From High Streets to Soho: The Rise of the Essentials Hoodie
Once upon a time, hoodies were just lazy-day loungewear. But then came Fear of God Essentials—a label that flipped the script. Enter: the Essentials Hoodie. Minimalist yet luxe, oversized but structured, and effortlessly cool—this hoodie has officially infiltrated the wardrobes of trendsetters across the UK.
From London’s buzzing fashion scene to Manchester’s gritty cool and Leeds’ student-chic vibes, the Essentials Hoodie is the piece everyone’s rocking. Whether you’re vibing in Shoreditch, heading to brunch in Northern Quarter, or cruising Call Lane, this hoodie isn’t just part of the outfit—it is the outfit.
Let’s deep dive into why this neutral-toned, unassuming hoodie is suddenly the hero of British streetwear.
London Looks: Pairing Essentials with Urban Sophistication
In London, fashion is all about fusion. The Essentials Hoodie is styled with tailored trenches in Kensington, leather biker jackets in Shoreditch, and even oversized blazers in Soho. Think high-low dressing at its finest.
Style tip:
Layering is king in the capital. Toss your Essentials Hoodie under a longline coat and pair with wide-leg trousers or a pleated skirt. Footwear? Chunky loafers or box-fresh Air Force 1s.
Celebrity inspo:
Jodie Comer was spotted in an off-white Essentials Hoodie at King’s Cross, paired with tortoiseshell sunnies and cargo trousers—a mix of sleek and casual that Londoners love.
Manchester Moves: Street Meets Statement
Up north in Manchester, fashion is bold, a bit rebellious, and unapologetically expressive. The Essentials Hoodie plays right into this ethos.
Style tip:
Go bold or go home. Mancunians love pairing their hoodies with leather trousers, mini skirts and tights, or even distressed denim. Oversized fits? Always.
Think essentials hoodie + check print trousers + statement boots = northern drip.
Local trend:
Essentials pieces are often styled with vintage finds in Manchester’s iconic Afflecks or layered under puffers during winter raves. Function meets fashion, rain or shine.
Celebrity inspo:
Bugzy Malone, Manchester’s own rap icon, has been snapped in all-black Essentials looks. Add a gold chain and you’re good to go.
Leeds Layers: Uni Style Meets Street Edge
Leeds is where comfort meets trend—thank you, student fashion. Essentials Hoodies are a campus favourite, worn from 9am lectures to 2am club nights.
Style tip:
Keep it casual, but clever. Hoodie + matching joggers = the effortless co-ord look. Toss on a North Face gilet or a carabiner keychain for the TikTok-worthy edge.
Gen Z favourite:
Neutral Essentials tones like sand, taupe, and stretch limo are trending hard in Leeds. Bonus points for styling with eco-conscious trainers or second-hand accessories.
Pop culture reference:
Leeds TikTokers are often seen rating uni fits—guess what makes a regular appearance? Yep, the Essential Hoodie + Nike Dunks combo.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
Let’s be real: Gen Z is rewriting the fashion rulebook. They’re all about comfort, authenticity, and drip that doesn’t scream logos—but still turns heads. That’s why the Essentials Hoodie is a Gen Z holy grail.
- Unisex appeal? Check.
- Gender-neutral sizing? Yep.
- Minimal branding? Subtle, sleek, and flex-worthy.
Style tip:
Tuck the hoodie into baggy jeans, add a dad cap, and call it “effortless aesthetic.” Or let it drape oversized over biker shorts and pair with retro socks and trainers.
TikTok trend alert:
#EssentialsFitCheck has racked up millions of views. Fashion creators are swapping out flashy outfits for muted, layered Essentials looks—with a heavy focus on fit, not frills.
Gender-Neutral Fashion That Just Works
One of the biggest reasons the Essentials Hoodie is dominating UK wardrobes? It transcends gender norms.
Designed with a unisex silhouette, it embraces the oversized trend while maintaining structure. Whether you’re rocking it cropped and cinched or oversized and draped, the look is fluid.
Fashion Hack:
Buy a size up if you want that perfectly slouchy fit for layering. Want something more styled? Cinch the hoodie at the waist with a belt bag—practical and on trend.
Celebs leading the charge:
- Zendaya was seen rocking a stone-coloured Essentials Hoodie with tailored joggers.
- Harry Styles (fashion king of gender-neutral style) casually wore his Essentials under a trench coat for a relaxed yet chic vibe.
Fashion Hacks: How to Style It Right
Let’s spill the style tea. The Essentials Hoodie is more versatile than you think. Here are some quick hacks to elevate your hoodie game:
- The Luxe Lounge Look:
Match your hoodie with Essentials shorts or joggers. Add fuzzy socks and slides for that comfy-cozy chic. - Layered & Loaded:
Hoodie > collared shirt > trench = cool-meets-classy. Great for Zoom meetings or coffee dates. - Festival Ready:
Pair with cargo shorts, bold sunnies, and chunky boots. Tie-dye bucket hat? Optional, but encouraged. - Night Out Vibes:
Tuck your hoodie into faux leather trousers. Add hoops, red lips, and a cropped puffer for instant hot girl autumn.
The Celebrity Influence: Essentials on the A-List
Why is everyone from reality stars to rap royalty rocking the Essentials Hoodie? Because it’s quietly iconic. Celebs know the power of subtle flexing—no need for neon logos when you’ve got fear of God-level fit.
Spotted in the wild:
- Drake casually wore a cream Essentials hoodie at a private gig in London.
- Kendall Jenner paired hers with cycling shorts and cowboy boots for a paparazzi-proof airport look.
- Stormzy wore an all-black Essentials set in an Instagram post captioned simply “Mood.” Enough said.
Where to Buy in the UK?
Whether you’re browsing Selfridges, END Clothing, or local streetwear boutiques like Size?, the Essentials Hoodie is stocked regularly—but beware, it sells out fast. Online drops via SSENSE, MR PORTER, and Flannels are the safest bet. But when it hits retail shelves? It’s game on.
Insider tip:
Sign up for drop alerts and follow UK fashion influencers—they often leak launch times before the hype hits.
Final Verdict: Is the Essentials Hoodie Worth It?
In a word: Absolutely.
It’s gender-neutral, street-style approved, celeb-endorsed, and versatile enough to wear literally anywhere. Whether you’re layering for a chill autumn day or styling it for a night out, the Essentials Hoodie is no longer just a trend—it’s a movement.
So go ahead, throw it on. Whether you’re in London, Manchester, Leeds, or just lounging at home with a cuppa—you’re wearing a piece of fashion history.