If there’s one fashion piece dominating the streets, TikTok feeds, and even celebrity airport looks right now, it’s the Essentials Hoodie. Cozy yet cool, gender-neutral yet statement-making, this iconic piece from Fear of God’s Essentials line has gone from being a simple hoodie to a full-blown cultural phenomenon in the United States. From New York’s fashion-forward neighborhoods to the laid-back vibes of Los Angeles, the Essentials Hoodie has cemented itself as the must-have wardrobe staple.

But why exactly is everyone—celebrities, influencers, Gen Z trendsetters, and even your neighbour—rocking this hoodie? Let’s break it down.

Coast to Coast: How the Essentials Hoodie Is Worn Across the U.S.

Fashion is never a one-size-fits-all in America, and the Essentials Hoodie has taken on different personalities depending on the city.

• New York City: In the fashion capital, the hoodie is styled with oversized trench coats, cargo pants, and chunky sneakers. Think Soho street style meets downtown cool. Add a tote bag and you’re basically front row ready at Fashion Week.

• Los Angeles: Out west, it’s all about athleisure chic. LA locals pair their hoodies with biker shorts, designer sunglasses, and slides. It’s the uniform for post-yoga coffee runs and celebrity-spotting at Erewhon.

• Chicago: In the Windy City, layering is everything. Chicagoans throw the Essentials Hoodie under puffers or leather jackets to battle the cold, keeping it both practical and stylish.

• Miami: Down south, it’s worn lightweight and breezy—paired with shorts, bucket hats, and slides for a laid-back beach-meets-city vibe.

• Texas & Beyond: In Dallas or Houston, it leans more streetwear-inspired, styled with distressed denim, snapbacks, and high-top kicks.

Celebrity Stamp of Approval

The rise of the Essentials Hoodie wouldn’t be the same without its A-list fanbase. Celebrities have essentially (pun intended) given it the seal of approval, making it a pop-culture powerhouse.

• Kanye West & Justin Bieber have been spotted wearing the hoodie in muted, oversized tones—proof that minimalism is in.

• Hailey Bieber often pairs hers with sleek leggings and gold hoops, balancing cozy with chic.

• Kendall Jenner takes the hoodie from gym to street by layering it with long coats and stylish sneakers.

• Drake has been known to rock the hoodie courtside, proving it’s as suitable for celebrity downtime as it is for flexing at an event.

When celebrities co-sign a brand, it’s more than fashion—it’s culture. The Essentials Hoodie is now shorthand for “I’m effortlessly stylish without even trying.”

Why Gen Z Loves It

No one has championed the Essentials Hoodie more than Gen Z. Here’s why it clicks with them:

• Gender-Neutral Appeal: Gen Z thrives on inclusivity, and the Essentials Hoodie delivers. Oversized fits, neutral tones, and minimalist branding mean it works for literally everyone.

• Social Media Buzz: The hoodie is a TikTok darling, with users showing styling hacks, thrift hauls, and unboxings. A single “Get Ready With Me” video featuring an Essentials Hoodie can rack up millions of views.

• Investment in Quality: Unlike fast fashion, Essentials pieces are built to last. For a generation conscious of sustainability, this hoodie hits the mark.

• The “Quiet Luxury” Trend: Minimalist logos and muted colors align perfectly with the “if you know, you know” aesthetic Gen Z is all about.

Fashion Hacks: How to Style Your Essentials Hoodie

So, how do you take the Essentials Hoodie from just another hoodie to a fashion statement? Here are some editor-approved hacks:

1. Layer Smart: Pair with oversized coats in the winter, or go hoodie-under-blazer for that street-style-meets-boardroom edge.

2. Play with Proportions: Balance the oversized fit with slim bottoms like biker shorts or skinny jeans. Or go full baggy for a bold, Gen Z-approved silhouette.

3. Accessorize: Gold jewelry, baseball caps, or chunky sneakers can instantly elevate the look.

4. Mix Textures: Combine with leather pants, satin skirts, or distressed denim to add depth to a minimalist outfit.

5. Keep It Neutral: Stick with muted colors—beige, black, grey—for that “quiet luxury” vibe. Or, grab a limited drop in pastel for a playful twist.

Essentials Hoodie as Cultural Currency

The hoodie isn’t just clothing anymore—it’s status. Wearing it says you’re plugged into culture, aware of the latest drops, and tuned in to fashion’s current “cool.” It represents:

• Streetwear Evolution: What started as a skater and hip-hop staple has transformed into global luxury-meets-casual fashion.

• Luxury for All: Essentials offers designer-level appeal at a more accessible price, making it a democratic form of luxury.

• Community: Owning an Essentials Hoodie instantly connects you to a larger cultural movement, from sneakerheads to TikTok influencers.

Why the Essentials Hoodie Works for Everyone

The secret to the hoodie’s success is its universality. It transcends gender, age, and region. Your college student cousin, your fashion-savvy coworker, and your favorite celebrity can all rock it—and somehow, it looks fresh every time.

Its versatility means it works for:

• Work-from-home comfort.

• Airport travel uniform.

• Weekend brunch outfits.

• Night outs layered under leather jackets.

No wonder it’s one of the most worn, most Instagrammed, and most re-stocked hoodies in the U.S.

The Future of the Essentials Hoodie

As fashion trends continue to shift, the Essentials Hoodie isn’t going anywhere. With Fear of God consistently dropping new colorways and updated silhouettes, demand keeps growing. It’s not just a hoodie—it’s part of a lifestyle movement built around comfort, culture, and cool.

Expect to see more collaborations, more limited drops, and yes, more celebrities casually flexing theirs in paparazzi shots

Final Thoughts

The Essentials Hoodie has become America’s new fashion uniform—blurring the lines between luxury, comfort, and streetwear. Whether you’re in New York layering it under a trench, in LA grabbing smoothies post-Pilates, or in Miami styling it with shorts by the beach, this hoodie adapts to your vibe.

It’s gender-neutral, culturally iconic, Gen Z-approved, and endlessly versatile. In short, it’s not just a hoodie. It’s an essential.