In the fast-paced world of fashion, trends come and go—but every now and then, a piece emerges that becomes more than just a fleeting obsession. It becomes a cultural icon. That’s exactly what’s happened with the Essentials Hoodie, a once-simple streetwear staple that has now become a must-have for celebrities and everyday fashion lovers alike.

From Hollywood elites to students on city streets, the Essentials Hoodie has secured its spot at the top of the streetwear pyramid. But how did a basic hoodie reach this level of fame? Let’s dive into the rise of the Essentials Hoodie and why it’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

The Birth of a Wardrobe Legend

The Essentials Hoodie is part of the  1977 Fear of God Essentials line created by visionary designer Jerry Lorenzo. While his main label, Fear of God, leaned into luxury fashion with sky-high prices, Essentials was built to offer the same clean, elevated aesthetic at a more affordable price point.

Released as part of a "uniform for everyday life," the Essentials Hoodie aimed to redefine basics—not flashy, not loud, but powerful in its simplicity. Minimal branding, neutral color palettes, and an oversized silhouette created a piece that could easily slip into any wardrobe and elevate it instantly.

The Celebrity Effect: Fueling the Hype

No streetwear rise is complete without celebrity co-signs, and the Essentials Hoodie got plenty of them.

Celebs who rocked Essentials early:

  • Kanye West — often seen layering Essentials Hoodies with his Yeezy pieces.

  • Justin Bieber — a close collaborator with Jerry Lorenzo, frequently spotted in Essentials fits.

  • Hailey Bieber — showing how to make an oversized hoodie effortlessly chic.

  • LeBron James — bringing Essentials to the NBA and beyond.

  • Kendall Jenner — proving hoodies are runway-worthy.

These high-profile appearances helped catapult the Essentials Hoodie from cool to iconic, especially among fans of minimalist, high-end streetwear. It wasn’t just clothing—it was a statement of style, comfort, and modern luxury.

Why Everyday People Love It Too

While celebrities helped boost the hoodie’s visibility, it’s the mass appeal that truly made it legendary. Here’s why everyday fashion lovers can’t get enough:

1. Affordable Luxury

Compared to Fear of God’s mainline, the Essentials Hoodie is relatively affordable, typically retailing between $90 and $120. It offers premium quality and designer aesthetics without the jaw-dropping price tag.

2. Versatility

You can dress it up or down:

  • Pair it with tailored trousers and loafers for an upscale vibe.

  • Wear it with jeans and sneakers for laid-back street style.

  • Throw it over bike shorts and chunky sneakers for an athleisure fit.

3. Comfort Meets Cool

Made from heavyweight cotton-blend fleece, the hoodie feels cozy without sacrificing style. It’s soft, durable, and designed to look good wash after wash.

4. Gender-Neutral Appeal

Essentials Hoodies are unisex by design, with oversized fits that look amazing on all body types. In a world moving towards more fluid fashion, this hoodie fits the bill perfectly.

The Drop Culture & Scarcity Factor

Part of the hoodie’s allure comes from how it's released. Essentials operates on a drop model, meaning limited releases throughout the year. Once a collection is gone, it’s gone—creating urgency, exclusivity, and a thriving resale market.

Drops often sell out within minutes, and popular colorways like "Stretch Limo" black or "Light Oatmeal" become instant streetwear trophies. The scarcity has only fueled the frenzy, turning Essentials releases into major online events.

The Essentials Aesthetic: Minimalism Done Right

In an era where flashy logos are slowly fading, Essentials hits the sweet spot:

  • Muted colors: Taupe, iron, wheat, seal, and more.

  • Subtle branding: Tone-on-tone “ESSENTIALS” or “1977” text.

  • Oversized fits: Fashionable but never try-hard.

The hoodie’s design speaks to the new luxury: quiet, understated, but unmistakably high-quality.

Where to Get Your Hands on One

If you’re looking to grab an Essentials Hoodie, your best bets are:

  • Official Fear of God website (during drops)

  • SSENSE

  • PacSun

  • END Clothing

  • Mr Porter

  • Resale platforms like StockX and Grailed (if you miss the drop)

Just be quick—popular sizes and colors sell out fast, and resale prices can soar.

Final Thoughts

From celebrity wardrobes to everyday streetwear fits, the Essentials Hoodie has become the ultimate blend of style, comfort, and cultural relevance. Its rise was no accident—it’s the result of intentional design, strategic drops, celebrity influence, and undeniable quality.

In a world full of fast fashion and fleeting trends, the Essentials Hoodie offers something rare: timelessness. It’s more than hype—it’s essential.