When it comes to British streetwear, few pieces hold the same effortless appeal as the Essentials Hoodie. Loved by celebrities, hyped on TikTok, and spotted in every major UK city, this cosy yet stylish staple has become more than just loungewear—it’s a cultural moment. Whether you’re vibing with London’s edgy street style, Manchester’s music-inspired looks, or Leeds’ laid-back student aesthetic, the Essentials Hoodie is the ultimate wardrobe must-have.
Let’s break down how this hoodie is being worn across the UK, who’s influencing the trend, and the styling hacks that make it a forever favourite.
London: The Streetwear Capital
London has always been the UK’s style playground, and the Essentials Hoodie fits perfectly into the city’s mix of luxury and street fashion. On the Tube, in Shoreditch cafés, and at Soho pop-ups, you’ll spot it layered under trench coats, paired with wide-leg cargos, or styled with chunky trainers.
- Influences: Celebrities like Skepta and Stormzy have made hoodies a London staple, while Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber’s street style moments keep the oversized silhouette on trend.
- Hack: Layer the hoodie with a tailored blazer—Londoners love the clash of streetwear and sharp suiting. It screams effortless cool.
Manchester: Music Meets Streetwear
Manchester’s fashion vibe is deeply tied to its music scene, from Oasis-era Britpop to the city’s buzzing underground. Here, the Essentials Hoodie channels a mix of retro and contemporary. Picture oversized hoodies with baggy jeans, bucket hats, and trainers—the look is casual, functional, and undeniably Mancunian.
- Influences: Aitch often rocks hoodies in his videos and gigs, proving how closely the city’s rap scene connects to this trend.
- Hack: Go bold with colourways. While Londoners might stick to neutrals, Manchester fashion isn’t afraid of a statement hoodie in sage green, mustard, or deep red.
Leeds: The Student Aesthetic
Leeds, with its bustling uni life, has a reputation for casual yet trend-driven fashion. Students love the Essentials Hoodie for its mix of comfort and Instagrammable style. Between campus lectures and Hyde Park nights, it’s the go-to throw-on piece.
- Influences: Social media plays a big role here—Gen Z students follow TikTok styling videos religiously, and the hoodie is a frequent star.
- Hack: Pair with Essentials shorts or leggings for the perfect library-to-night-out transition. Add statement trainers, and you’re Insta-ready.
Celebrity Influence: Why Everyone Wants One
From Justin Bieber (the king of laid-back cool) to UK icons like Dave and Maya Jama, celebrities have made the Essentials Hoodie a global must-have. When stars are spotted running errands or hitting festivals in one, it instantly becomes a fashion headline.
On TikTok and Instagram, influencers regularly drop “Get Ready With Me” videos featuring the hoodie—cementing it as a symbol of aspirational but accessible style.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the best things about the Essentials Hoodie? It’s completely genderless. Oversized silhouettes, muted tones, and versatile fits make it wearable for everyone, no matter your vibe.
Gen Z especially embraces this—rejecting strict “menswear” or “womenswear” labels. The hoodie becomes a canvas to express individuality, whether styled with baggy jeans, skirts, cargos, or tailored trousers.
Cultural Trends: Why the UK Loves It
The rise of the Essentials Hoodie ties neatly into bigger UK cultural trends:
- Comfort is king: Post-lockdown, loungewear blurred into everyday wear. The hoodie perfectly embodies that “cosy but chic” look.
- Streetwear takeover: Streetwear dominates UK fashion conversations, especially in London and Manchester. The hoodie is the uniform.
- TikTok-driven fashion: Micro-trends thrive online, and the hoodie keeps appearing in every styling hack, from layering to street chic.
Styling Hacks for the Essentials Hoodie
Want to stand out while still keeping things comfy? Try these hacks:
- Double up with denim – Throw your hoodie under an oversized denim jacket for an effortlessly cool fit.
- Smart-casual remix – Pair with tailored trousers and loafers to turn your hoodie into office-friendly streetwear.
- Festival-ready – Wear it oversized with cycling shorts, chunky boots, and layered jewellery—a Glastonbury favourite.
- Winter layering – Add a puffer or trench for that perfect British cold-weather look.
- Accessorise big – Baseball caps, beanies, and statement bags elevate the simple silhouette.
Gen Z’s Hoodie Obsession
Gen Z isn’t just wearing the hoodie—they’re making it their signature. For them, it’s less about following fashion rules and more about creating personal style narratives. On TikTok, Essentials Hoodie videos rack up millions of views, showing fits from London bedrooms to Manchester gig venues.
The oversized trend appeals to their love of comfort, but also their preference for fashion that doesn’t feel forced. It’s “effortless cool” at its peak.
Where to Spot the Essentials Hoodie in the UK
- London: East London street markets and Shoreditch bars.
- Manchester: Northern Quarter record shops and indie gigs.
- Leeds: Student union cafés and festival queues.
- Birmingham: Shopping centres and city centre hangouts.
- Bristol: Graffiti-covered skateparks and harbourside cafés.
Wherever you go, the hoodie is there—adapted to the city’s personality.
Final Word: The Hoodie That Defines a Generation
The Essentials Hoodie isn’t just a trend—it’s become a cultural uniform across the UK. From London’s fashion-forward streets to Manchester’s music scene and Leeds’ student life, it’s versatile, stylish, and timeless. Add in celebrity endorsements, gender-neutral appeal, and endless styling hacks, and it’s clear: this is the hoodie that Gen Z (and beyond) has made iconic.
So, whether you’re layering it under a trench in London, wearing it with bold trainers in Manchester, or keeping it casual for lectures in Leeds, one thing’s certain: the Essentials Hoodie is here to stay.
