Are you unsure if that Adidas football shirt you’re eyeing is the real deal? This guide provides detailed steps to authenticate your Adidas football shirt. CAUHOI2025.UK.COM offers reliable information to help you avoid counterfeit products. This includes checking the Adidas logo, product codes, tags, and authenticity tags.
Table of Contents
- The Adidas Logo
- Adidas Product Code
- Tags
- Adidas Authenticity Tag/Jock Tag
- General Checks
- FAQ: Authenticating Adidas Football Shirts
- Need More Help?
Navigating the world of authentic sports merchandise can be tricky. With the rise of counterfeit products, it’s crucial to know how to identify a genuine Adidas football shirt. Here are five key areas to focus on:
- Examine the Adidas logo closely for imperfections.
- Verify the product code against Adidas’ database.
- Check the tags for correct terminology and abbreviations.
- Look for the presence and accuracy of the authenticity tag.
- Compare the shirt’s details with official images.
This comprehensive guide will delve into these aspects, providing you with the knowledge to confidently distinguish between real and fake Adidas football shirts. Let’s ensure you’re investing in quality and authenticity!
1. The Adidas Logo
The Adidas logo, especially the current version adopted in the late 90s, is one of the most recognizable symbols worldwide. While the original trefoil logo still appears occasionally, most football shirts from this millennium feature the iconic three-stripe design.
Genuine vs. Fake Logos
On genuine shirts, the wordmark portion of the logo touches the bottom of the stripes, and the spacing between characters (kerning) is consistent. Look for these details to ensure authenticity.
Genuine Adidas logo on a replica and player issue shirt, showing the wordmark touching the stripes and consistent spacing
Common Mistakes on Fakes
Fake shirts often have flaws in the Adidas logo. Here are a few things to watch out for:
- Trailing Stitches: Notice if there are any stray threads between the letters of the logo.
- Thin Typeface: The letters in the logo should have a consistent thickness. If they appear too thin, it’s a red flag.
- Wonky Stripes: The three stripes should be straight and evenly spaced.
- Logo Pulling: A fake logo might pull the surrounding fabric together, indicating poor stitching.
- Incorrect Lettering: Be wary of irregularities in how the letters are formed, such as letters being oddly connected to the stripes.
Examples of fake Adidas logos with issues like trailing stitches, thin typeface, and wonky stripes
Fake Adidas logo showing 'd's joined to the stripes in an unusual way
By paying close attention to the Adidas logo, you can quickly identify many fake shirts.
2. Adidas Product Code
Product codes are crucial for verifying the authenticity of an Adidas football shirt. Although fake kits have improved in quality, counterfeiters rarely use the correct product code.
What to Look For
Adidas, like Nike, uses an easily accessible code on all their shirts. This code, also known as an International Article Number (IAN), is a 6-digit code consisting of 2 letters and 4 numbers. It’s usually found on a small tag inside the collar.
Example of a real product code tag inside the collar of an Adidas shirt
How to Verify the Product Code
- Locate the Product Code: Find the 6-digit code on the tag inside the collar.
- Google the Code: Search the code on Google.
- Check the Results: Look for results that match the shirt you’re inspecting. Ideally, you should see multiple images of the same shirt. If the shirt is rare, there may be fewer pictures available.
- Avoid Mismatches: The most important thing is to ensure the search results don’t show a completely different Adidas shirt.
Examples of Fake Product Codes
If the product code on the tag doesn’t match the shirt, it’s likely a fake. For example, a shirt claiming to be a 2019 Ajax away shirt might bring up a random selection of Adidas kits unrelated to Ajax.
Examples of fake product code tags with codes that don't match the shirt
In some cases, the label itself can be a warning sign. For instance, a tag that’s upside down on the collar is a red flag. Searching the code might reveal that it belongs to a different shirt altogether.
3. Tags
If the shirt you’re inspecting has tags, checking the writing on the tag is a simple way to spot fakes.
Genuine Tags
Genuine shirts will have an abbreviation for the club or country the shirt is from. For example, an LAFC shirt will have an abbreviation like “LAFC” on the tag.
Example of a genuine Adidas tag with the club abbreviation "LAFC"
Fake Tags
If you see a generic term like “ADIDAS JSY” instead of a specific club or country abbreviation, it’s most likely a fake. The only exception is if the shirt is a blank template and not team-specific.
4. Adidas Authenticity Tag/Jock Tag
Authenticity tags, also known as jock tags, are typically found on the bottom right or left of the front of the shirt. These tags detail the material type, but their appearance has changed over time, and some Adidas shirts don’t include them at all.
Replica vs. Player Issue Shirts
Replica shirts are less likely to have a visible authenticity patch on the front, while player issue shirts often do.
Comparison of a replica Germany away shirt (left) and a player issue shirt (right), showing the authenticity tag on the player issue shirt
Material Type Tags
Some shirts have a material type tag on the bottom left instead of an authenticity tag. This doesn’t necessarily mean the shirt is fake.
Example of a replica LAFC shirt with an application detail on the bottom right and a material type tag on the left
How to Verify Authenticity Tags
The best way to verify the authenticity tag is to find official pictures of the shirt on Adidas’ website or the club’s website and compare the details. This will help you determine if the tag is consistent with the genuine product.
5. General Checks
In addition to the specific checks above, there are several general checks you can make to determine if a shirt is fake:
- Color Matching: Compare the colors of the shirt with official pictures. Keep in mind that lighting can affect how colors appear in promotional shots.
- Price: Be wary of listings that seem too good to be true. If the price is significantly lower than the shirt’s age and value would suggest, it’s likely a fake.
- Multiple Sizes: If a seller is offering a rare vintage shirt in multiple sizes at a low price, it’s a red flag.
6. FAQ: Authenticating Adidas Football Shirts
Q1: Where can I find the product code on an Adidas football shirt?
The product code is a 6-digit code (2 letters and 4 numbers) located on a small tag usually found inside the collar of the shirt.
Q2: What should I do if the product code doesn’t match the shirt when I Google it?
If the Google search results for the product code show a completely different Adidas shirt, it’s a strong indication that the shirt is fake.
Q3: Are all Adidas football shirts supposed to have an authenticity tag on the front?
No, not all Adidas football shirts have an authenticity tag on the front. The presence or absence of this tag can vary depending on whether the shirt is a replica or a player issue version.
Q4: What does it mean if the tag inside the shirt says “ADIDAS JSY”?
A tag that says “ADIDAS JSY” is a generic term and is often found on fake shirts. Genuine shirts usually have a tag with an abbreviation for the specific club or country.
Q5: How important is the price of a shirt when determining its authenticity?
The price is a significant factor. If a shirt is listed at a price that seems too good to be true compared to its age and rarity, it’s likely a fake.
Q6: Can I rely solely on the Adidas logo to determine if a shirt is real?
While the Adidas logo is a good starting point, it’s not the only factor to consider. Counterfeiters are getting better at replicating logos, so it’s important to check other details like product codes, tags, and stitching.
Q7: What’s the difference between a replica and a player issue Adidas football shirt?
Replica shirts are made for fans and are generally less expensive. Player issue shirts are made for professional players and often have additional features like tighter fits, different materials, and authenticity tags.
Q8: Is it possible for a vintage Adidas football shirt to be authentic even if it doesn’t have all the tags?
Yes, it’s possible. Vintage shirts may have lost their tags over time. In such cases, focus on other details like the Adidas logo, material quality, and overall construction to determine authenticity.
Q9: Where can I find official pictures of Adidas football shirts to compare with the one I have?
You can find official pictures on Adidas’ website, the official website of the football club, or reputable sports merchandise retailers.
Q10: What should I do if I suspect I’ve purchased a fake Adidas football shirt?
If you suspect you’ve purchased a fake, contact the seller and request a refund. If they refuse, you can file a dispute with your payment provider (e.g., credit card company, PayPal).
7. Need More Help?
Identifying fake Adidas football shirts can be challenging, but by following these guidelines, you can significantly increase your chances of spotting a counterfeit. Remember to pay attention to the Adidas logo, product codes, tags, and general details of the shirt.
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of a shirt, CAUHOI2025.UK.COM is here to help. Our experts can provide detailed analysis and guidance to ensure you’re getting the real deal. Visit our website at CAUHOI2025.UK.COM for more information and resources. You can also contact us at Equitable Life Building, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10004, USA or call +1 (800) 555-0199. Let CAUHOI2025.UK.COM be your trusted resource for authentic sports merchandise.
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