Hey Dan,
You asked me the other day what I’ve been wearing all the time lately — thought I’d just write it all out. You’re in Europe chasing snow, I’m still in Oz chasing buses, but fashion’s fashion, right?
So here’s the truth. I’ve been living in this Essentials Hoodie and the matching Essentials Tracksuit bottoms. Not in a “wear it once a week” way — I mean every day, washed overnight kinda thing. It’s that good.
Remember when I said I needed something simple but solid for the shop floor at the sneaker store? That was back in Sydney. Since then, I’ve taken this thing all over — Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, even a last-minute work trip to Perth. Every place, this set just… worked. No second-guessing.
Sydney: Surry Hills Uniform
In Sydney, you’ve gotta look sharp but chilled. The Essentials Hoodie gave me that. I’d throw it over a white tee, black cap, cargos. I’d grab a coffee from that spot on Bourke Street — you know the one with the almond croissants? — and it’d be filled with people in the exact same uniform.
People here don’t dress to stand out, they dress like they’ve already made it. This hoodie fits that vibe. Simple. Quiet. Intentional.
Melbourne: Laneways & Layers
Took it to Melbourne in May for that pop-up store event. Freezing. I wore the Essentials Tracksuit under my trench coat and felt like one of those people who pretend they’re in a street style photo. You blend in with the crowd there — everyone’s in muted tones, longlines, proper shoes.
Had a customer at the Fitzroy store actually ask if the hoodie was local. I said nah, but told her where to get it. She left with three pairs of New Balances instead. Win-win.
Brisbane: Light But Still Layered
Brissie’s weird. Hot all day, then cold at night. I wore just the hoodie most mornings. Tied it around my waist by lunch. Pulled it back on when the wind picked up around South Bank.
The Essentials Hoodie has that kind of weight, not too heavy, not a feather either. I saw some guy in the Essentials Tracksuit at a night market near the West End — he was eating dumplings and looked like he’d just come from a gym shoot.
Adelaide: Surprise Style
Went to visit Mum for a few days in Adelaide. Brought only a tracksuit and one polo shirt. No regrets. Even wore it to an art event at the gallery. A lady in linen actually told me I looked “minimalist but prepared.” No idea what that means, but I’m taking it as a compliment.
Down Rundle Street, the hoodies are everywhere — paired with Air Max, blazers, even loafers. It’s more fashionable there than people think.
Perth: Heat Doesn’t Matter
Mate, it was 34 degrees and I still brought the hoodie. Not during the day, obviously — but at night, around Cottesloe or out in Leederville, it cooled off just enough. And you know what? The Essentials Tracksuit pants didn’t cling. Wore them with slides one night, and nobody batted an eye.
Why I Keep Wearing It
Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever owned something I’ve worn this much that still looks good. There’s no flashy logo. It fits just a bit oversized. Feels like something you’d get tailored, but it’s streetwear.
People ask about it. No one makes a big deal. That’s the whole point. And it works here — in Australia — where our fashion isn’t loud, but it’s present. From the city to the coast, this set has slotted into my life better than any jacket, any jeans, any shoe.
So yeah — next time you’re back, try mine on. Might have to peel it off me first.
Catch you soon.
– Ryan
Sydney / Melbourne / Brissie / etc.
P.S. You’d better not steal it.