In a world filled with counterfeit goods, it’s easy to mistakenly believe every item in your wardrobe is authentic. Unfortunately, many popular brands are frequently imitated, making it vital to differentiate genuine products from counterfeits. By learning these 17 tips, you’ll be better equipped to identify authentic items and avoid being duped.

1. Nike Sneakers
Nike Air sneakers are made from materials that counterfeit manufacturers struggle to replicate. Authentic Nike shoes have a sturdy leather texture, while counterfeits often feel soft and lack durability. Another key indicator is symmetry—any visible asymmetry in the design is a red flag that the product may be fake.

2. Fila Tennis Shoes
Look closely at the “F” in the Fila logo. On authentic pairs, the stitching may have minor irregularities, but the top lines of the “F” should never stretch to touch the surrounding square. Check the toe cap; the holes should be evenly spaced on genuine shoes. Additionally, the heel logo on real Fila sneakers matches the logo on the tongue, unlike on fakes, which may have inconsistent designs.

3. Burberry Scarves
Authentic Burberry scarves boast a thick texture and precise, well-defined lines. The fringes don’t fray or tear easily. The label should display the brand name in capital letters and include information about the scarf’s composition and country of manufacture.

4. Gucci Bags
Examine the iconic “G” logo on Gucci bags. Genuine logos have sleek serifs, with the rounded part forming a perfect oval. Counterfeit logos often look blurry or uneven. Check the stitching as well—authentic Gucci bags feature even stitches that match the bag’s color.

5. Supreme Sweatshirts
Authentic Supreme sweatshirts include two red labels on the collar: one with the brand name and a registered trademark symbol, and another indicating the country of manufacture, typically Canada. Inside, there’s often a label warning against ironing the garment—a detail frequently overlooked by counterfeiters. Additionally, the hoodie laces should be flat and neatly tied, not round or burnt at the ends.

6. Adidas Yeezy Sneakers
The wave pattern on authentic Yeezy sneakers features irregular prints running sideways. Genuine Yeezy tongues are curved, while counterfeits tend to have a squarer shape. Inside, the Adidas logo should be consistent in size on both shoes. The stitching on fake Yeezys often appears unprofessional.

7. Toms Espadrilles
On genuine Toms espadrilles, the insoles are sewn into the shoe and cannot be removed. The logo on the heel has evenly spaced, balanced letters, while fake versions may feature thick stitching and uneven letters. Glue residue on the sides is another clear indicator of a counterfeit product.

8. Michael Kors Bags
Michael Kors bags include cream-colored labels with detailed product information, such as serial numbers, materials, and barcodes. Genuine bags are made from dense materials that resist deformation during shipping. All hardware, like clasps and zippers, is engraved with the brand’s name.

9. Guess Bags
Real Guess bags are made from genuine leather, which does not retain wrinkles when pressed. The lining is soft and visible, unlike the thin or absent lining in counterfeits. Check the metal details—authentic Guess bags feature smooth, shiny hardware, while fakes often have dull or marked components.

10. Guess Watches
Authentic Guess watches use high-quality materials like metal, silicone, or leather for straps. Any signs of uneven coloring, cracks, or bad odors suggest a fake. The back of the watch should include the brand logo, material type, and “Japan Movt,” signifying the high-quality Japanese mechanism.

11. Hermès Bags
Inspect the lettering on Hermès bags. Authentic bags feature clean, stylish accents on letters like “E,” while fakes often have uneven or fused letters. The stitching on genuine bags is flawless, unlike the inconsistent stitching found on counterfeit versions.

12. Lacoste Polo Shirts
The Lacoste crocodile logo is highly detailed, with visible eyes, teeth, and legs. The body is bright green, and the tail is parallel to the back. Authentic polos have mother-of-pearl buttons with two holes, while fakes often use buttons with four holes or poor craftsmanship.

13. Balenciaga Sneakers
Genuine Balenciaga sneakers have a distinctive bump on the heel, absent in counterfeits. Fake versions often have a more curved front and poorly centered brand lettering, with uneven letter sizes.

14. Pandora Bracelets
Pandora bracelets are crafted with a unique blackening technique, giving them a dull silver finish. The clasp on authentic bracelets features the Pandora logo with a crown above the “o.” Inside the clasp, a signature clover-shaped fastening ensures security.

15. Levi’s Jeans
Look for the arched stitching on the back pockets of Levi’s jeans—it’s a hallmark feature. Genuine jeans have orange stitching and a red label with “Levi’s” clearly printed, while counterfeits may use white stitching and plain red labels.

16. Timberland Shoes
Authentic Timberland soles are caramel-colored with a slightly transparent look. The logo is printed clearly on the sole and heel. Genuine shoes also feature hexagonal eyelets and parallel stitching with white thread.

17. Nike T-Shirts
Authentic Nike T-shirts are made from high-quality fabric with perfectly aligned logos. Uneven stitching or faded prints are common signs of counterfeit items.

By mastering these tips, you can confidently shop for authentic items and avoid falling victim to counterfeit goods. Protect your purchases and ensure you’re getting the quality you deserve.