How To Spot a Fake Rugby Shirt: A Guide to Buying the Real Deal

Rugby's popularity is booming, and with this comes a rise in counterfeit rugby jerseys hitting the market. Buying a rugby shirt should be an exciting purchase, but navigating the world of fakes can be tricky. No one wants to be stuck with a knock-off, so we've written this guide to equip you with the knowledge to spot a fake and ensure you're getting the real deal.

[prc-collections-carousel]

1. The Price is Too Good to Be True:

Let's be realistic. High-quality rugby shirts from reputable brands cost a certain amount. If you stumble upon a deal that seems unbelievably cheap, it probably is. Counterfeiters often lure buyers with drastically reduced prices. Use this as your first red flag.

2. Scrutinise the Tags and Labels:

Genuine shirts have crisp, professionally printed tags. Look for:

• Brand Logos: Are they accurate and consistent with the official branding? Fakes often have misspellings, blurry logos, or incorrect fonts.
• Material Information: Check the listed fabric composition. Does it match what you'd expect for a quality rugby shirt? Genuine shirts often feature polyester or a blend.
• Size and Care Instructions: Are these clearly printed and easy to read? Fakes may have faded or poorly printed labels.
• Country of Origin: While manufacturing locations vary, a missing or suspicious country of origin label is a warning sign.

3. Examine the Stitching:

Quality stitching is a hallmark of a genuine rugby shirt. Inspect:

• Seams: Are they straight, strong, and evenly stitched? Fakes often have loose threads, uneven stitching, or seams that are poorly aligned.
• Logos and Crests: Embroidered logos should be tightly stitched and look professional. Printed logos on fakes can be blurry, cracked, or easily peel off.

4. Feel the Fabric:

Authentic rugby shirts are made from quality materials designed for performance and durability. Fake shirts often use cheaper, thinner fabrics that may feel rough or flimsy.

5. Compare with Official Images:

Before you buy, visit the official brand website or a trusted retailer to view high-quality images of the genuine shirt. Use these as a reference to compare the shirt you're considering. Pay attention to the finer details:

• Collar and Cuffs: Are they well-constructed and match the official design?
• Buttons and Zips: Do they feel sturdy and operate smoothly? Are they branded if they should be?
• Official Badges and Emblems: Are they securely attached? Do they look high-quality and match the official images of the jersey? Check for colour accuracy and detail.

6. Buy from Trusted Retailers:

The best way to avoid fakes is to purchase from reputable retailers like Rugbystuff.com. We guarantee the authenticity of our products. Avoid buying from unknown sellers or marketplaces with questionable reputations.

7. Ask Questions:

If you're unsure about a shirt's authenticity, don't hesitate to ask the seller questions. A reputable seller will be happy to provide more information and address your concerns.

With these tips, you can confidently choose a genuine rugby shirt and proudly wear your team's colours. To make sure you are getting the real deal visit Rugbystuff.com for a wide selection of authentic rugby apparel!

Luke Oliver

Bio Hailing from New Zealand, Luke is passionate about all things rugby. Like all Kiwis, he first started playing at the age of 5 and continued into his 20’s. Originally an optometrist by trade, he packed up the 9-5 to travel South East Asia and Europe, before landing in Edinburgh. When not in store, Luke enjoys going for a run, travelling and supporting his beloved All Blacks!