streetwear with utility. A logo tee under a Carhartt chore jacket? Yes please. Layer it with cargos and a Yankees cap and you’ve got Brooklyn-approved style.
In Seoul and Tokyo:
Minimalism meets maximal layering. Essentials hoodies under trench coats, bucket hats, and Y2K-style tinted glasses. It’s a cultural mash-up that Gen Z lives for.
The Gender-Neutral Revolution
Let’s be real — Essentials is one of the few brands getting unisex right. There’s no awkward tailoring or half-hearted inclusivity. It’s just good design, made to suit every body.
Whether you’re masc, femme, or somewhere beautifully in between, the oversized silhouettes and neutral colours give everyone room to express themselves.
And the best bit? You can literally share pieces with your partner, sibling, or flatmate. Who doesn’t love a wardrobe that’s actually communal?
Fashion Hacks to Elevate Your Essentials Fit
You’ve got the hoodie. You’ve got the joggers. Now, how do you make it fashion?
1. Layer Smartly
Wear your Essentials sweatshirt over a turtleneck in winter, or under a leather jacket in autumn. Add gold chains for an instant level-up.
2. Mix Textures
Pair your cotton Essentials clothing top with silk or faux leather bottoms for a tactile contrast that screams editorial.
3. Pop of Colour
Break the neutral monotony with one bold accessory — lime green kicks, a red mini bag, or cobalt blue nails.
4. Tailored Contrast
Throw your Essentials hoodie under a structured blazer for a look that’s part city slicker, part chill Sunday.
5. Match Your Mates
Yes, co-ordinated friend fits are still a thing. Grab the same Essentials hoodie in different colours and own the street like the fashion clique you are.
Cultural Trends: More Than Just a Logo
Essentials has become more than just a streetwear brand — it’s a symbol of the shift in fashion culture:
- Less flash, more substance: Fashion’s moving away from excess and into authenticity.
- Loungewear = outerwear: Post-pandemic life changed how we dress. Comfort is no longer confined to the sofa.
- Minimalist status symbols: Just like a well-cut white tee, Essentials proves that less really can be more.
Where to Buy (Without Paying Resale Madness)
Sure, you could pay triple on resale sites, but smarter shoppers know the drop game.
- Shop direct from Fear of God or via authorised retailers like SSENSE, END Clothing, and MR PORTER.
- Follow Essentials drop calendars online — and be fast. Stock goes quicker than Glasto tickets.
- Alternatively, check Vinted or Depop for gently used pieces (and sustainable kudos).
Final Thoughts: The Power of a Perfect Hoodie
In an era where fashion moves at breakneck speed, Essentials clothing offers a rare kind of longevity. It’s not trend-chasing — it’s trend-setting. Whether you’re lounging at home, heading to the studio, or grabbing brunch, you’ll look effortlessly put together in just one piece.
And that, darling, is always in style.
