If there’s one piece of clothing that’s quietly (okay, not so quietly) taken over wardrobes worldwide, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. From late-night airport snaps of celebs to TikTok outfit grids and cosy Sunday coffee runs, this isn’t just another hoodie—it’s become the hoodie. Equal parts luxury and laid-back, gender-neutral yet statement-making, the Essentials Hoodie is a modern cult classic.
So, why does everyone from Manchester uni students to LA hypebeasts live in theirs? Let’s break down how the Essentials Hoodie is shaping style culture across the globe.
A Hoodie with Star Power: Celebrities Leading the Charge
Fashion has always had its icons, but in the hoodie wars, celebrities have become the ultimate trendsetters.
- In the US, you’ll spot Travis Scott layering his Essentials Hoodie with cargos and dunks, giving it that effortless streetwear edge. Kanye West, a man practically synonymous with oversized silhouettes, has been spotted repping Essentials, proving it sits comfortably alongside his Yeezy empire.
- Across the pond in the UK, artists like Dave and Stormzy often lean into muted, minimalist fits, where the Essentials Hoodie shines as the understated statement piece. Meanwhile, London It-girls (think Maya Jama) style theirs with biker shorts and trainers for that off-duty cool.
Celebrities have done more than wear it—they’ve made the hoodie a status symbol.
How Gen Z Made It a Cultural Movement
If Millennials brought us the skinny jean, Gen Z gave us the oversized hoodie renaissance. Essentials, with its muted colour palette (greys, creams, taupes) and soft-as-a-cloud fabric, taps right into Gen Z’s obsession with minimalism-meets-streetwear.
On TikTok, outfit inspo videos featuring the Essentials Hoodie rack up millions of views. The hashtag #EssentialsHoodie is a scroll hole of clever layering tricks, from throwing it under a puffer in Manchester drizzle to pairing it with wide-leg jeans and Air Force 1s in LA sunshine.
Gen Z loves it not just for the vibe, but because it’s gender-neutral, versatile, and comfortable—all non-negotiables for a generation blending fashion fluidity with everyday practicality.
Essentials Hoodie: UK Streetwear Vibes
The UK has always had a distinct streetwear scene—edgy, eclectic, and unapologetically individual. Here’s how the Essentials Hoodie fits in:
- London: Think oversized hoodie layered under a trench coat, paired with chunky trainers. It’s a look you’ll spot from Shoreditch coffee shops to Soho nights out.
- Manchester: The city’s indie-meets-street aesthetic loves the hoodie with cargos and retro trainers. Add a crossbody bag and you’ve nailed the northern cool.
- Shopping the look: UK fans grab their Essentials pieces from Selfridges or END Clothing, where the drops often sell out faster than you can say “add to basket.”
The hoodie has slipped effortlessly into British culture, becoming the go-to piece for city commutes, festival pre-games, and pub garden hangs.
Essentials Hoodie: US Style and Hype
In the US, Essentials is deeply tied to the streetwear-luxury hybrid movement. It’s not just casualwear—it’s fashion with a capital F.
- Los Angeles: Hoodies with shorts and slides? Peak LA. Essentials hoodie is perfect for that “I just left the studio” energy.
- New York: Layered under a leather jacket with baggy denim, it’s the hoodie of choice for those 2am Lower East Side fits.
- Shopping the look: In the States, fans flock to PacSun, Nordstrom, and StockX to secure drops. The hoodie is seen less as a cosy piece and more as an entry point into high-low dressing—where luxury and streetwear mix seamlessly.
American celebs fuel the hype, making the hoodie not just a wardrobe staple but a symbol of being in the know.
Gender-Neutral Appeal: The Hoodie for Everyone
One of the most powerful aspects of the Essentials Hoodie is its universality. Fashion is no longer about “his” and “hers”—and Essentials is a perfect example of how genderless style is the future.
The oversized silhouette works for every body type, while neutral colourways allow it to slot into any aesthetic—from soft-girl to skater-boy. Couples often share theirs (or argue about who gets to wear it), while fashion TikTok has made the “boyfriend hoodie” trope redundant. Why borrow his hoodie when you’ve got your own Essentials?
Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Hoodie
Whether you’re pulling on your hoodie for a lazy Sunday or dressing it up for a night out, here are some editor-approved hacks:
- The High-Low Mix: Pair your Essentials Hoodie with tailored trousers and chunky loafers. Business meets chill.
- Streetwear Staple: Cargos + Essentials Hoodie + Jordans. Enough said.
- Cosy Luxe: Style it with wide-leg knit trousers, gold hoops, and a sleek bun for that effortless “I woke up like this” vibe.
- Festival Ready: Layer under a utility vest with cycling shorts and combat boots. Coachella or Wireless approved.
- Layer Game Strong: Throw a puffer or trench over your hoodie. Perfect for unpredictable UK weather or chilly NYC nights.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Is Here to Stay
Trends come and go—remember when tiny sunglasses were a thing?—but the Essentials Hoodie has transcended the hype cycle. Why? Because it nails the trifecta: comfort, versatility, and cultural cachet.
It’s the hoodie you can wear anywhere: to brunch in Notting Hill, a Lakers game in LA, or a library sesh in Manchester. It’s both a blank canvas and a statement piece, able to flex into whatever mood you’re serving that day.
And while other brands may come and go, Essentials has firmly planted itself as the default hoodie of the fashion-conscious generation.
Final Word
The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a piece of clothing—it’s a global uniform. Celebrities cosign it, Gen Z worships it, and both UK and US streetwear cultures have folded it into their DNA. Whether you’re shopping it at Selfridges in London or PacSun in LA, styling it for TikTok or just grabbing a flat white, the hoodie has proved one thing: sometimes, less really is more.
So, next time you’re debating what to wear, remember—when in doubt, Essentials it out.
