Drake’s 2025 London Sighting: Proof in the Streets
Let’s be honest—Drake could wear a bin bag and spark a trend. But when he strolled through London’s West End in March 2025 wearing an Essentials Hoodie, the fashion world paid attention. Spotted by fans outside Nobu Hotel, Mayfair, Drake was styled in a fog-grey Essentials set with minimal logos but maximum flex.
Photos blew up on Twitter (now X) and Instagram overnight. One reel captioned “Drake’s hoodie has us booking flights to London” went viral in under 24 hours.
A Look into Essentials’ UK Origins
Many fans assume Fear of God’s Essentials line is US-based only—not true. The UK-specific division launched in 2023 to better tailor fits, fabrics, and drops for the British market. Based out of Manchester, this team works closely with UK stylists and urban influencers to perfect the blend of US minimalism and UK street aggression.
So yes, the Essentials Hoodie Drake wore in London? It was UK-designed. That alone is worth celebrating.
Essentials Tracksuit: More Than Just a Hoodie
While all eyes were on the hoodie, true fans noticed the Essentials Tracksuit set he paired it with. The tracksuit includes:
- A coordinated hoodie and jogger duo
- Subtle branding across the chest and thigh
- Tonal stitching and premium drawstrings
Not only is it stylish, but the Essentials Tracksuit is engineered for everyday wear in unpredictable UK weather. Light rain in Bristol? It holds up. Windy Glasgow streets? Still warm.
Check the Essentials Tracksuit Collection (opens in new tab)
Fabric Breakdown: Not Your Average Cotton
Let’s talk tech. This isn’t your basic hoodie fabric. The Essentials Hoodie is built with:
- 400 GSM brushed cotton-polyester fleece
- Double-needle reinforced seams
- Pre-shrunk blend for perfect longevity
The inner fleece is brushed twice, making it ultra-soft while still retaining structure. Whether you’re layering in Edinburgh’s frost or just lounging in Cardiff, it holds up.
Moisture Wicking & Breathability Explained
Surprisingly, Essentials Hoodies are sweat-proof champs. How? Their moisture-wicking finish uses tech similar to what you’d find in activewear:
- Wicks sweat away from the skin
- Regulates body temperature
- Breathes better than 90% of retail hoodies
That makes it perfect for moving around cities like London or Manchester without feeling sticky and gross—essentially, it’s built for movement and style.
Unexpected Style Hacks You Need to Try
Here’s where we get cheeky. Want to stand out with your Essentials Hoodie? Try this:
- Layer over a silk shirt – adds texture and contrast
- Pair with wide-leg cargos – Gen Z loves the drop
- Add a flat cap or beanie – mix Northern grit with street flair
- Use it as a blazer sub – wear under a trench for bold layering
You don’t need to overthink it. Let the Essentials branding speak quietly, while your style shouts.
From London to Leeds: Cultural Wave of Essentials
We pulled UK streetwear retail data from Spring/Summer 2025:
- 42% rise in hoodie sales post-Drake spotting
- Essentials Hoodie searches in the UK spiked by 211%
- TikTok tags: #essentialsuk #drakefit hit 10M+ views
From London Fashion Week side streets to the alleys of Leeds, the Essentials wave is shaping how the youth dress, dance, and document.
UK Cities Fueling the Essentials Movement
This isn’t just a London thing. Here’s how Essentials has impacted the major UK cities:
- Manchester – Core hub of Essentials UK HQ; drop parties often start here.
- Birmingham – Second-highest sales post-drop, especially among uni students.
- Glasgow – Edgy crowd loves the oversized, cozy vibe.
- Bristol – Often seen layered with skatewear and underground brands.
It’s safe to say that Essentials is becoming part of the UK’s style DNA.
How Celebs Like Stormzy & Dave Are Rocking It
Drake isn’t the only name on this list. Stormzy, fresh off his 2025 tour, was spotted in a black-on-black Essentials Tracksuit outside Wireless Festival. Meanwhile, Dave posted a mirror selfie wearing the UK-exclusive forest green drop with the caption: “Cold outside, calm inside.”
The takeaway? Essentials isn’t just worn—it’s lived in by the culture’s biggest names.
. Essentials vs. Other Premium Hoodies
Let’s compare:
| Brand | Fabric Weight | Price | Logo Visibility | Fit |
| Essentials | 400 GSM | £115 | Subtle | Oversized |
| Supreme | 360 GSM | £145 | Bold | Boxy |
| Nike Tech | 300 GSM | £130 | Prominent | Athletic |
In short: Essentials wins for understated luxury and comfort.
How to Spot a Fake Essentials Hoodie
Sadly, with popularity comes imitation. Here’s what to look out for:
- Real ones have heat-transferred neck tags, not stitched
- Logo is rubberized, not screen printed
- Feel the weight—fakes are usually light and flimsy
- Check authorised stockists via the Essentials UK Official Store (opens in new tab)
UK-Specific Fit, Cut, and Style
UK versions of the hoodie feature:
- Slightly shorter body length
- Wider shoulder drop
- Longer sleeve cuffs
This makes the hoodie more flattering for UK body types, and better for layering under trench coats or puffers—a real win during London’s long, grey winters.
Buying Guide: Where to Get the Real Drop
Avoid resale unless necessary. Official drops happen:
- Online at essentials-hoodie.co.uk
- Selfridges and END Clothing stores
- Popup shops in Shoreditch or Manchester Northern Quarter
Pro tip: Sign up for alerts—UK sizes sell out faster than in the US.
FAQs
. Is the Essentials Hoodie worth the price?
Absolutely. With premium fabric, UK-specific tailoring, and massive cultural relevance, it offers great value for money.
. Are there different Essentials Hoodie versions for the UK?
Yes. The UK versions feature unique colorways, fits and are designed specifically for British weather and style.
. How do I know if my Essentials Hoodie is fake?
Check for the heat-transferred inner tag, logo texture, fabric weight, and purchase only from verified UK retailers.