Few pieces of clothing have captured the cultural zeitgeist quite like the Essentials Hoodie. Once just another oversized jumper, it’s now a global streetwear icon seen on Gen Z trendsetters, fashion editors, and celebrities who dictate the style agenda. Comfortable yet cool, gender-neutral yet expressive, the Essentials Hoodie has become a must-have uniform across London, Los Angeles, and beyond.

So what makes this hoodie so essential? Let’s dive into the fashion waves it’s making around the world.

Celebrity Stamp of Approval

If you’ve spotted the Essentials Hoodie on Instagram, TikTok, or the red carpet, you’re not alone. A-listers have firmly co-signed this look, making it a pop-culture staple.

• In the US, Kanye West and Travis Scott have turned neutral-toned hoodies into luxury statements, pairing them with cargo trousers, chunky trainers, or even tailored coats. The hoodie has become part of their off-duty armour, often snapped by paparazzi outside studios or sneaker launches.

• In the UK, stars like Skepta, Stormzy, and Jorja Smith lean into the hoodie’s clean design, giving it a grime-meets-high-fashion twist. Worn under puffer jackets in East London or with tracksuits on a Manchester night out, it embodies that effortless British cool.

When celebrities wear it, the hoodie transcends loungewear—suddenly, it’s cultural currency.

Why Gen Z Loves It

Gen Z are driving the hype behind the Essentials Hoodie, and it’s easy to see why.

1. Gender-neutral appeal – With its oversized fit and minimal branding, the hoodie speaks to a generation that rejects rigid fashion labels. It’s not “his” or “hers”—it’s everyone’s.

2. Aesthetic versatility – Whether styled with baggy jeans for skater vibes or with pleated trousers for a smart-casual mix, the hoodie adapts.

3. Social media moments – TikTokers have dubbed it the “perfect layering piece,” racking up millions of views in styling hauls. It’s photogenic, comfy, and effortlessly cool—the holy trinity for Gen Z.

The Essentials Hoodie in the UK: London Streetwear Royalty

In London, where fashion is bold yet practical, the Essentials Hoodie is layered under trench coats, teamed with cargos, or thrown over wide-leg jeans. Streetwear boutiques like Selfridges and END Clothing stock it alongside Off-White and Palm Angels, making it a key player in the British high-street-luxury crossover.

Meanwhile, in Manchester, where the music scene drives style, the hoodie pairs perfectly with Air Max trainers, puffer jackets, and crossbody bags. It’s not just fashion—it’s part of the UK’s urban identity.

Shopping tip for UK readers: if you want to skip the queues, keep an eye on online drops from END, or hit resale platforms like Depop or Grailed where these hoodies often sell out within minutes.

The Essentials Hoodie in the US: West Coast to East Coast

Across the pond, the hoodie dominates in Los Angeles and New York, each city giving it its own spin.

• Los Angeles: Think minimalist styling with biker shorts, Yeezys, and oversized shades. Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, and Justin Bieber have all been spotted in their favourite Essentials hoodie while running errands in Beverly Hills.

• New York: The hoodie meets the hustle, layered under leather jackets or paired with wide-leg trousers and Timberlands. Streetwear aficionados treat it as a layering essential for the city’s unpredictable seasons.

If you’re shopping stateside, look to PacSun or Nordstrom for official drops. And if you’re into hype culture, keep tabs on StockX or GOAT—though be ready to pay resale prices.

How to Style It: Fashion Hacks

The beauty of the Essentials Hoodie lies in its blank-canvas appeal. Here are a few styling tricks:

• Layer smartly – Throw it under a trench coat in autumn or a puffer in winter for that streetwear-meets-sophistication balance.

• Play with proportions – Pair the oversized fit with slim jeans or shorts for contrast, or double down with baggy cargos for a true Gen Z silhouette.

• Accessorise boldly – Bucket hats, chunky chains, or statement trainers instantly elevate the otherwise minimal hoodie.

• Office casual – Yes, you can! Style it under a blazer with tailored trousers for a new-wave business-casual look.

Cultural Influence: More Than Just a Hoodie

The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just popular because it looks good—it also represents cultural shifts:

• Comfort is cool: Post-pandemic, the line between loungewear and streetwear has blurred. Essentials has mastered this blend.

• Luxury goes minimal: Instead of loud logos, fashion lovers are leaning into understated branding—quiet luxury for the streetwear era.

• Community status symbol: From London’s drill scene to LA’s skate parks, rocking the hoodie signals you’re in tune with modern culture.

The Gender-Neutral Power Move

One of the most refreshing aspects of the Essentials Hoodie is its genderless design. Fashion is finally catching up to the reality that style isn’t binary. The oversized silhouette works across body types, and its colour palette (beige, grey, black, cream) appeals universally.

Couples often share one, influencers style it unisex, and resale listings rarely specify gender sizing. It’s proof that the future of fashion is inclusive—and comfortable.

Final Word: Why It’s Here to Stay

The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a cultural anchor. It ticks every modern box: sustainable longevity (it never looks dated), celebrity endorsements, social media clout, and accessibility across genders.

From London’s underground music scene to LA’s paparazzi corners, it’s a garment that unites different worlds under one neutral-toned hood.

So, whether you’re browsing Selfridges, scrolling through PacSun, or trawling resale apps at 2am, one thing’s certain: the Essentials Hoodie isn’t just essential—it’s iconic.