Fake Lacoste vs Real: How to Spot the Difference and Why It Matters
1. Why People Get Fooled by Fake Lacoste Products
The most important reason people get fooled is simple—counterfeiters are getting better. Fake Lacoste products are nearly identical to real ones at first glance. With small details like stitching, logo placement, and fabric, counterfeit manufacturers have learned to mimic the brand almost perfectly. It’s not about bad eyesight; it’s about how good the fakes have become.
But let’s dig deeper. Luxury brands like Lacoste are coveted for their craftsmanship, the quality of the materials, and the prestige that comes with wearing the brand. Unfortunately, this allure also makes them prime targets for counterfeiters, who are motivated by the enormous demand. The counterfeits are cheaper, more accessible, and harder to resist for someone looking to experience luxury at a lower price.
However, there are crucial differences that you can spot once you know what to look for. But before diving into that, why should it even matter?
2. The High Stakes of Buying Counterfeit Lacoste
Buying fake Lacoste isn’t just about getting a subpar product. It’s about supporting illegal operations, child labor, and other criminal activities. These counterfeit rings are often linked to unethical practices that go beyond making a quick buck. So when you buy a fake Lacoste shirt, you’re unknowingly contributing to a global problem.
Now, let’s get into how to distinguish the fakes from the real.
3. Lacoste’s Signature Crocodile Logo
The most iconic feature of any Lacoste item is the crocodile logo. On authentic products, the crocodile is embroidered to perfection. Pay attention to the teeth, eyes, and the thickness of the tail. A genuine Lacoste logo is intricately detailed, whereas a fake one might have sloppy stitching or mismatched details. The shape of the crocodile’s body should be clean, and its mouth open with an accurate number of teeth. If you notice any irregularities, it’s a red flag.
| Characteristic | Real Lacoste Crocodile | Fake Lacoste Crocodile |
|---|---|---|
| Teeth Detail | Defined and Sharp | Blurry or Rounded |
| Tail Shape | Curved Gracefully | Irregular or Misshapen |
| Eye Design | Small and Clear | Often Oversized or Fuzzy |
| Embroidery Precision | Perfect and Neat | Rough and Loose Stitching |
4. Fabric Quality: Feel the Difference
Lacoste is known for its premium quality fabrics. The brand primarily uses 100% cotton, and their polo shirts have a distinct texture. When you touch a real Lacoste shirt, you’ll feel the softness and thickness of the material. In contrast, counterfeit Lacoste shirts tend to feel thin, rough, or synthetic. The colors on fake shirts may also fade faster after a few washes, while real Lacoste maintains its brightness over time.
5. Buttons, Tags, and Stitching
Another easy giveaway is the buttons. Authentic Lacoste polos have two mother-of-pearl buttons, often engraved with the brand name. Fake Lacoste shirts might have plastic buttons or buttons that feel cheap to the touch. The tag is also a vital clue. Real Lacoste tags include crisp, clean font and properly aligned logos, while counterfeit tags may have faded text or inconsistent colors.
The stitching on an authentic Lacoste product is also uniform and tightly spaced, while on a fake one, it may be uneven or look rushed. Pay attention to the seams, especially on the inside of the garment. On authentic Lacoste items, the stitching is almost invisible, while counterfeit items often have loose threads and uneven stitches.
6. Price: A Tell-Tale Sign
While this may seem obvious, the price can also be an indicator. If a Lacoste item seems too cheap to be true, it probably is. Authentic Lacoste products are never heavily discounted, and legitimate retailers won’t sell them at extremely low prices. If you find a Lacoste polo shirt for $20 at an online auction, you’re likely looking at a fake.
7. Packaging and Presentation
Lacoste takes pride in every detail, even the packaging. Authentic Lacoste items come with high-quality packaging, including hang tags that feel premium. Counterfeit items may be sold without tags or with flimsy, poorly designed packaging.
8. Where You’re Buying Matters
One of the most reliable ways to ensure you’re buying a real Lacoste product is to purchase from an authorized retailer. Whether in-store or online, make sure the seller is authorized by Lacoste. Some third-party sites, particularly those that offer deeply discounted prices, often sell counterfeit products.
If you're unsure, Lacoste’s website has a store locator tool that will direct you to legitimate retailers. Be wary of street vendors, flea markets, or online stores with shady reputations, as they’re hotbeds for counterfeit goods.
9. Serial Numbers and Product Codes
Real Lacoste items come with a unique serial number that’s printed on the tag. These numbers are cross-referenced with the product’s code, and they should always match. Counterfeit products often either don’t have a serial number or use a fake one that doesn’t match the product code.
10. Washing Instructions and Care Labels
Counterfeit Lacoste products may also have inaccurate or poorly written care instructions on their labels. Authentic care labels will have detailed washing instructions, including temperature settings and specific symbols for care. A poorly written or incomplete care label can be another clue that the product is fake.
Conclusion: Spotting the Real Lacoste
Now that you’ve got the lowdown on spotting fake Lacoste products, don’t let yourself get fooled again. Always inspect the details—the logo, fabric, stitching, and even the price. Being diligent about where you shop and how much you pay can save you the headache of buying counterfeit goods. And remember, buying counterfeit not only means getting an inferior product but also contributing to a larger problem.
Be smart, shop smart, and know your product.
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