The popularity of Essentials clothing has skyrocketed in recent years. Known for its clean designs, comfort, and everyday wear appeal, this streetwear brand has become a staple in wardrobes worldwide. However, with its growing fame, counterfeit versions have also flooded the market. For fashion lovers, spotting the difference between real and fake Essentials can be tricky — but it’s essential (pun intended!) to know what to look for before spending your hard-earned money.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key details that will help you identify authentic Essentials clothing and avoid falling into the trap of fakes.
Why Is Essentials So Popular?
Before diving into the details, it’s worth understanding why Essentials has become such a big deal. Created by Jerry Lorenzo as part of Fear of God, the label was designed to make everyday streetwear more accessible. Unlike high-end designer pieces, Essentials offers a balance of quality, comfort, and affordability, all while staying trendy and minimal.
Because of this hype and demand, counterfeit manufacturers saw an opportunity — leading to a flood of fake Essentials tracksuits, hoodies, T-shirts, and shorts being sold both online and in street markets.
Why Fake Essentials Clothing Is a Problem
At first glance, you might think buying a fake version isn’t a big deal. But here’s why it matters:
- Poor Quality: Fake Essentials clothing often uses cheap fabrics that don’t last.
- Uncomfortable Fit: Counterfeits rarely match the true oversized fit the brand is known for.
- Brand Value: Supporting fakes undermines the work of original designers.
- Wasted Money: You may end up paying a high price for something that won’t last beyond a few washes.
Knowing the difference ensures you get the real deal and value for your money.
How to Spot Real vs. Fake Essentials Clothing
Now, let’s dive into the most important part — identifying whether your Essentials hoodie, tracksuit, or T-shirt is genuine or fake.
1. Check the Logo and Fonts
The Essentials logo is one of the clearest giveaways.
- Real: The text should be sharp, clean, and evenly spaced. Essentials usually uses reflective or rubberised lettering that feels smooth and premium.
- Fake: Often, fakes will have slightly off fonts, uneven spacing, or misaligned text. The print might peel easily or feel cheap to the touch.
Tip: Compare the logo on the official Fear of God website with the one on your piece. Even small differences can signal a fake.
2. Look at the Neck Tag
Tags are a huge indicator of authenticity.
- Real: Essentials neck tags are thick, well-stitched, and usually feature “ESSENTIALS Fear of God” in capital letters. The font is neat, and the label is centred.
- Fake: Counterfeits often use flimsy tags, crooked stitching, or incorrect wording. Sometimes they may just say “ESSENTIAL” without “Fear of God.”
3. Feel the Fabric
The material is one of the strongest signs of quality.
- Real: Essentials clothing uses heavyweight cotton blends that feel soft, durable, and slightly thick. The hoodies and tracksuits have a premium, almost structured feel.
- Fake: Knock-offs usually feel thin, rough, or overly stretchy. They lose their shape quickly and may fade after one or two washes.
4. Check the Fit and Sizing
Essentials is famous for its oversized streetwear look.
- Real: The fit is relaxed but proportionate, designed to drape naturally.
- Fake: Many counterfeits either fit too snug or too baggy in the wrong areas, missing the brand’s unique silhouette.
Tip: If you try on an “Essentials hoodie” and it feels like a regular slim-fit sweatshirt, it’s probably not real
5. Inspect the Stitching
Small details make a big difference.
- Real: Essentials clothing has clean, tight, and consistent stitching. The seams feel strong and secure.
- Fake: Loose threads, uneven stitches, or sloppy sewing are red flags.
6. Check the Price
If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is.
- Real: Essentials pieces usually fall in the mid-range streetwear category — not as expensive as luxury brands, but not dirt cheap either. A hoodie typically costs between £80–£120.
- Fake: If someone is selling you an “Essentials hoodie” for £20 or less, you’re almost certainly looking at a fake.
7. Packaging Matters
Authentic Essentials often comes with thoughtful packaging.
- Real: Items are usually packaged in high-quality zip-lock style bags with “ESSENTIALS” branding printed neatly.
- Fake: Counterfeit packaging is often plain plastic or poorly printed bags with faded logos.
8. Check Online Retailers
Where you buy your Essentials piece matters.
- Real: Always purchase from official retailers such as Fear of God’s website, SSENSE, Mr Porter, or END Clothing.
- Fake: Shady websites, unofficial Instagram sellers, and marketplaces with too many “discounts” often deal in fakes.
9. Reflective Print Test
Many Essentials items feature reflective lettering.
- Real: When you shine light (like a camera flash) on the logo, it reflects evenly.
- Fake: Counterfeits often lack this detail or reflect unevenly.
10. Check the Care Label
Even the inside label gives clues.
- Real: Essentials care labels are clear, well-printed, and include specific washing instructions.
- Fake: Fake labels may have spelling errors, missing details, or poor printing quality.
Commonly Faked Essentials Items
Some Essentials products are more frequently counterfeited than others. Keep an eye out for these:
- Essentials Hoodies: The most popular item, often copied with poor material.
- Essentials Tracksuits: Many fake versions don’t have the proper oversized fit.
- Essentials T-Shirts: Counterfeits often use thinner cotton and incorrect logos.
- Essentials Shorts: Easily faked due to simple design, but fabric quality is usually off.
Final Tips to Avoid Buying Fake Essentials
Here are a few golden rules to keep in mind:
- Do your research: Compare your item with official pictures online.
- Buy from trusted retailers: Avoid random online sellers and stick to known stores.
- Trust your instincts: If something feels off, it probably is.
- Check reviews: If buying online, look at seller reviews and ratings.
- Don’t rush: Take time to inspect the piece before purchasing.
Conclusion
Essentials clothing is more than just fashion — it represents comfort, style, and modern streetwear culture. Unfortunately, its popularity has made it a prime target for counterfeiters. By paying attention to details like logos, tags, fabric, stitching, and where you shop, you can easily spot the difference between real vs. fake Essentials.
Investing in authentic pieces not only gives you better quality and longer-lasting wear but also supports the creativity and originality behind the brand. So next time you shop for an Essentials hoodie, tracksuit, or T-shirt, remember these tips — they’ll save you from disappointment and wasted money.
