How to Spot Fake Jerseys Like a Pro

One of the strongest ways a fan can show their love is with a jersey. A jersey is a way of showing perpetual team pride all year round. These items are particularly popular to get signed with autographed soccer jerseys reselling to high figures during the recent world cup. Signed jerseys are some of the most highly prized collectibles on the market. But nobody wants their item to be a fraud. Sadly fake jerseys are all too easy to find, but with a keen eye, you can spot a fraud. 

Why You Should Avoid Fake Jerseys

It's easy to shrug and say fake signed jerseys aren't a big deal. After all, it's just a shirt to wear. But there are several good reasons to seek authentic jerseys. First off, it's simply wrong to buy a fraudulent jersey, as it takes money from the licensors. If you support the team, purchasing genuine merchandise is part of showing that.

But even if that doesn't matter to you, it's a poor investment for yourself. A good jersey should last many years, particularly when it's autographed like signed NFL jerseys. A knockoff will fall apart much faster due to poor material. Fake jerseys are usually much cheaper than the real deal, but you get what you pay for. Why not invest in a good one?

Ways to Spot a Fake Jersey

Spotting a fake jersey is actually a relatively simple process that doesn't require much detective work. All you need is vigilance and a keen eye, and you'll know a fake one from the real deal.

It starts with the circumstances of the purchase. A cheap jersey should be a red flag. Rarely is an item of actual value going for less. Furthermore, where you buy it counts. A jersey purchased directly from the league's website is guaranteed to be authentic. Unfortunately, jerseys purchased from eBay or other second-hand retailers lack the same guarantee.

The item often has several tell-tale signs in its manufacturing. These include:

• Letters that are raised rather than flat against the item with a matte look rather than glossy
• Letters that are crooked rather than neatly aligned and often the wrong size
• Multiple instances of frayed stitching across the item rather than the tight craftsmanship of an official item
• Authentic tags and hemlines, which are a standard in items like NFL jerseys
• Fabric, which feels flimsy and inexpensive, unlike the heavy, durable material of standard jerseys
• Often the jersey will have a slightly off color compared to an authentic jersey
• Holes that are clear enough to see through in the mesh, unlike the much smaller authentic holes
• The most ridiculous but frequent tell is misspellings, which rarely happen with the quality control of actual licensed products

The final sign is a key one. Look for where the jersey was made. If it says it was made in China, you can safely count it as a knockoff if it says it's also a Nike or Reebok product. Neither company manufactures there.

Nobody wants a poor-quality jersey, particularly when it comes to signed jerseys. Knowing the difference between a real and a fake will keep you looking like a real fan.

At Sports Integrity, we believe in staying authentic. For the discerning soccer fan still ablaze after an exciting World Cup, we offer signed soccer jerseys from some of the best players of all time. Check them out today!