When it comes to fashion’s most coveted casualwear, there’s one item that refuses to budge from the spotlight: the Essentials Hoodie. Born from the Fear of God Essentials line, this oversized, minimalist hoodie has found a serious fan base in Australia, making waves across streetwear culture, Gen Z wardrobes, and even the red carpet (yes, hoodies at red carpet afterparties are officially a thing).
But what is it about the Essentials Hoodie that has made it such a cultural phenomenon? From celebrity co-signs to its gender-neutral appeal, let’s break down why Aussies can’t get enough of it—and how you can wear it like a style insider.
Celebrities Who Made the Essentials Hoodie Iconic
Fashion is often a trickle-down effect, and the Essentials Hoodie has had plenty of A-list endorsements to cement its status. Think of Justin Bieber pairing it with sweats and chunky trainers, Hailey Bieber styling hers with micro-shorts and slicked-back hair, or Kanye West casually repping oversized fits that feel more art installation than athleisure.
Even in Australia, you’ll catch influencers and musicians—from hip-hop artists to TikTok stars—using the Essentials Hoodie as their go-to layering piece. Its clean lines and neutral colourways mean it doesn’t scream for attention, but instead makes the wearer look effortlessly put-together. And honestly, isn’t that what we all want?
How Aussies Are Wearing It
In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, where coffee culture meets coastal ease, the Essentials Hoodie has become the unofficial weekend uniform. Here’s how it’s being styled:
- The Coastal Cool Look – Throw it over bike shorts with chunky sandals for that Bondi-to-brunch vibe. Add sleek sunnies and you’re golden.
- City Streetwear Edge – Oversized hoodie, tailored trousers, and New Balance trainers. The clash of sporty and polished is very Melbourne laneway chic.
- Layering for Winter – Pop your Essentials Hoodie under a trench or oversized bomber jacket. Finish with boots and suddenly you’ve mastered the “I tried but didn’t try” look.
The hoodie’s unisex cut and relaxed fit make it incredibly adaptable, and Australians love nothing more than versatile pieces that can move from day to night without fuss.
The Gender-Neutral Fashion Movement
One of the biggest reasons for the hoodie’s universal appeal? It’s completely genderless. Fashion in 2025 is moving further away from rigid categories of “menswear” and “womenswear”, and the Essentials Hoodie is the perfect example of a piece that everyone can wear.
For Gen Z, especially, gender-fluid fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a movement. Oversized hoodies blur boundaries, giving people the freedom to express themselves without being boxed in. The fact that the hoodie looks equally good on your boyfriend, your best mate, and your mum? That’s the beauty of it.
Gen Z’s Obsession with Oversized
Zoomers love anything that screams comfy yet cool. Baggy fits, minimalist logos, and a “don’t try too hard” aesthetic are key elements of their style playbook—and the Essentials Hoodie ticks every box.
Where Millennials might have once coveted bodycon dresses or skinny jeans, Gen Z prefers volume, layering, and comfort. The hoodie perfectly fits into TikTok fashion content, often styled with cargo trousers, UGG boots, or statement trainers. In Australia, it’s not unusual to see groups of mates rocking matching hoodies in different shades—squad goals, but make it cosy.
Fashion Hacks: How to Elevate Your Hoodie
Sure, you could just throw it on and go, but the Essentials Hoodie deserves more love than being relegated to lazy-day wear. Here’s how to make it fashion:
- Tuck It (Slightly): Do a French tuck into high-waisted jeans to instantly sharpen the silhouette.
- Layer Smart: Add a crisp white shirt underneath with the collar peeking out for a preppy twist.
- Accessorise: Gold hoops, chunky chains, or even a designer handbag can transform the hoodie into a statement look.
- Dress It Up: For the bold, pair it with a satin skirt and heels. The high-low mix is very editor-approved.
- Play with Proportions: Balance the oversized fit with slimmer bottoms, or lean all in with wide-leg trousers for a dramatic streetwear silhouette.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Feels So Australian
Australians are known for their laid-back style—easy, breezy, but still elevated. The Essentials Hoodie captures that vibe perfectly. It’s minimal yet luxurious, cosy yet elevated. It works equally well whether you’re at a Byron Bay festival, a Melbourne café, or a Gold Coast shopping trip.
Plus, with Australia’s unpredictable weather, layering is key. A hoodie that works as a standalone piece in autumn and layers beautifully in winter is basically a national treasure.
The Cultural Impact
The rise of the Essentials Hoodie speaks to more than just fashion—it’s about culture. It symbolises a shift toward:
- Comfort-first dressing – sparked by the pandemic, but here to stay.
- Luxury streetwear – where logos are subtle, not loud.
- Self-expression – clothing that doesn’t dictate gender or style but allows flexibility.
It’s also deeply tied to the rise of sneaker culture and the blending of high fashion with everyday wear. Gone are the days when you needed to “dress up” to look stylish—today, your hoodie is your power move.
Final Word: Why You Need One
If you’re in Australia and you haven’t added an Essentials Hoodie Au to your wardrobe, consider this your sign. It’s more than just a hoodie—it’s a cultural staple, a style hack, and a piece that can adapt to anyone’s aesthetic. Whether you’re channelling Bieber off-duty vibes, giving Bondi-cool energy, or leaning into Melbourne’s fashion-forward layering, the hoodie will serve you well.
Trendy? Yes. Comfortable? Absolutely. Timeless? Surprisingly so. The Essentials Hoodie has gone beyond hype—it’s an icon of modern fashion.Style tip to take away: Don’t just wear the hoodie, own it. Pair it with confidence, mix it with unexpected pieces, and remember—sometimes the most essential pieces are the ones that never try too hard.
