How to Pick the Right Size Essentials Hoodie: A Guide for First-Time Buyers

If you're about to buy your first Essentials hoodie, congratulationsyoure stepping into one of the most iconic pieces in modern streetwear. But before you hit that checkout button, theres one major decision you need to get right: sizing.

Essentials hoodies are known for their oversized fit, dropped shoulders, and relaxed silhouettes. But what does that mean for you personally? Should you size up, size down, or stick to your regular size? This guide is here to help first-time buyers navigate the Essentials sizing process with confidence.

Understanding the Essentials Aesthetic

Before we get into numbers and measurements, its important to understand what Fear of God Essentials is all about. The brand isnt just focused on comfortits focused on style through proportion.

Jerry Lorenzo, the designer behind Essentials, intentionally builds his pieces to have volume. That means roomy bodies, long sleeves, and wide shoulders. These elements create a silhouette thats distinctly oversized yet refined.

This is not a hoodie that hugs your body. Its meant to drape, flow, and make a quiet statement. That aesthetic choice is part of what sets Essentials apart, but it can also throw off first-time buyers who are used to slim or standard-fit hoodies.

The Reality of the Oversized Fit

The essential hoodies is, without question, oversized by design. If you buy your true size expecting a regular fit, you might be surprised by how big it feels.

The sleeves are long and wide, the body is boxy, and the length often runs just slightly cropped compared to the width. This fit creates a relaxed look thats trendy and versatilebut only if it fits the way you want it to.

So the key question becomes: do you want to lean into the oversized look, or tone it down a bit? Your answer will determine which size is best for you.

Stick With Your True Size for That Signature Look

If youre here for the full Essentials experiencethe baggy sleeves, the drop-shoulder design, and the laid-back streetwear vibethen go with your regular size.

This approach is ideal for people who love that oversized aesthetic. The hoodie wont look sloppy; itll look intentionally oversized. In fact, this is how the hoodie is styled in most official photoshoots and influencer posts.

So if youre typically a Medium in most brands, stick with Medium here. Youll get the intended proportions that Jerry Lorenzo designed the hoodie to have.

Size Down for a More Toned-Down Fit

If you like the hoodies design but prefer something a little more fitted, size down by one. This will reduce the bagginess slightly and give you a silhouette that feels more tailored while still keeping the relaxed feel.

A lot of first-time buyers who arent sure how they feel about the oversized look opt to size down. You still get a stylish, roomy hoodieit just wont feel as exaggerated.

For example, if you normally wear a Large, buying a Medium Essentials hoodie will give you a more manageable, slightly snugger look without sacrificing comfort.

Avoid Sizing Up Unless You Really Want Extra Volume

One of the most common mistakes first-time buyers make is sizing up unnecessarily. Because the hoodie is already oversized, sizing up can push it into overly baggy territory.

While some people love the ultra-oversized look (especially for layering or styling purposes), its not ideal for everyone. If you size up without realizing how big the hoodie already runs, you may end up with sleeves that cover your hands and a body that looks disproportionate.

In short, only size up if youre very tall, broad-shouldered, or intentionally going for that extra slouchy, cozy vibe.

Check the Size Charts Carefully

One of the best things you can do before buying is to study the brands official size guide. Essentials sizing can vary slightly between collections, so always check the chart for the specific drop or season youre buying from.

Size charts usually list measurements for chest, sleeve, and length. If you have a hoodie at home that fits the way you want your Essentials hoodie to fit, lay it flat and compare the measurements.

This is especially helpful if youre buying online and cant try it on in person.

Consider Your Height and Build

Your body type plays a big role in how oversized pieces fit you. Taller and broader individuals often find that the oversized fit feels more natural, while shorter or slimmer people might find the same size overwhelming.

If you're under 57, you may want to size down to avoid being swallowed by the hoodie. If you're over 6 feet, your true size might give you the right balance between roominess and structure.

Shoulder width and torso length also matter. If you have narrow shoulders, a large size might make the hoodie look too boxy. If you have a longer torso, you may find the cropped length of some Essentials hoodies slightly short.

Know That Each Drop Can Be a Little Different

Fear of God Essentials updates its styles from season to season. Sometimes the fit becomes boxier, other times the materials feel slightly different. While the core design remains consistent, small changes can affect how a hoodie fits and feels.

Thats why its always a good idea to check for user reviews or try-on videos from the specific collection youre buying from. Many fashion YouTubers and TikTok creators do detailed sizing breakdowns that can be incredibly helpful for first-time buyers.

What About Women? A Quick Note on Unisex Fit

Essentials hoodies are unisex, but theyre generally sized using mens measurements. So women may want to size down one or even two sizes, depending on their height and fit preferences.

For example, a woman who typically wears a size Medium might prefer an Essentials hoodie in XS or S to achieve a comfortably oversized look without drowning in fabric.

Of course, many women also essential shorts love the ultra-oversized trend and rock their true mens size for a bold, baggy silhouette. It really comes down to personal style.

Where You Shop Can Matter

If you're buying from authorized retailers like SSENSE, PacSun, END, or Mr Porter, you'll usually find accurate sizing info and helpful customer reviews. These can guide you to the right size based on real customer experiences.

But if you're shopping from resale platforms like StockX, GOAT, or Grailed, be extra cautious. You may not be able to return or exchange, so youll want to be absolutely sure about your size before purchasing.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Fit Just Right

Picking the right size for your first Essentials hoodie can seem daunting, especially with all the talk of oversized fits and changing collections. But once you understand the brand's philosophy, it becomes much easier.

Stick with your true size for that signature Essentials look. Size down if you prefer a more fitted feel. Avoid sizing up unless you're consciously going for a very oversized aesthetic.

With the right size, youll not only feel comfortableyoull look effortlessly stylish. And for many, thats exactly what makes the Essentials hoodie worth the investment.