It’s easy to assume that every item in your wardrobe is authentic, but the truth is that counterfeit products are everywhere, especially among popular brands. Recognizing the difference between genuine and fake items is crucial to avoid being duped. Here are 17 practical tips to help you identify counterfeit products like a pro.

1. Nike Sneakers
Authentic Nike Air sneakers are crafted with materials and manufacturing techniques that counterfeiters cannot replicate. The genuine leather in Nike shoes is firm and has a specific texture, unlike the softer material used in fakes. Additionally, check the symmetry—if the shoe looks off-balance, it’s likely not authentic.

2. Fila Tennis Shoes
Examine the letter “F” in the Fila logo. Authentic Fila shoes may have slight irregularities in stitching, but the top two lines of the “F” should never stretch to touch the surrounding square. Pay attention to the toe cap, where the holes should be evenly spaced in originals. Moreover, the logo on the heel of genuine Fila shoes matches the tongue logo, while fakes often have mismatched logos stitched on different materials.

3. Burberry Scarves
A genuine Burberry scarf features well-defined lines and a thick texture. The fringe is durable and doesn’t fray or tear easily. The label should display the brand name in capital letters, alongside details about the scarf’s material and country of origin.

4. Gucci Bags
The two “G’s” in the Gucci logo are a key indicator of authenticity. On genuine bags, the serifs are sleek, and the rounded part forms a perfect oval. Counterfeit logos often look blurry or uneven. Also, inspect the stitching; authentic Gucci bags have precise, evenly spaced stitches that match the bag’s color.

5. Supreme Sweatshirts
Original Supreme sweatshirts feature two red labels on the collar: the larger one includes the brand name with a registered trademark symbol, and the smaller one indicates the country of manufacture (typically Canada). Inside, there’s a label warning against ironing the garment—something counterfeiters often overlook. Flat laces and a fine mesh of white threads on the inside logo are signs of authenticity.

6. Adidas Yeezy Sneakers
The wave pattern on authentic Yeezy sneakers has irregular, sideways prints. The tongue of the shoe is slightly curved, unlike the square-shaped tongues on fakes. Inside, the Adidas logo should be the same size on both shoes, and the stitching should look professional, not amateurish.

7. Toms Espadrilles
Authentic Toms espadrilles have insoles sewn to the bottom, not removable. The logo on the heel should have evenly spaced, balanced letters. Counterfeits often feature thicker stitching and glue residue on the sides, which is a clear red flag.

8. Michael Kors Bags
Michael Kors bags include cream-colored labels with key product details such as serial numbers, material, and barcodes. Genuine bags are made from dense materials that don’t deform during shipping, and all hardware (like clasps and fasteners) is engraved with the brand name.

9. Guess Bags
Authentic Guess bags use high-quality leather that doesn’t wrinkle permanently when pressed. The lining inside is soft and visible, while fake bags may lack a lining or feature a thin, flimsy one. Genuine metal applications on Guess bags are shiny and smooth, unlike the dull and marked hardware on counterfeits.

10. Guess Watches
Genuine Guess watches feature straps made of durable materials like natural leather or silicone. Any uneven color, cracks, or a bad smell are signs of a fake. The back of the watch should include the brand logo, material details, and “Japan Movt,” indicating the use of high-quality Japanese mechanisms.

11. Hermès Bags
Inspect the lettering on the leather. The French accent on the letter “E” should be crisp and stylish. If the letters “F” and “R” in “France” appear fused together, it’s a fake. Genuine stitching on Hermès bags is flawless, while counterfeits often have uneven or thicker stitches.

12. Lacoste Polo Shirts
The iconic Lacoste crocodile logo has clear details, including visible eyes, teeth, and a bright green body. Men’s polos have a single red size number on the label, while women’s have a number “2.” Authentic buttons are made of mother-of-pearl with two holes, not the four-hole buttons seen on fakes.

13. Balenciaga Sneakers
Balenciaga sneakers have a distinct bump on the heel, which is absent in fakes. Counterfeit shoes also tend to have a greater curve at the front and poorly centered brand names on the back.

14. Pandora Bracelets
Authentic Pandora bracelets have a unique dull silver tone due to a blackening technique used during manufacturing. The clasp should include the Pandora logo with a crown above the “o,” and the inside contains a signature fastening mechanism. Murano glass charms should be flawless, without cracks or air bubbles.

15. Levi’s Jeans
Genuine Levi’s jeans feature an arched design on the back pockets, typically a bow or diamond shape. The stitching is orange, and the red label includes “Levi’s.” Fakes often use white stitching and a plain red label.

16. Timberland Shoes
The soles of authentic Timberland shoes are caramel-colored and slightly transparent. The brand logo is printed clearly on the sole and heel. Hexagonal eyelets and parallel white seams are additional signs of authenticity.

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

By following these tips, you’ll become a smarter shopper and ensure that your purchases are authentic.