Let’s talk about a hoodie that’s not just a hoodie. The Essentials Hoodie by Fear of God has gone from lowkey streetwear to an absolute wardrobe staple—loved by celebs, hyped by Gen Z, and styled across every time zone. Whether you’re in Manchester’s Northern Quarter, chilling at a NYC rooftop party, or queueing at Selfridges in London, chances are you’ve seen someone rocking this oversized, cosy-but-cool icon.
But how did it become so essential? And more importantly—how do you wear it without looking like you just rolled out of bed?
Let’s break it down.
What Is the Essentials Hoodie Anyway?
For the uninitiated: the Essentials Hoodie is part of the Fear of God Essentials line by Jerry Lorenzo, the LA-based designer behind one of streetwear’s most quietly luxurious brands. Unlike the mainline Fear of God collection, which is high-end and high-priced, Essentials is more accessible, minimal, and endlessly wearable. Think clean logos, neutral tones, oversized fits—basically everything Gen Z lives for.
The hoodie in particular has become the MVP. Heavyweight, drop-shouldered, and stamped with a subtle logo, it’s the perfect blend of luxe and laid-back.
Style It Like the Celebs
Celebrities have fully embraced the Essentials hoodie, turning it from a comfort piece into a bona fide fashion statement.
- Travis Scott is rarely seen without a hoodie, often pairing Essentials with cargo trousers, Jordans, and a “just-threw-this-on” attitude that still looks so curated.
- Kanye West helped usher in the era of oversized, minimal streetwear, and his love for neutral palettes has heavily influenced the Essentials aesthetic.
- Hailey Bieber is another Essentials stan—often spotted layering her hoodie under a trench coat or with biker shorts and chunky trainers.
- On UK shores, Stormzy rocks the brand effortlessly, pairing the hoodie with trackies and fresh creps, while Jorja Smith has been seen styling hers with gold hoops and vintage denim for a softer edge.
How Gen Z Is Wearing It
This isn’t just a hoodie—it’s a lifestyle. For Gen Z, fashion is about comfort-meets-self-expression, and the Essentials hoodie ticks all the boxes:
- Oversized for days: Bigger is better. Gen Z isn’t afraid to drown in fabric—in fact, they demand it.
- Layered fits: Think Essentials hoodie under a puffer vest, or thrown over a graphic tee with a peek of collar showing.
- Genderless appeal: One of the biggest selling points? It’s completely unisex. Essentials doesn’t label their drops for “men” or “women”—they’re just for you.
On TikTok, #EssentialsHoodie has racked up millions of views, with creators styling it in everything from sleek monochrome looks to chaotic Y2K mashups. It’s that versatile.
UK Vibes: From Camden to the Curry Mile
In the UK, the Essentials hoodie has become a wardrobe default for the style-savvy crowd.
- In London, it’s part of the urban uniform—seen in Shoreditch coffee shops, Soho clubs, and Camden markets. Pair it with slim-fit cargos, box-fresh Air Forces, and a vintage bomber, and you’re golden.
- In Manchester, it’s all about the mix: Essentials with vintage flares, Doc Martens, and a beanie. The vibe? Grunge meets high-street cool.
- Shopping for your next hoodie fix? Head to Selfridges, END Clothing, or Flannels, where Essentials drops fly off the shelves faster than you can say “limited edition”.
Bonus: pair your hoodie with a Barbour jacket for that unexpected streetwear x countryside crossover. Very “I just got back from a farm retreat, but also I could DJ a warehouse rave.”
Across the Pond: US Streetwear Swagger
In the States, Essentials is part of the holy trinity of chill streetwear, sitting comfortably next to brands like Supreme and Off-White.
- American style leans more athleisure-forward—Essentials hoodie with basketball shorts, Nike socks, and foam runners are basically the uniform in LA and New York.
- Nordstrom and PacSun regularly stock Essentials drops (but good luck finding your size during hype seasons).
- LA-based influencers pair theirs with aviators, tiny bags, and iced matchas. Meanwhile, Brooklynites are more about layering with flannels, beanies, and beat-up Converse.
Want to go full US-core? Top your hoodie look with a fitted cap, cuffed jeans, and a chain. Think “I might be heading to a photoshoot, or I might just be picking up bagels.”
Fashion Hacks: Make the Hoodie Work Harder
Here’s how to stretch the versatility of your Essentials hoodie and always look pulled together:
1. Elevate with Accessories
Add statement sunglasses, a structured bag, or even a pearl necklace (yes, really) to zhuzh up the look. It’s all about contrast.
2. Layer It Right
Oversized hoodie + trench coat = chef’s kiss. Also try denim jackets, leather blazers, or long wool coats for an “I care, but not too much” aesthetic.
3. Mix High & Low
Pair your hoodie with tailored trousers or wide-leg jeans and loafers. Trust us—it works. High fashion meets street cool.
4. Play With Proportions
Balance the bulk of the hoodie with fitted bottoms. Or, if you’re bold, go full oversized and lean into the slouch. Add platform boots or chunky trainers to ground it.
The Gender-Neutral Dream
Essentials doesn’t care about your gender, your pronouns, or your label—and that’s what makes it powerful. The hoodie looks just as good on literally anyone, whether you’re masc, femme, fluid, or just vibing.
This is clothing that respects your identity while keeping you snug, stylish, and smug about that perfect streetwear silhouette.
Why It’s More Than Just a Hoodie
It’s no coincidence that the Essentials hoodie blew up post-2020. In a world where comfy clothes became a lifestyle, this hoodie delivered on every front: quality, fit, aesthetics, and cultural clout.
But it also says something bigger—about how we want to feel. Wrapped up. Unbothered. Effortlessly cool.
It’s not screaming for attention. But it’s still turning heads.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?
In short? Yes. Whether you’re building a capsule wardrobe, levelling up your airport fits, or just want something that makes you feel like you have your life together (even if you don’t), the Essentials hoodie delivers.
And honestly? Throw it on, and suddenly you’re main character energy.
Where to Cop Yours
- UK: Selfridges, END Clothing, Flannels
- US: PacSun, Nordstrom, SSENSE
Be warned: it sells out fast. So set those reminders, refresh those tabs, and good luck out there.
