How to spot a fake vintage shirt
None of this is forensic proof — a photo alone rarely is — but each check narrows the odds, and a dealer worth buying from will answer these questions before you pay.
Does the tag style match the era?
Neck tags and care labels changed style and printing method across the decades — a tag that looks distinctly modern on a shirt sold as a 1990s original is worth asking about, even though tag style alone proves nothing.
Is the stitching and fabric right for the season?
Crests and sponsor logos were embroidered, flocked or printed depending on the club, manufacturer and year. Loose threads, crooked stitching or a print that looks freshly applied are worth a closer look, and worth asking the dealer about.
Does the sponsor match the claimed season?
Shirt sponsors usually changed on a known schedule — a season's sponsor and shirt cut are historical facts you can cross-check independently, and a mismatch is the clearest red flag of the three.
Is the price far below every other listing?
That is the one thing comparing listings across dealers is good for: an item price well under everything else for the same club, season and kit is a reason to ask why, not a reason to buy fast.
Does the dealer have a track record?
We only index independent specialist dealers, not anonymous marketplace listings — check their return policy and ask for extra photos of the tag and stitching before you buy, especially for a higher-value shirt.