How do you recognize fake football jerseys? This is what you should look out for!

Football jerseys are more popular than ever - they are an expression of belonging and embody devotion to the sport and your favorite team. But unfortunately there is also a "dark" side of fan culture: fake jerseys. The fake jerseys are getting better and better and are increasingly difficult for the layman to recognize. In this blog post we show you how to recognize fake football jerseys and what to look out for when buying one in order to get an authentic jersey.

1. Price

The first indication of an original is usually the price. A football jersey from a well-known brand such as Adidas, Nike or Puma usually costs between 80 and 120 euros. If a jersey is offered for significantly less - often around 20 to 30 euros - you should be cautious. Of course there are also offers and discounts, but if the price sounds too good to be true, you should be skeptical at first.

2. material quality and workmanship

Another noticeable feature of fake jerseys is often the quality of the material. Original jerseys are made of higher quality fabrics that are light, breathable and durable. Fake jerseys, on the other hand, often feel lighter, stiffer or scratchier and are made of very thin and cheap-looking material. They can also have an unpleasant chemical smell because inferior materials are used.

Also check the seams of the jersey. On genuine branded products, the seams are even and finely finished. Irregular seams, loose threads or an inaccurate cut usually indicate a fake.

3. logo and prints

The club logo, manufacturer logos and sponsor prints on fake jerseys are often of lower quality or are faulty compared to the original. Patches in particular often look cheap and are frayed and flat on fake products. They can be applied crookedly or blurred, or the colors look faded and inaccurate. On real jerseys, the logos are usually embroidered or applied using high-quality printing processes.

You should pay particular attention to the print quality of player names and numbers. On counterfeit jerseys, these are often of inferior quality and start to peel or flake off after just a few washes.

4. size and manufacturer label

The size and manufacturer label inside the jersey is another important indicator. Fake jerseys often have inaccurate or missing labels. On genuine jerseys, you will usually find a high-quality label that contains information about the manufacturer, the material composition and the care instructions. Often, the label on fakes is also poorly sewn on and can no longer be read properly after just a few washes.

Another detail that can be noticeable in fake jerseys is the lack of a hologram or a special marking that indicates authenticity. Large manufacturers usually have certain patches or seals that are intended to make it easier for customers to distinguish a real jersey from a cheap fake. These are difficult to counterfeit and are therefore perfect for exposing a fake.

5. Specific characteristics of the team

Many fake jerseys also deviate from the official design elements. Pay close attention to details such as the position of the logos, stripes or other patterns. Real jerseys often have elaborate designs that are difficult to fake. Be careful here. Often it is small details in the pattern that make the difference.

6. Packaging

Another important criterion is the packaging. Genuine jerseys from brand manufacturers usually come in high-quality packaging from the manufacturer and additional information such as a label or a certificate of authenticity. Fake jerseys are usually packaged in cheap plastic bags, with no details or brand information.

7. Buy only from trusted sources

The safest way to avoid fake jerseys is to buy from official retailers or authorized online shops. Pay attention to reviews from other customers and read relevant testimonials. You can also ask friends who are football fans whether they have had any experience with the website in question. When buying from private retailers, you should always ask to see a receipt or something similar.

Conclusion

Spotting fake football shirts is often not easy, but with a little attention and an eye for the crucial details such as material, workmanship and origin, you can avoid buying fake shirts. Make sure to only buy shirts from trustworthy retailers and carefully check the above criteria of a genuine product.

We hope our tips and tricks could help you!