The Fear of God Essentials hoodie has become a go-to piece for women who love elevated streetwear. With its relaxed fit, muted color palette, and bold logo branding, it’s a favorite among influencers, celebrities, and everyday fashion lovers alike. But with a retail price typically ranging from $90 to $120—and even higher on resale platforms—the big question remains: Is the Essentials hoodie for women really worth the price? In this honest review, we break down the pros, cons, and whether this cult-favorite piece lives up to the hype.
What Makes the Essentials Hoodie So Popular?
Essentials, the diffusion line of Fear of God by Jerry Lorenzo, focuses on accessible luxury and minimalist design. The hoodie stands out for its:
- Oversized silhouette
- Premium cotton blend
- Signature “ESSENTIALS” logo
- Muted, versatile colorways
- Gender-neutral appeal
It combines comfort with fashion-forward design, making it ideal for both lounging and styling in streetwear fits.
The Pros: Why Women Love the Essentials Hoodie
✅ High-Quality Materials
The hoodie is made from a heavyweight cotton-poly blend fleece that feels soft on the inside and structured on the outside. It’s warm without being bulky, and it holds its shape after multiple wears.
✅ Stylish Oversized Fit
For women, the oversized design feels both cozy and stylish. The dropped shoulders and slightly elongated sleeves create a flattering, effortless look that works well with leggings, joggers, and biker shorts.
✅ Neutral, Easy-to-Style Colors
Essentials releases hoodies in subtle tones like taupe, sand, black, and moss green—perfect for building a capsule wardrobe. They match nearly everything and stay on trend season after season.
✅ Minimalist Streetwear Branding
The logo is bold but not overwhelming. It hits that balance between understated and trendy, especially when paired with clean accessories or sneakers.
The Cons: What Might Make You Think Twice
❌ Price Point
At $90–$120 retail—and often marked up on resale sites—the hoodie can be a stretch for those on a budget. For something branded as “essentials,” the price may feel steep, especially when alternatives exist for less.
❌ Sizing Can Be Tricky
Because of the unisex, oversized fit, women may find the hoodie runs large. If you’re not into the baggy look, you might have to size down or risk looking swallowed by the garment.
❌ Difficult to Find
Due to limited drops and high demand, many styles sell out quickly, especially in popular women’s sizes like XS and S. This scarcity drives up resale prices and makes shopping frustrating.
How It Compares to Alternatives
Many brands now offer similar hoodies with minimal branding and quality fabrics—Aritzia’s Tna Fleece, COS organic cotton hoodies, Skims cotton fleece, and Nike’s Phoenix Fleece all provide great alternatives at similar or lower price points. However, few deliver the same cultural clout or recognizable branding as Essentials.
Who Should Buy It?
- Streetwear fans who want a recognizable, Instagram-worthy staple
- Women who love oversized comfort and layering pieces
- Shoppers who value quality basics and are willing to pay for durability and design
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
Yes—if it fits your style and budget.
The Essentials hoodie delivers on comfort, quality, and streetwear aesthetic. For women who appreciate minimal design with a high-end edge, it’s a solid investment. However, if you’re just looking for a basic hoodie or want to avoid brand hype, there are plenty of stylish and affordable alternatives out there. Ultimately, it’s worth the price if you value the brand, the cut, and the versatility it brings to your wardrobe.