Counterfeit fashion is an industry unto itself. Some of the most plagiarised brands in the world include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Levi’s. Sometimes, unaware consumers buy these products because they are available at a much cheaper rate than the original. At other times, some people voluntarily support the sale and purchase of fake fashion items. If you, however, would like to stay away from them, here are some of the ways in which you can always tell the difference between fake and real designer products.
- Stitching
A brand will put a lot of effort into its craftsmanship. The stitching will not just appear cleaner, but it will also be more uniform. To add to this, a genuine designer product will have more stitches per square inch when compared to its fake version. This explains why luxury items cost more because they used more material to produce their goods.
- Logos
This is a tricky space since people have gotten very good at copying logos. However, there will be a slight inconsistency since brands tend to update their logos or use more detail. Also, brands will have distinct logos made of either metal or leather on their products. On the other hand, fake goods will have missing logos or cheaply made ones.
- Fabric
Remember, there is a reason why luxury goods cost as much as they do. Brands that make leather products will source genuine leather and use high-quality metal for the buttons and other accents. On the other hand, a fake product will use faux leather. Also, real leather will have a slightly uneven structure and it will not shine.
- Spelling
Let’s just say that the fakers have gotten really good at this. But sometimes, they switch up the logo just a bit to avoid any legal issues. So exercise extra caution when you are checking the logo and the writing on the labels inside. If anything says ‘100% genuine’, in all probability, it isn’t.
- Price
This is the most common giveaway. Most brands list their products along with their prices online. And it is obvious that a Chanel or LV handbag will cost a lot more than a fake one. So do not believe anyone who’s telling you that “it’s on discount”. Designer brands will not offer a 75% discount on their products, so if anyone’s telling you otherwise, be wary. Also, check the price tag to see if it has the brand’s logo. If not, it’s a fake.
- Fastening
Be wary of zippers and pulls on designer bags and jackets. The fastenings on counterfeit items tend to be glossy, and lightweight, and will often chip or peel after excessive use. Authentic brands will use a matte finish to their zippers and pulls. When used, the fastenings should feel heavy and zippers should be easy to use.
- Packaging
Have you ever purchased Beats headphones, anything from Apple, or a Coach bag? The one thing each of these items has in common is high-quality packaging. The packaging of authentic items (an important branding element) should be of sturdy material and the item should fit perfectly inside the casing. Companies spend millions on their packaging to ensure that the product is safe and secure. Look for branded cloth drawstring bags and branded tissue paper — counterfeit items will not have these details included.
