Okay, let’s be honest here: if you live in Australia and you’ve been outside (or even just scrolled Instagram for, like, two minutes), you’ve definitely seen someone in an Essentials Hoodie. It’s one of those pieces that just refuses to go away. Simple, boxy, comfy, goes with literally everything. And now it’s everywhere. Uni students wear it to class, celebs wear it to airports, random blokes at Bunnings wear it — you get the point.
The only problem? The prices are getting a bit ridiculous. Like, seriously, who wants to pay triple the actual retail just to get their hands on something that’s meant to be essential? The same goes for the Essentials Tracksuit. It looks slick, sure, but if you buy from the wrong place, you’ll end up spending more than your weekly rent.
So yeah, here’s the run-down on where you can actually shop these pieces in Australia without your bank account crying.
Why the Essentials Hoodie’s Got Australia in a Chokehold
Let’s start with the obvious. The Essentials Hoodie works here because Aussies don’t like fussy stuff. We don’t want logos screaming across the chest or fits that need, like, an instruction manual. We want something we can chuck on with shorts, or jeans, or cargos, and it still looks half-decent.
Plus, the colours make sense. Beige, grey, black — neutral tones that don’t clash with anything. You can wear the same hoodie five days in a row and, unless someone’s really paying attention, they’ll just assume you’ve got a few different ones.
And then of course, once the celebs start wearing it, the deal is sealed. AFL players heading into training? Hoodie. Musicians in Sydney ducking into a radio station? Hoodie. Even a few actors filming up in Queensland were snapped on a coffee run in one. It’s basically a new uniform.
The Pricey Truth Nobody Likes
Alright, let’s cut to the annoying part. Buying an Essentials Hoodie in Australia is kind of like playing roulette. Sometimes you’ll find it at a good price, other times the reseller markup will make you want to shut your laptop. The Essentials Tracksuit is even worse because it’s two pieces, so sellers feel justified doubling the markup.
But the good news? You can dodge the nonsense if you know where to look.
Official Drops (If You’re Lucky)
The number one way — and probably the cheapest — is to grab the hoodie or tracksuit when it drops officially. Fear of God runs Essentials online drops a few times a year, and if you’re quick, you’ll get retail pricing. Shipping to Australia isn’t too bad, but the tricky part is that they sell out fast. Like, minutes.
If you’re serious, sign up for newsletters, follow drop accounts on Instagram, and maybe even set an alarm. It’s stressful, but worth it when you score a fresh Essentials Hoodie without the markup.
Aussie Streetwear Stores
Now, if you’re not into the whole “refresh every five seconds” drop stress, local boutiques are your best bet. Sydney’s got a couple in Surry Hills and the CBD that stock Essentials. Melbourne? Fitzroy and Collingwood are where you’ll find it. Brisbane? Check Fortitude Valley.
The catch? Limited stock. If you’re late, it’s gone. But the upside is you don’t deal with international shipping or dodgy sellers. A lot of people reckon this is the sweet spot for picking up both the Essentials Hoodie and the Essentials Tracksuit.
Hoodie vs Tracksuit: Which Should You Go For?
So, if you’re trying not to spend heaps, what should you buy first? Honestly, the Essentials Hoodie is the smart play. It’s cheaper on its own, easier to style, and you’ll get way more wear out of it.
But — and this is a big but — the Essentials Tracksuit has its place too. If you’re someone who travels a lot, or you just like looking coordinated without thinking too hard, it’s worth the investment. You’re basically getting two pieces in one go, and together they always look sharp.
Global Online Retailers That Actually Ship Here
If the boutiques are out and you missed the drop, don’t stress — global sites like SSENSE, END Clothing, and MR PORTER usually have a decent range. Prices might be a bit higher than retail, but nowhere near as insane as resellers. Plus, they ship to Australia pretty fast.
I’ve seen both the Essentials Hoodie and the Essentials Tracksuit on these sites fairly regularly. Just be ready to move quickly because they don’t sit around forever.
The Dodgy World of Resale
Okay, here’s where it gets dicey. The resale market is tempting — especially if you want a specific colour or size that’s sold out everywhere else. But the price jumps are painful, and let’s be real, the fakes are everywhere.
If you do decide to go down the resale route, stick to platforms like StockX or Grailed, where at least they have some kind of authentication process. Avoid the random Instagram sellers or that bloke on Marketplace who insists his “brand new Essentials Tracksuit” is real but can’t show you a proper tag.
Sales and Outlets (Yes, Really)
This one’s rare, but it happens. Some outlets and online retailers quietly mark down past-season Essentials gear. The colours might not be the newest, but honestly, a grey Essentials Hoodie looks just as good this year as it did last year. If you’re patient, you can catch deals without paying full tilt.
How Aussies Are Styling Essentials Right Now
This is the fun part. People here aren’t overthinking it — and that’s exactly why it works.
- In Sydney, it’s all about hoodies with shorts and fresh sneakers.
- In Melbourne, the tracksuit reigns, often layered with coats because, well, Melbourne weather.
- Brisbane and the Gold Coast lean into hoodies at night when it cools down. Tracksuits are less common because of the heat.
- Perth sits somewhere in between — hoodies for everyday, tracksuits for nights out or cooler seasons.
Basically, wherever you are, the Essentials Hoodie or the Essentials Tracksuit fits right in.
The Takeaway: Shop Smart
Look, the hype isn’t going anywhere. The Essentials Hoodie and Essentials Tracksuit are basically part of Australia’s unofficial uniform now. But that doesn’t mean you should pay double or triple for the privilege. Stick to official drops if you can, check out local boutiques, and use global sites as a backup. Only dip into resale if you’re desperate — and careful.
At the end of the day, you want a fit that feels good, looks good, and doesn’t leave you broke. Essential nails that balance, as long as you’re smart about where you buy.
