How to Spot Fake Essentials Sweatpants Before You Buy

Look Closely at the Fear of God Logo

Real Essentials sweatpants have a clean and bold “Fear of God Essentials” logo. The text appears sharp and centered, without blurry edges or faded ink. Fake pairs usually have sloppy printing, wrong font sizes, or the logo placed unevenly. Run your finger over the logo—it should feel smooth and not like cheap sticker print. A faded, peeling, or misaligned logo is a red flag.

Check the Rubber Tag on the Front

Authentic Essentials sweatpants have a small rubber tag on the front with the word “ESSENTIALS.” This rubber patch sits just above the left leg pocket area. Fake ones might use a fabric label or skip the tag completely. Some fakes use a tag that looks bulky, uneven, or off-color. Compare the shape and stitching of this tag with an original one from the official Fear of God site.

Inspect the Inner Tags and Wash Labels

Inside tags tell you a lot. Real essentials sweatpants use thick white tags with clean black text. You’ll find “Fear of God” written in clear letters, with sizing and care instructions printed below. Fake ones may have thin paper-like tags, wrong spelling, or blurry print. Look out for missing care instructions or size information that looks out of place.

Feel the Fabric and Material Quality

Real Essentials sweatpants use premium cotton blend that feels soft, thick, and slightly heavy. Fakes often feel rough, thin, or light like gym pants. Hold them in your hand—the weight should feel balanced and not cheap. When you stretch the material gently, it should bounce back without losing shape. Fake ones may stretch out too much or wrinkle easily.

Check the Price and Seller Reputation

If the price sounds too good, it probably is. Real Essentials sweatpants rarely sell for low prices unless they’re from a trusted store during a sale. Many fake sellers use social media or random websites with no reviews. Always buy from official retailers, known resell platforms, or well-reviewed stores. Read customer feedback and avoid sellers who use stock photos only.

Inspect the Stitching and Build

Authentic Essentials sweatpants have strong stitching with clean, even seams. Look closely at the edges of the waist, ankle cuffs, and pockets. Fakes often show loose threads, uneven lines, or poorly folded fabric. If you see jagged lines or weak spots, avoid that pair. Clean, symmetrical stitching is always a sign of genuine quality.

Look at the Drawstrings and Waistband

The drawstrings on real Essentials sweatpants feel thick and smooth with plastic or metal tips. Fake ones might use flat strings or soft cotton cords that look cheap. Check the waistband too—it should feel firm and stretch evenly. Fakes often use thin bands that lose shape after one wash. Good elastic gives a snug fit without folding or twisting.

Notice the Fit and Shape

Essentials sweatpants follow a relaxed but structured fit. The legs taper slightly, and the waist fits without squeezing. Fake ones may look too slim or have baggy, unbalanced legs. Try them on if possible, or compare the fit to real product photos. Always check the leg length and overall shape in natural lighting.

Use Barcode and SKU Codes

Original Essentials sweatpants come with a barcode or SKU code printed on the tag. You can check this code online to confirm the model and sizing. Fake ones might miss this code or copy a fake number that doesn’t match any real product. Use apps or websites that let you scan barcodes to confirm product details quickly.

Compare with Photos from Official Sources

Always compare your pair with images on the Fear of God or PacSun websites. Look for tiny differences in logo size, placement, drawstrings, and pocket depth. Fake ones rarely get every detail right. Zoom in on official product photos and check every angle. This method works well if you’re buying from resellers or used listings.

Ask for Real-Life Pictures Before Buying

If you’re buying online from a third-party seller, always ask for real, unedited photos. Make sure the seller sends pictures of logos, tags, and stitching. Avoid anyone who sends only stock images or low-quality pictures. A trusted seller should never hesitate to show full product views. Fake sellers often avoid close-up photos to hide flaws.

Watch Out for Fake Packaging

Essentials sweatpants usually come in clear, zip-seal plastic bags with the brand name printed neatly. Fakes often arrive in thin, wrinkled bags or plain packaging. Check for size labels, barcodes, and logo placement on the bag. If anything feels off or sloppy, there’s a chance the item inside isn’t real.

Join Streetwear Forums and Groups

Many buyers share their reviews and tips in online groups and forums. Join communities like Reddit or Facebook groups focused on streetwear. You can post photos and ask others to help check your pair. These groups often list known fake sellers and current scams. Stay connected and learn from others who’ve been in your shoes.

Trust Your Gut Feeling

Sometimes, the details may seem fine, but something still feels off. Trust that feeling. If the seller avoids questions or rushes you to buy, pause. Always take your time when buying high-demand streetwear. Good sellers respect your time and don’t pressure you. When in doubt, walk away and find a trusted option.