If you're a fashion enthusiast, then you'll already know that Trapstar has firmly established itself as one of the UK's premium streetwear brands. Known for its unique designs and elite craftsmanship, Trapstar has become a favourite amongst celebrities and streetwear aficionados alike, and especially coveted are their Trapstar coats and jackets.
Unfortunately, with the popularity of the brand comes the inevitability of replicas flooding the market - so how then can you ensure that the jacket you're purchasing or already own is genuine? In the following guide, we’re going to give you our essential tips on how to spot a fake Trapstar jacket and make sure you're rocking the real deal. Let’s dive in!
Fake Trapstar vs Real: Key Differences
Stitching and Craftsmanship
One of the most immediate tell-tale signs of a fake Trapstar jacket is the quality of stitching; genuine Trapstar jackets pride themselves on their meticulous craftsmanship, so check for any loose threads, uneven stitches, or other imperfections. If the craftsmanship seems off, then it's likely you're looking at a replica.
Label and Branding
A surefire way to identify a fake is to inspect the Trapstar label closely: authentic Trapstar coats and jackets will have a clear, well-defined Trapstar logo in its signature font, with no misspellings or discrepancies. Fakes often get this wrong, either through slight misprints, irregular font sizes, or even wrong placements - look out for the writing of the letter ‘P’ in particular on Trapstar jackets; fake ‘Ps’ tend to be wide and pointy, indicating a fake.
QR Codes
With so many counterfeits on the market, Trapstar have now resorted to adding QR codes to the labels on the insides of their jackets in an attempt to put a stop to fakes. The process of using these QR codes is simple: when you flash the QR code on your phone, a screen will pop up and ask you a few questions, before then affirming whether or not your jacket is authentic.
Obviously, it’s easy for knockoff sellers to replicate a QR code label in the hopes that you never check it, so even if an online product claims to come with an authenticity QR code, make sure to flash it on your phone as soon as your jacket arrives.
Material Quality
Next up is material quality; authentic Trapstar jackets are known for their premium fabric and comfortable feel, so if the material feels cheap, thin, or scratchy, it’s possibly a fake. Remember, you're not just paying for the brand name; you're also investing in quality, so don’t accept imitations.
Discontinued Items
Another point to be wary of is sellers offering discounted products that haven’t been in production by Trapstar for a long time; while this doesn’t always indicate a fake (as some individuals might sell their old jackets in preparation to buy new season releases) you should still proceed with caution if a clothing website is selling discounted products in bulk.
Price Too Good To Be True?
We've all stumbled upon those deals that seem too good to be true, but when it comes to any high-end brand like Trapstar, a drastically reduced price is almost always a red flag. While everyone loves a good bargain, extremely low prices are often an indicator of a fake Trapstar jacket - especially when you consider that Trapstar often completely discontinues many of their items, increasing their rarity and therefore their second-hand price. Always ensure you're purchasing from a reputable seller or directly from official outlets, and if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!
Seller Reputation and Reviews
Before making a purchase, especially online, always check the seller's reputation. Websites with authentic products will have a history of positive reviews and customer testimonials, so be wary of newly launched sites or sellers with limited or negative feedback. Remember that genuine sellers will also have transparent return and authenticity guarantee policies, so check these before buying.
Replica Trapstar: Why It's Worth Investing in the Genuine Article:
While some argue that replicas offer a more affordable way to enjoy high-end fashion, investing in the genuine article is about more than just owning a brand name. It's about quality, durability, and the assurance that you’re supporting genuine craftsmen and designers.
Genuine Trapstar jackets not only offer unparalleled quality but also reflect a unique design ethos that replicas can never truly replicate; beyond the tangible differences, there's an inherent pride and confidence in wearing something authentic.
The Bottom Line
Even though the appeal of a cheaper Trapstar jacket might be tempting, we’d always recommend that you avoid buying designer labels from any unauthorised or third-party sites. We’d in particular recommend steering fully clear of sites like Aliexpress, eBay and Depop - not only is customer service more limited on these sites, you’re almost guaranteed to be buying a fake piece, especially if it’s half its usual price. Instead, shop with official partners or trusted retailers like us at Hype Locker, and enjoy the luxe comfort of an authentic Trapstar jacket.