How to understand that in the hands of a fake, copy, replica? Pay only for the original

08.12.2020

Gathered for shopping, but do not know how to distinguish branded clothing from fake? We offer simple instructions that will help you figure it out. Simple guidelines will tell you how to recognize a very high quality replica and not be deceived.

Expert advice from shoppers

Don't want to buy a fake? Follow our guidelines. 7 effective ways to distinguish original from copy.

Wrong name

The first thing that catches your eye is the changed logo or brand lettering. Before you buy, make sure the brand is correct and there are no typos in the name. Contrary to appearances, brand name mistakes are the easiest way to distinguish branded clothing from budget copy. For example, as in the photo.

Excessively low price

If the legendary Chanel perfume costs 20 euros or less, then you can be sure that you are dealing with a fake. For example, the cost of an original Chanel bag starts at 1000 euros. In order not to be mistaken, before buying, check how much a real product costs in boutiques or on the official website. Replica brands often use substandard materials. They make mistakes in the manufacturing process. As a result, the price of a fake product differs at times from a branded one, as well as quality.

No brand hologram

Original luxury goods sold are free from manufacturing defects and imperfections. A high-quality hologram is always sewn into them. This nuance can also distinguish the original from the counterfeit. It is sewn into a branded item, and in a fake it is easily peeled off. Another example: Original Armani products have rectangular paper tags attached with serial number, model name, color, barcode and price. COAs are attached to the product like other tags. It is a paper label with watermarks and embossed text "Giorgio Armani".

Poor quality seams and fittings

Looking closer at the fake, you can see protruding threads, asymmetrically sewn buttons or uneven lines. These details, as well as fragile, uneven seams and other imperfections, indicate a copy. The original is distinguished by the excellent quality not only of materials, but also of work. Perfectly straight, durable stitches, reliable fittings are used outside and inside the product. Check the seams on the collar and along the outline of the pockets. If the product has even the slightest flaw, it is probably a fake. After all, famous brands use special seam patterns on professional equipment that manufacturers of fakes cannot afford. They also put logos on fittings. Plus, on things from the USA, zippers are sewn on the female side (left). They slide easily, the slider fits perfectly into the grooves. In men's fakes, this detail is not always taken into account.

Serial number check

While counterfeit manufacturers are increasingly copying originals and using holograms, protections such as serial numbers are still difficult to circumvent. Brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Louis Vuitton have successfully used this way of identifying the original. To distinguish a counterfeit from a branded product, just go to the official website and use a search engine to verify the authenticity of the serial number of the purchased product. Also consider the country of origin. The American coding system is 12 digits (UPC) and the European coding system is 13 digits (EAN).

Selling directly from the manufacturer

100% real, original, genuine, branded item - such advertising of a product should arouse suspicion. The more bright and seductive epithets in a commercial proposal, the more likely the product is not original at all. These cheap advertising gimmicks are used to give high status to a product in order to highlight the authenticity of the product. However, remember that a real luxury item does not need such advertising.

Shop smartly

Branded clothing is a luxury attribute that determines the status of the owner. When buying clothes from a well-known manufacturer, you can be sure that the original is made of the highest quality materials and has a unique design.

Unfortunately, the number of counterfeit products, copies and replicas of well-known foreign brands is rapidly increasing. Clothing and accessories imitating well-known brands have a shorter lifespan. Although, at first it is difficult to distinguish a fake from the original. All manufacturing defects are evident after a few weeks of use.

When buying branded products from an intermediary, pay attention to the quality of the seams and finishes, the presence of a hologram and a serial number.