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In summary, there are four main elements to pay attention to when detecting a fake Arc'teryx. They're shoddy stitching, cheap materials, inconsistent logos, and missing info on tags. Also, you should do some more digging for fakes that are very close to the original ones. For example, a genuine item features Arc'teryx logos on hardware, YKK logo on zips, and clear-cut velcro tabs. But if you don't see even one of them on your jacket, I'm afraid it's most probably fake.
Keep reading my article if you want to learn more...
How to detect a fake Arc’teryx?
Arc'teryx is a well-known design company with innovative outdoor jackets. That's why its products are often imitated.
Luckily, uncovering a fake Arc'teryx isn't too hard if you know which details you'll check on the jacket. But, some of them are very well-made. So, you need to do some more digging to identify counterfeit ones.
Now, let's start to look at their distinctive characteristics in detail.
Logos
For a kick-off, you can compare suspected logos to those that conform to the brand standard.
For example, the Archaeopteryx on the logo should have an almost straight tail and a sharp nose. Or, you'll notice the misspelling of the Arc’teryx wordmark on fake jackets. Especially see the apostrophe.
Look at whether the embroidery of Arc’teryx and Gore-tex logos is clean and with high stitch density.
Some Zeta, Alpha, Beta, and Theta jackets have an emblem on their internal security pocket. It should be clean-printed and neatly placed. If you're buying one of these jackets, don't forget to check out this symbol.
Also, Arc'teryx uses its branded logos or the company name all over the jackets. So, control if the jacket’s hardware, such as snap fasteners, hooks, and the zip and cord lock pulls, have them.
Materials
Counterfeiters generally use poor-quality materials to reduce production costs. For example, when you touch the fabric of a fake Arc'teryx, you'll feel it's rough and less durable.
Arc’teryx zippers are weather-resistant YKK or Vislon. Look closer at your jacket's zips to ensure they have these brand names.
Keep in mind that the zippers’ color should be compatible with the jacket's design in the real-deal one.
Authentic Arc'teryx jackets feature tapered-shape, well-integrated velcro tabs. And they are flexible, plain, and non-rubberized. If not, that's a clear sign that your jacket is a fake.
Seams
If your jacket has bad stitch lines, loose threads, and low stitch density, they're red flags! Because Arc'teryx jackets are produced using special sewing machines. And the waterproof ones have 16 stitches per inch, and others have 12. That is, imitating Arc'teryx's high-quality seams is challenging.
As you know, seam tapes prevent leakage of moisture from stitching holes. And they should be inserted neatly in the jacket. So, you'd see pliable, clean, and narrow seam tapes on a genuine Arc'teryx jacket. If not, unfortunately, you’re looking at a fake item.
Tags
Arc'teryx products have consistent tags. Namely, it's hard to see any spelling mistakes or misprinted logos on their labels.
Woven labels in an authentic Arc’teryx will have proper stitches and be color-matched with other elements. Also, these labels show your jacket’s size. And a counterfeit item is likely to feature the wrong size information. So, measure your jacket's weight and dimensions. Then, you can compare them to the shared data on Arc'teryx's official website.
A genuine care label should display the model’s code and production date. That said, a waterproof Arc'teryx jacket has a laminated care tag. So, you can also check this label to detect a fake item.
Arc'teryx jackets are produced in Canada and the Far East. It is impossible to tell if your jacket is original only based on the production site. But still, this information might help you recognize a fake Arc'teryx. Check out my post where I listed Arc’teryx’s manufacturing facilities.
Last, check your jacket's package. Is your garment carefully packed? Is the info on the package consistent?
How to detect fraudulent sites
Now you know what to do to identify a counterfeit Arc'teryx jacket. But what about online shopping? Well, it's a different kettle of fish.
I'll explain certain ways of recognizing a fake Arc'teryx, even without seeing it.
Website domain
The only legit site belonging to Arc'teryx that contains the "outlet" word in the domain name is outlet.arcteryx.com. Plus, just official Arc'teryx websites use the term "arcteryx" in their domain name.
So, if you come across another website having them, it's a scam. Stay far away!
Price
Beware of offers and discounts appearing too good to be true. These are clear red flags that such websites sell fake Arc'teryx products.
Seller
Make sure the seller is an Arc'teryx authorized dealer or retailer.
Look at its detailed contact information on the website. If you can't find it, it's likely a counterfeiter.
Look for other signs of the scam, like typos or low-quality images. Also, you should check user reviews. Particularly ones with 1-star ratings. Because they’re more reliable in identifying the counterfeiters.
The last thing you watch out for is second-hand purchases. Ask for the details about the jacket you'll buy from the seller to ensure it's not a replica.
Conclusion
You can detect a fake Arc’teryx jacket by checking out four key points. These are sketchy seams, poor-quality materials, sloppy-placed logos, and mistakes on the tags.
But still, inspect other small details on your jacket to be sure to have a genuine Arc'teryx. For example, color-matched zippers, tapered-shape velcro tabs, and neat packages.
After looking at them, if you think your Arc'teryx might be fake, contact reportafake@arcteryx.com.
