The Essentials hoodie by Fear of God has become a staple in modern streetwear. With subtle branding, oversized fits, and neutral tones, it's one of the most popular pieces in fashion today. But because the design has stayed relatively consistent over the years, it can be difficult to tell exactly what year your hoodie was madeespecially when buying resale or secondhand.

Heres how to identify the production year of your Essentials hoodie using tags, logos, fit, and more.

Check the Neck Tag for Key Clues

The neck tag is the most important place to start. Over the years, Fear of God has updated the look, material, and structure of these tags to reflect the current collection. Here's what to look for:

2018-2019 Releases:

The early Essentials hoodies used a white rectangular rubberized tag with the word ESSENTIALS in bold all-caps and Fear of God below in smaller print. The tag was sewn into the inside back neckline, and sizing was printed in smaller letters near the bottom.

2020-2021 Versions:

The tag became sleeker, often smaller in size and made of a matte rubber or soft silicone material. It still had the same wording, but the font became slightly more refined.

Some 2021 pieces also started including side tags with additional manufacturing details.

20222023 Models:

Starting in 2022, the neck tag often transitioned to a fabric label with more detailed branding. Some versions included SS22 or FW22 (Spring/Summer or Fall/Winter 2022), which clearly indicate the season and year.

Also, color and size information was often printed separately on another tag.

Look at the Back Reflective Logo

Another identifying feature is the reflective ESSENTIALS logo printed across the upper back of the hoodie.

Early drops (20182020):

The logo was often tonal (same color as the fabric) or printed in light gray reflective ink. Placement was high, just below the hood seam.

Recent drops (20212023):

Later versions refined the placement and quality of the reflective print. Some were even embossed or rubber-patched instead of printed.

A rubberized back logo patch typically started appearing around 2021 onward, signaling a more recent release.

Inspect the Inner Tags or Care Label

Inside the hoodie, near the side seam, youll find a care label or interior tag. This tag can include manufacturing details such as:

• Production country (e.g., Made in Vietnam, Made in China)

• Material composition

• Product codes or drop codes

Some drops started adding season codes such as SS20, FW21, etc., which directly indicate the release period. If you see a code like SS22-123456, youre likely holding a Spring/Summer 2022 piece.

Compare the Fit and Fabric

Although the Essentials design is generally consistent, small details in fabric weight, cut, and stitching can help identify the year.

Early Hoodies (20182019):

These had a more boxy silhouette but were lighter in fabric weight. The fleece inside was soft but not as thick as newer models.

2020 Onward:

The hoodies became heavier and more structured. The fleece became denser, the ribbing at the hem and cuffs improved, and the dropped shoulder look became more exaggerated.

Newer drops also included slight changes in the hood designwider neck openings, longer drawstrings, and more refined stitching.

Cross-Reference with Drop Lists Online

If youre still unsure, try comparing your hoodie with known Essentials release calendars or lookbooks. Websites like Fear of Gods official site, SSENSE, and GOAT often provide images and drop dates for each seasons pieces.

You can also visit fashion forums like Reddit (r/FearofGod) or Grailed and upload photos. Many seasoned collectors can help identify the season and year with surprising accuracy.

Check the Packaging (If You Still Have It)

If you bought the hoodie new and still have the original packaging, that might be a major clue. Essentials hoodies are shipped in clear zip bags with printed labels. These bags often include:

• A barcode sticker

• The product code

• The collection season (e.g., FW21 or SS22)

These product codes can be searched online to identify the exact year and drop.

Use Product Codes to Identify Drops

Every gray essentials hoodie has a product codetypically found on the care tag or packaging sticker. These alphanumeric codes can often be entered into Google, StockX, or Grailed to bring up listings of the same piece.

If you search the code and see it listed under Spring 2021 Collection, for example, that confirms the release date.

Final Thoughts

Figuring out what year your Essentials hoodie was made isnt always straightforwardbut its totally possible with the right clues. Start by inspecting the neck tag, reflective logos, and inner care tags. Then compare fit and fabric with verified drops, and consult online communities or resale listings for confirmation.

Whether youre a collector or just curious, knowing the history of your Essentials hoodie adds a layer of appreciation. After all, in the world of streetwear, every drop tells a storyand now you know how to read it.