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Browse all ESSENTIALS sweatshirts →Active Trace 3/4 Sleeve Modern Polo Sweatshirt
The verdict
Fit
The "modern" naming suggests a trimmer cut than the boxiest pieces in this line, and the 3/4 sleeve length means it won't layer the same way a full-sleeve crewneck does; try before assuming standard sizing.
Quality
As an "Active Trace" piece it likely leans lighter and more activewear-adjacent than the heavier fleece crewnecks, but there's nothing here to confirm a technical fabric.
Is the price fair?
At $120 it's the most accessible piece in this lineup, which is reasonable for the category if the fit and sleeve length are actually wanted, though it's still a premium price for a basic knit.
Best for
Someone wanting a lighter, warmer-weather layering piece rather than a heavyweight crewneck.
Care
Wash cold and lay flat to dry to preserve the polo collar's shape.
What owners report about ESSENTIALS sweatshirts
Reviewers describe the ESSENTIALS sweatshirt line as cotton-blend fleece pitched at a 'medium weight' rather than heavyweight — one write-up notes it 'focuses on feel and silhouette, not extreme fabric weight' and that owners aren't 'paying for complex construction or rare materials.' A separate review that tracked wear over time reports the fleece 'becomes softer over time — not thinner,' with minimal shrinkage when washed cold and air-dried, while another assessment calls the stitching and construction 'clean but not noticeably superior' for the price.
- Strengths
- Reviewers consistently note the fleece softens with wear rather than thinning out, and the boxy, dropped-shoulder cut reads as an intentional design choice rather than sloppy sizing.
- Watch out for
- More than one reviewer says the cotton and stitching quality is decent but not exceptional given the price, so buyers shouldn't expect standout construction.
- Sizing
- The line runs oversized and boxy by design — reviewers recommend true to size for the intended relaxed look or sizing down one full size for a more tailored fit, and note crewnecks fit looser than the hoodies.
About ESSENTIALS's sweatshirts line as a whole. Sources: Essentials Hoodie Fear of God Review: Is It Worth It? · Fear of God Essentials: Is It Actually Worth the Hype in 2026 · The Complete Fear of God ESSENTIALS Size Guide
