We may earn a commission if you buy through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Browse all ESSENTIALS sweatshirts →Signature Waffle 90s Crewneck Sweater
The verdict
Fit
Likely follows the brand's standard oversized 90s shape; a waffle knit may show its texture better in a slightly less bulky fit, but expect the usual roomy cut.
Quality
Waffle-knit construction typically reads as a lighter, more textured alternative to brushed fleece, which fits how the brand frames its signature pieces, though the actual knit weight isn't specified here.
Is the price fair?
At $175 this is premium-tier for the category, and the price leans heavily on the waffle texture and signature branding rather than anything measurable in construction.
Best for
A shopper who wants a textured alternative to a plain fleece crewneck within the same silhouette.
Care
Wash cold and lay flat to dry, since waffle knits can lose their texture and stretch out in a machine dryer.
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
