Recognising Genuine Essentials Fear of God: An Authentication Guide
Essentials, Fear of God's accessible line, is one of the most copied brands in today's streetwear: hoodies, T-shirts and shorts circulate in fake versions by the million. Here is how to recognise a genuine piece from Jerry Lorenzo.
At NB08, every piece is checked and authenticated in our boutique before it goes on sale. The decisive points are set out below.
Why check the authenticity of an Essentials piece?
An accessible price, a minimalist logo, global hype: copies are everywhere, often very convincing in photos. Fortunately, the manufacturing details let you settle the question.
The raised logo and markings
The ESSENTIALS lettering (on the chest or back, depending on the season) is applied in crisp rubberised relief, with even, well-aligned letters that stand up to a fingernail. The small 'ESSENTIALS Fear of God' silicone patch at the bottom of the piece is cleanly moulded, soft and firmly sewn on. Soft relief, uneven letters or a rigid patch: a copy.
Inside labels and colourways
The inside labels show the size, season and codes — clean typography, consistency between labels. Another powerful check: the colourway. Essentials works with official seasonal palettes (precise neutral tones); a colourway that was never produced condemns the piece, and this can be checked online in a few minutes.
Material and oversized cut
Heavy fleece that is soft and fluffy on the inside, thick jersey, a structured oversized cut with controlled dropped shoulders and firm ribbed collars. Copies are thinner and more profitable — and you can feel it as soon as you pick them up.
Price and seller: the warning signs
A 'new' Essentials hoodie at €30 is a counterfeit. Ask for macro photos of the silicone patch and the labels.
Checklist: authenticating an Essentials piece in 7 points
- Crisp, durable raised lettering
- Soft, cleanly moulded silicone patch
- Consistent inside labels
- Colourway that exists in an official season
- Heavy fleece/jersey
- Structured oversized cut
- Realistic price and reliable seller
Buy authenticated Essentials at NB08
All our Essentials pieces are checked and authenticated in our boutique before they go on sale.
