Do Essentials Hoodies Run Big in 2026? The Ultimate Sizing Guide

If you’re shopping for a Fear of God Essentials hoodie in 2026, you’ve probably heard conflicting advice about sizing. Some say size down. Others insist on going true to size. The confusion is real—and it’s costing shoppers time and money on returns.

Here’s the short answer: Yes, Essentials hoodies run intentionally oversized in 2026. They’re designed with relaxed proportions, dropped shoulders, and a boxy fit. But knowing how much they run big—and what size you should actually buy—requires a deeper look at the measurements, your body type, and the look you’re going for.

This complete 2026 sizing guide will help you get it right the first time.

The Signature Essentials Fit: Why It’s Different

Before diving into size charts, you need to understand what makes Essentials hoodies unique. Jerry Lorenzo’s vision for Fear of God Essentials has always been about “relaxed luxury”—clothes that feel effortless and look intentional .

The 2026 Essentials collection continues this philosophy with three key design elements that affect fit:

Dropped Shoulders: The shoulder seam sits 2-3 inches lower than your natural shoulder. This creates that slouchy, relaxed upper body look that defines the brand .

Boxy Torso: The chest and body are cut wider relative to the length. This isn’t a slim, tapered fit—it’s designed to have structure while remaining roomy .

Heavyweight Fabric: Most Essentials hoodies use 80% cotton and 20% polyester fleece weighing around 9.5 ounces per square yard . This heavyweight material holds its shape rather than draping limply, contributing to the structured oversized look .

A 2026 Classic Hoodie from the official Fear of God site confirms this design philosophy, describing it as having “classic fit with signature Fear of God relaxed proportions” . A model who is 6’1″ wears a size Medium in official product shots , giving you a reference point.

Do Essentials Hoodies Run Big? Actual Measurements

According to detailed testing by someone who owns multiple 1977 Essentials hoodies, here are the actual garment measurements :

For context, a typical medium hoodie from most brands has a chest width around 21-22 inches. Even a Small in Essentials (23″ chest) is wider than a standard medium. A Medium at 25 inches is comparable to a Large or XL in regular brands .

The verdict: Yes, Essentials hoodies run significantly big. But intentional oversized design isn’t the same as “poor sizing”—it’s a stylistic choice you need to account for.

The Golden Rule: Size Down

If you’re wondering what size to buy, here’s the industry standard advice from sizing experts:

For a modern, stylish oversized look: Size down once 
For a classic, closer-to-body fit: Size down twice 

This might sound extreme, but it works because Essentials builds extra room into every dimension. The official Fear of God site shows a 6’1″ model wearing a Medium —which would be a size down for someone who normally wears Large in other brands.

Let’s break down what each sizing approach actually looks like:

True to Size (TTS)

• Extremely baggy, maximum oversized look
• Sleeves extend past wrists by 1-2 inches
• Hem sits well below waist, covering half or more of back pockets
• For those committed to extreme streetwear proportions 

Sized Down Once (Recommended for most people)

• Still noticeably oversized but more wearable
• Dropped shoulders remain visible
• Sleeves hit at a good length
• Body drapes well without overwhelming your frame
• The sweet spot between style and practicality 

Sized Down Twice

• Fits like a standard hoodie from other brands
• Shoulder seams align with natural shoulders
• Sleeves end at wrists
• Boxy feel is minimized
• Great if you love Essentials quality and branding but prefer classic proportions 

Sizing by Height and Weight: Real Examples

To make this practical, here’s how sizing worked for a real person who tested multiple sizes :

Reference person: 5’10”, 165 lbs, 38″ chest, normally wears Medium in most brands

Small (kept for regular wear) :

• Chest: 23 inches
• Length: 27 inches
• Fit like a standard Medium with dropped shoulders
• Still roomy enough for layering a long-sleeve underneath
• Hem hits at waistband, doesn’t cover back pockets

Medium (too oversized for preference) :

• Chest: 25 inches
• Length: 29 inches
• Sleeves past wrists by about an inch
• Hem covers half of back pockets
• Intentional oversized look—works if that’s your style

Large (extreme oversized) :

• Chest: 27 inches
• Length: 30.5 inches
• Felt like borrowing someone else’s hoodie

Based on this testing and other sizing guides , here are general recommendations:

How Different Body Types Should Size

Athletic Build

If you have broader shoulders and chest, the boxy cut actually works in your favor. It provides plenty of room without feeling restrictive. The “size down once” option typically gives a relaxed fit that complements your build without looking sloppy .

Slim/Slender Build

For thinner frames, going true to size can result in being swallowed by fabric. Size down once for a sporty oversized appearance, or twice if you want something more structured and closer-fitting .

Curvy or Plus Size Builds

The relaxed fit through the waist and hips can be very comfortable. Start with your standard size based on chest measurements—it will likely provide a comfortable, loose fit. Sizing down once is possible if you want less room .

Petite Builds (Under 5’5″)

Length becomes the main concern. Both body length and sleeves may be long on smaller frames. Sizing down at least once is strongly recommended—twice might be necessary to avoid being overwhelmed by fabric .

Does the 1977 Collection Fit Differently?

The 1977 Essentials hoodie (named after Jerry Lorenzo’s birth year) is the most popular silhouette in the 2026 lineup . It features the same core sizing philosophy as the Classic hoodie but with specific design details :

• Heavyweight cotton fleece blend (approximately 9.5 oz)
• Rubberized logo printing on chest (about 4 inches wide)
• Larger back print across shoulders (about 12 inches)
• Some colorways include “1977” printed on sleeve
• Double-layer hood with thick flat drawcords (18 inches each side)

The 1977 collection rotates through 8-10 colorways each season, with core colors like Black, Dark Oatmeal, Charcoal, and Buttercream always available . Seasonal colors like Sage green, Rust, and Navy come and go .

Fit recommendations for the 1977 hoodie follow the same rules as the Classic—size down once for optimal wearability .

How Fabric Changes Affect Fit Over Time

One concern shoppers have is whether Essentials hoodies shrink after washing. Here’s what happens based on real-world testing :

First wear: The hoodie feels slightly stiff. Heavyweight fleece needs breaking in. Don’t judge the fit immediately.

After first wash (cold water, low dry) : Fabric softens noticeably. Shrinkage is minimal—the tester’s hoodie measured the exact same dimensions post-wash. The brushed interior becomes more plush .

After 10 washes : The fleece develops a worn-in softness that cheap hoodies never achieve. Colors stay vibrant. No pilling or shape loss .

After 20+ washes : Peak comfort. Fabric drapes better, moves with you. Ribbed cuffs maintain shape. Drawstrings intact .

Key takeaway: With proper care (cold wash, low or no heat drying), shrinkage is negligible. The hoodie actually improves with age .

Essentials vs. Other Premium Hoodies: Size Comparison

To help you calibrate, here’s how Essentials compares to other popular brands :

Champion Reverse Weave ($70-80) : Champion runs boxy but uses 12oz fleece (heavier). Fit is more vintage athletic. Essentials has a more contemporary, elongated silhouette. If you wear Medium in Champion Reverse Weave, you’ll likely need Small in Essentials.

Reigning Champ ($120-140) : RC fits slimmer and more athletic. Their medium is closer to an Essentials small. Reigning Champ wins on pure construction quality, but Essentials wins on current style.

John Elliott ($160-200) : JE hoodies are lighter weight (7-8oz) with more fashion-forward cuts. Different category entirely—JE for draped luxury look, Essentials for substantial everyday wear.

Mall brands (H&M, Zara, Uniqlo at $30-50) : No comparison. A Uniqlo medium is about 21″ chest—significantly smaller than Essentials. If you wear medium in these brands, you need small (or even XS) in Essentials.

Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Ordering Your Regular Size

The biggest error. Your standard medium in Nike or Adidas does not translate to Essentials medium. Always size down at least once .

Mistake 2: Ignoring Length

The boxy cut means length increases with size. A large may be 30.5 inches long—that’s nearly 3 inches longer than a standard hoodie. For shorter guys, length becomes the limiting factor before chest width .

Mistake 3: Not Measuring a Reference Hoodie

The most reliable method: measure a hoodie you already own and love the fit of. Lay it flat, measure pit-to-pit and shoulder-to-hem, then compare to the Essentials size chart .

Mistake 4: Assuming All Essentials Pieces Fit the Same

While hoodies share the same philosophy, other pieces (tees, sweatshirts, jackets) may fit differently. Always check specific product measurements.

Where to Buy Essentials Hoodies in 2026

Official retail channels :

Pacsun : Most reliable source for regular restocks. In-store inventory often has sizes sold out online. Easy returns within 30 days.

Fear of God official site : Gets exclusive colorways occasionally. Shipping takes 7-10 business days. Returns are more complicated—you pay return shipping and restocking fees may apply.

essentialsfearof-god.com : Authorized retailer carrying current season inventory. Good for finding sold-out colorways from other retailers.

SSENSE, END Clothing : Carry Essentials sporadically. Pricing sometimes marked up ($120-130). Only worth it if you can’t find your size elsewhere.

Resale (Grailed, Depop) : Standard colors in common sizes typically resell for $70-90, slightly below retail. Limited seasonal colors can go for $110-140 .

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m 5’10” and 175lbs—what size should I get?

For a relaxed, modern oversized fit, go with Medium. If you prefer a fit closer to the body or have a slimmer build, Small will work better .

Do women’s and men’s Essentials hoodies fit differently?

Essentials uses unisex sizing . The core fit is the same across collections—boxy and relaxed. Women with smaller frames might consider sizing down twice for a fit closer to standard women’s hoodies .

Will my Essentials hoodie shrink?

Minimally, with proper care. The cotton-polyester blend is pre-shrunk. Wash cold and tumble dry low or hang dry to maintain dimensions. High heat is the main cause of shrinkage .

Has the fit changed over the years?

The signature fit remains consistent. Some fans note minor variations between collections (one might run slightly longer), but the core advice to size down one or two sizes remains reliable .

What’s the difference between Classic and 1977 hoodies?

Both share the same silhouette and sizing. The 1977 collection features specific branding (1977 print on chest or sleeve) and rotates seasonal colorways .

Do Essentials hoodies fit true to size according to the brand?

Official product pages describe the fit as “classic fit with signature relaxed proportions” and “fits true to size” . This is accurate if you understand that “true to size” means true to their intentional oversized design—not compared to other brands.

Final Verdict: What Size Should You Buy?

The safest approach for 2026 Essentials hoodies:

1. Size down once from your usual size in other brands for the intended oversized look that’s still wearable .
2. Size down twice if you prefer a classic, closer fit .
3. Measure a favorite hoodie and compare to the size chart for guaranteed accuracy .
4. Consider your height—length may be the deciding factor if you’re under 5’8″ or over 6’3″.
5. Remember the fabric—heavyweight fleece holds its shape, so what you buy is what you’ll get (minimal stretching or shrinking).

The 1977 and Classic Essentials hoodies are investment pieces at $90-110. Getting the size right means you’ll actually wear and enjoy them. When in doubt, the “size down once” rule has worked for thousands of buyers—and it’s likely to work for you too.

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