What’s So Special About the Essentials Hoodie Anyway? A Ramble About Australia’s Low-Key Style Obsession

Have you ever noticed how the stuff we end up wearing most is rarely what we plan on loving? Like, you buy a hoodie thinking, “Eh, this’ll be good for lazy Sundays,” and next thing you know, it’s in your weekly rotation. Then it slowly becomes your airport outfit. Then your hangout outfit. Then, before you realise, you’re googling it in different colours.

That’s the story of how the Essentials Hoodie took over my wardrobe — and, if the last year has shown me anything, it’s taken over Australia too.

Let me explain. Or at least try to.

Where Did This Hoodie Even Come From?

First, a bit of backstory. (Not a history lesson — I promise.)

The Essentials Hoodie is from this label called “Essentials,” which is the more affordable, more minimal cousin of Fear of God. American brand. Think Kanye-meets-street-basics. But unlike a lot of streetwear, it’s not covered in neon or random slogans. It’s mostly oversized, muted colours, soft fabrics, and a simple logo. That’s it.

Which sounds… kind of boring, right?

But somehow, that’s the magic. It’s not fighting for attention. It just is. It’s like that one mate who’s always chill, shows up on time, doesn’t make drama, and everyone loves them. That’s this hoodie.

Australia’s Fashion Personality: Chill First, Everything Else Later

You know how every country has its fashion vibe? Like, Italians are polished. Brits love layers. Americans go big or go home. Aussies?

We’re the masters of casual. Not lazy. Casual.

We’re the land of slides and linen. Of people wearing caps to weddings and shorts to business meetings. Comfort matters. But we still like to look sharp. That’s where things like the Essentials Hoodie fit in perfectly. It’s that sweet spot — doesn’t try too hard, doesn’t look like you gave up.

Where I First Noticed the Shift: Sydney Cafés and Airport Lounges

I live in Sydney, and I started spotting it about two years ago. At first, I thought it was just a one-off. A guy at a Surry Hills café wearing a perfectly oversized beige hoodie, sipping an almond flat white like he’d just stepped off a campaign shoot. I remember thinking, “Damn, that’s a good look.”

Then I saw it again. And again. Then I saw someone in the full Essentials Tracksuit at the Qantas lounge, headphones on, completely unbothered. That was when it clicked — this wasn’t just a trend. It was a shift.

From there, it spread fast.

Melbourne Does It Differently (Obviously)

Next stop: Melbourne. I was there for a mate’s art show — very Melbourne, I know — and the vibe there was a little different. People were still wearing the Essentials Hoodie, sure, but they’d throw it under tailored coats or over vintage tees. Some even layered it under leather jackets. Always with thick-soled boots. Classic Melbourne — cooler than you without trying.

The Essentials Tracksuit was more underground there. You saw it less on the high streets and more in alleyway bars, record shops, and late-night dumpling spots. But when you saw it, it stood out. Paired with beanies, tote bags, maybe a scarf, maybe not. All very unbothered. All very curated.

Brisbane Brings the Sunshine… and Lighter Layers

Now, Brisbane’s different. Way warmer. But even there, you’ll see the hoodie. Not in the middle of summer, no — we’re not maniacs — but in the evenings, at rooftop bars, on scooters, around uni campuses. The Essentials Hoodie is light enough to work for Brissie winters and just heavy enough to feel snug when the breeze kicks up.

The Essentials Tracksuit? You’ll see bits of it, but more often it’s the joggers paired with tank tops or the hoodie on its own. Brissie’s version of the set is more mix-and-match. More, “grab what’s clean and go.”

Also, they love it for airport travel — and honestly, they’re right to. Nothing beats it for long-haul comfort.

In Perth, It’s quiet everywhere

Perth caught on later, but caught on hard. I don’t know what it is about that place — maybe the space, the ocean air, the fact that people seem to work and rest better — but the Essentials Hoodie fits right in. You’ll see it at the beach before 9 am and in city cafés by 11.

They’re not flexing. They just wear it like it’s a regular part of their rotation. Which is what it’s become.

And the Essentials Tracksuit? It’s a thing there, too. Fewer in groups, more solo pieces. But still — it’s in the mix. Especially on Sunday mornings, walking the dog or grabbing pastries.

Adelaide: Clean, Quiet, Intentional

Now, Adelaide is interesting. People there dress well, but don’t shout about it. The Essentials Hoodie shows up in those quieter, thoughtful fits, paired with structured pants, maybe a cross-body bag, and white trainers.

Same with the Essentials Tracksuit. You won’t see bold patterns or weird layering. Just clean lines, neutrals, and a lot of “Oh, I didn’t expect you to be that stylish.”

It’s a good look, honestly. Feels grown-up without being boring.

It’s Not About Fashion. It’s About Ease.

Look, I’m no fashion writer. I’m just someone who likes clothes that feel right. The thing about the Essentials Hoodie — and the Essentials Tracksuit, while we’re here — is that they just simplify things. You don’t have to build an outfit. You throw them on and walk out the door.

You don’t worry about whether they’re “in.” You don’t need to iron them. They somehow make you look slightly cooler than you feel, which, if we’re being honest, is kind of the dream.

Where Are We All Buying It From?

Mostly online. SSENSE, END, some lucky local boutiques. Now and then, someone I know finds a reseller on Instagram or gets a friend to ship it from the US.

But here’s the catch: once people get one, they usually want more. That’s when the deep dives start — colourways, restocks, fakes vs. real checks. It becomes a little hobby on the side. Nothing obsessive. Just one of those things you end up looking at while waiting for your Uber.

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Why This Stuff Isn’t Going Anywhere

The Essentials Hoodie isn’t one of those fast-fashion flames that burn out quickly. It’s been here a while now. And it keeps showing up. Because it’s not a fashion item — it’s more like a lifestyle piece.

The same goes for the Essentials Tracksuit. It’s what people reach for when they need to be ready for anything — errands, a casual meeting, a long drive, a grocery run. It’s the outfit version of a Swiss army knife.

In a Nutshell (If You’ve Read This Far, Cheers)

We didn’t ask for this hoodie to become our default. But it did. And maybe that says something about where we’re at.

We don’t want to fuss. We want to feel comfortable, but not lazy. We want to look decent, but not overdressed. And if a hoodie and some track pants can do all of that while still making us feel put together?

Then yeah — I’m wearing the Essentials Hoodie again tomorrow. No regrets.