If there’s one piece of clothing that has completely taken over wardrobes from London to Leeds, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. Once seen as just another casual throw-on, this heavyweight cotton masterpiece has now graduated into the fashion hall of fame. Loved by Gen Z, worshipped by hypebeasts, and secretly adored by celebrities (yes, even the ones who swear they don’t do casual), the Essentials Hoodie is the ultimate streetwear status symbol.

But here’s where it gets interesting: the way it’s styled shifts dramatically depending on where you are in the UK. From East London street corners to the indie-charged lanes of Manchester, each city puts its own spin on the iconic hoodie. And because fashion is culture—and culture is vibe—we’re here to break it all down for you.

London: The High-Low Streetwear Capital

London has always been at the intersection of streetwear and high fashion, and the        Essentials Hoodie thrives in this mash-up. Picture Shoreditch creatives pairing the hoodie with oversized cargos, vintage Nike Dunks, and bucket hats. Or Chelsea fashionistas layering it under trench coats with designer totes swinging casually from their arms.

Celebrity influences play a big part here—think Skepta, Stormzy, and even Bella Hadid spotted in London rocking the oversized hoodie with baggy jeans and statement trainers. In London, it’s less about blending in and more about balancing minimalism with maximalist accessories.

Style tip for Londoners: Layer your Essentials Hoodie under a blazer for that smart-casual clash that screams, “I’m off to a gallery opening, but I could also headline a rap show.”

Manchester: Indie Meets Urban Cool

Manchester has always had its own fashion heartbeat—gritty, music-driven, and unapologetically northern. The Essentials Hoodie here often pairs with retro football shirts, oversized puffer jackets, and classic Adidas trainers (yes, terrace culture never dies).

The city’s student-heavy vibe means affordability and authenticity are key. You’ll spot hoodies thrown over cycling shorts at gigs, or dressed up with leather trousers and hoops on a night out. Mancunians embrace the hoodie as part of their effortless-cool uniform.

Style tip for Mancunians: Go bold with colour-blocking. Pair a neutral-toned Essentials Hoodie with bright beanies or statement sneakers. It’s a perfect nod to the city’s music-led, boundary-pushing vibe.

Leeds: Vintage Edge Meets Modern Streetwear

Leeds has quietly become one of the UK’s most underrated fashion hubs. The Essentials Hoodie here often finds itself mixed with thrifted gems—think second-hand Levi’s, charity shop finds, and oversized biker jackets. The student crowd at Leeds Uni is especially known for mixing vintage with new-wave streetwear.

It’s not unusual to see an Essentials Hoodie layered under a retro denim jacket, with Doc Martens stomping the cobbled streets of Call Lane. Leeds’ fashion scene feels rebellious but practical, making the hoodie both a statement piece and a comfort essential for those Yorkshire winters.

Style tip for Leeds locals: Play with proportions. Oversized hoodie on top, slim-fit trousers on bottom. Or flip it: cropped hoodie with baggy trousers. Balance is everything.

Birmingham: Bold, Brash, and Confident

In Birmingham, the Essentials Hoodie is less about subtle layering and more about making a statement. Brummies lean into bold streetwear fits, pairing hoodies with monogram tracksuits, loud trainers, and standout jewellery. The city’s multicultural fashion DNA means influences from Afro-Caribbean, Asian, and Middle Eastern cultures mix seamlessly with British street style.

Celebrities like Central Cee and AJ Tracey (often spotted in Brum) play into this boldness, showing that a hoodie doesn’t need to be basic—it can be the star of the show.

Style tip for Brummies: Accessorise. Add chunky chains, caps, or crossbody bags to make your hoodie look intentional and put-together, not just “I rolled out of bed.”

Celebrity Influence: Why the Hoodie Went Viral

From Justin Bieber (who literally helped popularise the Fear of God Essentials line) to Hailey Bieber, Rihanna, and Drake, the Essentials Hoodie has become a red-carpet-off-duty staple. UK celebrities aren’t far behind either—Stormzy, Maya Jama, and even the royals’ cool cousins (yes, you, Princess Eugenie) have been spotted rocking streetwear staples.

TikTok has also fuelled the hoodie hype, with influencers styling it in endless “Get Ready With Me” videos. For Gen Z, the hoodie isn’t just fashion—it’s a cultural mood board of comfort, confidence, and clout.

Gender-Neutral Appeal: Fashion Without Rules

One of the most beautiful things about the Essentials Hoodie is its genderless design. Oversized, boxy cuts mean anyone can wear it without worrying about fit. In fact, the looser the better. Gen Z especially champions fashion without boundaries, and the hoodie has become a unisex staple—styled by anyone, for anyone.

Want to go sporty? Pair it with Essentials shorts and Air Force 1s. Want to go chic? Layer it with wide-leg trousers and chunky loafers. Want to go cosy? Just wear it with joggers and a coffee cup the size of your head.

Gen Z’s Love Affair with the Hoodie

For Gen Z, fashion is about more than clothes—it’s about identity, community, and comfort. The Essentials Hoodie ticks all the boxes:

• Minimalist aesthetic (Instagram-friendly).

• Streetwear credibility (hype-worthy).

• Comfort-first design (perfect for all-nighters or Netflix marathons).

• Sustainability points (quality basics that last longer).

It’s also the perfect blank canvas for self-expression. Add pins, layer chains, or crop it at home—Gen Z loves making it their own.

Fashion Hacks: Taking Your Essentials Hoodie to the Next Level

• Layer Smart: Pair it under trench coats in winter or with denim jackets in spring.

• Sneaker Match: Match your trainers to your hoodie shade for a put-together look.

• Accessorise: Crossbody bags, chunky jewellery, and caps elevate the fit.

• Play with Fit: Oversized hoodie with slim trousers, or cropped hoodie with baggy jeans—contrast is key.

• Monochrome Mood: Go full head-to-toe neutral for a sleek, Instagrammable vibe.

The Final Word: Why the Essentials Hoodie Reigns Supreme in the UK

From London’s art crowd to Manchester’s gig-goers, from Leeds’ vintage lovers to Birmingham’s bold dressers, the Essentials Hoodie has cemented itself as the ultimate British streetwear staple. It’s more than a hoodie—it’s a cultural connector, blending music, fashion, and identity into one oversized, cosy, endlessly stylish piece.

So, whether you’re sipping coffee in Soho, heading to a rave in Manchester, thrifting in Leeds, or repping big style in Brum—make no mistake: the Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a trend, it’s a fashion revolution.