Football shirts are cherished items for fans, symbolizing their support for clubs and players. However, the market is flooded with fake football shirts that can deceive even the most seasoned fans. Especially when navigating third-party websites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Before you get started on this article, check out this piece we did earlier on How to Authenticate Football Shirts, which is similar but more so focuses on looking for authenticity rather than spotting fakes, which (as you’ll see in the difference between the two) really is different!
To ensure you’re getting the real deal, here are four easy ways to spot fake football shirts.
Examine the Quality of Materials and Stitching
Authentic football shirts are produced using high-quality materials and precise stitching. When evaluating a shirt, pay close attention to these aspects:
- Fabric: Genuine shirts are made from high-quality, breathable, and moisture-wicking materials. Fake shirts often use cheaper, less breathable fabrics that feel rough or heavy.
- Stitching: Check the stitching around the seams, logos, and patches. Authentic shirts have tight, even stitching with no loose threads. Counterfeit shirts often have uneven, sloppy stitching with loose or frayed threads.
- Feel: Authentic shirts should feel light and smooth to the touch, with a slight elasticity. Fakes may feel heavier, rougher, and less flexible.
Quick Tip:
Compare the suspected fake shirt to an authentic one from the same manufacturer. Any noticeable differences in material quality and stitching precision can indicate a counterfeit.
Inspect the Logos & Badges
Logos and badges are some of the most telling features of a football shirt. Here’s what to look for:
- Club and Manufacturer Logos: Authentic shirts have crisp, clear logos that are either embroidered or heat-pressed with precision. Fake shirts often have blurry, uneven, or off-center logos.
- Badges: Examine the club badges and any other patches (like championship or sponsor patches). Authentic badges are finely detailed and securely attached. Counterfeit badges might appear dull, less detailed, or have visible glue marks.
- Alignment: Ensure logos and badges are properly aligned and symmetrically placed. Misaligned elements are a common sign of counterfeit production.
Quick Tip:
Use a magnifying glass to closely inspect the logos and badges. Authentic details will remain sharp and clear under magnification, while fakes often reveal imperfections.
Check the Tags & Labels
Tags and labels provide valuable information about the shirt’s authenticity. And it’s always a bit of a red-flag when they don’t tend to match up with the era and age of what you’re looking at.
Here’s how to scrutinize them:
- Brand Tags: Authentic shirts come with brand tags that include the manufacturer’s logo, product details, and official holograms. Fake tags may have misspellings, poor printing quality, or lack official holograms.
- Care Labels: Inside the shirt, look for care labels that provide washing instructions and manufacturing details. Authentic care labels are made with high-quality printing and stitching. Counterfeit labels often have blurry text, incorrect fonts, or improper placement.
- Serial Numbers: Some brands include unique serial numbers or QR codes on the tags. Verify these numbers or codes with the manufacturer if possible.
Quick Tip:
Research the specific tags and labels used by the brand for that season’s shirt. Manufacturer websites and collector forums can provide valuable insights.
Analyze the Fit & Cut
Authentic football shirts are designed with precision to ensure a perfect fit and comfort. Here’s how to analyze the fit and cut:
- Fit: Try on the shirt if possible. Authentic shirts have a tailored fit, with appropriate proportions for shoulders, chest, and length. Fake shirts often have a boxy or awkward fit.
- Cut: Look at the overall cut and shape of the shirt. Authentic shirts have a clean, streamlined cut that follows the contours of the body. Counterfeit shirts may have irregular cuts, with sleeves or torso sections that don’t match standard sizing.
- Comfort: Authentic shirts are designed for comfort during physical activity. If the shirt feels uncomfortable, heavy, or restrictive, it might be a fake.
Quick Tip:
Compare the fit and cut of the suspected fake shirt to an authentic one. Notice any differences in how they sit on the body and the overall shape.
Summary
Spotting fake football shirts requires a keen eye for detail and knowledge of what to look for. By examining the quality of materials and stitching, inspecting logos and badges, checking tags and labels, and analyzing the fit and cut, you can confidently identify authentic shirts.
Always stay informed and cautious, and when in doubt, consult trusted sources or seek advice from the fan community. Hope this helped!
What’s your top tip for spotting fake football shirts?