Fear of God Essentials is designed to fit oversized, and that relaxed silhouette is a big part of its appeal. It also means the size you normally wear is not always the right choice. This guide explains how each Essentials category fits so you can order with confidence. New to the brand? Start with our complete guide to Fear of God Essentials.
The short answer: Essentials runs big
Essentials pieces are cut with dropped shoulders, a longer body and roomy sleeves. If you take your usual size, expect a deliberately oversized look. As a general rule:
- For the intended oversized fit, take your usual size.
- For a more regular fit, size down one.
- If you are between sizes, sizing down usually gives the cleaner result.
Most customers who want Essentials to look relaxed but not swamping go one size down, especially on hoodies and tees.
How Essentials hoodies fit
The hoodie is the most oversized piece in the range. The shoulder seam sits well below the natural shoulder, the body is wide and slightly longer than a standard hoodie, and the sleeves are generous with ribbed cuffs that bunch at the wrist. In your usual size, the hood and body have plenty of volume, which looks great layered over a tee. If you prefer the hoodie to sit closer to the body, size down.
Zip-up styles, such as the Jet Black zip-up hoodie, follow a similar relaxed cut. For colour and styling advice, see our Essentials hoodies guide.
How Essentials T-shirts fit
Essentials tees are boxy, with a wide body and dropped shoulder. In your usual size they have a loose, slightly longline drape. Sizing down one gives a cleaner, more structured look that still feels relaxed. Tees like the Light Oatmeal tee and the 1977 tee in Iron are good examples of the cut.
How Essentials sweatpants fit
Essentials sweatpants come in two main cuts, and they fit differently:
- Classic sweatpants have a relaxed thigh with an elastic cuff at the ankle, so the leg stacks slightly above the trainer. Try the Stretch Limo sweatpants.
- Relaxed sweatpants have a straighter, open leg that falls over the trainer for a looser line, like the Light Oatmeal relaxed sweatpants.
Both have an elasticated drawstring waist, which gives some flexibility. Because the tops already carry a lot of volume, many people keep sweatpants closer to their true size so the outfit stays balanced. If you are buying a matching set, our Essentials tracksuit guide covers sizing the top and bottom together.
How Essentials shorts fit
Essentials shorts sit relaxed through the leg with a drawstring waist, landing around or just above the knee depending on your height. They are generally comfortable in your true size. Pair them with a matching tee, such as the Dark Oatmeal shorts with the Dark Oatmeal tee.
Sizing tips for getting the right fit
- Measure a favourite hoodie. Lay a hoodie you like flat and compare chest width and length with the product sizing before ordering.
- Think about layering. If you plan to wear your hoodie over thicker layers in winter, your usual size gives more room.
- Match the look you want. Oversized and slouchy: true size. Clean and relaxed: size down.
- Check you are buying genuine. Fakes often get the fit and proportions wrong. Read how to spot fake Fear of God Essentials.
Frequently asked questions
Should I size down in Fear of God Essentials? If you want a regular, less oversized fit, yes, size down one. If you want the intended oversized look, take your usual size.
Do Essentials hoodies shrink? Like most cotton-rich fleece, Essentials can shrink slightly if washed hot or tumble dried. Wash cool, inside out, and dry flat to keep the fit.
Do Essentials sweatpants run big? They are relaxed rather than oversized, so most people find their usual size works, with the drawstring waist giving some adjustment.
Related reading: The Complete Guide to Essentials | Essentials Hoodies Guide | Essentials Colourways Explained | Shop the Essentials collection