How Do Essentials Hoodies Fit? (Full Sizing & Styling Guide)

The Fear of God Essentials hoodie has become a streetwear staple around the world. Known for its oversized fit, premium fabric, and minimalist aesthetic, it’s a must-have piece for anyone who loves clean, elevated street style.
But one of the most common questions before buying is:
👉 “How does the Essentials hoodie actually fit — should I size up, size down, or stick to my regular size?”

This guide breaks down the fit, fabric, sizing tips, styling ideas, and buying advice so you can find your perfect Essentials hoodie.

🧥 1. Signature Oversized Fit

Essentials hoodies are intentionally designed with a relaxed, boxy, oversized silhouette.
Key features of the fit include:

Dropped shoulders for a laid-back look.
A wide chest and roomy body.
Slightly cropped length compared to traditional hoodies.
Longer sleeves that stack at the wrists.

👉 If you wear your true size, the hoodie will look relaxed and oversized — just like it’s styled in the campaigns.

👉 If you prefer a more fitted or tailored look, most people go one size down.

👉 If you want a very slim fit (less common), you can go down two sizes, but the length may feel shorter.

📏 2. Quick Sizing Reference Table

Your Usual Size	Recommended Essentials Size	Fit Result
XS	XXS / XS	XS = oversized
S	XS / S	XS = cleaner fit, S = oversized
M	S / M	S = closer fit, M = relaxed streetwear
L	M / L	M = tailored, L = boxy
XL	L / XL	L = slightly loose, XL = full oversized

✅ General rule:

TTS (True to Size) = classic Essentials oversized look.
Size down 1 = more fitted but still relaxed.
Size down 2 = slim fit, less length, not recommended for tall people.

🧵 3. Fabric & Construction

Essentials hoodies are typically made from heavyweight cotton-blend fleece, often around 380 GSM (grams per square meter). This gives them:

A thick, structured feel.
Excellent shape retention.
Premium weight and drape.

Typical fabric blend:

80% Cotton / 20% Polyester — for durability and reduced shrinkage.
Some limited or seasonal drops may use 100% cotton or slightly different blends.

This heavier fabric contributes to the oversized silhouette — it holds its shape better than thinner hoodies.

🛍️ 4. Where to Buy Essentials Hoodies

To avoid sizing issues or fakes, stick to trusted retailers:

🏪 Fear of God Official – Always the latest releases and the most accurate size charts.
🛒 Farfetch – Carries multiple drops and includes detailed measurements.
🛍 Nordstrom – A reliable U.S. stockist with easy returns.
📈 StockX / GOAT – Secondary market for sold-out colorways (make sure to authenticate).

👉 Always check the flat lay measurements on the product page if available. If not, buy from a store with a solid return policy so you can exchange easily.

👕 5. How to Measure & Compare at Home

Here’s a quick method to make sure you pick the right size:

Grab your favorite hoodie that fits you well.
Lay it flat and measure:
- Chest width (pit to pit ×2)
- Shoulder width (seam to seam)
- Length (collar to hem)
- Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff)
Compare those numbers to the Essentials hoodie size chart.

If the Essentials chest width is 5+ cm bigger, expect a very oversized fit.
If it's about the same, you'll get a regular fit.

🧼 6. Washing & Shrinkage Tips

Because of the heavyweight cotton content, Essentials hoodies can shrink slightly if washed hot. To preserve the shape and fabric:

✅ Wash inside out in cold water.
✅ Use gentle detergent (no bleach).
✅ Air dry flat or tumble dry on low heat.
❌ Avoid high heat — it may shrink the cotton and alter the fit.

The polyester blend helps reduce shrinkage, but proper care keeps the oversized silhouette intact.

👟 7. Styling Essentials Hoodies

Essentials hoodies are versatile. Here are some go-to outfit formulas:

Modern Streetwear: Hoodie (TTS) + straight-leg cargo pants + chunky sneakers.
Layered Look: Hoodie (size down) layered under a trench coat or oversized denim jacket.
Minimalist Fit: Neutral-toned hoodie + tailored trousers + clean white sneakers.
Athleisure: Hoodie + matching sweatpants or yoga leggings for a relaxed off-duty look.

Stick to neutral colors (black, oatmeal, grey, taupe) for that signature Fear of God vibe.

🧠 8. Real Buyer Tips

Most buyers who size down 1 are happy with the look.
Taller individuals may prefer TTS to keep the length proportionate.
Women buying unisex hoodies often size down for a less baggy fit.
Double check the drop year — fit can vary slightly between collections.

✍️ Conclusion

The Essentials hoodie is intentionally oversized — that’s part of its design DNA.

True to size gives you that relaxed, streetwear silhouette.
Size down one if you want a cleaner, more fitted look.
Size down two only if you prefer a slim fit and are okay with shorter length.

👉 Always check fabric composition, use a tape measure for comparison, and buy from trusted sources like Fear of God, Farfetch, or Nordstrom to ensure authenticity and proper sizing.