When it comes to buying high-quality streetwear, fit is just as important as fabric and style. Essentials Clothing has built its name on minimalist aesthetics, versatile designs, and durable construction, but one question consistently comes up among both first-time buyers and loyal fans: Is Essentials Clothing true to size?

The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple yes or no. Essentials Clothing has a distinct approach to fit that plays a big role in how their pieces look and feel. While some items are designed for an oversized, relaxed silhouette, others lean closer to standard sizing — and knowing the difference can be the key to getting your perfect fit.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Essentials sizing, including fit intent, material considerations, and tips for choosing the right size whether you’re shopping in-store or online.

Understanding Essentials’ Design Philosophy

Before diving into size charts, it’s important to understand the brand’s overall style direction. Essentials Clothing, a sub-label of Fear of God, was created to bring high-quality basics to a wider audience while maintaining the elevated, fashion-forward ethos of its parent brand.

This vision heavily influences the fit of Essentials pieces. Many garments are intentionally cut with a looser, boxier shape to give them a relaxed, contemporary streetwear look. This means that in certain categories — like hoodies, sweatshirts, and T-shirts — “true to size” often means “oversized by design.”

Recognizing this intentional volume is the first step in setting your sizing expectations.

Tops: Hoodies, Sweatshirts, and T-Shirts

For many shoppers, tops are where the most confusion happens. Essentials hoodies and sweatshirts typically feature dropped shoulders, wider sleeves, and extra body length compared to traditional athletic wear. This creates a slouchy, comfortable silhouette that is part of the brand’s signature look.

If you prefer this oversized style, your usual size will likely give you the intended fit. However, if you want a closer, more traditional fit, you may want to size down. Essentials T-shirts follow a similar pattern, offering a relaxed drape rather than a snug or tailored cut.

It’s worth noting that even when sizing down, Essentials tops tend to maintain a roomy feel, so you won’t lose comfort — only some of the extra volume.

Bottoms: Sweatpants, Shorts, and Track Pants

While Essentials bottoms are more forgiving than tailored trousers, they’re generally less oversized than the brand’s tops. Sweatpants often feature a tapered leg with elastic cuffs, so even though they’re roomy at the thigh, they narrow toward the ankle for a cleaner finish.

Shorts and track pants typically sit at or just below the natural waist and are designed with relaxed thigh space. If you want a looser fit for lounging, go with your normal size; if you prefer a sleeker look, consider going one size down. That said, most customers find that bottoms are the easiest to buy true to size without major surprises.

Outerwear: Jackets and Coats

Essentials outerwear pieces, such as puffer jackets, coach jackets, and utility coats, generally follow the same oversized principles as their tops. They’re built to be layered over hoodies or sweatshirts, which means extra room in the chest, arms, and shoulders.

If you plan on wearing your outerwear over multiple layers, sticking with your usual size is ideal. For a more fitted, streamlined look, particularly if you’ll only be wearing light layers underneath, sizing down can help achieve a sharper silhouette without losing comfort.

Fabric and Shrinkage Considerations

Another key factor in determining the right size for Essentials Clothing is fabric composition. Most of the brand’s core items are made from pre-shrunk cotton blends, meaning they will hold their size well even after multiple washes. This is intentional — the oversized fits are meant to stay consistent over time, so shrinkage is minimal.

Still, natural fibers like 100% cotton can experience slight tightening if washed and dried at high heat. To maintain your chosen fit, it’s best to wash Essentials pieces in cold water and air-dry or tumble dry on low.

The Role of Layering in Sizing

Layering plays a big role in streetwear styling, and Essentials designs with this in mind. The oversized cuts allow for easy layering without feeling restrictive. A hoodie over a longline T-shirt, or a sweatshirt under a roomy jacket, are staple Essentials looks.

If you’re building outfits around layering, keeping your normal size ensures the proportions work as intended. On the other hand, if your style is cleaner and more fitted, you may opt for smaller sizes to avoid excessive fabric bulk.

Men’s vs. Women’s Sizing

Essentials Clothing generally uses unisex sizing, meaning that the size chart is the same for men and women. This can be a bit tricky for shoppers used to gender-specific sizing systems. Women often find that going one size down from their usual women’s size provides a better fit, while men may stick closer to their standard measurements.

Because unisex sizing can feel looser on smaller frames, it’s worth checking the garment’s length measurements in addition to chest or waist size, especially for items like oversized hoodies that can appear much longer than expected.

Trying Before Buying vs. Shopping Online

If you have the chance to try on Essentials pieces in-store, take it — the difference between a size small and a size medium in Essential Shorts this brand can feel more about style than strict measurement. That said, many buyers shop Essentials online, where fit decisions must be made based on size charts, product descriptions, and customer reviews.

One useful tip is to look for product-specific sizing notes. Retailers and the brand’s own site often indicate whether a particular drop runs “true to size” or “oversized.” Essentials occasionally tweaks fits between collections, so what was true for one hoodie release may differ slightly in another.

The Influence of Footwear and Accessories on Perceived Fit

Interestingly, how you style your Essentials pieces can also change the way their fit is perceived. Pairing oversized sweatpants with chunky sneakers and a relaxed hoodie leans into the brand’s streetwear roots, while wearing them with sleek shoes and a fitted top can make them appear more tailored.

Accessories like hats, crossbody bags, and jewelry can shift the balance of an outfit, drawing attention away from or toward certain proportions. This means that even a very oversized piece can be styled in a way that feels more fitted if desired.

The Bottom Line on Essentials Sizing

So, is Essentials Clothing true to size? The answer is yes — but only if you understand that the brand’s definition of “true” often includes intentional oversizing. In other words, your usual size will fit you exactly as the designers intended, which may mean looser silhouettes and dropped shoulders rather than a traditional slim cut.

If you embrace the brand’s relaxed aesthetic, buy your normal size and enjoy the drape and volume. If you want a more fitted look, size down — but know that even then, you’ll still have a comfortable, easygoing fit.

Ultimately, getting the right size in Essentials Clothing comes down to knowing your style preferences and how you want the pieces to work in your wardrobe. With its consistent sizing, premium fabrics, and versatile cuts, Essentials makes it easy to find your fit once you understand the brand’s vision.