Spot a Fake — VerifyJersey

Checklist

Six places counterfeits give themselves away

1
Tag & hologram code
Genuine tags use consistent fonts, sharp print, and a hologram or QR code that looks etched, not printed flat. Blurry text, misspelled care instructions, or a code that's suspiciously easy to read off-angle are red flags. A real code should also match the batch details we have on file — check it on the Verify a Code page.
2
Crest & sponsor logo
Look at the embroidery density and edge stitching on the club crest. Authentic crests sit flush with clean, tight stitching and correct proportions. Fakes often have a slightly wrong size, off-center placement, loose threads, or a crest that's printed instead of embroidered where it should be stitched.
3
Fabric weight & texture
Authentic match and replica jerseys use a specific weight of technical fabric that feels structured, not flimsy or plastic-like. Hold it up to light — cheap counterfeits are often thinner, shinier, or feel more like a t-shirt than performance wear.
4
Numbers & lettering
Official numbering uses heat-pressed or stitched lettering with clean, even edges and correct official fonts for that season. Look for cracking print, uneven spacing, wrong font weight, or numbers that peel at the corners.
5
Seams & construction
Check the side seams, sleeve cuffs, and collar. Authentic construction is tidy and reinforced at stress points. Loose threads, uneven hems, or seams that pucker are common shortcuts on counterfeits.
6
Price & source
This one isn't physical, but it matters most: a price far below retail from an unfamiliar seller is the single strongest predictor of a fake, regardless of how good the tag looks in photos.