Guide: how to legit check a football shirts

Replica football shirts have become very common. Whether you are buying new or old football shirts, it is important to be able to distinguish between real football shirts and replica shirts. This guide will show you how to quickly check the authenticity – both in general and for the biggest brands.

🔍 General signs of an authentic footballshirt

Always check these points first:

📋 Product code

Found on the care label. Search the product code on Google – images of the shirt you are looking for should appear.

⚠️ Important: If you look up the product code and no images appear of the shirt you are looking for, the shirt is most likely fake.

🧵 Material

Copies often feel heavy or stiff.

✨ Logos

Sharp details, correct placement and no jagged edges.

✔️ Nike football shirts – real or replica

Nike jerseys are generally very easy to verify.

  • Unique product code (e.g. CV7901-100)
  • Perfectly printed or embroidered logos

✔️ Adidas football shirts – real or replica

Adidas jerseys are generally very easy to verify.

  • Product code on the washing label (e.g. H13879)
  • Adidas logo and club logo are extremely sharp in detail

✔️ Puma football shirts - real or copy

  • Product code on inside label
  • Sharply printed Puma logo (no jagged edges)

🕰️ Retro football shirts – real or replica

Retro football shirts are different from modern shirts and can therefore be more difficult to verify. Brands such as Umbro, Lotto, Kappa, Reebok and Asics used different materials and production methods than today.

Important signs of real retro jerseys:

  • No product code: Usually for jerseys from before approx. 2005
  • Heavier fabric: Often thicker polyester or cotton blends
  • Embroidered logos: Very common on older Umbro and Lotto shirts
  • Proper wear: Slightly faded print or small signs of wear are a good sign
  • Country of production: England, Italy, Portugal or the EU is typical for the period

⚠️ Red flag: Retro jerseys that look brand new or have modern materials are often suspicious.

✅ Conclusion: How to avoid copycat shirts

To ensure that a football shirt is authentic, you should always:

  • ✓ Check product code
  • ✓ Compare materials and details
  • ✓ Examine logos and stitching
  • ✓ Be critical of very low prices

Do you have questions about a specific shirt?
We are ready to help - contact us at info@halvfems.dk

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