If there’s one name that has quietly (but oh-so-powerfully) cemented its place in global streetwear, it’s Essentials Clothing. Born from Jerry Lorenzo’s Fear of God vision, Essentials has become more than just hoodies and tracksuits—it’s a lifestyle. Loved by celebrities, styled by Gen Z, and embraced across cultures, the brand has proven that simplicity, comfort, and style aren’t mutually exclusive.
So, how did Essentials Clothing become the ultimate wardrobe staple, and why is everyone from London to Los Angeles sporting it? Let’s dive into its journey, its appeal, and how you can style it like a pro.
The Celebrity Seal of Approval
Celebrities are the ultimate tastemakers, and Essentials Clothing has some serious star power behind it.
- In the US, names like Travis Scott, Kanye West, and Hailey Bieber have all been spotted in Essentials hoodies and joggers, proving the brand’s unisex and versatile charm. Whether it’s Travis pairing an oversized hoodie with cargos or Hailey rocking the hoodie-and-bike-shorts combo, they’ve turned Essentials into an A-list favourite.
- In the UK, artists like Skepta, Dave, and Stormzy have also been spotted rocking Essentials—particularly in neutral tones that align perfectly with London’s understated streetwear culture. Even fashion-forward celebs like Jodie Comer and Daniel Kaluuya have given the brand their nod, cementing its place in both music and film circles.
Simply put: when the world’s most stylish are making it their off-duty uniform, you know it’s a wardrobe must-have.
How Gen Z Made Essentials the It-Brand
For Gen Z, fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about identity. Essentials ticks all the boxes:
- Gender-neutral silhouettes → No more worrying about “men’s” or “women’s” labels. Oversized hoodies, wide-leg sweats, and relaxed tees are designed for everyone.
- TikTok-worthy looks → Essentials has become a social media darling. Hauls, styling hacks, and “get ready with me” videos featuring the iconic block-letter logo rack up millions of views.
- Affordable luxury → Compared to its parent label Fear of God, Essentials sits at a more accessible price point. For Gen Z shoppers balancing style and budget, it’s the sweet spot between high-end designer and everyday wear.
This generation thrives on effortless style, and Essentials Clothing is the ultimate blank canvas for self-expression.
Fashion Hacks: Styling Your Essentials Like a Pro
Wearing Essentials isn’t just about throwing on a hoodie—it’s about how you style it. Here are a few hacks to elevate your look:
1. Layer It Up
- Pair an Essentials hoodie under an oversized leather jacket for instant edge.
- In colder months, add a trench coat over an Essentials tracksuit—it screams “street style chic.”
2. Mix High and Low
- Team your Essentials joggers with luxury sneakers (think Balenciaga or Off-White) for that “effortless flex.”
- Alternatively, dress it down with classic Vans or Converse for a casual vibe.
3. Accessorise Smart
- Crossbody bags, chunky trainers, and statement sunglasses turn a basic hoodie into a full streetwear look.
- Gold chains or layered necklaces can instantly make the muted tones pop.
4. Play with Sizing
Essentials is famous for oversized cuts. Go a size up for that slouchy, relaxed look, or balance it out with fitted bottoms for contrast.
Essentials in the UK: London Streets to Manchester Beats
In the UK, Essentials Clothing has found a natural home within the thriving streetwear culture. Cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham are hotbeds for fashion that merges music, sport, and lifestyle—and Essentials sits right in the middle.
- Shopping hotspots: You’ll find Essentials stocked in high-end retailers like Selfridges and END Clothing, both of which have helped push the brand from niche to mainstream.
- Celebrity influence: Rappers like Central Cee and Stormzy have been key in giving Essentials its UK street cred, often pairing it with Nike Air Max or Jordan trainers.
- Styling vibe: Brits tend to favour muted palettes—beige, grey, black—which fits Essentials’ minimalist aesthetic perfectly. Pair an Essentials sweatshirt with cargos and a puffer, and you’ve nailed the London streetwear look.
Essentials in the US: From LA Cool to New York Edge
Across the pond, Essentials has exploded in popularity thanks to America’s celebrity-driven fashion scene.
- Shopping spots: You can grab the latest drops at PacSun and Nordstrom, both of which make Essentials accessible to the everyday shopper while keeping its exclusive appeal.
- Celebrity influence: From Kanye West’s monochrome fits to Travis Scott’s laid-back energy, Essentials Clothing has been championed as the go-to off-duty uniform for artists and athletes alike.
- Styling vibe: In LA, it’s all about athleisure chic—think oversized hoodie, shorts, and Yeezys. In New York, it leans more layered: hoodie under a trench or with leather boots for a sharper street look.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the reasons Essentials Clothing resonates so widely is its refusal to be boxed into “menswear” or “womenswear.” Oversized fits, relaxed cuts, and earthy tones mean anyone can wear it, style it, and own it.
It’s not about body type or gender—it’s about vibe. That’s why you’ll see both men and women rocking the exact same hoodie, each giving it their personal twist.
Cultural Trends: Minimalism Meets Streetwear
In a world oversaturated with loud logos and flashy prints, Essentials stands out by doing the opposite. Its minimalist branding and muted colours embody a cultural shift towards quiet luxury.
This is fashion’s way of saying: “I don’t need to shout to be stylish.”
And with the rise of comfort-first fashion—especially post-pandemic—Essentials Clothing has become the uniform for those who want to look good while feeling even better.
Why Essentials Clothing Works Everywhere
Whether you’re grabbing coffee in Shoreditch, heading to a gig in Manchester, shopping in LA, or hustling through NYC, Essentials Clothing works for every occasion. Its power lies in versatility:
- Casual day out → Hoodie + joggers + trainers.
- Smart-casual → Essentials tee + tailored trousers + statement jacket.
- Travel look → Oversized sweatshirt + shorts + slides = airport chic.
It’s the kind of wardrobe staple that transcends geography, culture, and trend cycles.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Streetwear
Essentials Clothing isn’t just a label—it’s a cultural movement. From the UK’s underground music scene to Hollywood’s off-duty looks, it’s a brand that unites fashion lovers across the globe.
With its celebrity endorsements, gender-neutral designs, and timeless appeal, Essentials has gone from being a streetwear sidekick to a bona fide fashion hero.
So, whether you’re picking up your first hoodie from Selfridges in London or browsing a new drop at PacSun in LA, remember: Essentials is more than clothing—it’s an attitude.
