How Much Is an Essentials Hoodie? A Detailed Look at Pricing, Value, and Trends
In the world of modern streetwear, few brands have captured the attention of style-conscious shoppers like Fear of God Essentials. Known for its minimalistic aesthetic, neutral color palette, and comfortable fits, Essentials offers a blend of luxury and casual fashion. But if you're considering buying one, a key question arises: how much is an Essentials hoodie?
In this article, we'll break down the typical price range of Essentials hoodies, what influences their cost, and whether they’re worth the investment.
What Is Fear of God Essentials?
Before jumping into price tags, it's important to understand what you're buying. Essentials is the more affordable, accessible sub-line of the high-end Fear of God brand, created by designer Jerry Lorenzo. Unlike the mainline, which features high-fashion, limited pieces at luxury prices, Essentials focuses on everyday wardrobe staples—think oversized sweatshirts, hoodies, sweatpants, and tees—at more reasonable costs.
The brand exploded in popularity thanks to its collaboration with PacSun and its ability to deliver premium looks without the ultra-high price.
Average Retail Price of Essentials Hoodies
On average, an Essentials hoodie retails for $90 to $120 USD, depending on the design, collection, and retailer. Here's a general breakdown:
- Standard Pullover Hoodie: $90 – $100
- Relaxed/3D Logo Hoodie: $100 – $120
- Zipper Hoodies or Special Editions: Up to $140
Most of these hoodies feature a heavy cotton-blend fabric, dropped shoulders, a boxy fit, and bold yet simple branding—typically the word “ESSENTIALS” printed on the chest or back.
Why the Price Varies
Several factors can affect the final price of an Essentials hoodie:
1. Collection or Season
Essentials typically releases seasonal collections (Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter). Newer collections might be priced slightly higher due to updated designs or materials.
2. Retail vs. Resale
If you miss out on a drop from Fear of God, SSENSE, or PacSun, you might have to turn to resale platforms like StockX, GOAT, or Grailed. Resale prices can spike depending on demand and rarity, with some hoodies going for $150 to $300+, especially if the piece is from an older, discontinued collection.
3. Material and Fit
Although Essentials hoodies are generally consistent in quality, there can be small variations. Some collections use thicker fleece or updated logos, which may affect retail cost slightly.
4. Colorway
Neutral tones like taupe, cream, and black are always popular, but limited edition colorways (like "Stretch Limo" or "Harvest") can fetch higher resale prices.
Where to Buy Essentials Hoodies
If you're aiming for retail prices, these are your best bets:
- Fear of God (Official Website): Offers the latest drops directly from the brand.
- SSENSE: Often stocks seasonal collections with global shipping.
- PacSun: A key retail partner in the U.S., frequently carries Essentials online and in select stores.
- MR PORTER and Nordstrom: Occasionally stock Essentials, particularly during new releases.
For resale:
- StockX
- GOAT
- Grailed
- eBay
When buying second-hand, always verify authenticity. Essentials is a popular brand, and counterfeits are common, especially on peer-to-peer platforms.
Are Essentials Hoodies Worth the Price?
This is subjective, but many fans and reviewers argue yes—here’s why:
✔ Premium Feel Without the Luxury Markup
Essentials hoodies offer heavyweight materials, modern silhouettes, and consistent quality that rivals luxury brands at half the price.
✔ Timeless Design
With minimal logos and neutral colors, these hoodies can fit almost any style and occasion. You can dress them up or down.
✔ Strong Resale Value
Unlike fast fashion, Essentials pieces tend to hold value well and are often resold close to or even above their original price.
✖ Limited Availability
The main downside is that Essentials drops sell out quickly. Unless you're fast, you'll often need to buy from resellers.
How to Spot a Fake Essentials Hoodie
With high demand comes imitation. Here are a few tips for spotting a fake:
- Tags: Authentic tags are clean, well-stitched, and include both “Fear of God” and “Essentials.”
- Logo Placement: Originals have 1977 essentials hoodie precise logo placements. Misaligned or smudged printing is a red flag.
- Material: Fakes often use thinner, cheaper fabric. Real Essentials hoodies are dense and weighty.
- Sizing: Essentials hoodies are oversized by design. If a hoodie fits snugly, it might not be real.
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy One?
If you're into modern streetwear, want high-quality basics, and appreciate neutral tones, an Essentials hoodie is likely a great buy—especially at the $90 to $120 retail price point.
While the resale market can drive prices up, staying on top of new drops or checking reputable retailers can help you grab one at a fair price. Just remember, Essentials is about comfort, quality, and quiet style, not loud logos or seasonal trends.