If there’s one fashion piece that has quietly (yet powerfully) taken over Britain’s streets, coffee shops, and TikTok feeds, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. Born from Fear of God’s laid-back aesthetic and elevated basics, the hoodie has transcended its American roots to become a firm UK favourite. Whether you’re strolling through Shoreditch, catching a gig in Manchester, or grabbing a coffee in Leeds, the Essentials Hoodie is everywhere – and for good reason.
London: Streetwear Meets High Fashion
London has always been the city where streetwear collides with couture, and the Essentials Hoodie fits right into that narrative. On the streets of Shoreditch and Hackney, you’ll spot the hoodie paired with oversized cargos, chunky trainers, and crossbody bags. Meanwhile, in Chelsea or Mayfair, the same hoodie gets styled with tailored trousers, sleek sneakers, and gold jewellery – proving its versatility across the city’s fashion spectrum.
Celebrity influence? Just look at the likes of Skepta, Stormzy, and even international icons like Hailey Bieber, who have all been spotted rocking Fear of God Essentials. In London, it’s the perfect balance of effortless cool and luxury understatement.
Style tip: Go for neutral tones like oatmeal, black, or grey for that timeless London chic. Add a trench coat on top when it rains (which, let’s be honest, is most days).
Manchester: Music, Nightlife, and Hoodie Culture
Manchester’s fashion DNA is rooted in music and nightlife, and the Essentials Hoodie has found its tribe here. From the indie rock scene to the city’s buzzing grime culture, the hoodie is worn as a badge of authenticity. At an after-party in the Northern Quarter, you’ll see it thrown on over wide-leg jeans, styled with vintage kicks, and accessorised with beanies.
Gen Z Mancunians are especially obsessed – they’ll often pair it with oversized denim jackets or bomber jackets, creating that perfectly layered look for the unpredictable northern weather.
Fashion hack: Size up for that relaxed, slouchy vibe. Manchester loves comfort that doubles as attitude.
Leeds: Laid-Back but Fashion-Forward
Leeds has always had a knack for balancing relaxed style with fashion-forward thinking. The Essentials Hoodie is a student staple here, especially around Headingley and Hyde Park. University crowds wear it with leggings, biker shorts, or wide-leg joggers, making it the ultimate campus-to-night-out essential.
Leeds also embraces gender-neutral fashion, and the hoodie’s oversized cut works seamlessly for everyone. No wonder it’s so popular with Gen Z, who value inclusivity as much as aesthetics.
Style tip: Pair your Essentials Hoodie with Essentials shorts when summer hits. Add chunky white trainers, and you’re set for a day out by Roundhay Park or a casual night at Call Lane.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Has Taken Over the UK
The hoodie’s appeal isn’t just about comfort (though the soft cotton blend is a dream). It’s about what it represents:
- Gender-neutral design: Its oversized fit means anyone can pull it off.
- Timeless minimalism: No flashy logos, just understated branding.
- Pop-culture credibility: Worn by celebrities, influencers, and everyday style icons alike.
- Gen Z-approved: With its sustainable vibes and unisex approach, it ticks all the boxes for the trend-conscious younger crowd.
Celebrity Influence: From LA to the UK
Let’s face it – the celebrity stamp of approval has been a huge factor in the Essentials Hoodie’s rise. Kanye West, Justin Bieber, and Bella Hadid all made Fear of God a household name across the Atlantic. In the UK, stars like Dave, AJ Tracey, and Central Cee have championed the look, cementing its status in the British streetwear scene.
Social media has only amplified the hype. On TikTok and Instagram Reels, you’ll find endless outfit inspo vids featuring Essentials Hoodies styled for everything from coffee runs to airport fits.
Fashion Hacks: Getting the Most Out of Your Essentials Hoodie
Want to take your hoodie game to the next level? Here are some editor-approved hacks:
- Layer It Right: Wear under a trench, leather jacket, or even a tailored blazer for that smart-casual mix.
- Go Monochrome: Match your hoodie with Essentials shorts or joggers in the same shade for a clean, elevated co-ord.
- Mix Textures: Balance the soft cotton with leather trousers, satin skirts, or structured outerwear.
- Sneaker Match: Essentials Hoodies work best with chunky sneakers, but don’t shy away from Dr. Martens for an edgier look.
- Accessorise: Gold hoops, caps, or sleek sunglasses can transform the hoodie from laid-back to fashion-forward in seconds.
Cultural Trends: The Rise of Elevated Basics
In the UK, fashion is moving towards “quiet luxury” – pieces that are simple yet high-quality, worn by those who know. The Essentials Hoodie fits this perfectly. It’s not loud or logo-heavy, but people recognise it. It tells the world: I care about style, but I’m not trying too hard.
For Gen Z and millennials alike, the hoodie also represents sustainability. Rather than buying ten fast-fashion hoodies, investing in one high-quality piece feels more authentic and long-lasting.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
Fashion in 2025 is more fluid than ever, and the Essentials Hoodie thrives in that space. It doesn’t lean masculine or feminine – it’s simply versatile. Whether you’re styling it oversized with cycling shorts or layering it under a bomber with cargos, it adapts to whoever’s wearing it.
This inclusivity makes it especially beloved in cities like Brighton and Bristol, where gender-neutral fashion is embraced wholeheartedly.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Hoodie
The Essentials Hoodie is more than just a comfy layer – it’s a cultural marker. In London, it’s streetwear-meets-high-fashion. In Manchester, it’s music-scene-approved. In Leeds, it’s a student staple. Across the UK, it’s the ultimate unisex piece, worn by celebrities and everyday fashion lovers alike.
So, whether you’re sipping an oat latte in Shoreditch, catching a gig in Manchester, or revising for finals in Leeds, the Essentials Hoodie is your perfect plus-one.
Because let’s be honest – some trends fade, but comfort-meets-style? That’s forever.