The flocked velvet-like “1977” lettering is what makes this collection stand apart from every other Essentials drop, and if you are buying the 1977 essentials tracksuit as a matching set, there is a specific sizing challenge most guides completely ignore: the top and bottom do not always wear the same way at the same labelled size.
Getting both pieces right as a coordinated set takes a little more thought than just ordering two mediums and calling it done. If you want the full context on how the 1977 collection sites within the broader Fear of God lineup, the Ultimate Fear of God Essentials Guide covers the brand philosophy in depth. This guide focuses entirely on getting the tracksuit fit right.
TL;DR: Quick 1977 Essentials Tracksuit Sizing
- The top: Boxy, wide chest, dropped shoulders at mid-bicep, 380gsm+ heavyweight fleece. True to size for the full oversized look.
- The bottom: More tapered than the top, longer in the leg than most expect. True to size for slim and average builds. Size up one if you are broad through the hips or thighs.
- Matching the set: Most builds can wear the same size on both pieces. Athletic and broader builds may need to size up on the bottom only.
- The flocked logo: Raised, velvet-like texture on the “1977” lettering. Flat prints mean counterfeit. Treat it with care on washing.
- Fakes: Very active on this specific collection. Thin fleece and flat graphics are your fastest tells.
- Buy authentic at: essentialsfearof-god.com for verified pieces with genuine flocked construction.
The Top: Hoodie and Crewneck Fit
The 1977 hoodie and crewneck both follow the same oversized construction logic as the broader Essentials lineup, wide chest, dropped shoulder seam at mid-bicep, controlled hip length that sits right around the waist rather than hanging long.
The 380gsm+ heavyweight fleece is what holds the boxy drape. It falls away from your body rather than clinging, which is the structural detail that makes the silhouette look intentional rather than just big. Lighter fleece in the same cut would completely lose the effect.
The flocked “1977” chest graphic is the defining detail of the whole collection. Authentic pieces have a raised, velvet-like surface on the lettering that you can feel when you run your finger across it. This is not a flat rubber print or a standard screen print. If it feels completely flush with the fabric surface, you are looking at a counterfeit.
True to size on the hoodie or crewneck delivers the full intended boxy silhouette. Size down one if you prefer a slightly cleaner chest and shoulder line. Never size down two. The dropped shoulder proportion breaks and the whole look reads wrong.
The Bottom: Sweatpants Sizing
The 1977 sweatpants have a different character than the top, and that surprises a lot of people who expect both pieces to wear identically.
The sweatpants are more tapered through the leg than the boxy top silhouette suggests. They are not slim fit, but they narrow from the thigh down to a ribbed ankle cuff in a way that creates a clean, structured line rather than a wide straight leg. This taper is what keeps the full set from looking shapeless when worn together.
The leg length runs longer than most people expect, especially if you are used to cropped or ankle-length sweatpants from other brands. On shorter frames, the extra length stacks slightly at the ankle above the ribbed cuff, which can actually look intentional in a streetwear context, but it is worth knowing before you buy.
The elastic waistband with drawstring sits comfortably at your natural waist and has enough adjustability range to accommodate different body types without major fit issues. The ribbed ankle cuffs hold the taper shape and keep the bottom of the leg clean rather than bunching.
How to Match Your Sizes
For most builds, buying the same size on top and bottom is the right starting point. The sizing logic on both pieces is built around the same Essentials template, so a medium hoodie and medium sweatpants will coordinate in fabric weight, proportion, and overall silhouette without any conflict.
For slim builds, same size top and bottom works cleanly. The tapered leg on the sweatpants complements the boxy top in a way that creates real visual contrast between the two silhouettes. You get width up top and a clean line down below.
For athletic builds, go true to size on the hoodie and consider whether your thighs and hips need extra room in the sweatpants. If you carry significant width through the upper leg, sizing up one on the bottom while staying true to size on the top is the smarter call. The waist drawstring compensates for any extra room at the waist.
For broad or larger builds, true to size or one up on both pieces usually works. The boxy top accommodates wider frames well, and the extra room in a sized-up sweatpant keeps everything comfortable without the fabric pulling across the hips or thighs during movement.
On height: If you are 6’2″ or taller, the longer leg length on the sweatpants actually works in your favor at true to size. If you are under 5’8″, expect some stacking at the ankle above the cuff, which you can style into the look or address by sizing down one on the bottom only.
Where to Buy Authentic 1977 Pieces
The 1977 collection gets counterfeited heavily, more so than standard Essentials releases, partly because the flocked graphic detail is a recognizable premium feature that fakes try hard to replicate.
They rarely succeed convincingly. Counterfeit versions almost always use flat rubber or screen printing on the “1977” lettering instead of genuine flocked construction. The fabric weight is the other immediate tell. Authentic pieces have that 380gsm+ density in hand before you even put them on. Fakes use lighter fleece that feels softer but lacks the structure to hold the boxy drape.
For a guaranteed authentic purchase on this specific collection, essentialsfearof-god.com is the direct route. You get the real flocked graphic, the correct heavyweight fleece, and sizing that matches everything described in this guide.
FAQ
Does the 1977 Essentials collection fit the same as regular Essentials?
Very similarly, yes. Both use the same 380gsm+ heavyweight fleece and the same boxy, dropped-shoulder construction. The 1977 sweatpants are slightly more tapered through the leg than standard Essentials sweats. Sizing logic is the same: true to size for the intended look, size down one for a trimmer fit.
How do I wash the flocked 1977 logo?
Turn the garment inside out before every wash. Cold water only. Air dry or use the lowest heat dryer setting available. High heat is the fastest way to damage flocked printing. The velvet-like fibers compress and flatten under sustained heat. Proper care keeps the raised texture intact through repeated wear cycles.
Should I size down in Essentials sweatpants?
Only if you want a noticeably slimmer leg profile. The sweatpants are already tapered, so true to size gives you a clean silhouette without being tight. Sizing down one reduces the thigh width and shortens the leg length slightly. If you carry width through the hips or thighs, stay true to size or go up one.