If streetwear had a crown, Essentials clothing would be sitting on it. What started as a humble offshoot of Fear of God has exploded into a cultural phenomena embraced by celebrities, style editors, Gen Z fashion-fiends and anyone who loves that perfect balance between comfort and trendiness. But what exactly is Essentials? Why has it become such a staple? And how do people wear it right? Let’s unpack all that (and more) in this definitive, fun and fashion-forward guide.
What is Essentials Clothing? A Quick Look at The Brand
Essentials is the casualwear line from Fear of God, designed by Jerry Lorenzo. Its ethos? Luxe essentials — elevated basics with a premium feel. Think oversized hoodies, relaxed joggers, cosy tees, sleek sweatshirts and that effortless, lived-in vibe that looks intentional even when it’s comfy.
Unlike high-end couture with flashy logos and avant-garde shapes, Essentials keeps it minimal, muted and highly wearable. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — it’s a style powerhouse. The subtle branding and quality fabric make it one of the most desirable streetwear imprints of the decade.
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Why Everyone’s Wearing Essentials: The Celebrity Stamp of Approval
If you think Essentials is just another hoodie and joggers brand, think again. One of the biggest reasons for its meteoric rise is celebrity influence — and there are plenty of examples:
- Kanye West has been spotted rocking oversized Essentials fits, pairing them with luxury sneakers and statement accessories.
- Hailey Bieber favours the neutral tones and elevated basics as part of her ‘day to night’ wardrobe.
- Justin Bieber has worn Essentials hoodies and tracksuits in multiple public appearances, normalising the streetwear luxe look for millions of fans.
- A-list actors and influencers regularly post Essentials fits on Instagram, boosting the brand’s visibility and desirability.
Celebrities aren’t just wearing Essentials — they’re styling it in ways that make everyday outfits feel editorial. And that’s part of the magic: a brand born from simplicity, elevated by cultural tastemakers.
How to Wear Essentials: Style Tips & Outfit Ideas
One of the reasons Essentials stands out is how versatile it is. Below are some head-turning ways to wear it, whether you’re keeping it chill or dressing it up.
1. The Classic Essentials Tracksuit — Elevated Loungewear
The ultimate go-to. Pair an Essentials hoodie and matching joggers in neutral tones like stone, black or oatmeal. Keep accessories minimal — a sleek cap or classic Nike Air Forces will finish this look perfectly.
Style hack: Tuck in the front of your hoodie slightly to define your waist and break up the oversized silhouette.
2. Layering Like a Pro
Essentials tees work perfectly under overshirts, denim jackets or long coats. Try a neutral tee underneath an oversized puffer in winter, or throw on a denim jacket for a casual weekend vibe.
Style tip: Mixing textures (cotton, denim, fleece) adds depth even in monochrome fits.
3. Street Meets Smart
Want to take Essentials out of the gym and into a brunch date? Swap the sneakers for chunky loafers and add a tailored overcoat. Instant elevated streetwear.
Pro move: Roll up the joggers slightly to show off those statement socks — subtle but stylistic.
4. Mix with Designer Pieces
Essentials is perfect for blending with high fashion. A pair of tailored trousers with an oversized Essential hoodie can read effortlessly chic when paired with sleek sneakers and minimalist jewellery.
Fashion editor thought: This mix of high + low makes your outfit look intentional and curated — a key street style tactic.
Gender-Neutral Appeal: Style for Everyone
One of the most attractive elements of Essentials clothing is its gender-neutral appeal. The cuts, colours and fits don’t shout “for him” or “for her” — they simply are. And that’s exactly why EVERYONE loves them.
Whether you’re masculine, femme, non-binary, or anything in between, Essentials feels inclusive:
- Oversized hoodies look equally good on all body types.
- Relaxed joggers are flattering and comfortable, no matter who wears them.
- The muted colour palette (think greys, blacks, creams) is universally chic.
This gender-neutral approach resonates especially with Gen Z audiences, who care less about traditional fashion categories and more about expressive, comfortable, flexible wardrobes.
Gen Z & The Cultural Trend Behind Essentials
Ah yes — Gen Z. If there’s one group responsible for catapulting Essentials into everyday culture, it’s them.
Why Gen Z Loves Essentials
- Comfort is key: Sweatpants, hoodies and relaxed fits are preferred over restrictive clothing.
- Simplicity with substance: Clean design, subtle branding and quality fabric make Essentials feel worth the money.
- Social Media Friendly: Fits are perfect for Instagram, TikTok and Reels — they look effortlessly cool.
- Authentic and unpretentious: Essentials doesn’t scream logos or flash wealth; it whispers style and intention.
It’s no surprise that Essentials combos are everywhere on TikTok fashion hauls and “aesthetic” outfit edits. Stylistically, it ticks all the boxes: casual yet refined, understated yet stylish.
Colour Palette & Fit Breakdown: What Works Best
Essentials keeps it neutral — and that’s part of the brand’s power. Here’s how to work the palette and fit like a pro:
Best Colours for Maximum Versatility
- Stone / Taupe: Warm and easy to style with denim, leather and winter layers.
- Black: Classic, sleek and perfect for monochrome lovers.
- Charcoal Grey: Blends beautifully with almost everything.
- Oatmeal / Cream: Great for warmer seasons and lighter outfits.
Pro tip: Start with neutrals, then add one statement piece (bright socks, a bold bag, iconic sneakers) to elevate the look.
Perfecting the Fit
The key to wearing Essentials is not sizing up for the sake of oversized, but finding the right oversized. Ask yourself:
- Does it still feel comfortable?
- Does it flatter the shoulders/legs?
- Does it look intentional (not sloppy)?
When in doubt, pick a size up from your usual if you want that relaxed silhouette — but balance it with fitted pieces when you need structure (like a fitted tee underneath an oversized hoodie).
Style Hacks That Make Essentials Look Luxe
Essentials clothing is already premium — but here are some fashion editor hacks to make your outfit feel runway-ready:
1. Accessorise with Purpose
Minimal jewellery (gold chains, small hoops), a slick watch or a quality tote bag can transform a cosy outfit into a refined street-wear look.
2. Mix Proportions
Pair oversized tops with slightly tapered bottoms, or vice versa. The contrast keeps the outfit from looking shapeless.
3. Sneaker Play
Chunky dad sneakers give a retro edge, while sleek trainers keep it modern. Either way, footwear can make or break your Essentials fit.
4. Thoughtful Layering
Throw on a long coat or blazer over a hoodie for unexpected elegance. This works particularly well in colder months and gives that effortlessly chic editorial feel.
Breaking Down the Essentials Aesthetic: Why It Works
At the heart of the Essentials craze lies one simple truth: style should be easy.
In a world where fashion often feels complex — trends shifting by the minute — Essentials offers a grounding point. It’s wearable, comfortable, inclusive and compatible with nearly every wardrobe.
You don’t have to be a fashion guru to look good in Essentials — but you can feel like one.
Final Thoughts: Essentials Is More Than Just Clothes
Essentials isn’t just a brand — it’s a cultural touchstone. It’s the hoodie you reach for on a lazy Sunday and the staple piece you remix for a brunch date. It’s what celebrities are photographed in, and what Gen Z lovers wear in their everyday life.
Whether you’re just discovering Essentials or you’ve been styling it for years, there’s always a new way to wear it, mix it, tweak it and make it yours.
So here’s to the comfy, the chic, the understated and the undeniably stylish — here’s to Essentials clothing.
