Adidas Authenticity Checklist: How to Spot a Fake

Look up the product code on kitcod.es and confirm it matches a real adidas kit entry.

Search the product code and compare the results to the kit you're checking. Mismatched teams, seasons, or colors are a red flag.

Confirm the product code label is placed where adidas typically includes it (commonly near the neck/shoulder or the side seam, depending on era. Newer kits should have the tag in the neck/shoulder area).

Check that the small internal label includes a production/season line rather than being missing or unusually generic.

The production code should follow the expected adidas format for that era (often a month/year style pattern).

Make sure the production date makes sense for the kit. A big mismatch between production year and the claimed season is suspicious.

Most adidas kits are tagged near the neck label. Some older kits may be tagged at the sleeve or hem, but the placement should still look intentional and consistent.

Compare the tag style and color to known examples from the same era. A tag that looks wildly off can indicate a relabel or fake. If a kit is e.g. using Climacool as the kit technology, the tag should reflect that too.

On genuine tags, product and sizing info is typically on a real sticker. Printed-on "sticker" info is a common counterfeit shortcut.

Generic descriptions like "ADIDAS JSY" are common on fakes.

Attachment methods vary by era. Modern tags use twine, while older retail shirts use a plastic barb. Either can be fine if it matches the period.

Check spelling, spacing, and alignment on the care label. Obvious mistakes or sloppy formatting are common on fakes.

The manufacturing country should be consistent wherever it appears. Mismatches between labels are a strong warning sign.

Pen marks can appear on some items, but scribbles on a normal retail shirt can indicate tampering, relabeling, or suspicious origin.

Cross-check the country on the neck label against the care label. They should match.

The size conversion (US/UK/EU/etc.) should be consistent with the wash tag. Random or mismatched conversions are common on fakes.

If a Japanese size is shown, ensure it follows adidas' typical mapping for that era. Counterfeits often get the J size wrong.

Compare spacing, font weight, icon placement, and overall layout to verified examples from the same season range. Also, the kit technology (e.g. ClimaCool) should be correctly indicated.

Some adidas kits include a lower-front authenticity/security tag depending on era and tier. Absence isn't always a problem, but presence should look correct.

Where applicable, the security element should look integrated and high quality, not dull, printed, or poorly imitated.

If the tag includes a code, it should not show up repeatedly across unrelated listings. Reuse can be a red flag.

Check the proportions of the three stripes and the wordmark. Poorly shaped stripes or odd typography are common on counterfeits.

Edges should be crisp whether embroidered or heat-applied. Loose threads or fuzzy borders are suspicious.

If heat-applied, the logo should sit flat and clean. Bubbling, peeling corners, or uneven adhesion are warning signs.

Placement should look consistent relative to the crest, collar, or sponsor. Crooked or oddly positioned logos can indicate a fake.

Letters in the wordmark should be individually stitched, not connected by stray threads.

Turn the shirt inside out and check behind the logo. Excess glue, messy stitching, or large backing patches can be a red flag.

Look for crisp borders and clean finishing. Fraying, bubbling, or rough trimming is suspicious.

Spacing between elements (outline, text, shapes) should look intentional and even, not cramped or uneven.

The crest should sit flat and feel well-made. Puffy embroidery, stiff materials, or rough stitching often indicate a fake.

Check alignment against adidas logo, sponsor, collar, or center line. Misalignment is a common giveaway.

Compare the crest to verified photos from trusted retailers or official imagery, paying attention to small details.

A good listing shows detail shots of tags, logos, and crest. No close-ups could mean the seller is hiding something.

Lighting, background, and image style should be consistent. Mixed photo sets can indicate reused images from other (legit) listings.

Reverse image search key photos. If images appear in other listings or websites, that's a major red flag.

Make sure internal labels and product codes are actually visible in the listing photos, not just mentioned.

A metal mesh/grid backdrop is commonly associated with counterfeit listings. Treat it as a strong warning sign.

Ideally the product code, crest, adidas logo, and labels all look consistent and correct.

Mismatched codes, reused images, strange label formatting, or poor finishing should be treated as warning signs.

Check seller history, reviews, and responsiveness. A good seller will usually provide extra photos when asked.