What Does “1977” Mean on Essentials Clothing?

Short answer: “1977” is the year Jerry Lorenzo, the founder of Fear of God and its Essentials line, was born. The number appears on some Essentials hoodies, tracksuits and sweatpants as a personal signature from the designer.

Why 1977 appears on the clothes

Retailers that stock the line describe the “1977” print as a reference to Jerry Lorenzo’s birth year. It first became widely known on Essentials hoodies released around 2022, usually as a large flocked or printed “1977” across the chest or back, and it has since become one of the most recognisable Essentials designs.

What a 1977 hoodie looks like

• A large “1977” across the chest or back, often in a soft flocked or printed finish.
• A relaxed or oversized fit with dropped shoulders, like most Essentials hoodies.
• Neutral colours such as black, iron (a near black) and oatmeal tones.

1977 pieces in our store

• 1977 Essentials Hoodie – Iron Black: a flocked cream “1977” on the chest.
• Essentials 1977 Fear of God State Hoodie: “1977” across the back.

Most 1977 hoodies follow the brand’s relaxed sizing. Read our sizing guide before you choose, and see the full Essentials hoodie range.

Sources

• GOAT: Essentials hoodie listing describing “1977” as the birth year of founder Jerry Lorenzo
• Kick Game: Fear of God Essentials 1977 Hoodie in Iron (SS22)