With the rise of minimal, elevated streetwear, Essentials by Fear of God has become a cult favorite. Clean branding, cozy fits, and versatile colors make their hoodies a go-to for everyone from celebrities to everyday style lovers. But with popularity comes fakes — and counterfeit Essentials hoodies are everywhere online.
Before you drop your cash, here’s how to spot a fake Essentials hoodie and make sure you’re getting the real deal.
1. Check the Logo Placement and Font
Essentials is all about subtlety and precision, which is why counterfeit versions often mess this up.
✅ Real:
The “ESSENTIALS” logo is always clean, centered, and evenly spaced.
The font is bold, minimal, and slightly extended.
Look for “Fear of God” printed smaller underneath or on the back in certain editions.
❌ Fake:
Uneven spacing or off-center text
Fonts that are too bold, too thin, or look stretched
Misspelled logos (yes, it happens)
2. Inspect the Rubber Tag on the Hood
One of the brand’s signature touches is the rubberized tag sewn onto the hood.
✅ Real:
Tag is smooth and properly aligned
Reads “ESSENTIALS” in clean, centered font
Edges are tightly stitched and flush with the fabric
❌ Fake:
The tag feels cheap or peels off easily
Crooked alignment or sloppy stitching
Blurry, faded, or poorly embossed lettering
3. Look at the Fabric Quality
Essentials hoodies are heavy. The fabric is premium cotton with a slightly structured but soft feel.
✅ Real:
Thick, heavyweight cotton-blend fleece
Inside feels soft, like brushed cotton
Holds its shape well even after wear
❌ Fake:
Thin or flimsy fabric
Feels like polyester or overly stretchy
Lint and pilling after a few wears
4. Study the Label Inside
Every Essentials hoodie includes internal labeling with clear branding and sizing.
✅ Real:
The inner tag says “Fear of God Essentials” with sizing and country of manufacture
Usually has an additional care label below
High-quality woven or printed tags — no fraying
❌ Fake:
Missing the “Fear of God” branding
Incorrect sizing info or generic tags
Labels that fall off or fade after one wash
5. Analyze the Fit and Cut
Essentials hoodies are intentionally oversized, with dropped shoulders and boxy cuts.
✅ Real:
Oversized fit but still well-tailored
The sleeves and hem don’t feel baggy or awkward
Side panels or reinforced stitching in some versions
❌ Fake:
Regular or Slim Fit
Feeling off in the shoulders or sleeves
Inconsistent sizing between pieces
6. Compare Pricing and Source
The price can often be the first red flag.
✅ Realistic Prices:
Retail: Around $90–USD 120
Resale: Up to $150–$250, depending on demand and colorway
❌ Too Good to Be True:
Anything under $60 for “brand new” is suspicious
Sketchy websites, random IG sellers, or no return policy = red flag
7. Buy From Trusted Retailers
Want to avoid the guesswork altogether? Stick with verified stockists:
https://deutschemodes.de/collections/essentials-hoodie/ (official source)
SSENSE
Pacsun
END.
GOAT & StockX (for resale with authentication)
Final Word: Trust Your Eyes — and Your Instincts
Fake Essentials hoodies are getting better, but the devil’s in the details. A crooked logo, cheap tag, or weird fit are all signs that something’s off. If you’re ever unsure, compare your hoodie with product photos from trusted sites or reach out to the seller for more info.
In streetwear, authenticity matters — not just for the flex, but for the quality, comfort, and craft. So keep your eyes sharp, and your wardrobe real.
