The Ultimate Guide to the Essentials Hoodie: Why Everyone’s Wearing It in the UK

Whether you’re queueing for brunch in Shoreditch, grabbing coffee in Manchester, or posting up in a cosy flat in Glasgow, you’ve probably spotted it: the Essentials hoodie. It’s oversized, undeniably comfy, and has become something of a cultural uniform for Gen Z, style-savvy adults and even your favourite celebs. But what’s the story behind this wardrobe staple? And how has it become such a must-have in the UK fashion scene?

If you’re curious about how to wear it, who’s wearing it, and how to style it with maximum cool points, you’ve landed in exactly the right place. Let’s dive in.

What Is the Essentials Hoodie Anyway?

Originally part of Fear of God’s Essentials line, the Essentials hoodie is all about effortless cool — graphic logos, neutral tones, oversized silhouettes and that ‘just-threw-this-on’ vibe. It walks the line between streetwear and elevated casual, which helps explain why everyone from TikTok fashion geeks to A-list celebs are all over it.

In the UK, the Essentials hoodie isn’t just a piece of clothing — it’s become a sort of cultural signal. It says, “I care about how I look, but I’m too cool to try too hard.”

Celebrity Influence: Who’s Wearing the Essentials Hoodie?

Celebrity influence cannot be underestimated here. In the UK and beyond, countless stars have been spotted in Essentials hoodie, bringing serious mainstream attention to this once-niche piece.

Global Icons, British Streets

From Hailey Bieber to Justin Bieber, celebrities have been spotted pairing oversized Essentials hoodies with everything from tailored trousers to biker shorts. The result? A style that’s simultaneously cool, cosy and unintimidating.

In the UK, influencers and celebs like Maya Jama and AJ Odudu have shown how to wear it with flair — think monochrome tracksuits or popping the hoodie over a slip dress for a high-low fashion twist.

Even footballers — big in British culture — such as Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold have been snapped in Essentials on and off the pitch, proving the hoodie’s crossover appeal into everyday street style.

The Gen Z Effect: Why It’s So Loved

If you scroll TikTok, Instagram or Pinterest, you’ll see a recurring theme: the Essentials hoodie aesthetic.

Gen Z’s love for the hoodie comes down to a few trends:

1. Comfort Meets Cool

With lockdown culture still influencing wardrobes, comfort remains king. But Gen Z doesn’t stop at baggy joggers and slippers — they elevate comfy pieces with styling and attitude.

2. TikTok Styling Hacks

From ‘drape-it’ looks to belting oversized hoodies for a feminine silhouette, TikTokers are constantly reinventing how to wear it.

3. Gender-Neutral Everything

Gen Z loves breaking rules — especially in fashion. The Essentials hoodie’s unisex fit and neutral colours play right into this: everyone can wear it, and make it their look.

Styling the Essentials Hoodie: Top Tips

Here’s where the fun really begins. The Essentials hoodie is a blank canvas — here’s how to paint your vibe.

1. Streetwear Chic

For that effortlessly cool London look:

• Pair with wide-leg joggers
  
  

• Chunky trainers (think Balenciaga Triple S or Nike M2Ks)
  
  

• A cross-body bag
  
  

• A baseball cap
  
  

This is classic urban edge style.

2. Elevated Casual

If you’re after a more polished take:

• Wear with tailored trousers
  
  

• Add loafers or sleek trainers
  
  

• Layer a long coat over the hoodie
  
  

This high-low contrast feels modern and intentional.

3. Feminine Twist

Who says hoodies can’t be flirty?

• Match with a silk slip skirt
  
  

• Add ankle boots
  
  

• Finish with delicate jewellery
  
  

Instant date-night vibes, hoodie included.

4. Monochrome Magic

Pick a colour — cream, black, grey — and style head-to-toe. Monochrome is minimal yet impactful.

Gender-Neutral Appeal

One of the coolest things about the Essentials hoodie? It looks amazing on everyone.

Unisex pieces are defining modern British style. Whether you identify as male, female, non-binary, or somewhere in between, this hoodie feels inclusive — and that’s part of its viral appeal.

Styling is personal, but most people treat it like a key wardrobe piece that adapts to:

• Tops
  
  

• Outerwear
  
  

• Layering
  
  

• Different body sizes
  
  

The mantra? Wear what feels good.

Color Choices: What’s Hot in the UK

Essentials hoodies often come in clean, earthy tones — neutral, wearable, versatile. In the UK, the most popular shades include:

• Black — timeless, slimming, effortless
  
  

• Cream/Beige — soft, chic, perfect for minimalist vibes
  
  

• Charcoal Grey — luxe casual
  
  

• Olive / Tan — subtle yet standout
  
  

These colours mix easily with the rest of your wardrobe — essential if you’re building a capsule closet.

Fashion Hacks You Need to Know

If you really want to stand out, here are some insider styling hacks:

1. Hoodie Over Blazer

For a fashion-forward street meets smart contrast, layer the hoodie under a tailored blazer. Think Savile Row meets Shoreditch.

2. Belted Oversized Hoodie

Grab a belt and cinch it at the waist for structure. Suddenly, your hoodie isn’t just comfy — it’s couture.

3. Hoodie + Mini Skirt + Boots

This combo is peak Gen Z edit — warm, cosy and a little rebellious.

4. Double Hoodies? Yes.

Yes, you can layer two hoodies — just make sure the colours work. Black under cream creates depth and dimension.

Caring for Your Essentials Hoodie

Let’s be honest — you’ll wear it a lot. So here are some quick care tips:

• Wash cold to preserve colour
  
  

• Turn inside out to protect print/logo
  
  

• Avoid tumble dry when possible (keeps it from shrinking)
  
  

A well-looked-after hoodie stays soft, fresh and worth the price tag.

Where to Wear Your Essentials Hoodie in the UK

This is a hoodie with no limits. You can wear it:

• Brunching in Notting Hill
  
  

• Coffee dates in Manchester Northern Quarter
  
  

• Casual office days (if your workplace allows)
  
  

• Festivals or gigs
  
  

• Travel days — airports, trains, cars
  
  

The vibe is always laid-back but cool.

The Hoodie as a Cultural Symbol

This isn’t just a piece of clothing. In 2026 Britain, the Essentials hoodie means something.

It’s:

• A nod to streetwear culture
  
  

• A Gen Z staple
  
  

• A gender-neutral fashion staple
  
  

• A blend of comfort and cool
  
  

Brands like Fear of God — and the influencers who champion these styles — have helped redefine how we think about everyday wear. For many, the Essentials hoodie is now a basic in the best possible way.

Final Thoughts: Why the Essentials Hoodie Is Here to Stay

What started as a niche streetwear piece has become a unifying force in contemporary fashion — especially in the UK. Its blend of:

• Comfort
  
  

• Style flexibility
  
  

• Celebrity endorsement
  
  

• Gender-inclusive design
  
  

• TikTok-fuelled trends

…makes it more than just clothing — it’s a cultural moment.

So whether you’re buying your first Essentials hoodie or curating your third colourway, remember: this isn’t just fashion — it’s your fashion story.

Wear it bold. Wear it your way. And most of all — wear it with confidence.