How to tell if a football (soccer) shirt is fake – 4 easy ways.

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It’s getting harder and harder to tell if a football shirt is the real deal. With the rise of counterfeit goods, how can you be sure that the shirt you are buying is not a fake? Here are a few tips to help you find out how to tell if a football shirt is fake.

How to tell if a football shirt is fake.

Here are our top tried and tested ways to find out whether your football shirt is the genuine article.

#1. Check the badges and logos.

This is usually where fake shirts fail miserably. The badge should be embroidered or heat applied onto the shirt, not printed, and the stitching should be even and precise.

If the badge is misaligned or crooked, or they look blurry or cheap, it’s likely that they’re not authentic.

#2. Check the material of the shirt.

Knock-off shirt materials are often of poorer quality than authentic ones, so if the fabric feels cheap or flimsy, it’s likely that the shirt isn’t genuine.

Another clue can be found in the stitching; if it looks sloppy or uneven, chances are the shirt is fake. 

Always check the care labels too. Genuine shirts will have labels bearing the logo of the manufacturing company (often Adidas or Nike) as well as size information and washing instructions.

These labels should be sewn into the shirt near the bottom hem—if they’re ironed on or glued on, it’s another sign that you’re dealing with a fake. 

#3. Examine the printing on the shirt.

Check the quality of the printing on the shirt. If there are any misspellings anywhere, then it is definitely not an authentic shirt. 

Also, the printing should be smooth and even—if it looks wrinkled or raised, it’s not genuine.

If you’re looking at a player’s name and number on the back of the shirt, make sure that the print is in line with the seams (it shouldn’t be wonky or crooked). And take a close look at the lettering—if it’s fuzzy or unclear, it’s not authentic.

#4. Compare the price of the shirt with other sellers.

If the price seems too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true!

Chances are that you are looking at a fake shirt if the price is significantly lower than what other sellers are asking for an authentic shirt. 

When in doubt, always buy from a reputable seller, and make sure to do your research before making a purchase. A little bit of effort up front can save you a lot of money (and grief) down the road.

Watch and learn: How to spot a fake football shirt.

Here’s an awesome video that breaks down what to look for as well as what to look out for when buying your shirt.

YouTube player

TOP TIP!

Tilt the shirt towards a light source and examine the fabric closely. If you can see through the fabric, then it means that the fabric is very thin and most likely not authentic. 

What is an authentic football shirt?

For the real football fan, an authentic shirt is a must-have. Not only does it show your support for your team, but it also shows that you’re serious about the game.

But what exactly makes a shirt authentic? It’s not just the logo or the name of the team. It’s also the fabric, the stitching, and the overall quality of the shirt. When you buy an authentic shirt, you’re getting a product that is made to last. And that’s something that every true fan can appreciate.

They are a badge of honor, a symbol of loyalty, and a source of pride. For many fans, an authentic football shirt is the only way to show their support for their team.

Authentic shirts are made from high-quality materials and feature intricate details that are carefully crafted to represent the team’s colors and logo. They also usually have a unique serial number that can be used to track down the manufacturer.

Fake shirts, on the other hand, often look cheap and feel uncomfortable to wear. So if you’re looking for an authentic football shirt, make sure to do your research before making your purchase.

How to tell if a football shirt is fake

What’s the difference between a football shirt and authentic shirt?

When it comes to football shirts, there are two main types: replica and authentic.

Replica shirts are designed to look like the real thing, but they’re usually made from cheaper materials and don’t always feature the same level of detail.

Authentic shirts, on the other hand, are made to be identical to the ones worn by professional players.

Authentic shirts usually have a more tailored fit than replicas. They’re usually more expensive, but they’re also built to last.

They also tend to be made from thicker fabric, which can help keep you warm during chilly games.

Finally, authentic shirts often have small details that aren’t found on replicas, such as stitched lettering and player numbers.

So if you’re looking for a shirt that’s just for show, a replica will do the trick. But if you want something that looks and feels like the real thing, an authentic shirt is the way to go.

Where is the product code on a football shirt?

The product code on an authentic football shirt should be located on the care label (as mentioned above). If you can’t find it there, then it’s likely that the shirt is not genuine.

It is a 6 or 7 digit number that tells us when the shirt was made and which factory it was made in. The first 3 digits represent the week of production and the last 3 digits represent the year.

For example, if the product code is 123456, then the shirt was made in week 12 of year 345. If you’re ever in doubt about when your shirt was made, just check the product code!

What’s the difference between a football shirt and replica shirt?

There’s a big difference between a football shirt and replica shirt.

A football shirt is an official shirt that is worn by the players of a certain team during their matches.

Replica shirts are unofficial shirts that are sold to fans so they can show their support for their team. The main difference between the two lies in their purpose.

Football shirts are made to be worn by players while playing the game, while replica shirts are made for fans to wear while cheering on their team from the stands.

There are also some differences in design. Football shirts usually have the badge of the team on the chest, while replica shirts often have the name and number of a specific player.

Some replica shirts also have sponsors’ logos on them, while football shirts never do.

Ultimately, whether you’re wearing a football shirt or a replica shirt, showing your support for your team is what matters most. So go ahead and rock that shirt with pride.

Are fake football shirts worth buying?

If your budget is tight, you may be considering purchasing a fake shirt instead of an official one. After all, they’re usually much cheaper and look just as good, right?

Wrong. While fake shirts may save you some money in the short-term, they’re often made from lower-quality materials and are less durable than official shirts.

Plus, they may not feature the correct badges or sponsorships, which can be a dead giveaway that you’re not supporting the real team.

Finally, you should be aware that buying a counterfeit football shirt may support illegal activity.

So if you want to show your true colors, it’s probably best to stick with an official shirt.

The final score.

In short, there are several ways to tell if a football shirt is fake. The main differences between an official football shirt and a replica shirt lie in their design and quality.

We hope we’ve helped you spot the fake shirts so you can avoid them altogether.

And remember, if you’re looking for an authentic football shirt, make sure to do your research before making your purchase–that way you can be sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

This article was written by

  • Anna Adams, Creative Director & Content Lead

    Hi there! I'm Anna Adams, your go-to source for all things women's soccer. I've been crazy about soccer for over 20 years, ever since I was kicking a ball around with my brothers as a kid. I've turned my passion into a career where I get to share all the cool stuff about soccer with you. As a content lead, I've had the awesome opportunity to work with various sports brands and publications. Whether it's the latest gear, pro tips, or just some cool soccer trivia, I'm all about making soccer ac...