In the ever-evolving world of streetwear, few brands have managed to strike the perfect balance between minimalism, luxury, and accessibility the way Fear of God Essentials has. At the heart of their most coveted pieces lies a surprisingly simple item: the Essentials Shorts.
Though unassuming at first glance, these shorts have become a cultural phenomenon—worn by celebrities, influencers, and everyday fashion enthusiasts alike. With their oversized silhouette, neutral color palette, and subtle branding, Essentials Shorts prove that less is truly more.
The Rise of Fear of God Essentials
To understand the popularity of Essentials Shorts, we have to rewind a bit and talk about the brand itself. Fear of God was founded by Jerry Lorenzo in 2013, gaining a cult following almost instantly thanks to its luxurious takes on streetwear classics. Think elongated T-shirts, flannel layers, distressed denim, and muted tones—pieces that combine West Coast cool with spiritual undertones and high-fashion flair.
But Fear of God wasn’t cheap. As demand grew, Lorenzo saw an opportunity to create a more affordable, accessible line under the sub-brand Essentials, launched in 2018 in partnership with PacSun. The idea? Offer everyday staples—tees, hoodies, sweatpants, and yes, shorts—at a fraction of the price, without sacrificing the aesthetic or quality.
Why Essentials Shorts Stand Out
Essentials Shorts aren’t just another pair of sweat shorts. Here’s why they’ve become a modern staple:
1. Design Simplicity
At the core of Essentials’ appeal is its minimalist design language. The shorts often feature clean lines, a relaxed fit, and a muted color palette that fits seamlessly into any wardrobe. Earthy tones like taupe, moss, black, and light oatmeal dominate each drop, ensuring versatility.
The iconic rubberized “ESSENTIALS” logo—subtle, monochromatic, and placed just above the hem or on the thigh—adds a recognizable touch without shouting for attention.
2. Premium Feel Without the Premium Price
Although Essentials is the “diffusion line” of Fear of God, it doesn’t feel cheap. The cotton-polyester blend gives the shorts a soft, heavyweight feel—perfect for lounging, workouts, or casual city wear. The high-quality construction means they retain their shape and color after multiple washes, which can’t be said for many fast fashion alternatives.
3. Fit and Comfort
Essentials Shorts are designed with a slightly oversized fit, hitting just above the knee and featuring a long drawstring that’s become a signature element. The elastic waistband provides comfort for all-day wear, and the roomy leg openings make them ideal for layering or airflow on warmer days.
They toe the line between athleisure and fashion-forward, making them just as appropriate for a coffee run as they are for a night out with the right styling.
4. Hype and Accessibility
Thanks to smart marketing and high-profile fans (think Justin Bieber, Kanye West, and NBA athletes), Essentials drops tend to sell out quickly. Despite this, Essentials has maintained a relatively accessible price point—typically ranging from $70–$90 for a pair of shorts.
This “hype-meets-accessibility” formula has kept the brand culturally relevant while allowing it to reach a much broader audience than traditional luxury streetwear.
How to Style Essentials Shorts
One of the best things about Essentials Shorts is how easy they are to style. Whether you’re into classic streetwear, minimal aesthetics, or sporty fits, these shorts work across the board.
Casual Fit
Pair with: Essentials T-shirt or oversized graphic tee
Footwear: Classic white sneakers (Air Force 1s, Vans, or New Balance 550s)
Accessories: Baseball cap and white crew socks
This is your go-to fit for errands, coffee dates, or lounging. Clean, comfortable, and effortlessly cool.
Elevated Streetwear
Pair with: A boxy hoodie or crewneck, layered over a longline tee
Footwear: High-top sneakers or chunky runners
Accessories: Crossbody bag, beanie, or silver jewelry
Play with layers and proportions to create an intentional, fashion-forward look. Stick to monochromatic tones for a more elevated vibe.
Summer Ready
Pair with: Tank top or short-sleeve button-up (unbuttoned over a tank)
Footwear: Sandals, mules, or low-profile sneakers
Accessories: Sunglasses, lightweight tote
Essentials Shorts transition perfectly into summer, thanks to their breathable material and flowy fit.
Where to Buy Essentials Shorts
Essentials is known for its limited drops, which usually take place several times a year. These are typically released through:
Fear of God’s official site
PacSun
SSENSE
Mr Porter
StockX or GOAT (for resellers)
If you miss a drop, you can still cop a pair through resale platforms, though prices may vary depending on colorway and season.
Popular Colorways and Collections
Over the years, Essentials has released shorts in a variety of colors and updated fits. Some fan-favorite colorways include:
Dark Heather Oatmeal – A perfect neutral for everyday wear
Stretch Limo – A rich black, easy to pair with anything
Light Umber – A subtle brown tone, ideal for earthy looks
Buttercream – A soft off-white that pops in summer
Each season, Fear of God Essentials drops new tonal variations that reflect current style trends while maintaining the brand’s signature aesthetic.
Final Thoughts: Are Essentials Shorts Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re looking for shorts that are stylish, comfortable, and versatile, Essentials Shorts check every box. They're a standout piece that fits into almost any wardrobe and manages to stay relevant season after season.
In a world flooded with fleeting trends and over-the-top designs, Essentials reminds us that timeless style starts with the basics. And sometimes, those basics just happen to be a perfectly cut pair of shorts with a subtle logo and a serious fanbase.