Spotting genuine vintage pieces: Burberry, Moncler and Ralph Lauren

The better known the brand, the more fakes. With Burberry, Moncler and Ralph Lauren in particular, a close look is worthwhile before you buy. Here we show you what we look out for in our checks – and what you can check yourself.

First of all: No single feature proves that a piece is genuine. Only the overall picture counts. And brands change labels and details over the decades – a “deviating” detail can be perfectly normal on an older piece.

The 6 basic checks for every branded piece

  1. Brand label: Lettering sharp and even, label straight and neatly sewn in. Crooked letters or frayed edges are a warning sign.
  2. Care label: Material, country of manufacture and care instructions should be plausible. Spelling mistakes are a clear alarm signal.
  3. Seams: even, dense, no loose threads. Look at the inside too.
  4. Logo: On originals, embroidery is dense and detailed. Turn the piece over: the back of the embroidery should look tidy as well.
  5. Material: Weight and feel. Originals usually feel heavier and more valuable.
  6. Buttons and zips: High-quality brands use high-quality components, often embossed. Cheap plastic and zips that snag are suspicious.

Then there is the price: a “new” designer piece for a fraction of the shop price is almost always too good to be true.

Spotting Burberry

Burberry is one of the most counterfeited brands – mainly because of the check pattern.

  • The check: On an original, the lines run cleanly through seams, pockets and collars and meet up. Shifted, cut-off or crooked checks are a common sign of a fake.
  • The colours: The classic check is camel/beige with black, white and red. Tones that are too bright or washed out do not fit.
  • The label: Older pieces often carry “Burberrys” with an s – that is normal for vintage and not a sign of a fake. The lettering is clean and even.
  • Buttons: On many originals, buttons are embossed or engraved. Plain cheap buttons are suspicious.
  • Workmanship: Burberry coats and jackets are heavy and precisely made – lining, hems and pockets included.

→ View checked Burberry pieces

Spotting Moncler

Moncler is very expensive new – and there are correspondingly many fakes, especially of down jackets.

  • The logo patch: neatly and evenly sewn on, clear edges, symmetrical. Crooked stitching around the patch or bleeding colours are warning signs.
  • The down: On down jackets, the filling is evenly distributed in the chambers and the jacket feels full. Thin, lumpy spots or quills poking through the fabric speak against an original.
  • The authenticity label: Newer Moncler pieces (roughly from the 2010s) have an authenticity label with a code that you can check on the official Moncler website. Older vintage pieces lack this label – that is normal there.
  • Zips and snap fasteners: run smoothly, are solid and often embossed with the brand.
  • Fabric: The typical shiny nylon is fine and even, not stiff like plastic.

→ View checked Moncler pieces

Spotting Ralph Lauren

The Ralph Lauren polo is one of the most copied classics of all. The good news: fakes often stand out at a close look.

  • The pony: On the original, the rider with polo mallet is embroidered in detail – the horse’s legs, mallet and rider are clearly recognisable. Lumpy, blurry ponies are a warning sign.
  • The label: Older polos often carry “Polo by Ralph Lauren”, newer ones “Polo Ralph Lauren”. Both can be genuine. What matters is clean execution.
  • The placket: usually two buttons, neatly sewn, buttonholes cleanly finished.
  • The hem: Many Ralph Lauren polos have a slightly longer hem at the back and side slits.
  • The piqué: evenly textured, with some grip, not thin or shiny.

→ View checked Vintage Ralph Lauren Polo Shirts

When you had better walk away

  • The seller shows no photos of labels and details.
  • The price is unrealistically low, the piece supposedly “new with tags”.
  • There is no return and no authenticity guarantee.
  • Several identical “one-of-a-kind pieces” in all sizes.

How we check at OGFashioncheck

Every piece that goes online with us is checked by hand in six steps: brand label, care label, seams, buttons and details, material and condition. What we find is stated in the description – every flaw too. If we have doubts, the piece does not go into the shop.

And if you do have justified doubts about authenticity, you get your money back within 14 days. You will find all the details in our authenticity guarantee.

Note: OGFashioncheck is an independent second-hand retailer and is not affiliated with Burberry, Moncler, Ralph Lauren or any other brands mentioned.