Can the Comme des Garçons Tag Stamp Reveal Fakes? A Guide to Spotting Authenticity!

This article does not endorse or promote the purchase of counterfeit products.

Have you ever noticed the “tag stamp” when examining a Comme des Garçons product?

Comme des Garçons, a renowned luxury brand, implements unique quality control measures to ensure authenticity. The tag stamp on their products not only represents the sewing supervisor’s approval but also serves as a crucial marker for distinguishing genuine items from counterfeits.

In this article, we’ll focus on the Comme des Garçons tag stamp to guide you on how to identify genuine products, understand specific tag features for each series, and examine additional indicators beyond the tag itself. This essential information will help you avoid fakes and ensure you’re investing in authentic Comme des Garçons items.

Can the Comme des Garçons Tag Stamp Identify Fakes?

The Tag Stamp Represents the Sewing Supervisor

The stamp on the Comme des Garçons tag indicates the “sewing supervisor” responsible for quality control, serving as a crucial mark of authenticity and quality. As a luxury brand, Comme des Garçons maintains strict quality standards, and this tag stamp provides customers with reassurance by identifying the final inspector responsible for the product.

The presence of this stamp acts as a guarantee of quality, confirming that each item has been carefully inspected to meet the brand’s standards. Specifically, from the sewing stage through to final inspection, each step is meticulously overseen. The addition of a stamp signifies that the product has passed rigorous checks and has been approved for sale, further supporting Comme des Garçons’ reputation for quality.

The stamp itself may vary in style; some use a Shachihata-style stamp, while others are marked with red ink. Although color and style can differ, each stamp consistently represents the sewing supervisor’s approval, affirming that the product has undergone proper quality assurance and is part of the official production process.

Can the Comme des Garçons Tag Stamp Reveal Fakes?

The tag stamp on a Comme des Garçons product can be a helpful indicator for distinguishing between real and counterfeit items. This stamp signifies that the product has undergone official inspection, so if the correct stamp is present, it’s more likely to be authentic. On the other hand, counterfeit items often lack this stamp or display an unnatural design or ink color, making the stamp a useful factor for authenticity checks.

To spot the difference, start by checking if a proper stamp has been applied. Most authentic Comme des Garçons items feature a red stamp, either in a Shachihata-style or applied with red ink. If a tag lacks a stamp or if it has a black or faded mark, the item may be counterfeit. Additionally, if the stamp design looks sloppy or the supervisor’s name is unclear, this may also indicate a fake.

However, some Comme des Garçons product lines may not include a stamp at all. For example, the “COMME des GARCONS SHIRT” line is often produced overseas, and it’s common for these items to lack a tag stamp. While a missing stamp doesn’t automatically mean a product is fake, in most cases, the presence of a clear and correct tag stamp helps verify the authenticity of a Comme des Garçons item.

Types of Tag Stamps by Series

The tag stamp on a Comme des Garçons product can vary by series. Differences in production locations and inspection standards for each series result in slight variations in the type and appearance of these stamps. Understanding these distinctions can help you identify which stamp should appear on a specific series, providing a useful reference for spotting fakes.

For example, most standard Comme des Garçons series items feature a red stamp, either made with ink or in a Shachihata-style, with the sewing supervisor’s name often displayed in kanji or Roman letters. The red color is easily recognizable and reinforces that the item has passed quality inspection.

In contrast, certain series like “COMME des GARCONS SHIRT” or “PLAY COMME des GARCONS” are frequently produced overseas, and it’s common for items in these lines not to have a tag stamp at all. This absence of a stamp isn’t a sign of a fake; rather, it’s a characteristic specific to the product’s manufacturing process. Additionally, because these items are often made outside Japan, the supervisor’s name may appear in Roman letters instead of kanji. It’s essential to note these variations by series to accurately determine the authenticity of your Comme des Garçons items.

What Other Tag Details Should You Check Besides the Comme des Garçons Tag Stamp?

How to Use the Tag to Spot Fake Comme des Garçons Items

When identifying a fake Comme des Garçons item, examining the tag is crucial. The tag typically includes quality information, the year of manufacture, and a sewing supervisor’s stamp. By inspecting these details closely, you can often determine whether an item is genuine. Comme des Garçons tags consistently exhibit high attention to detail, so if the font appears unusual, there are spelling errors, or the printing color is off, there’s a strong possibility it may be counterfeit.

First, pay close attention to the content and font on the tag. Authentic Comme des Garçons tags feature accurate Japanese text, with almost no spelling errors or unusual characters. In fake tags, however, you might see details like “ッ” mistakenly printed as “ツ” or slight font differences. Any unnatural or incorrect Japanese text is a red flag that the item may be fake.

The presence and quality of the sewing supervisor’s stamp are also essential indicators. Genuine items typically have this stamp to confirm quality inspection, but if the stamp’s color or style seems off or there’s no stamp at all, be cautious. For example, items from the “COMME des GARCONS SHIRT” line usually lack a stamp, so if you find a missing stamp on this series, it’s not necessarily a fake. However, a missing stamp on tags from other series could indicate a counterfeit.

In summary, examining the small details on the tag, such as the content, font, and stamp, can help you identify counterfeit Comme des Garçons items. These elements provide useful clues for distinguishing authentic products from fakes.

Differences Between Early and Current Comme des Garçons Tags

There are several distinct differences between early Comme des Garçons tags and the current ones. Over the years, the design and details included on the tags have evolved, and understanding these differences can help you determine the production year and identify the authenticity of an item.

Early tags, commonly found on items from the 1970s to 1980s, are smaller in size and feature a simpler design compared to current tags. These early tags often lack an “AD” marking or detailed product codes, offering limited information. Additionally, it was common for these older tags to be printed in English or French, which is a notable characteristic of vintage Comme des Garçons products.

In contrast, current tags, updated in 2001 and beyond, are more detailed and structured. The modern tags include an “AD” marking, such as “AD2000” or “AD2022,” which indicates the production year. They also clearly display product codes with letters that specify the brand line and item type. With these additional details, it has become easier to identify the season and type of item directly from the tag.

In short, the differences between early and current tags lie in the level of information and design changes over the years. Knowing these distinctions can help you determine whether a product is a vintage piece or a current model.

Are Comme des Garçons Items Made in China Fake?

Not all Comme des Garçons items made in China are fake. While Comme des Garçons is a Japanese brand, certain product lines are manufactured abroad, including China. This means that simply seeing a “Made in China” label doesn’t automatically make an item counterfeit.

In fact, specific lines like “PLAY COMME des GARCONS” and “COMME des GARCONS SHIRT” are often produced in overseas factories to optimize production costs and efficiency. As a result, legitimate Comme des Garçons items from these lines may carry a “Made in China” tag. Even though production is done overseas, quality control follows Japanese standards, so there’s no drop in quality due to the location of manufacture.

However, because counterfeit products are frequently marked with “Made in China” tags, it’s crucial to check other aspects of the tag as well. Look closely at the tag’s font, the sewing supervisor’s stamp, and the AD marking, and use these combined factors to more accurately verify the item’s authenticity.

What Does the AD Marking on the Tag Indicate?

The “AD” marking on a Comme des Garçons tag provides valuable information about the product’s production year. This marking helps you determine when the item was manufactured and can offer clues about the series release timeframe or the specific season.

The AD marking is usually displayed in a format like “AD2015” or “AD2022,” indicating the year of production. For example, “AD2022” means the product was made in 2022. This detail can be useful if you’re looking for vintage items or want to identify pieces from a specific collection year, as it provides insights into the rarity and potential value of the product.

It’s important to remember that the AD marking refers to the production year, not the sale year. For instance, a tag labeled “AD2022” typically means the product was released during the 2022 fall/winter season or the following 2023 spring/summer season. Therefore, the AD marking and sale year may not always match perfectly. To accurately determine the season, it’s recommended to cross-reference the AD marking with other details on the tag.

Are Comme des Garçons Items Without an AD Marking Fake?

Not all Comme des Garçons products without an AD marking are necessarily fake. The AD marking, which indicates the production year, is commonly found on tags from 2001 onward. However, vintage items produced before this, as well as some specific product lines, may lack an AD marking. Therefore, it’s not advisable to assume an item is counterfeit simply because it doesn’t have this marking.

This is especially true for items made before 1988 or those from lines like “COMME des GARCONS SHIRT,” which often feature different tag designs and may not include an AD marking. Early items produced before the AD marking system was introduced also typically lack a production date, and such pieces can still be genuine based on their age and specific line characteristics.

In summary, the presence or absence of an AD marking alone is not enough to determine authenticity. It’s essential to check other tag details, including the overall design, print quality, and any stamp markings, as well as to assess the stitching and fabric quality. By reviewing these factors together, you can make a more accurate judgment about the item’s authenticity.

How to Identify Fake Comme des Garçons Items Beyond the Tag

When distinguishing genuine Comme des Garçons products from counterfeits, there are several key details to observe beyond the tag. Even if the tag isn’t accessible, these factors can help determine authenticity.

First, pay attention to the quality of stitching. Genuine Comme des Garçons products have high-quality, uniform stitching. Counterfeit items, on the other hand, often show irregular stitching with uneven lines or loose threads. Pay close attention to details around the collar, cuffs, and hem; any inconsistencies in these areas may indicate a fake.

Next, assess the fabric quality. Comme des Garçons uses high-quality materials, so authentic items generally feel smooth, with a sturdy texture and softness. Counterfeit products often cut costs by using thinner or cheaper materials, which can feel rough or lack the same sheen. Before purchasing, take a moment to check the fabric texture carefully.

Also, examine the logo quality. On genuine Comme des Garçons pieces, the logo printing or embroidery is precise, with consistent font and design. Counterfeit logos, in contrast, often appear smudged or slightly different in font style. Pay attention to these small details to spot discrepancies.

By evaluating factors such as stitching quality, fabric texture, and logo precision, you can identify fake Comme des Garçons products even without checking the tag. Reviewing these details closely before purchasing will help you make a confident choice for a genuine item.

Summary of This Article

This article has provided a detailed guide on how to distinguish genuine Comme des Garçons products from counterfeits, focusing on the brand’s product tags, stamp markings, and other features. Key points of authenticity include the “AD” date markings and the stamp representing the garment’s quality control by the sewing supervisor. These elements on the tag serve as important indicators of authenticity. Additionally, careful attention to Japanese text accuracy, stitching quality, material feel, and logo clarity are all critical factors to verify.

Notably, tag details and the presence or absence of stamps can vary by series, so understanding these differences is essential for identification. An item without an “AD” marking is not necessarily a counterfeit; considering the product line and manufacturing year can enhance accuracy in determining authenticity.

Keeping these points in mind will help you avoid counterfeit Comme des Garçons items and make informed decisions, ensuring you invest in a genuine, reliable product.