The Essentials hoodie, part of the Fear of God Essentials brand helmed by Jerry Lorenzo, has become a staple in modern streetwear. Worn by celebrities, hyped across social media, and praised for its minimal aesthetic, the hoodie has built a cult-like following. But with its premium price point and basic appearance, many people are left wondering: Is the Essentials hoodie really worth the hype?

In this comprehensive review, we break down everything you need to know—from fabric quality and fit to style versatility and resale value—to help you determine if the Essentials hoodie deserves a place in your wardrobe.

What Is the Essentials Hoodie?

The Essentials hoodie is a product of Fear of God Essentials, the diffusion line of the luxury brand Essentials Fear of God, founded by designer Jerry Lorenzo. While Fear of God’s mainline items are priced in the hundreds (or even thousands), Essentials offers more accessible luxury, with items typically ranging from $70 to $150.

Essentials focuses on timeless silhouettes, clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle branding. The hoodie has become its most iconic item, often selling out immediately upon release.

Design & Aesthetic: Minimalism with an Edge

One of the main appeals of the Essentials hoodie is its minimalist aesthetic. It doesn’t scream for attention but commands it in a quiet, confident way. The design is clean, usually offered in muted tones like tan, black, grey, cream, and brown.

Key design features include:

  • Dropped shoulders for a relaxed fit

  • Ribbed cuffs and hem for structure

  • A kangaroo pocket for practicality

  • "ESSENTIALS" branding printed in a tonal or contrasting color, sometimes with reflective text

  • A rubberized patch on the hood or back for subtle luxury

This design language makes the hoodie easy to pair with almost anything in your wardrobe, from joggers and sneakers to jeans and boots.

Material & Quality: Is It Premium Enough?

Let’s talk fabric. The Essentials hoodie is typically made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester fleece, resulting in a garment that’s soft on the inside and durable on the outside. The cotton provides comfort and breathability, while the polyester adds resilience and shape retention.

Many customers note the thickness of the material, making it perfect for layering or wearing alone in colder months. It’s a mid-weight to heavyweight hoodie—not too light that it feels cheap and not so heavy that it’s uncomfortable.

Key points on quality:

  • Soft fleece lining makes it cozy for everyday wear

  • Double-stitched seams for added durability

  • Pre-shrunk fabric to maintain sizing over time

While it’s not made from ultra-luxury materials like cashmere or French terry used in the Fear of God mainline, the hoodie still feels premium and wears well over time.

Fit & Sizing: Oversized by Design

One of the most talked-about aspects of the Essentials hoodie is its oversized fit. This is not your average athletic hoodie. Essentials leans heavily into the streetwear silhouette, with a boxy frame, wide sleeves, and elongated body.

Key sizing notes:

  • Designed to be oversized, so your true size will give you a relaxed fit

  • Size down for a more fitted look

  • Dropped shoulder seams create a slouched, cozy vibe

  • Ideal for layering over tees or under jackets

If you’re into fitted clothing, the oversized nature might be a turn-off. However, for those embracing the modern streetwear look, it’s spot on.

Color Options: Earthy Neutrals That Never Go Out of Style

The Essentials hoodie shines in its color palette. Jerry Lorenzo has mastered the use of earth tones, and each seasonal drop brings new muted shades that are versatile and timeless.

Popular colorways include:

  • Moss

  • Stretch Limo (black)

  • Seal (charcoal grey)

  • Desert Taupe

  • Buttercream

  • Harvest (light brown)

These neutral tones make it easy to integrate the hoodie into almost any wardrobe and allow it to work across Click Here Blog seasons and trends.

Brand Appeal: The Influence of Fear of God

Let’s not ignore the branding power behind Essentials. As the diffusion line of Fear of God, Essentials enjoys an aura of luxury streetwear at a fraction of the cost.

Celebrities like Justin Bieber, Kanye West, Hailey Bieber, and Drake have been seen wearing Essentials, contributing to its aspirational image. Even though the branding is minimal, it still holds a significant presence in street fashion.

Essentials isn’t about flash; it’s about quiet luxury, and that appeals to a generation of consumers who want to look elevated without seeming like they’re trying too hard.

Price Point: Affordable Luxury or Overpriced Basic?

The retail price of an Essentials hoodie typically falls between $90 and $120 USD, depending on the collection and release. While that may be steep compared to fast fashion options, it’s modest when you consider other designer hoodies that start at $300+.

Here’s how the value breaks down:

  • Design: Clean and versatile

  • Material: High-quality fleece

  • Brand: Highly respected in the fashion industry

  • Durability: Built to last

Overall, you’re paying for design quality + brand cachet, not just materials. If you value aesthetics and street credibility, the price is justified.

Resale Value: Holding Strong in Hype Culture

Due to high demand and limited drops, Essentials hoodies often sell out within minutes of release. This scarcity has fueled a resale market, where pieces can fetch 1.5x to 2x their retail price, especially in rare colorways or discontinued releases.

If you’re someone who likes to flip fashion or simply wants to hold on to pieces that appreciate in value, the Essentials hoodie is a solid investment in the short term.

Comfort Level: Everyday Wear Approved

From lounging at home to hitting the streets, the Essentials hoodie excels in comfort. The soft fleece interior, relaxed fit, and breathable fabric make it an ideal choice for all-day wear. It doesn’t restrict movement, making it perfect for travel, workouts, or just everyday errands.

While it may not replace your ultra-lightweight hoodie for summer, it’s certainly a top pick for fall, winter, and early spring.

How to Style the Essentials Hoodie

The hoodie’s minimalist design makes it incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to style it:

1. Streetwear Casual

  • Hoodie in cream

  • Black cargo pants

  • Chunky sneakers

  • Crossbody bag and cap

2. Athleisure Vibes

  • Hoodie in black

  • Joggers or tech pants

  • Running shoes

  • Sports sunglasses and sleek backpack

3. High-Low Mix

  • Hoodie in taupe

  • Tailored trousers

  • Chelsea boots

  • Overcoat or trench

You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Its neutrality makes it the perfect canvas piece.

Pros and Cons of the Essentials Hoodie

✅ Pros

  • High-quality materials

  • Versatile, timeless style

  • Oversized comfort fit

  • Strong brand appeal

  • Excellent resale value

  • Neutral tones work with any wardrobe

❌ Cons

  • Limited availability due to drop model

  • Oversized fit may not appeal to everyone

  • Higher price compared to basic hoodies

  • Sizing can be tricky without trying on

Is It Worth the Hype?

Yes—if you're into streetwear and minimalist design.

The Essentials hoodie isn’t just another trendy item. It represents a perfect intersection of function, form, and fashion. With superior craftsmanship, iconic branding, and the backing of Jerry Lorenzo’s design philosophy, this hoodie is a standout in a saturated market.

If you’re someone who values well-constructed pieces that elevate your look without screaming for attention, this hoodie will be one of your best investments. On the other hand, if you're just looking for a budget-friendly hoodie with no concern for branding or hype, Essentials may not be necessary.

Final Verdict

The Essentials hoodie lives up to the hype for the right audience. It offers a perfect blend of luxury streetwear aesthetic, comfort, and brand prestige. Whether you’re collecting fashion staples or simply want a hoodie that looks and feels better than the rest, this piece deserves serious consideration.

It’s not just a hoodie—it’s a statement of refined taste and cultural awareness in fashion.