If there’s one fashion item that’s quietly conquered wardrobes across the UK — from the bold streets of London to the laid-back vibes of Leeds — it’s the Essentials Hoodie. What started as a minimalist take on streetwear by Fear of God’s Jerry Lorenzo has become a global symbol of cool, comfort, and cultural clout.
This isn’t just another hoodie — it’s the hoodie. Let’s dive into how the Essentials Hoodie has found its way into the UK’s city scenes, shaped Gen Z trends, and become the unisex must-have everyone’s wearing.
London: The Capital of Effortless Street Luxe
London is always one step ahead when it comes to streetwear. Here, the Essentials Hoodie blends seamlessly into the city’s melting pot of fashion — worn by skaters in Shoreditch, stylists in Soho, and students hustling through Camden.
Pair it with baggy cargo trousers, chunky trainers, and a sleek trench coat for that quintessential London look — a mix of comfort and understated luxury. Think Bella Hadid meets East End creative.
London influencers and musicians have been spotted rocking the Essentials Hoodie, often styling it with oversized blazers or puffer jackets. The look screams “I woke up like this,” but we all know it’s curated perfection.
Fashion hack: Go for neutral tones like grey, taupe, or cream — they’re timeless, easy to layer, and match the city’s moody aesthetic. Bonus: they look great against the London skyline for that effortless Insta snap.
Manchester: Sporty, Street, and Seriously Cool
Up north, Manchester’s fashion DNA is pure attitude. This city loves its streetwear — and the Essentials Hoodie fits right in with its sporty-meets-gritty vibe.
Here, it’s less about looking polished and more about repping authenticity. You’ll see locals pairing their hoodies with Essentials tracksuits, joggers, and classic Nike Air Max — the ultimate combo for a day in the Northern Quarter or a night out in Deansgate.
With Manchester’s unpredictable weather, the Essentials Hoodie doubles up as a layering hero. Toss it under a windbreaker or a denim jacket, and you’re sorted for that spontaneous drizzle.
Style tip: For an edgy twist, go monochrome. A black Essentials Hoodie with matching black cargos and fresh white trainers? That’s pure Manc energy.
Leeds: Relaxed, Youthful, and Effortlessly On-Trend
Leeds is known for its casual yet cool student culture — and nothing embodies that energy better than the Essentials Hoodie. Whether it’s brunch in Headingley or browsing vintage racks in Call Lane, this piece gives off the perfect mix of comfort and confidence.
Gen Z fashion in Leeds is all about relaxed silhouettes and sustainable choices. The Essentials Hoodie, with its minimalist branding and high-quality materials, ticks both boxes. It’s not flashy — but it’s a statement in itself.
Pro tip: Layer your hoodie over Essentials shorts in warmer months for that easy festival look. Add a pair of retro sunglasses, and you’re Leeds Festival ready without even trying.
Birmingham: Where Urban Meets Elevated
Birmingham’s fashion scene is bold, creative, and unapologetically diverse — a perfect match for the Essentials Hoodie. From the Digbeth street markets to The Bullring’s high-street flair, the city knows how to mix high and low fashion.
Locals love pairing the hoodie with wide-leg jeans or Essentials sweatpants, finished with sleek accessories — think mini handbags, chunky jewellery, and a bold lip for contrast. It’s that perfect balance of urban grit and fashion-forward finesse.
Birmingham’s rising TikTok fashion influencers have helped push the Essentials brand into the spotlight, often styling the hoodie in “fit checks” that get thousands of likes. The message? You don’t need to overdo it to look stylish — the hoodie does the talking.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Speaks to Gen Z
Gen Z’s fashion mantra is simple: comfort, authenticity, and versatility — three words that sum up the Essentials Hoodie perfectly. This generation doesn’t just follow trends; they remix them.
They’re also big on gender-neutral fashion, and the Essentials Hoodie sits right at the heart of that movement. It’s not defined by shape, size, or gender — just by how you wear it. Whether cropped, oversized, or tucked into cargos, it adapts to every personality and aesthetic.
Plus, Gen Z loves a good minimalist moment. The understated “ESSENTIALS” logo has become a quiet flex — a signal of taste, not flashiness. In a world where loud branding is fading, subtle luxury reigns supreme.
Celebrity Influence: From Bieber to Beckham
If you’ve scrolled through Instagram lately, chances are you’ve seen your favourite celebs rocking the Essentials Hoodie. Justin Bieber, Hailey Bieber, Kanye West, and even David Beckham have all been spotted in various Fear of God Essentials pieces — proving that comfort and coolness can absolutely coexist.
In the UK, stars like Stormzy and Aitch have embraced the hoodie culture too, often wearing it during studio sessions or off-duty appearances. Their influence trickles down to the streets, where fans and fashion lovers reinterpret their looks in everyday settings.
Fashion inspo: Take a cue from Hailey Bieber — pair your Essentials Hoodie with biker shorts, sleek sunnies, and chunky sneakers for that off-duty model look that never fails.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
Gone are the days when hoodies were strictly “his” or “hers.” The Essentials Hoodie is designed for everyone — its oversized silhouette and soft cotton fleece make it universally flattering.
Couples love twinning in matching colours (beige and charcoal are UK favourites), while many fashion-forward individuals use it as a blank canvas to express their style — layered with accessories, scarves, or even over dresses for a creative twist.
This genderless approach aligns perfectly with the UK’s growing love for unisex fashion — where identity and expression matter more than labels.
How to Style Your Essentials Hoodie Like a Pro
So, you’ve got your Essentials Hoodie — now what? Here are a few styling hacks to elevate your look:
- Layer it up – Pair your hoodie under a long coat or bomber jacket for that London high-street edge.
- Mix textures – Combine with leather trousers or corduroy pants to add depth to your outfit.
- Keep it clean – The hoodie’s power lies in its simplicity, so stick to minimal accessories and neutral tones.
- Go athleisure – Match it with Essentials tracksuit bottoms or shorts for that effortless weekend fit.
- Accessorise smartly – Add a beanie, crossbody bag, or gold hoops for subtle street-style flair.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Isn’t Just a Trend — It’s a Movement
The beauty of the Essentials Hoodie lies in its timelessness. It’s not bound by season, gender, or occasion — it’s about feeling confident in your own skin while keeping comfort at the forefront.
From London’s edgy fashion scene to Manchester’s streetwear energy and Leeds’ laid-back charm, the hoodie has evolved into a cultural statement — one that unites style lovers across the UK.
It’s proof that sometimes, the most essential pieces are the ones that never try too hard — and that’s exactly why the Essentials Hoodie has become a modern British wardrobe staple.
Final Thoughts
In the ever-changing world of UK fashion, trends come and go — but the Essentials Hoodie stays. It’s the perfect blend of comfort, style, and self-expression, loved by Gen Z, embraced by celebrities, and worn by everyone from Shoreditch creatives to Manchester football fans.
So, next time you’re heading out, skip the fuss — throw on your Essentials Hoodie, grab your trainers, and let your confidence do the rest. After all, in Britain’s fashion game, less really is more.
