If there’s one item that’s managed to sneak into the closets of London creatives, Manchester football fans, Leeds students, and even Bristol’s indie crowd, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. The rise of Fear of God’s Essentials line has been a slow burn that turned into an outright blaze across the UK, making the hoodie not just a comfort piece, but a cultural fashion marker.
From Shoreditch to Soho, Deansgate to Dalston, everyone’s pulling it on—and for good reason. Let’s dive into why the Essentials Hoodie is the go-to streetwear staple in Britain right now, how different cities wear it, and the trends and tips that make it a Gen Z favourite.
London: Where Streetwear Meets High Fashion
London has always been the epicentre of fashion experimentation. In Shoreditch, you’ll see oversized Essentials Hoodie layered under trench coats, paired with wide-leg cargos and chunky trainers. Over in Chelsea, the same hoodie might be dressed up with tailored trousers and loafers—because why not mix heritage style with street-ready cool?
Londoners love their neutrals—think cream, grey, taupe—and the muted tones of the Essentials range fit seamlessly into the city’s understated yet stylish aesthetic. Throw in a baseball cap or a crossbody bag, and you’ve got the quintessential London uniform: minimal, versatile, and just a little bit edgy.
Fashion Hack: For a polished London look, size up your Essentials Hoodie for that slouchy streetwear vibe, then balance it with sharp trousers and sleek accessories.
Manchester: Football Culture Meets Streetwear Cool
Manchester’s fashion DNA is laced with football culture, nightlife, and urban grit—and the Essentials Hoodie slips right into that mix. On match days, you’ll spot it under bomber jackets or paired with joggers and trainers for a casual terrace-ready fit. At night, it transitions effortlessly into the city’s buzzing bar scene.
This is the city where the hoodie gets its most laid-back, athletic spin. Expect to see black or grey Essentials Hoodies layered with puffer jackets, accessorised with fresh creps, and worn with absolute confidence. Manchester’s cool kids don’t overcomplicate it—they let the hoodie’s logo do the talking.
Celebrity Influence: Marcus Rashford has been seen rocking oversized hoodies on and off the pitch, and his Mancunian fanbase knows how to take notes. Essentials fits that football-meets-fashion sweet spot perfectly.
Leeds: The Student-City Style Playground
Leeds is where the Essentials Hoodie thrives as student uniform. With thousands of uni-goers, the hoodie offers both comfort for lectures and style for nights out. Students love the practicality—it’s cosy enough for chilly northern mornings but versatile enough to dress up with chunky jewellery or sleek outerwear.
Expect to see it in Headingley paired with Essentials shorts, or styled with baggy jeans and Doc Martens for that effortlessly cool student vibe. Leeds isn’t afraid of bold accessories either—tote bags, beanies, and statement trainers make frequent appearances alongside the hoodie.
Gen Z Edge: For Leeds’ students, the Essentials Hoodie isn’t just about fashion—it’s about sustainability and longevity. Investing in one quality hoodie that works for multiple occasions aligns with Gen Z’s conscious consumption habits.
Birmingham & Beyond: Everyday Versatility
In Birmingham, Bristol, and other major UK cities, the Essentials Hoodie’s strength is its everyday wearability. Brummies love it layered under long coats or styled with ripped jeans for a casual weekend fit. In Bristol, the hoodie takes on an indie twist, paired with vintage cargos and second-hand trainers—streetwear meets thrift culture.
The brilliance of the hoodie lies in its ability to blend into any city’s culture while still standing out as a premium piece. Whether you’re queuing for coffee in Brighton or heading to a gig in Glasgow, the Essentials Hoodie is the uniform of choice for comfort and understated style.
Why Celebrities Love the Essentials Hoodie
From Justin Bieber to Hailey Bieber, Kanye West to UK grime stars like Skepta, the Essentials Hoodie has had some serious star power behind it. In Britain, celebrities have been spotted wearing it to airports, after-parties, and even fashion week events.
The appeal is clear: it’s gender-neutral, simple, and stylish. No flashy logos, no over-the-top designs—just premium fabric, clean cuts, and a relaxed silhouette. That makes it a perfect piece for stars who want to look effortlessly cool without looking like they’re trying too hard.
The Gen Z Stamp of Approval
Why is the hoodie such a Gen Z phenomenon in the UK? A few reasons:
- Gender-Neutral Appeal: Gen Z values clothing that isn’t boxed in by gender. The oversized cut of the Essentials Hoodie means anyone can rock it, regardless of identity.
- TikTok Trends: Scroll through UK TikTok, and you’ll see countless “OOTD” (Outfit of the Day) clips featuring the hoodie styled with cargos, flared trousers, or even skirts.
- Comfort is Cool: Gen Z doesn’t buy into “suffering for fashion.” They want their clothes to look good but also feel like a hug. The Essentials Hoodie delivers both.
- Sustainability Mindset: Buying one high-quality hoodie instead of multiple fast-fashion knockoffs aligns perfectly with Gen Z values.
Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Hoodie in the UK
Here are some quick hacks to make your hoodie work for any city, any vibe:
- The Layering Trick: Pop a crisp white shirt underneath your hoodie and let the collar peek out for a smarter twist.
- The Double Hoodie: Yes, it’s a thing. Wear an oversized Essentials Hoodie under a lighter zip-up hoodie for that exaggerated streetwear layering.
- Pair with Tailoring: Balance the slouch with tailored trousers or a structured coat—instant high-low fashion.
- Accessories Matter: Crossbody bags, chunky trainers, and baseball caps add the finishing touches.
Essentials Hoodie: More Than Just Streetwear
What makes the Essentials Hoodie special is that it’s more than just another hoodie—it’s become a cultural shorthand for comfort and coolness across the UK. It’s what you wear when you want to look stylish at the airport, what you throw on for a Sunday brunch in Manchester, or what you layer up for a late-night walk in Leeds.
It’s timeless, versatile, and universally wearable—and that’s why it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.
Final Thoughts
The Essentials Hoodie has officially crossed from trend to staple in the UK. Each city has given it its own spin—London makes it chic, Manchester keeps it sporty, Leeds goes for the student aesthetic, and Bristol loves the thrift-street blend. Celebrities have cemented its place in pop culture, and Gen Z has given it the ultimate stamp of approval.
If you don’t already own one, now’s the time to join the club. Because whether you’re sipping a flat white in Shoreditch or catching a tram in Manchester, one thing’s certain: the Essentials Hoodie is Britain’s ultimate streetwear essential.