Do Essentials Hoodies Run Big? A Fit Guide for Fashion Enthusiasts

Essentials, a sub-label under Fear of God founded by Jerry Lorenzo, has gained a cult following for its minimalist designs and premium streetwear essentials. One item in particular—Essentials hoodies—has become a wardrobe staple for many. But a question that often comes up before buying: Do Essentials hoodies run big? The short answer is yes—but there’s more to it than that.

In this guide, we’ll break down how Essentials hoodies fit, what “oversized” really means in this context, and how to choose the right size based on your style and body type.

The Aesthetic: Intentional Oversizing

To understand the fit, you first need to understand the brand’s philosophy. Essentials is rooted in the Fear of God ethos, which embraces relaxed silhouettes, neutral tones, and understated branding. The oversized fit isn’t accidental—it’s part of the design.

Jerry Lorenzo has openly discussed how the brand draws inspiration from '90s sportswear, skate culture, and the idea of comfort as luxury. This translates into Essentials hoodies having:

Dropped shoulders

Wide body cuts

Longer sleeves and torso lengths

A boxy silhouette

These features give the hoodie a slouchy, relaxed vibe that contrasts with the slimmer, more tailored cuts you might find from other streetwear or athletic brands.

What the Sizing Really Means

Essentials hoodies are generally labeled using standard sizing (XS to XXL), but many wearers report that they feel one to two sizes larger than true-to-size fits from other brands.

So, if you normally wear a Medium in Nike or Adidas hoodies, you might find that an XS or S in Essentials gives you a similar fit.

Oversized vs. True-to-Size: What’s Your Goal?

The key to picking the right size is knowing your desired look.

If You Want the Intended “Essentials Look”:

Stick to your regular size or go just one size down. The hoodie will still be oversized, but it’ll look how it was designed to—slouchy, relaxed, and cool.

If You Prefer a More Tailored Fit:

Go one to two sizes down from your normal size. You’ll still get the premium fabric and design, but with less volume and length.

If You Want a Baggy or Cozy Fit:

Stick to your normal size—or even size up if you like extreme volume for layering or lounging.

Gender and Fit: Is It Unisex?

Yes. Essentials hoodies are unisex. But women in particular might find that the sizing feels even larger, especially if they’re used to more fitted women’s apparel.

Tip for Women: Try sizing down two full sizes for a closer fit, or one size down for a slightly relaxed, trendy look.

Fabric and Fit Over Time

Essentials hoodies are typically made of heavyweight cotton blends with brushed fleece interiors. While the material is soft and durable, it doesn't shrink drastically after washing—though it can tighten slightly depending on care.

Washing Tips to Maintain Fit:

Wash cold, inside out

Hang dry or tumble dry low

Avoid high heat to reduce shrinkage and preserve the logo print

Common Buyer Feedback

To get a better sense of real-world sizing https://esentialshoodies.us/ experience, here’s what Essentials hoodie owners commonly report:

“Definitely runs large. I’m 5’10” and 170 lbs and had to size down to a Small for a normal fit.”

“I like the oversized look, so I went with my usual size (L) and it was perfect for that laid-back vibe.”

“I’m petite and the XS was still very roomy, but in a stylish way.”

The consensus: they do run big, but that’s the point. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing depends on your style preference.

Final Thoughts: Should You Size Down?

If you're wondering whether Essentials hoodies run big, the verdict is clear—they do. But that’s not a flaw; it’s a design choice. When buying, your decision should hinge on what kind of look and feel you're after:

For the authentic Essentials aesthetic – Stick to your normal size.

For a cleaner, closer-to-body fit – Size down.

For a street-style oversized statement – Size up or go true-to-size.

Ultimately, Essentials hoodies are designed to make you feel comfortable, confident, and effortlessly stylish. Whether you're heading out for a casual day or layering up in the cooler months, getting the right fit is just one part of making this iconic piece work for you.