I love buying jerseys but hate when I accidentally buy counterfeit fakes which is why I created this guide. Fake NBA jerseys can range from the hilariously obvious to the painstakingly accurate. The number of fake NBA jerseys being sold continues to skyrocket worldwide and bootleggers are getting better everyday at being able to replicate authentic jerseys.
There are however some easy steps to take and to learn how to spot fake NBA jerseys. Fundamentally, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Here are 8 ways how to tell if an NBA jersey is authentic or not:
- Stitching
- Question use of stock photos
- Where NBA jerseys are made
- NBA logo size
- Jock tag proportions
- Jersey perforations
- Retail tags
- Material weights
#1. Stitching
A great way to spot fake NBA jerseys is to understand that the new Nike Swingman is screen printed lettering and numbers. Adidas Swingman and Nike Authentic are both twill stitched. Making sure both letters and numbers are aligned is important as fake NBA jerseys often fail to even the spacing and heights. Any stitching will also fray easily on a fake jersey.
One of the best ways to spot fake NBA jerseys is through certain patches, such as team logos, which are stitched onto a jersey. A cotton paperlike backing is used to apply the patches and fake NBA jerseys often leave these cotton backings on and are visible on the inside of fake jerseys. Team logos should also match the same height as the NBA logo on the jersey.
#2. Use of Stock Photos
Buying a jersey from an unauthorized or unofficial sports merchandise dealer can leave you ending up with fake NBA jerseys. Fake NBA jerseys are very common among sites that may advertise that their jerseys are legitimate with prices below the recommended retail prices (RRP). The use of stock jersey photos on non reputable sites can be a telltale sign.
Official team websites and nba.com are sites you would expect to see stock photos. Authorised online stores like footlocker.com and Nike.com are other authorised stores that are reputable in selling genuine jerseys. A website with a title like authenticnbajerseyworld.ru with stock photos and selling what it claims to be genuine jerseys below the RRP would be extremely suspect.
#3. Where Are NBA Jerseys Made
Most Nike jerseys are made in Honduras and Guatemala, most recently in Thailand and older Nike jerseys in Korea. Adidas jerseys are typically made in Vietnam, Nicaragua and Guatemala. Pay close attention to where an NBA jersey is made as fake NBA jerseys can display a country a particular jersey would never have been made in.
#4. NBA Logo
NBA logos are often incorrect on fake NBA jerseys. Compare NBA logos on jerseys to the official Jerry West NBA logo, an easy way to spot a fake NBA jersey. Fake NBA jerseys often create the logo fsr too thin with Jerry West resembling some along the lines of an alien like figure.
You can often tell an NBA jersey is legitimate when the NBA logo is embroidered onto the jersey with different coloured layers of stitching. Fake NBA jerseys lack this detail and usually have a sewn on or heat applied patch.
#5. Jock Tag
Check the location and positioning of the jock tag. Typically jock tags are located at the bottom left of a jersey when wearing it. Inconsistencies with font size and thicknesses can be one of the easiest ways to spot fake NBA jerseys. Fake NBA jerseys almost always create the size font too thick and once you learn how to spot it, it’ll become one of the easiest ways to spot fake NBA jerseys.
#6. Perforations
Take a look at fabric hole patterns to make sure they are consistent with authentic versions. Perforation sizing will vary across different genuine jerseys depending on brand, generation, variation etc. Understanding perforations may take a bit of time and attention to detail but it’s a sure way to spot fake NBA jerseys that bootleggers tend to overlook.
#7. Retail Tags
On the topic of how to spot fake NBA jerseys, understanding that retail tags isn’t the best way to identify a genuine jersey is important. Many fakes have fake retail tags which replicate genuine ones and tags are the easiest part of the jersey to replicate.
#8. Materials
Original jerseys, especially vintage jerseys, are made from heavier premium materials when compared to fake NBA jerseys. New technology is enabling lighter jerseys, but authentics will always have a premium quality in terms of feel over fake NBA jerseys.
You can easily spot fake NBA jerseys by running your fingers across the material. A genuine jersey is made of a polyester mesh and will feel smooth. A fake jersey is made from inferior materials and will feel rough or scratchy.
