How to verify the authenticity of a football jersey?

Buying an authentic football shirt can be much more complicated than expected these days, especially with the rise of fake shirts on the market… At Pure Football Shirts, we believe that a football shirt, whether vintage or modern, is a piece of history and holds personal sentimental value. That's why it's essential to prioritize the authenticity of your favorite shirt. But how can you be sure the shirt you're buying is truly authentic?

We'll explain step by step how to verify the authenticity of a jersey and avoid any unpleasant surprises. We promise that by the end of this article, you'll be able to distinguish an authentic jersey from a simple counterfeit.

1 - Why check the authenticity of a football jersey?

In a world where the market for counterfeit football shirts is booming, we believe it is crucial to ensure the quality of the items that represent our passion and emotions. According to an EU report, counterfeit sportswear accounts for over €6.8 billion annually . Original football shirts are collector's items, possessing a monetary and sentimental value far exceeding that of counterfeits, which can lead to several problems if purchased:

• Poor quality: As their price indicates, counterfeit jerseys use low-quality materials, making the product much less durable.
• Zero value: A fake jersey has no value if resold, which is even punishable by law.
• Ethical issues: Buying fake jerseys supports and encourages questionable and unethical practices…

It is therefore necessary to carefully check the authenticity of a jersey before buying it or even before wanting to resell it.

2 - The main signs of an authentic jersey

a) Labels and authenticity code

The labels are where it all begins; they're a bit like your jersey's ID card. Major brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma always include a unique authenticity code on their labels.

• Find the authenticity code on your jersey label (example labels below)
• The reflex? Type this code into Google and check if it corresponds to an official product.

Example codes:

NIKE

ADIDAS

⚠️ Warning: A jersey without a label, with mistakes in the inscription or with a pen “scribble” on the label, is very often a sign of counterfeiting.

b) Fabric materials and quality

Once you've searched for the code and received the jersey, there are still a few steps to follow to ensure you've acquired it. An authentic jersey is distinguished by the quality and feel of its fabric. Official jerseys use high-quality materials, often designed to wick away sweat.

• Fabric: Authentic jerseys are lightweight, flexible and pleasant to the touch.
• Seams: The seams must be impeccable, with no pulled or protruding threads.
• Technology: Look for terms like "Dri-FIT" at Nike or "Climacool" at the brand with the three stripes.

👉 Tip: Run your hand over the fabric. If it feels scratchy or "plasticky," it's probably a counterfeit.

c) Logos and details

The logos are often how fake jerseys are detected. On an authentic jersey, everything must be perfect.

• Embroidered logos: Pay close attention to the details. Poorly aligned or poorly finished logos are a huge red flag.
• Iron-on patches: If the patch peels off after two washes, you know what that means...
• Flocking: It must be perfectly placed, the numbers and names of the players must be the same as those used in the match.

3 - Essential tools for detecting counterfeit goods

a) Search for the product code

As explained previously, each official jersey has its own code. It's a bit like its fingerprint. If you have any doubts, type this code into a search engine .

If the code gives no results or seems strange, be wary!

b) Specialized applications and forums

Today, we're fortunate to have tools like Google Lens and a host of collector forums ready to help. These platforms are great for getting opinions from people a bit more experienced than you; you can even send them your photos directly to verify if it's an authentic jersey.

4 - Where to buy authentic jerseys safely

If you want to avoid unpleasant surprises, buy your jerseys from reliable sources:

• The official stores of clubs or equipment manufacturers like Nike or Adidas.
• Specialized sites like Pure Football Shirts (yes, that's us 😁), which only sell authentic jerseys.

👉 Want a 100% authentic jersey? Discover our collection here !

5 - Frequently Asked Questions about Authentic Jerseys

a) How to recognize a counterfeit jersey?

To give you a quick overview, you'll need to look at the labels, the fabric, and the logos. These are often the first clues. If the price seems too good to be true, there's a problem!

b) Are replica jerseys authentic?

Yes, but they're made for fans. The " authentic " or " pro " versions are the ones worn by the players and generally cost more.

There you go, you're now a pro at recognizing an authentic football shirt ! If you're looking to expand your collection, our site is for you; everyone should be able to find something they love. All our shirts are 100% official, verified, and ready to accompany you in the stands (or on the sofa 😉).