You’ve seen the logo. It’s basically everywhere—plastered across the backs of teenagers in line for boba and draped over the shoulders of off-duty NBA players. Jerry Lorenzo did something weirdly brilliant when he launched Essentials back in 2018. He took the high-concept, high-price DNA of Fear of God and distilled it into something that feels attainable but still looks expensive. The fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie is the crown jewel of that experiment. It isn't just a sweatshirt. It’s a vibe, a status symbol, and honestly, a bit of a sizing headache if you don't know what you're doing.
Most people get it wrong. They buy their normal size and end up looking like they’re wearing a tent, or they buy the "Core" line thinking it’s the same as the "Relaxed" fit. It isn't. The nuances in the cut are what make or break the silhouette.
The Silhouette: What Makes the Relaxed Fit Different?
If you’ve worn the "Core" or "Classic" Essentials hoodies, you know they’re already oversized. But the fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie is a different beast entirely. It’s part of a shift in the brand’s design language that moved away from the tight, ribbed waistbands of 2019 and toward something more fluid.
The relaxed version scraps the tight elastic at the bottom. Instead of cinching at your waist and "muffin-topping" over your belt, it hangs straight down. It’s got these dropped shoulders that make your frame look wider without the bulk of shoulder pads. The sleeves are voluminous. They stack at the wrists. It’s intentional "slouchiness." Jerry Lorenzo often talks about "American Luxury," and this hoodie is the physical manifestation of that—comfortable enough to sleep in, but sharp enough to wear to a meeting at a creative agency.
The fabric is a heavy fleece, usually an 80/20 cotton-polyester blend. It’s thick. It has weight. When you put it on, it feels like a weighted blanket for your torso. That’s why people pay $100+ for what is, on paper, just a hoodie. You aren't just paying for the rubberized logo on the back or the chest; you’re paying for the way the fabric drapes. Cheap hoodies fold and crease; this one flows.
Sizing Is a Minefield
Let’s be real: Essentials sizing is chaotic. If you go into this thinking a Medium is a Medium, you’re going to be disappointed.
💡 You might also like: Cooper City FL Zip Codes: What Moving Here Is Actually Like
For the fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie, the general rule is to size down at least once. If you’re normally a Large, a Medium will still give you that oversized look. If you want it to fit "normally" (which, why are you buying Essentials if you want a normal fit?), you might even need to size down twice.
- The "True to Size" Trap: If you buy your TTS, expect the hem to hit mid-thigh. It looks great if you’re 6'2", but if you’re shorter, it can swallow your proportions.
- The Relaxed Hem: Because there’s no tight waistband, the hoodie won't stay "tucked" up. It will hang. This is the biggest complaint from people used to the 2020-era drops.
- The Neckline: It’s tight. The hood is double-layered and heavy, so it doesn't just flop around. It stays structured. This is a hallmark of the brand, but it can feel a bit restrictive if you have a larger neck.
I’ve seen guys on Reddit and Discord debating the "Relaxed" vs. "Oversized" tags for hours. Basically, the Relaxed fit is the modern standard for the brand. It’s less about being "big" and more about being "unstructured."
Why the Resale Market Still Thrives
You’d think that after dozens of "drops," the hype would die down. It hasn't. Whether it's the "Cloud Dancer" white, "Wood" brown, or the classic "Black," these pieces move fast. StockX and GOAT are flooded with them because the retail experience is a nightmare. PacSun drops usually sell out in minutes, and Fear of God’s own site is even faster.
The fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie holds its value because it’s a foundational piece. It’s the "Grey Sweatpants" of the streetwear world. It’s also one of the most faked items on the planet.
If you’re buying from a third party, look at the "ESSENTIALS" applique. On the authentic relaxed hoodies, the spacing between the letters is precise. The rubberized texture should feel firm, not like cheap heat-pressed plastic. The neck tag is usually a translucent, soft rubber material stitched at the corners. If it looks like a standard Hanes tag, run.
📖 Related: Why People That Died on Their Birthday Are More Common Than You Think
Quality Control: The Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about the "Essentials" logo falling off. It happens. Since the brand moved to the soft-touch rubberized logos instead of the old screen prints, there have been reports of letters peeling after a few washes.
Don't throw this thing in the dryer on high heat. Seriously. If you want your fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie to last longer than a season, wash it inside out on cold and hang dry it. The weight of the wet fleece is heavy, so use a sturdy hanger or lay it flat so it doesn't stretch the neck.
Also, the colors bleed. The darker earths and blacks will stain lighter shirts underneath if you don't wash them first. It’s a premium-feeling product, but it requires "high-maintenance" care. That’s the trade-off for the aesthetic.
How to Style It Without Looking Like a Carbon Copy
The "Essentials Uniform" is a hoodie, matching sweatpants, and a pair of Yeezys or New Balance 2002Rs. It’s a bit played out. To actually make the fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie look good in 2025 and 2026, you need contrast.
Try pairing the relaxed hoodie with wide-leg trousers—maybe some pleated Dickies or even wool dress pants. The juxtaposition of the "slouchy" top with a "sharp" bottom creates a much more interesting silhouette. Or, layer it under a structured overcoat. Because the hood is so thick and structured, it pops out over the collar of a coat perfectly. It doesn't get "lost" inside the jacket.
👉 See also: Marie Kondo The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up: What Most People Get Wrong
Is It Actually Worth the Money?
Retail is usually around $90 to $110. Resale can jump to $150 or $200 depending on the colorway. Is a cotton blend hoodie worth $110?
Technically, no. You’re paying for the cut and the name. But if you try to find a "dupe" at H&M or Zara, you’ll notice the difference immediately. The cheap ones lack the "stack" in the sleeves. They lack the weight in the hood. They feel thin.
The fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie occupies this weird middle ground. It’s more expensive than mall brands but way cheaper than mainline Fear of God or Balenciaga. It’s the "gateway drug" to luxury fashion.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- Size down: One size for a baggy look, two sizes for a standard fit.
- Check the hem: The "Relaxed" fit has no cinched waist; it hangs straight.
- Care instructions: Cold wash only, never tumble dry, wash inside out.
- Authentication: Look for the rubberized tags and specific letter spacing.
- Versatility: It’s a layering piece, not just a tracksuit component.
If you’re looking to buy your first piece, stick to the neutral tones. "Oatmeal," "Taupe," and "Jet Black" are the safest bets. They go with everything and don't go out of style when the next "season" of colors drops. The bright yellows and purples are fun, but they’re harder to flip if you decide the oversized look isn't for you.
To get the best deal, keep an eye on Nordstrom, SSENSE, and PacSun. They usually restock at random times. Don't panic-buy on StockX the second a drop sells out; prices usually dip a week later once everyone receives their shipments and the market gets saturated.
Final thought: Wear what you like, but understand the proportions. The fear of god essentials relaxed hoodie is a tool to change your body's silhouette. Use it correctly, and it’s the best hoodie in your closet. Use it wrong, and you’re just wearing a very expensive pajama top.
Actionable Next Steps
- Measure your favorite hoodie: Compare the "pit-to-pit" measurement to the size charts on SSENSE. This is the only way to ensure the "Relaxed" fit won't be too wide.
- Choose your colorway: Prioritize "Oatmeal" or "Desert Taupe" for maximum versatility with denim and black trousers.
- Verify the drop: Check the official Fear of God Instagram for "Essentials" release dates to avoid paying resale prices.
- Prepare your laundry setup: Get a drying rack if you don't have one; the heat from a dryer is the number one killer of the rubberized Essentials logo.