How to Spot Fake Denim Tears
The cotton wreath has become one of the most bootlegged graphics in modern fashion, which makes knowing how to spot a fake more important with Denim Tears than with most other streetwear brands. Here’s what to check before you buy.
Print Quality on the Cotton Wreath
This is the single most important thing to examine. On authentic pieces, the cotton wreath print is sharp, evenly saturated, and precisely placed, whether it’s screenprinted on a hoodie or worked into a denim wash. Counterfeit versions frequently get the print slightly wrong — blurred edges, uneven color density, or a wreath shape that looks subtly “off” compared to official product photography. Given how central this design is to the brand’s identity, any inconsistency here is an immediate red flag.
Fabric and Construction
Authentic Denim Tears pieces are built with genuine craftsmanship in mind, whether it’s heavyweight fleece on a hoodie or properly constructed denim on jeans and jackets. Fakes tend to cut corners here — thinner, cheaper fabric on fleece pieces, or denim that feels stiff and low-quality compared to the real thing. Pay close attention to weight and texture, not just the graphic itself.
Stitching and Seams
Turn the garment inside out and check the seams at the cuffs, waistband, and hems. Genuine pieces use consistent, tight stitching throughout. Counterfeits often show their weaknesses here first — loose threads, uneven stitch spacing, or seams that don’t lie flat.
Labels and Tags
Check the neck label and any interior tags closely. Authentic Denim Tears labeling is clean and consistent, with accurate sizing information and proper wash-care instructions. Watch for:
- Spelling errors or inconsistent fonts on tags
- Missing or poorly printed care labels
- Size tags that don’t match the actual garment measurements
Price as a Warning Sign
Denim Tears pieces, particularly those tied to limited collaborations like the Levi’s partnership, hold significant resale value due to genuine scarcity and cultural relevance. A listing priced dramatically below the typical resale range for that specific piece is one of the clearest signs something isn’t right, regardless of how convincing the photos look.
Buy From Trusted Sources
Because so much of Denim Tears’ value comes from its cultural significance, buying from a source that verifies authenticity matters more here than with typical streetwear. Be cautious of:
- Sellers with no purchase or review history
- Listings using stock photography instead of real product images
- Vague or evasive answers when asked for proof of authenticity
Shop With Confidence
Every piece in our Denim Tears Hoodie and Denim Tears Jeans collections is checked for authenticity before it reaches you, so you can shop knowing the cotton wreath story is genuine.