How To Spot A Fake Football Shirt: The Definitive Guide (2025)

You’re here because you need to check whether your football shirt is authentic.

Well…

We (Shorty, Football Shirts) are selling original shirts only. To get them we review ~400 jerseys per day… So we know a thing or two about the authentication process.

In this guide, we’ll show you our best tips and tricks. The exact step-by-step process that you can implement yourself…

…even if you know nothing about football brands whatsoever.

Let’s dive in!

How to check the football shirt's authenticity?

In short: to be 100% sure, you need to check the product code on the label of the shirt itself.

However.

Different manufacturers have different codes and nuances.

Below are detailed instructions on how EXACTLY to find and determine the originality of a T-shirt depending on the brand.

Simply select your shirt technical sponsor:

Nike	Adidas	Puma
Umbro	Kappa	New Balance
Hummel	EA7	Under Armour
Warrior Sports	Reebok	Lotto
Jako	Other brands	Additional Tips

 

How to check Nike shirt authenticity?

1. Find a little square label with two or three numbers in a row (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side beneath several long tags):

2. Google the middle number and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt:

Otherwise, it’s fake.

Pro Tip:

In rare cases, it also helps when you add the other number on this label.

Most common fake Nike product codes

Based on the experience certain product codes are widely used on counterfeit jerseys.

So if you see a similar code on your shirt then it’s a fake (unless the team after the hyphen is your shirt obviously):

• "724614-100" — should be France 2016/17 Away
• "CD4230-496" — should be Chelsea 2020/21 Home
• "CD0699-100" — should be France 2020/21 Away
• "575280-703" — should be Brazil 2014/15 Home
• "FJ1198-100" — should be England 2024 Home
• "DM1840-452" — should be Barcelona 2022/23 Home
• "518730-703" — should be Brazil 2013/14 Home
• "238055-490" — should be Inter Milan 2007/08 Home
• "CV7891-428" — should be Barcelona 2021/22 Home

Rare Nike Shirt Authentication

If you have a T-shirt of a rare team, you will not see a photo of this particular team in the search results.

However, this does not necessarily mean that it is a fake.

As a rule, you will see a very similar design template (all that remains is to add the team emblem). Does it look like your T-shirt?

Example: 

The result:

If yes, then you have the original shirt.

Old Nike Shirt Authentification

The codes on Nike T-shirt tags before the 2000s look different.

1. Find a similar tag

2. Google it

How to legit check Adidas football shirt?

1. Find a small square label with three numbers in a row (usually, it’s inside the shirt on the right side close to the collar):

Here’s how to read it:

• “01/17” — month and year of the shirt
• “BQ4533” — unique code
• “APU005” — represents model

2. Google the middle 6-digit code (two letters and four digits) and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt:

Otherwise, it’s fake.

Pro Tip:

In rare cases, it also helps when you add the other number on this label.

Most common fake Adidas product codes

Based on the experience certain product codes are widely used on counterfeit jerseys.

So if you see a similar code on your shirt then it’s a fake (unless the team after the hyphen is your shirt obviously):

• "AI4411" — should be Spain 2016/17 Home
• "P95985" — should be Real Madrid 2010/11 Away
• "HS5184" — should be Flamengo 2023/24 Home
• "FI5295" — should be Colombia 2020/21 Away
• "HA8870" — should be Argentina Home 2024
• "M62786" — should be Colombia 2015
• "X21987" — should be Real Madrid 2012/13 Home
• "CW1526" — should be Colombia 2018/19 Home

Additional Adidas authentication quick tips

It’s a fake shirt IF you see anything similar to the following:

1. A product size label is above the main Adidas label (on the collar):

2. A small poorly made label with a little information on it (normally there must be 3 long washing labels):

How to check Puma shirt authenticity?

1. Find a long label with a 6-digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side):

2. Google the number after the phrase “Style No.:” and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt:

Otherwise, it’s fake.

Most common fake Puma product codes

Based on the experience certain product codes are widely used on counterfeit jerseys.

So if you see a similar code on your shirt then it’s a fake (unless the team after the hyphen is your shirt obviously):

• "754419" — should be Milan 2018/19 Home

How to check Umbro shirt authenticity?

That’s a tricky one.

1. Find a small rectangle label with a 6-7 digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side):

2. Google this number, select “images” and find a tag with your team:

3. Click on the tag — there should be at least 1 picture of your shirt (same design):

NB! 

In Umbro's case that might not always work, therefore if you don’t see your shirt on the result page, you can use the additional methods (described below).

Old Umbro Shirt Authentification

1. Find an Umbro label (usually it’s inside the shirt on the collar)

2. The Umbro logo should be made with dots

Fake pre ~2000s Umbro shirts usually don’t have it, as they have a general flat design.

How to check Kappa shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small label with a QR code (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side beneath several long tags):

2. Simply scan this code (or enter it manually on basiclabels.net) — there should be a picture of your shirt:

It’s fake if something from the following happens:

- You see the image of the other shirt;

- You see “No Results”;

- You can’t find this code whatsoever.

Old Kappa Shirt Authentification

1. Find a main Kappa label (usually it’s inside the shirt on the collar)

2. The yellow downward triangle should consist of 6 diagonal dots

Fake shirts usually don’t have this micro detail, as their dots look more like lines or anything else except for dots.

How to check New Balance shirt authenticity?

1. Find a wash label with a 6-7 digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the collar; the lowest one)

2. Google this number

3. Click “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt

Otherwise, it’s fake.

How to check Hummel shirt authenticity?

1. Find a stamp with a Hummel logo (usually it’s outside on the bottom right side):

2. It should read “Official Authentic Apparel”:

NB! 

This is not a 100% certain method since mostly it applies to the recent models — there might be other stamps on the older shirts (in this case use further recommendations listed below).

How to check EA7 shirt authenticity?

1. Find a label with a QR code (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side):

2. Simply scan this QR code OR manually enter 12 digit number on certilogo.com/authentication) and follow the steps — you’ll automatically see the result:

How to check Under Armour shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small rectangle label with a 6-7 digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side)

Here’s how to read it:

“STYLE 1245245” — unique code

“SS 2014” — year of the shirt

2. Google the number after the phrase “Style” and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt:

Otherwise, it’s fake.

How to check Warrior Sports shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small rectangle label with a 6-7 digit letter and number code (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom right side beneath several long tags)

2. Google the code after the phrase “Style” and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt

Otherwise, it’s fake.

How to check Reebok shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small rectangle label (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom side)

2. It should contain 2-3 long labels with explicit information (other languages translations, distributor address, etc.)

Fake shirts have very limited information.

How to check Lotto shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small rectangle label with a 6-7 digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom side)

2. Google the number after the phrase “Style Name:” and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt

NB!

This does not always work, so please use additional tips below.

How to check Jako shirt authenticity?

1. Find a small rectangle label with a 6-7 digit number (usually it’s inside the shirt on the bottom side)

2. Google the number after the phrase “Article No.:” + add a “Jako” and select “images” — most of the results should represent your shirt:

Otherwise, it’s fake.

How to check Castore / Legea / Macron / Kelme / Uhlsport / Zeus / Diadora / Le Coq Sportif / Givova / Champion / Errea / Joma / Capelli / Marathon / Craft / Jögel / Penalty / Meyba / Asics shirt authenticity?

These are the hardest ones.

Negative news: 

• Unfortunately, there is currently no accurate way to determine whether a T-shirt is original or not.

Positive news:

• It lies in the very essence - these are relatively rare brands, therefore, in principle, counterfeits are rarely made (except for popular teams);
• You can still use the quick tips above and the methods below to maximize the probability that the shirt is authentic.

What if the label is cut off / nothing works?

This is common because some owners prefer to remove the labels for convenience.

Determining the originality, in this case, is much more difficult, but still possible because those who make copies often make mistakes in small details

First.

Make sure that you have completed the verification steps above (no errors were made when entering the code).

Second.

If you still cannot determine the originality, then here are some additional methods.

Important.

The following steps are methods “by contradiction” that will NOT determine the originality, but with almost 99% probability will help to reject fakes.

Execution of the details is objectively inaccurate

The T-shirt may have a manufacturing defect.

But the original will never have objective inaccuracies visible to the unaided eye.

- Rough irregularities/asymmetry:

- Incorrect team logo as such:

- The absence of the manufacturer's brand logo in principle (yes, often in a hurry you can miss this):

- Label is sewn on unevenly (he seams of the original labels never overlap the text / are skewed diagonally.):

NB!

Here we are talking about objective noticeable inaccuracies, so we deliberately DO NOT focus on the quality of materials/linear accuracy of elements that can be interpreted in different ways.

If you have doubts, use the methods below.

Hand-written number on the label

This is how those who counterfeit T-shirts keep their internal records of production.

So if you see a pen inscription on the label, then it is almost 99% fake:

Price for a T-shirt in perfect/new condition is ~$30

This is the most common price at which counterfeit t-shirts are sold.

Especially when the price is the same throughout the entire store:

Pro Tip:

If you see a professionally placed background (especially in a black metal mesh 🙂), then this is also a fake:

This is a frequently used photoshoot by fake sellers.

Old T-shirts always show signs of wear

T-shirt from 1995, but looks “perfect”? No signs of wear at all?

2 options:

1. It is an official modern remake (i.e. the T-shirt was made by the manufacturer, just re-released) — then it will have a label with a code (as in the check above);
2. It is a fake.

Rare / Old jerseys rarely have multiple sizes

By definition 🙂

If in a store you see the possibility to choose the size/quantity you need for a rare T-shirt, then, most often, this is a red flag.

Check the label for correct spelling in other languages

The preposition in French varies depending on the country (below are examples of correct spelling):

• Fabrique en Thailand
• Fabrique au Vietnam
• Fabrique en Tunisie

Brands never make mistakes.

Smaller fit sizes + graphic size scale with red arrows

Mostly counterfeit T-shirts are produced in Asian countries with different size gradations.

Asian size L fits as size M for the EU, US, and UK.

Therefore, when selling, this is often emphasized by the seller himself.

Especially often supported by a standard graphic scale with red arrows (which are taken from the manufacturer itself):

Most often, counterfeits are found on bestsellers

Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Ronaldo Nazario, Maldini, Baggio, etc.

If you have one of these names/teams in front of you, be especially careful and check the code (instructions above).

If in doubt / the label is cut off — I’d rather skip it.

Rare teams rarely have fakes

Follows from the previous point.

If, on the contrary, you get something extremely rare (but not in terms of popularity or age), then there is a high probability that this is the original.

Usually, fakes are always supported by demand, that is, they are made on what sells well.

If you have an extremely rare brand on your hands, then it is most likely the original (but still follow the recommendations below).

Finally.

The last two but often VERY effective points.

Just ask if the shirt is original

— Thank you, Captain!

Not really.

The knowing sale of fake T-shirts is prohibited and punishable by law.

The key word is “knowingly”.

Not all sellers are afraid of it, but more or less seemingly legit businesses (more recommendations on it below) would rather not deal with it (by pretending they “don’t know” — that’s the catch).

So.

If you ask the seller this question, he will either:

- Remain silent (red flag)

- Says that he “doesn’t know / it’s a gift” (red flag)

• Simply warn you in advance that it’s a fake (sometimes the word “fake” ’s replaced by “replica”, “copy” or “fan version”) — it actually happens more often than you can imagine (sellers are afraid of flagrantly breaking the law)

- Tell you about the source of the T-shirt and its background (+- green light)

Yes, it doesn’t guarantee authenticity, but taking into account additional checks, it minimizes the risk of a fake.

Website Trustworthiness

Pay attention to the store itself: does it make transparent statements about the originality of the product?

Sellers of counterfeits use any wording:

- “high quality”;

- “fast /free delivery”;

- “variety”;

- “100500 reviews”;

- “Customization”;

- etc.

Anything but mentioning the authenticity of the product:

That’s almost always a straightaway red flag.

Why and where purchase original shirts?

Simple. 

You get a part of the real history AND consequently, the price for these items goes higher over time.

Example.

Try to guess: how much is the price for these authentic shirts?

• Hannover  1991/92
• Germany 2014/15
• Hansa Rostock 1990/91

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>>> Wait, don't scroll down yet —> try to guess 😉 <<<
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OK.

Here we go:

By the way, we are obsessed with it.

So if you're looking for authentic football jerseys only, then go ahead and check our catalog.

❤️

Yours,

Shorty, Football Shirts Team