Real vs Faux: 5 Ways to Know If a Fashion Item is the Real Deal or a Knockoff

Recently, the need for rocking designer wear and luxury items has skyrocketed more than ever, leading to faux brands creating unauthorized copies of these luxury items to meet the demand. Imagine buying a Louis Vuitton shirt for thousands of dollars and seeing a friend rocking it for less than you got it. Yes, real vs faux fashion is a thing.

Real vs faux: picture showing a lady examining a clothing item

Now the question is, ‘How do you tell the difference between real and fake fashion, especially when they eerily share similarities?’ This is where we come in. In this article, we’ll share five ways to help you discern between real vs faux fashion items, ensuring you make informed purchasing decisions. Let’s dive in:

Real vs Faux: What You Didn’t Know About the Thriving Counterfeit Industry

real vs faux: picture of a red chanel bag

We agree that the allure of designer fashion is undeniable, with coveted pieces becoming a status symbol. In the past, second-hand fashion items were always seen as second rate especially when it came to luxury goods. But thanks to inflation and the advent of circular fashion, this is no longer the case. Even if you could afford the luxury items, you find yourself turning to consignment stores and resale websites to save cost and, according to a report by Research and Market, the industry is expected to rake in billions annually.  

However, we’ve also discovered that alongside the growing industry, there’s a thriving counterfeit market selling fakes of these luxury fashion products creating a huge lack of trust for those buying second-hand luxury. According to the OECD, global trade in fake goods is worth almost half a trillion dollars a year and a study from the ”Social Media and Luxury Goods Counterfeit” states that around a fifth of all items as luxury goods on Instagram are fakes.

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So how can consumers and traders of luxury fashion items guarantee the originality of their items? The sad reality is, that the industry of faux fashion is not closing down any time soon. So, you need to master the power of discernment with the tips we will share in this article, knowing that the consequences of buying these items extend beyond financial loss. 

Real vs Faux:5 Tips to Help You Spot Fake Fashion Items

picture of a lady in a store examining a red shirt

TikTok Influencer Charles Gross amassed a huge following on the platform thanks to his post on how to spot a fake and is often tagged by his audience, asking him to share his knowledge on how to discern the authenticity or fakeness of a product. This speaks volumes of the need to tell between real and faux fashion. So without further ado, let’s get straight to the ways you can know whether what you are purchasing  is the real deal or a knockoff:

Examine the Material and Craftsmanship

picture showing different rows  of clothing items

Authentic designer fashion pieces are synonymous with exceptional quality. From the finest leathers to the most luxurious fabrics, renowned brands invest heavily in sourcing premium materials. The feel, texture, and overall appearance of these materials are unique and difficult to replicate accurately.

Counterfeiters often cut corners by using inferior materials to reduce production costs. Common substitutions include synthetic leather for real leather, low-quality fabrics for silk or cashmere, and cheap metal hardware for gold or silver components. By carefully examining the materials, you can identify many counterfeit items.

Beyond the materials themselves, the craftsmanship is another important factor in determining authenticity.  Real luxury fashion items are produced with great attention to detail, precise stitching, flawless seams, and perfectly aligned hardware. But with faux fashion, you may notice sloppy workmanship, uneven stitching, and misaligned components.  So please take your time to inspect zippers, buttons, and other fastenings closely to ensure they operate smoothly and effortlessly, and also, pay attention to the overall finish of the item. 

Also Read: How to Look Stylish and Fashionable on a Budget

Check the Branding and Logos

Real vs faux: picture showing the difference between a Louis Vuitton bag and a fake

You can call it a staple or a cornerstone, but when you come across a luxury brand, you can tell its fashion house from its carefully crafted identity, often symbolized by logos. The production errors with fake fashion give you unmistakable clues to their deception. Imagine you saw a bag with the LW logo instead of LV, for instance, that should already tell you something is wrong with the item.

So when next you go to a store, closely pay attention to the logo, and please know that scrutinizing the brand goes beyond just a glance at the logo. Take a look at the font style, size, and color. Another thing you should know is luxury brands have specific guidelines for where their logo should appear on their products; counterfeiters may misplace logos, or their placement may seem inconsistent with the item. Don’t forget to consider the overall aesthetic of the branding, real  fashionable items always exude a sense of sophistication and consistency while the fakes may come off looking cheap or tacky.

Investigate the Packaging and Accessories

Picture of a showing a cute LV bag

We can all agree that the packaging of a luxury item is an integral part of the overall brand experience. Real luxury brands invest considerable resources in creating high-quality packaging that reflects their image and protects the product. Therefore, looking closely at the packaging again can be a vital step in helping you spot the fakes.

A friend once shared her experience with counterfeiters, concluding that this market was there to make money without caring for the consumers they are hurting, and I agree. These people always cut corners in everything, resulting in noticeable flaws and inconsistencies. You may notice subpar printing, spelling errors, incorrect logos and branding, and poor-quality materials. So, the next time you find yourself at a store, please pay attention to the overall feel of the packaging, luxury items always feel luxurious, while the fakes may feel flimsy and leave that cheap taste in your mouth after purchasing them.

Accessories such as dust bags, boxes, and care cards are essential for a luxury shopping experience. These items are designed to complement the product and protect it during storage and transportation. If you do not find these items when you get a “supposed” luxury item,  please leave it alone.

Also Read: How to Build a Capsule Wardrobe: Ultimate Guide

Research Online and Compare Prices

Real vs Faux: picture of a guy examining a fashion item in a store

In today’s digital age, you have a wealth of information at your fingertips. Leveraging online resources can be invaluable in knowing whether you are buying the real deal. Before you pay, do a quick research about the fashion item. Luxury brands will always provide detailed product descriptions, including materials, craftsmanship, and specific product features on their websites. With the information there, you can quickly compare what’s there to the item in question and identify potential discrepancies.

Online forums dedicated to fashion and luxury goods are also excellent sources of information. Many fashionistas share their knowledge and experiences in spotting counterfeit items. These platforms often have detailed discussions about specific brands, counterfeit techniques, and authentication tips.

Price is another factor to consider. Luxury fashion items come with a price tag. So, If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. One of the easiest ways to spot fake fashion is the significantly lower prices of luxury items. Compare the price of the item you’re considering with authorized retailers. If there’s a substantial difference, it’s a red flag. Remember, real fashion brands maintain consistent pricing across authorized channels.

Trust Your Instincts and Seek Expert Help

Picture of a man checking out the logo of a shirt

While the tips outlined in this article provide a solid foundation to know if you’re getting the real deal or a knockoff, do not neglect your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your gut when examining a piece. Even if it’s your first time, you shouldn’t ignore the subtle details you detect while purchasing any luxury item.

In some cases,  you may need the help of experts to spot fakes, which is okay, especially if dealing with a high-value piece and you’re unsure about its legitimacy. Do not hesitate to seek professional help because these experts are well-versed in luxury brands and know counterfeit detection techniques like the back of their hands. However, before you make a choice, ensure they have a proven track record and also verify their credentials to protect yourself from falling victim to fraud.

Also Read: 10 Outfit Choices for Comfy Summer Hiking

Final Words on Real vs Faux

Picture showing the difference between a real and fake fashion item

Discerning between real vs faux fashion items requires a keen eye and a thorough approach. With the tips we’ve shared in our guide, you can significantly reduce your chances of purchasing fakes. Remember that suspiciously low prices and subpar quality are often telltale signs of a faux fashion item.

Protecting yourself from counterfeit goods is important for several reasons. Firstly, you will be risking financial loss. Secondly, you’ll be supporting illegal activities. Thirdly, you’ll be undermining legitimate businesses. Plus the environmental hazards posed by fakes due to the use of inferiors round up some of the reasons you shouldn’t patronize them.

  

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