Is the Essentials Hoodie Worth the Hype? A Style Breakdown

If you've spent any time scrolling through Instagram, TikTok, or streetwear forums, you've probably seen the Fear of God Essentials hoodie pop up more than once. With its clean design, muted color palette, and oversized silhouette, it's become a staple in modern streetwear. But with all the buzz and the hefty price tag for what's essentially a sweatshirt — is the Essentials hoodie really worth the hype?

Let’s break it down.

1. The Brand Behind the Buzz

Essentials is a diffusion line by Fear of God, created by Jerry Lorenzo. While Fear of God pieces often come with luxury-level price tags, Essentials was designed to make the brand’s aesthetic more accessible. The line focuses on timeless basics — hoodies, sweatpants, tees — all with a relaxed fit and subtle branding.

Despite being a "more affordable" version, Essentials still carries prestige in the fashion world thanks to its connection with the high-end Fear of God label. That association alone creates a sense of exclusivity, even for a basic hoodie.

2. Design and Aesthetic

What makes the 1977 Essentials hoodie stand out is its minimalism. There’s no flashy logo or bold graphics. Instead, you'll find subtle “ESSENTIALS” branding, usually in tonal or reflective print, often placed across the chest or back. The design is clean, which makes it incredibly versatile — you can throw it on with jeans, joggers, cargos, or even layer it under a trench or puffer jacket.

The fit is also a big selling point. The oversized silhouette gives it that relaxed, laid-back look that’s become a cornerstone of streetwear style. It’s roomy, but not sloppy.

3. Material and Comfort

The Essentials hoodie is made with a heavyweight cotton-polyester blend that feels premium and durable. It’s soft on the inside, thick enough to keep you warm, and has a structured drape that holds its shape well.

That said, it’s not exactly revolutionary. You're paying for the overall package — the brand, the fit, the aesthetic — more than just the fabric itself.

4. Versatility in Styling

One of the hoodie’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Here’s how people are wearing it:

• Casual Look:  Essentials T-Shirts + joggers + sneakers = effortless streetwear.

• Layered Up: Hoodie under a coat or flannel for a more elevated, layered look.

• Neutral Palette Fit: Since the hoodie usually comes in beige, taupe, grey, or black, it’s easy to mix into neutral or monochrome outfits.

This makes it a smart addition to a capsule wardrobe, especially if you're leaning into minimalist or athleisure styles.

5. Is It Worth the Price?

Retail price for an Essentials hoodie typically ranges from $90–$110, but they often sell out quickly, leading to resale markups. At resale, they can go for anywhere between $120 and $200 depending on the color and size.

So… is it worth it?

If you value fit, subtle branding, and staying current with fashion trends, it’s a solid buy. The quality is good, the aesthetic is timeless, and the hype is backed by solid design.

However, if you're just looking for a cozy hoodie without caring much about brand or streetwear status, you can find similar comfort and quality for less from brands like Uniqlo, Champion, or even Zara.

Final Verdict: Hype Justified… For the Right Buyer

The Essentials hoodie isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. But if you appreciate well-designed streetwear basics, want something that elevates a simple outfit, and don’t mind investing in a piece that combines comfort with cultural relevance — then yes, it’s worth the hype.

Just be ready to act fast when they restock — these sell out fast.v