If there’s one wardrobe staple that’s dominated the UK fashion scene in recent years, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. Born out of the Fear of God Essentials line, this oversized, minimalistic piece has gone from being a cosy loungewear option to a cultural fashion icon spotted everywhere—from Shoreditch cafés to Manchester clubs.
But what makes the Essentials Hoodie such a phenomenon? Let’s take a tour across the UK, peek into celebrity wardrobes, and explore why Gen Z has crowned this hoodie the king of cool.
London: Streetwear Meets Luxury
London, the UK’s fashion capital, has embraced the Essentials Hoodie like no other. In neighbourhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, and Soho, it’s become the uniform for creatives and trendsetters. Think oversized hoodies paired with baggy jeans, chunky trainers, and a splash of jewellery—effortlessly cool, yet oh-so-comfortable.
The capital thrives on blending streetwear with luxury, so don’t be surprised if you see a hoodie thrown over tailored trousers or even layered under a trench coat for that “city sleek” vibe. Londoners love versatility, and the Essentials Hoodie ticks that box perfectly.
Style hack for Londoners: Elevate the hoodie with gold hoops, statement trainers (hello, Air Force 1s), and a designer tote for that high-low fashion mix.
Manchester: Bold, Sporty, and Edgy
Manchester has always had a unique fashion pulse, heavily influenced by its rich music and football culture. Here, the Essentials Hoodie is styled with a sporty-meets-edgy twist. Imagine it paired with cargos, bucket hats, and retro trainers—perfect for a gig night at the O2 Ritz or pre-drinks before a match.
The city’s fashion scene leans into boldness, so oversized hoodies are often layered with leather jackets or styled with eye-catching accessories. The monochrome tones of Essentials make it a blank canvas for Manchester’s vibrant streetwear flair.
Style hack for Mancunians: Pair your hoodie with straight-leg cargos, add a beanie, and finish with chunky trainers for that effortlessly cool “night-out-meets-streetwear” energy.
Leeds: Relaxed and Trend-Forward
Leeds fashion is all about balancing comfort with trendiness, and the Essentials Hoodie sits right at that sweet spot. It’s a go-to piece for students, creatives, and young professionals alike.
In Leeds, you’ll often see the hoodie paired with wide-leg jeans, crossbody bags, and Dr. Martens boots—giving a casual but put-together vibe perfect for brunch in the city centre or a day wandering through the Corn Exchange.
Style hack for Leeds locals: Layer a grey Essentials Hoodie under an oversized blazer for a polished yet chilled outfit. Bonus points for adding platform trainers.
Celebrity Influence: From LA to the UK
The global rise of the Essentials Hoodie owes a lot to celebrity influence. Stars like Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, and Kanye West have been spotted rocking the oversized look, which quickly trickled down to UK pop culture.
Closer to home, you’ll catch Stormzy, Jorja Smith, and Central Cee styling their hoodies in music videos and public appearances. Gen Z in particular loves emulating this celeb-approved look, making it an instant Instagram and TikTok favourite.
Fun fact: The hashtag #EssentialsHoodie has racked up millions of views on TikTok, cementing its spot as the hoodie of the moment.
Why Gen Z Loves the Essentials Hoodie
Gen Z is all about comfort, inclusivity, and low-key flexing—and the Essentials Hoodie ticks every box. It’s oversized, making it gender-neutral and flattering for all body types. Its minimalist branding feels premium without being flashy, which resonates with Gen Z’s love for “quiet luxury.”
Plus, it works for multiple vibes: one minute you’re Netflix-binge ready, the next you’re streetwear-cool and Instagram photo-shoot worthy. It’s essentially a fashion chameleon.
Style hack for Gen Z: Size up for the ultra-oversized look, then style with biker shorts, mini skirts, or cargos for that TikTok-ready fit.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the biggest reasons behind the Essentials Hoodie’s success is its universal design. It’s genderless fashion done right—anyone can wear it, and it’ll look just as good styled differently.
For women, it doubles as a hoodie-dress with chunky boots. For men, it’s the ultimate layering piece under bomber jackets or gilets. And for everyone in between, it’s simply the perfect blank canvas for self-expression.
Style hack for all: Go tonal—pair a cream Essentials Hoodie with matching joggers for the ultimate airport or travel look
Fashion Hacks: Making the Hoodie Your Own
The Essentials Hoodie might be minimalistic, but that’s what makes it so versatile. Here are a few UK-style hacks to make it pop:
- Layer smartly: Throw it under an oversized blazer or trench coat for a fashion-forward silhouette.
- Accessorise: Add layered chains, rings, or bold sunglasses for instant street cred.
- Mix textures: Contrast the cotton hoodie with leather trousers or satin skirts for unexpected style points.
- Seasonal switch-up: Pair with shorts and trainers in summer, or joggers and a padded jacket in winter.
The Hoodie as a Cultural Symbol
In the UK, hoodies once had a “bad rep” linked with youth culture and stereotypes. But the Essentials Hoodie has helped reshape that narrative—turning a once-controversial item into a unifying, stylish statement. Today, it’s worn by students, professionals, celebrities, and even fashion editors.
It symbolises inclusivity, comfort, and modern British style—proof that fashion can evolve beyond stereotypes.
Final Thoughts: The UK’s Love Affair with the Essentials Hoodie
From London’s luxury streetwear vibes to Manchester’s sporty edge and Leeds’ laid-back cool, the Essentials Hoodie has truly embedded itself into British fashion culture. It’s celebrity-approved, TikTok-viral, gender-neutral, and endlessly versatile.
Whether you’re styling it up for a night out or keeping it cosy for a Sunday in, one thing’s clear: the Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a hoodie—it’s a fashion movement.
