How to spot fake Stone Island
Recognized around the world, the Stone Island brand has become so popular that certain abuses have come to light through counterfeiting. Victim of its success, the Italian brand is nevertheless trying to curb this phenomenon by providing its products with an authentication code. These efforts do not prevent the presence of fake items on the market. So how to spot a fake Stone Island? This is a question we will try to answer in this article, focusing on what makes a real and authentic piece stand out.
As mentioned earlier, Stone Island is fighting hard against counterfeiting. To this end, the brand has introduced important measures to limit fraudulent reproductions as much as possible.
But in addition to this information, these labels include the addition of a unique authentication number on all Stone Island clothing. These measures are reinforced by Certilogo's technology, commonly referred to as Certi, which allows customers to instantly verify the origin of each Stone Island product. This secure system helps users save time and money by avoiding fake items sold at a misleading price.
How to avoid the trap of Stone Island counterfeiting
Let it be said that the measures taken by the compass rose do not totally eliminate the problem. All the more so since the factories behind the Stone Island fake garments are becoming more and more efficient in reproduction, including details like zip finishes or stitching precision. So, if we were to give you a first piece of advice, it would be to buy Stone Island from an official dealer or a trusted online sale view site offering the best items.
If you are buying a second hand garment, make sure that the cotton fabric is not too damaged, because if it has not been washed properly as stated on the garment's label, it can show. If you're not sure how to do this, don't hesitate to follow the advice in our article How Do You Wash A Stone Island Sweater to maximize the life of your piece and preserve its quality and original color.
How to recognize a fake Stone Island sweater?
The sweatshirt remains to this day one of the most counterfeit pieces at Stone Island. Here are our tips that will help each and every one of you during an authentication. In order to recognize a fake Stone Island sweatshirt, it is imperative that you check the entire piece and leave no stone unturned. Our tips for authenticating a hoodie or sweater are based on several different visual and material cues.
- Check the authentication code
- Check the aesthetics of the item
- Check the logo patch and other buttons used
Check the authentication code
Each Stone Island item has an authentication code. So, by visiting the Certilogo website you can easily obtain information on the origin of the product. Simply enter the code from the inner label on the clothing on the Certilogo.com website, or scan the QR code with a smartphone for a quick and authentic check. This process has become essential for men looking to avoid fake jackets or overpriced shirts and shorts on the second-hand market.
Check the aesthetic aspect of the piece
This method consists of checking the general aspect of the item, carefully analysing each detail. Make sure to check the inner labels, taking time to analyse the logo and how it is printed or stitched. A fake Stone Island sweatshirt can also be recognized by its very poor quality finishes, bad zip alignment, or incorrect stitching. Stone Island products have a very specific stitching style and are often constructed using multiple panels for better fit. Add to this the feel of the fabric and cotton, which will give you a good sense of authenticity. Last but not least, you should also check the ribbed sleeves and neck and compare them to a real model.
Check the logo patch
Start by checking the color of the logo. The real logo patch has rather pale colors (a slightly saturated effect), often available in green, black, or new seasonal tones. The buttons that hold the Stone Island badge in place also give clues about authenticity. That’s because the engraved logo is more pronounced on genuine pieces than on fakes, especially on recent menswear collections.
Check the ART code
Inscribed on the inner label, the ART code is also a very effective way to identify a fake Stone Island item. The only condition is that you must be familiar with the system. Like a barcode, the ART number gives insight into the year of creation, the range, and the type of product (such as shirt, sweatshirt, jacket, or shorts). This number applies to all items sold by the CP Company group and is commonly used to verify pre-owned garments.
The first two numbers correspond to the year. For instance, collections produced in 2020 should logically begin with 72/73. Pieces produced in:
- 2017: 66/67
- 2018: 68/69
- 2019: 70/71
- 2020: 72/73
- 2021: 74/75
Even numbers represent the Spring/Summer season while odd numbers refer to the Fall/Winter collection. This helps you distinguish between summer shirts or winter jackets, and assess the use or purpose of the item.
Then, this number may be followed by the code:
- 14 = Stone Island denim range
- 15 = standard Stone Island line
- 16 = Stone Island kids range
Finally, the code may also include a number from 0 to 9 or a letter. Below are the main codes you’ll find on Stone Island menswear:
- 2 = t-shirts
- 5 = knitwear
- 6 = hoodies / crewneck sweatshirts
- 7 = long coats
- 9 = accessories
- G = waistcoat
- L = shorts
- M = jacket
Here are some tips on how to recognize a fake Stone Island. Of course, these tips need to be backed by experience and a developed eye. Authenticating Stone Island pieces takes practice and a solid knowledge of the brand and its different collections. Always check the label, buttons, and other finishing details for signs of authenticity before making a purchase.
About the Stone Island Universe, find our articles :