Fear of God ESSENTIALS Hoodie Review: Minimalist Luxury

The Quiet Power of a Perfect Hoodie: Why I Added the Fear of God ESSENTIALS Fleece to My Wardrobe

It started with a simple need: I wanted a black hoodie that didn’t scream for attention—but still made people look twice. Not flashy, not logo-heavy, just… right. In a sea of fast-fashion hoodies that pill after two washes or shrink into crop tops, I found myself scrolling through Revolve late one night, half-asleep but oddly determined. That’s when I landed on it: the Fear of God ESSENTIALS Fleece Hoodie in Black.

At first glance, it looked unassuming—exactly what I was after. But as I dug deeper into the product page, I realized this wasn’t just another basic. This was a distillation of everything designer Jerry Lorenzo built his empire on: elevated minimalism, intentional design, and quiet confidence.

I’ve long admired Fear of God for redefining American luxury—not through opulence, but through restraint. The mainline collections are runway-worthy, but ESSENTIALS, its more accessible sibling, brings that same philosophy to everyday wear. And this hoodie? It’s the poster child.

I hesitated at the $140 price tag. Was it worth it? But then I remembered my last “cheap” hoodie: stiff fabric, uneven stitching, and a drawstring that vanished after week two. So I clicked “Add to Cart”—not impulsively, but with the calm certainty of someone investing in longevity.

When it arrived (packaged neatly, no plastic excess—a small but appreciated touch), I immediately noticed the weight. It’s substantial without being bulky. The blend—80% cotton, 20% polyester—gives it structure while maintaining breathability. The fleece interior is brushed to a cloud-like softness, the kind that makes you want to cancel plans just to lounge in it. And the black? Not flat, not blue-tinged—just deep, rich, and true.

The fit is where Fear of God ESSENTIALS truly shines. Described as “classic” but cut with subtle tailoring, it drapes rather than hangs. I’m usually between sizes, but based on Revolve’s size guide and customer reviews (which overwhelmingly said “true to size”), I went with a Medium. Perfect call. It’s relaxed enough to layer over a tee or under a coat, but never sloppy. The dropped shoulders add that signature streetwear ease, while the slightly elongated sleeves and hem keep it modern.

Details matter: the kangaroo pocket is deep and functional (my phone fits without fear of falling), and the ribbed cuffs and hem hold their shape without digging in. There’s a small tonal logo on the chest—so understated you might miss it unless you’re looking. And on the back? A minimalist graphic that adds just enough personality without veering into trend territory. It’s wearable art for the anti-logo generation.

I’ve worn it everywhere: morning coffee runs, weekend errands, even a casual Friday at the office (paired with tailored trousers and minimalist sneakers—trust me, it works). Each time, I’ve received quiet compliments: “Where’s your hoodie from?” or “That looks so comfortable.” No one asked about the brand outright—they just responded to the vibe.

And that’s the magic of ESSENTIALS. It doesn’t rely on hype; it earns respect through wear. After three washes (cold, gentle cycle, air-dried, as recommended), it looks brand new. No fading, no pilling, no distortion. The color remains saturated, the shape intact. For a piece worn weekly, that’s impressive.

What seals the deal is how it fits into a broader wardrobe. This isn’t a one-season wonder. In winter, it layers seamlessly under my wool coat. In spring, it’s the perfect cover-up for cool evenings. And because it’s unisex (Revolve notes all sizes follow men’s sizing, but the cut flatters all genders), it’s become a shared favorite in my household—though I guard it jealously.

Compared to other premium basics—like Polo Ralph Lauren or even mainline streetwear brands—Fear of God ESSENTIALS strikes a rare balance: luxury-level quality at a relatively accessible price point. You’re not paying for a giant logo; you’re paying for fabric, cut, and craftsmanship.

If you’re building a capsule wardrobe or simply tired of replacing hoodies every season, this is the one. It’s versatile, durable, and imbued with that elusive “cool” that can’t be bought—it has to be worn in.

So yes, after weeks of real-world testing, I can say with confidence: this hoodie is worth every penny. It’s not just clothing; it’s a uniform for those who value simplicity with substance.

Ready to upgrade your everyday?

Add the Fear of God ESSENTIALS Fleece Hoodie in Black to Your Cart on Revolve

In a world of noise, sometimes the most powerful statement is silence—stitched in cotton, lined in fleece, and dyed in perfect black.