The Stussy line got its beginning in the early 1980's when Shawn Stussy would begin writing his name on surfboards at Laguna Beach, California. It was then that the handwritten signature evolved into the logo that's now emblazoned on one of the world's most well-known streetwear labels. Over the years, Stussy has been a constant presence in the culture, which is why its pieces are coveted by collectors and buyers of many generations. The white hoodie in particular was a favorite due to its clean design, and the black Stussy script contrasting with the bright base color. With the high amount of demand and a well-known brand name, it is simple for counterfeiters to capitalize on the brand name. It's a good idea to learn about the brand's origins so that you can value and appreciate the purchase of an authentic item.
Begin the stitching from the Logo that is on the chest.
The first and most obvious place to look at to see if a white Stussy hoodie is original is the chest logo. A script logo in embroidered or printed form is evenly spaced, with no irregular spacing between the letters, across the whole word on a genuine stussy clothing hoodie. Every letter flows seamlessly into the next, in a natural manner, similar to the original handwritten signature created by Shawn Stussy in the early days of the brand. The logo is sometimes used in a slightly different format on bogus examples, which can make it appear more even, thicker or scanned in an altered style to eliminate the natural variations of the original script. Authentic pieces have deep black ink and/or thread which will not fade or crack after the first few washes. Often, counterfeit logos are printed with a less expensive printing process that results in cracking, uneven saturation and/or a slight color variation before the first wash. The first step to authentication is to examine the logo under good light and compare it to a set of images for which authenticity has been proven.
Whether the fabric is made in good quality and weight.
When inspecting a Stussy hoodie, the real ones will have a substantial weight to them, almost like a bunker in each hand. The fabric is uniform in texture throughout the piece and there are no thin spots, uneven or lighter areas in the fabric. The fake Stussy hoodie is often made from thinner and lighter cotton, which may feel soft and fluffy, but lacks the firmness of the original Stussy hoodie. A real Stussy hoodie will keep its shape when you scrunch it, and will bounce back to its original shape without folding too much or appearing distorted. An original hoodie has an even and consistent fleece lining on the inside that is bristled.The original hoodie has an even and consistent fleece lining which is bristled through the entire inside of the hoodie, from the top of the chest to the bottom of the hood. Often the interior linings of counterfeit models are rougher and patchier, as it was not brushed evenly during production. This is a characteristic of fabric that is quickly revealed upon inspection by the senses of touch when both types are put side by side.
Look carefully at the Interior Label and read it.
One aspect of the neck that is often overlooked, and one that is one of the more revealing aspects of the neck, is the inside neck label. The label is neatly sewn and does not have excess threads, rough edges or an off-center position, all on a genuine white Stussy hoodie. Authentic Stussy labels feature a unique and consistent font; the size details on the label, country of manufacture and the care symbols are all in a font that is quite consistent with the original and is often slightly misformed on the counterfeits. When looking at fake labels, the inconsistencies in font style, the fuzziness of the print or the spacing between the text lines may be obvious when compared to an authentic label. Tight, even stitching was used to seal the label to the garment on genuine garments and there are no gaps or puckering around the edges of the label. Some counterfeit versions were glued onto the garment, and can be identified by carefully running the finger along the edge of the label and felt against the fabric. One of the best ways for an average customer is to take a second and read and look at all of the information on the inside label.
Examine the construction of the Drawstring, Cuffs and Hem.
The great construction of a hoodie can be seen in the finishing details on a hoodie which is better than nearly anything else. An actual Stussy white hoodie will contain the drawstring in the form of a flat woven cord of uniform width with neat ends typically tipped with small metal or molded tips. Often fake versions are made with cheap, round cord drawstrings neither as heavy nor as textured as the rest of the garment and have poorly finished ends. The ribbed design of the cuffs and hem on original Stussy hoodies ensures that they stay in place and don't appear stretched or uneven around the wrist or waist area. Do counterfeit hoodies have ribbing that rips and unravels easily, its ribbing is not evenly distributed or has a different rib pattern than the original? On true items the edges of the hem are double stitched for a strong, flat stitch that won't pucker or bunch over the body. It is here that the difference between the fake and authentic product is most likely to be missing as manufacturers skimp on these finishing details.
The fitness and silhouette tell a clear story!
Stussy hoodies are crafted to have a specific fit, with a relaxed body, a structured shoulder and sleeve length. The authentic white Stussy hoodie features a uniform construction of its shoulders; the shoulders are dropped down a certain distance below their natural counterpart. The seam is easily misplaced on fake versions, leaving the piece with a boxy fit, a narrow fit or a fit that is otherwise structurally off in a way that isn't easily explained, but is definitely noticeable on the body. Genuine wearers have a consistent length of sleeve that meets at the same place past the wrist that is harmonized with the relaxed proportions of the hoodie. Often, counterfeits will be a little too short, a little too long or have unequal sleeve length across the right and left sleeves. An authentic Stussy hoodie has a purposeful, thoughtful look that isn't haphazard or out of breath from any point in view. The attempt to try on the hoodie, or from measures taken against correctly established size specifications, will reveal a difference in fit which cannot be faked in the construction phase.
The materials used in packaging, tags and purchase source.
The place and method that you obtain a white Stussy hoodie is one of the greatest ways to determine if you're getting a genuine item. Authentic Stussy items are sold via the official website, official retailers and authentic resale sites that offer authentication services. When buying from unofficial vendors, unverified online marketplaces or those that are offering much lower prices than a known retail price, it is a warning sign. The authentically made Stussy hoodie is packaged in a hang tag with a unique typography, a certain card stock weight and clean printing without smudging and color variation. Genuine pieces have a standard retail loop plastic tag attachment, and some of the fakes have a different type or lower quality plastic tag attachment. Packaging (when offered with new items) will be clean and unobtrusive, not overprinted or of poor quality. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is because of the price point it seems to offer, vs what the hoodie is actually sold for.
(FAQs)
Are fake stussy hoodies distinguishable from the real ones?
Yes, if it is most cases. The true Stussy hoodie is made with a thick and sturdy cotton fleece. The fake versions are usually made of less dense and texture of the material.
Is it possible to tell from the label if it is a Stussy hoodie?
The label should be used as a good indicator but not a stand-alone check. There has been great improvement in the reproduction of labels and therefore it's much more reliable to check the label in conjunction with the logo, fabric, stitching and fit.
But does the price give me any indication if a Stussy hoodie is fake?
Price does not indicate anything in particular but is a definite warning. If the price is much less than retail, it very likely is a fake. Some sellers, however, make up products and sell them at a close price to retail, so it is important to have the product in hand before you purchase it.