When it comes to modern streetwear staples, few pieces have reached icon status like the Essentials Hoodie. From the streets of New York City to sunny Los Angeles brunches, this oversized, cozy yet fashion-forward hoodie has become a go-to for celebs, influencers, and everyday style lovers across the United States.
It’s more than just a hoodie—it’s a cultural moment. Worn by A-list celebrities, embraced by Gen Z, styled by fashion-forward dads, and even adapted into workplace “casual chic,” the Essentials Hoodie has taken over closets coast to coast. So, let’s break down how this hoodie is worn in different parts of the US, who’s repping it, and why it’s the most versatile piece you’ll ever own.
Coast-to-Coast Style: How the Essentials Hoodie Shows Up Across the US
The United States isn’t just one big melting pot of people—it’s a melting pot of style. The Essentials Hoodie may be universal, but how it’s styled varies wildly depending on where you are.
- New York City: Think oversized hoodie layered under a trench coat, paired with chunky sneakers, and a coffee cup in hand. The vibe? Effortlessly cool, like you’re late for a Soho gallery opening but still Instagram-ready.
- Los Angeles: West Coasters love it in lighter tones like sand, cream, or sage. Styled with biker shorts, baseball caps, and Yeezy slides, the LA look is equal parts laid-back and TikTok-friendly.
- Chicago: Here, the hoodie doubles as survival gear. Oversized Essentials hoodie layered under puffer jackets, finished with Timberlands or Jordans, makes a perfect Windy City combo.
- Texas: Expect to see hoodies paired with distressed denim, snapbacks, and cowboy boots for a Southern streetwear-meets-country vibe.
- Miami: Lightweight versions in pastel shades rule, styled with shorts and sneakers. It’s hoodie season all year round—just make it breathable and beach-party ready.
Celebs Who Made the Essentials Hoodie Go Viral
Let’s be real—half the reason the Essentials Hoodie is everywhere is because of its celebrity stamp of approval. Big names have been rocking it, making the hoodie less about “athleisure” and more about “luxury streetwear.”
- Kanye West & Kim Kardashian: Early adopters of the oversized neutral-toned hoodie look, they turned it into a pop culture phenomenon.
- Justin Bieber: His off-duty style—always in baggy hoodies and sweatpants—basically made the Essentials look a blueprint for Gen Z.
- Hailey Bieber: She balances the hoodie with biker shorts and gold hoops, proving it can be athletic yet chic.
- Drake: Known to flex neutral Essentials hoodies courtside, pairing them with luxury watches and sneakers for an elevated take.
- Gigi & Bella Hadid: Supermodels love throwing on an Essentials hoodie with statement bags, instantly mixing streetwear with high-fashion vibes.
When celebs wear it, we take notes. And suddenly, a “basic” hoodie becomes a must-have style icon.
Why Gen Z Can’t Get Enough
Gen Z isn’t just buying hoodies—they’re buying into the aesthetic. For them, fashion is about self-expression, comfort, and a hint of irony. The Essentials Hoodie fits right in.
- Oversized everything: Gen Z ditched skinny fits in favor of comfort-driven, gender-neutral silhouettes. The roomy Essentials hoodie is perfect.
- TikTok ready: Hoodies are content-friendly. Whether it’s a dance video, OOTD (outfit of the day), or “get ready with me,” the hoodie is the star.
- Affordable luxury: Essentials sits at that sweet spot—it feels luxe but is still more accessible than high-end designer brands. Perfect for Gen Z’s “treat myself” budget.
- Sustainability check: Many Gen Z shoppers are into capsule wardrobes, and an Essentials Hoodie is a one-and-done versatile piece that works in dozens of looks.
The Gender-Neutral Appeal
One of the biggest reasons for the hoodie’s dominance? It works for everyone.
The Essentials Hoodie doesn’t scream “menswear” or “womenswear.” Instead, it’s built around inclusivity and universal comfort. That’s why:
- Couples often share one hoodie (and fight over who gets to wear it).
- It’s an easy unisex gift option—no stress about fit.
- The boxy, oversized cut is flattering across body types.
- It allows personal styling: layer it up for a sleek vibe, crop it for a DIY edge, or wear it XXL for cozy chic.
This genderless approach is why it’s so popular among Gen Z and Millennials who reject rigid style rules.
Style Tips: How to Wear the Essentials Hoodie Like a Fashion Pro
So, how do you make your hoodie look less “Netflix binge” and more “street style star”? Here are some hacks:
- Layer it up: Throw a tailored coat over your hoodie for that New York influencer vibe.
- Play with contrast: Pair an oversized hoodie with slim trousers or biker shorts for balance.
- Go monochrome: A full beige or gray hoodie + sweatpants combo screams minimalist chic.
- Accessorize: Chunky sneakers, gold jewelry, and a cap can instantly elevate your look.
- Crop it (DIY or store-bought): Cropped hoodies are trending—cutting your Essentials piece can give it fresh Gen Z energy.
- Unexpected pairings: Try it with leather pants, silk skirts, or even cowboy boots (hello, Texas!).
Hoodie Culture: Why the Essentials Hoodie Is More Than Just Fashion
In the US, the hoodie carries cultural weight. It’s more than just fabric—it’s about identity, community, and comfort.
- Streetwear roots: The hoodie rose from hip-hop culture and skateboarding communities before becoming mainstream. Essentials builds on that history while adding luxury minimalism.
- Work-from-home era: During the pandemic, hoodies became Zoom-uniforms. That “comfort chic” mentality hasn’t gone away.
- Symbol of cool rebellion: For decades, hoodies represented youth culture, a little anti-establishment, and always casual-cool. Essentials keeps that spirit alive, but polished.
Why the Essentials Hoodie Is Here to Stay
Unlike micro-trends that fade fast, the Essentials Hoodie has serious staying power. Here’s why:
- It’s seasonless—you can wear it in fall with boots, winter under coats, spring with jeans, and summer on cool nights.
- It’s versatile—streetwear, loungewear, even dressed up with accessories.
- It’s celebrity-approved, Gen Z-obsessed, and gender-neutral, ticking all the boxes for long-term relevance.
The hoodie isn’t just a closet essential—it’s The Essentials Hoodie. A cultural staple, a comfort blanket, and a style flex all in one.
Final Thoughts
From the East Coast to the West Coast, from celebrity closets to Gen Z TikTok feeds, the Essentials Hoodie has cemented its place in American style. It’s not just clothing; it’s identity, comfort, and a fashion statement that unites the US while letting everyone add their own twist.
So, whether you’re styling it with biker shorts in LA, layering it under a trench in NYC, or rocking it with cowboy boots in Texas—just know this: the Essentials Hoodie isn’t going anywhere. It’s America’s coziest, coolest style obsession.
