In today’s market, counterfeit products are everywhere, making it essential to know how to distinguish authentic items from imitations. Whether you’re shopping for sneakers, bags, or apparel, these tips will help you identify genuine products and avoid falling victim to scams.

1. Nike Sneakers
Authentic Nike Air sneakers have a unique texture that counterfeit manufacturers struggle to replicate due to the difference in materials and manufacturing techniques. Genuine Nike shoes feature sturdy leather, while fakes tend to lack this hardness. Additionally, check the symmetry of the sneakers—any asymmetry could indicate a counterfeit.

2. Fila Tennis Shoes
Look closely at the stitching of the letter “F” on Fila shoes. Original pairs might show minor irregularities in the stitching, but the top lines of the “F” should not stretch to touch the surrounding square. Check the toe cap as well; the holes on authentic Fila shoes are evenly spaced. Lastly, the logo on the heel of the shoe should match the one on the tongue.

3. Burberry Scarves
Authentic Burberry scarves have well-defined lines and a thick texture. Their fringes won’t fray or tear when touched. Additionally, the brand label on genuine scarves is always written in capital letters and includes details about the country of manufacture and material composition.

4. Gucci Bags
Examine the iconic “G” logo on Gucci bags. The serifs of the G’s should be sleek, and the rounded part should form a perfect oval. Blurry or uneven logos are a sign of counterfeit. Pay attention to the stitching—genuine Gucci bags have evenly spaced stitches that match the color of the bag.

5. Supreme Sweatshirts
Original Supreme sweatshirts feature two red labels on the collar. The larger label shows the brand name with a registered trademark symbol (®), while the smaller label lists the country of manufacture, typically Canada. Authentic sweatshirts also have a warning not to iron the item on their inner label. Embroidered logos should have evenly spaced letters, and turning the sweatshirt inside out reveals a fine mesh of white threads behind the logo.

6. Adidas Yeezy Sneakers
The wave pattern on original Yeezys runs sideways with irregular prints. The tongue of the shoe is more curved compared to the square shape seen on fakes. Inside the shoes, the Adidas icon should be identical on both sneakers. Uneven stitching inside the shoes is another red flag.

7. Toms Espadrilles
Check the insoles of Toms espadrilles; they should be sewn in, not removable. The logo on the back should have perfectly balanced letters, and the stitching around it should not be too thick. Glue residue on the sides of the espadrilles is another sign of counterfeit products.

8. Michael Kors Bags
Original Michael Kors bags include cream-colored labels with key details such as the serial number, material, and a barcode. All hardware parts, including clasps and fasteners, are engraved with the brand name. The dense material used for authentic bags resists deformation, even during shipping.

9. Guess Bags
Genuine Guess bags are made from high-quality leather, which doesn’t wrinkle permanently when pressed. The lining is soft and visible, unlike the thin or absent lining in fakes. The metal components of original bags are sturdy and shiny, while counterfeits often use dull, cheap materials.

10. Guess Watches
Authentic Guess watches feature straps made from high-quality materials like metal, silicone, or natural leather. Poor smell, uneven colors, or visible cracks indicate a fake. The back of the watch should have engravings including the brand logo, material details, and “Japan Movt,” signifying its high-quality Japanese mechanism.

11. Hermès Bags
Inspect the lettering on the inside printing. The French accent on the letter “E” should be precise, and letters like “F” and “R” in “France” should not appear fused. Authentic bags have flawless stitching on their leather straps, unlike the uneven stitching found on counterfeits.

12. Lacoste Polo Shirts
The Lacoste crocodile logo has clearly defined details, including visible eyes, teeth, and legs. Authentic shirts feature mother-of-pearl buttons with two holes and no inscriptions. Men’s shirts have small side openings at the hem, which are absent in women’s versions.

13. Balenciaga Sneakers
Original Balenciaga sneakers have a distinctive bump on the heels, a feature missing in counterfeits. The front of fake shoes often curves more dramatically, and the brand name on the back is poorly centered, with uneven letter sizes.

14. Pandora Bracelets
Pandora bracelets are made with a unique blackening technique, giving them a dull silver tone. The clasp size matches the charms, and the clasp features the Pandora logo and a crown above the “o.” Inside the clasp, authentic bracelets have a clover-shaped screw design.

15. Levi’s Jeans
The iconic arched design on Levi’s back pockets is either a bow or diamond shape, often poorly replicated on fakes. Original stitching is orange, while counterfeits frequently use white thread. The red label on authentic jeans includes “Levi’s,” whereas fakes often feature a plain red tag.

16. Timberland Shoes
The sole of authentic Timberland shoes is caramel-colored with a slightly transparent finish. Logos are well-defined and printed uniformly. Eyelets on genuine shoes are perfect hexagons, and all seams are parallel and done with white thread.

17. Nike T-Shirts
Authentic Nike T-shirts feature high-quality stitching, vibrant prints, and durable material. Pay close attention to the logo placement and overall craftsmanship. Poor alignment or faded prints suggest a counterfeit.

With these tips, you can shop confidently and ensure the products you buy are authentic.