Part 2: Real vs. Fake 7 For All Mankind-updated 4/16/08

(continued from Part 1: Real vs. Fake Seven 7 For All Mankind Jeans; more pictures to come... )

3) The inner, focal 7FAM logo: For many styles, this is a rubberized silk-screening of the 7 For All Mankind logo placed at the center of the inner-side of the back waistband.  Though the logo is rubberized, it does not feel so thick and rubber-like on authentic 7s.  Instead, it should feel flat, smooth, and appear firmly pressed into the denim fabric.  Counterfeit logos are often heavily rubberized, almost waxy in texture, as if too much rubber was used during the silk-screening process; often times this results in an undefined or smeared, obliterated logo.  Note that not all 7FAM jeans will have a rubberized logo.

Fake -->  Genuine -->

4) Branded hardware (e.g. buttons, rivets, etc.): Though almost all counterfeit jeans now have branded hardware, there are still subtle differences in quality and craftmanship of the engraving.  Authentic 7FAM jeans have rivets that are completely flat, defined at the edges,and branded with '7' pressed into the hardware; counterfeit rivets, though also branded with '7', are often slightly raised with rounded edges, like the top of a cupcake.

Fake -->  Genuine --> 

5) Font: This is often reliably indicative of a counterfeit, as it is difficult to imitate the exact font of authentic 7FAM jeans.  The best thing to do is to first look carefully at an authentic pair (perhaps at your local authorized retailer). 

A point to note is the number '0' on the white sticker, often placed above the interior labels.  All '0's should have a forward slash that remains within the confines of the oval.  

Fake --> Genuine -->  

In addition, no '3' character on the sticker OR on the burgandy size tag should be rounded; its former half should be jagged, and the '9' character should have a straight tail (NOT curved; please refer to tag pictures in ''P1: Real vs. Fake Seven 7 For All Mankind Jeans'').

 Lastly (and probably the most challenging to both describe and observe), carefully examine the '2' printed on the care tag, as pictured below.  Notice how the middle 'body', between the top curve and the bottom horizontal line, is virtually a straight diagonal on the left picture.  The right-hand picture, however, is slightly curved, like the neck of a question mark ('?').  This is a very subtle distinction, which makes it very difficult to see the difference at first, but you will find this distinction more obvious after several careful font examinations.  

Fake -->  Genuine -->

6) Wash and whiskering: This is a very reliable criterion when authenticating 7FAM jeans in person, which is often inconsistent, overdone, or just plain ugly on counterfeit jeans.  However, it is not infallible; just be mindful that the wash and the whiskering in pictures or images of 7FAM jeans are subject to variations across types of cameras, settings, monitors, and so forth.

7) The exterior tag(s) and sticker: Here, I am referring to the burgundy/maroon paper tag that is tied to the belt loop via a hemp string and the white sticker often placed above the 3 interior labels.

i) Authentic burgundy tags should have vertical ridges on the backside, though many counterfeits now also have the ridges.  The color saturation and richness of the counterfeit tag is usually compromised, nevertheless, as a result of a photocopy or scan of an original.  From my observation, the burgundy color of counterfeit tags has a dull, brown undertone, whereas the authentic tags have a much richer red undertone.

Fake -->   Genuine -->

ii) With regards to the white sticker, authentic ones are usually matte, though some may appear, at most, semi-glossy (especially if they are fresh from the manufacturer).  Counterfeit stickers are often highly coated with a gloss, and the text is printed with the wrong font (see photos above under point 5).  Conventionally it should be placed above the 3 interior labels.  Unless relocated, it should not be placed at the back, outer right side of the waistband.

8) Retailer: Only retailers who are authorized (e.g. have a contract with the company) may purchase 7FAM jeans wholesale. 

    Although it is possible to get authentic 7FAM jeans on eBay, the probability of it is much lower.  Here are some points that should raise a red flag when buying 7FAM jeans (and other designer clothing) on eBay:

1) Seller's feedback: I usually will not buy anything from sellers whose positive feedback is below 99.7%, and I will not buy from a seller with less than 5 feedback ratings.  Also take into account the number of feedbacks the seller has received; for example, if the seller has 100% feedback but only 10 completed eBay transactions, then his/her feedback score is likely to not be a reliable indicator of the seller.  Also, be sure to actually read the seller's feedback comments, to and from buyers, as often times neutral feedbacks, which do not negatively affect the overall score, are given multiple times.  It is beneficial to read the seller's comments to others as it often reflects the seller's attitude.  Also, be sure to check out the seller's purchases (if any) on eBay - which may give you insight to the seller's interests and resources.  Sellers with private feedback are a no-no!

2) Location, location, location: If the seller is from China, Singapore, Hong Kong, or any other southeast Asian countries, "beware of imitations".

3) The quantity of identical jeans available: Because designer clothing is always produced in limited quantities, a seller with 10+ pairs of identical seven jeans is likely not to be selling the real deal.  "Power Seller" does not necessarily mean honest seller.

4) Is the auction private?:  The reason why the seller would want to make his/her auction private is so then others, who may know that the item for sale is fake, cannot contact the bidder(s)/buyer(s).  Private acutions are also a flag for shill bidding, which is prohibited on eBay.

5) Is the seller willing to give at least a 100% refund (including shipping) if found to be fake?:  Sellers who are sure that their jeans are authentic should have no problem doing this.

6) The seller uses only stock photos: Do NOT bid or buy without first seeing the actual jeans first, even if the seller's camera is "not working/at the repair shop/at a friend's house."

7) The auction is a 1-day listing: Though this alone is certainly insufficient grounds to oust a seller from your eBay seller list, it is not unwarranted.  Many sellers of counterfeit 7FAM use this maneuver to circumvent EBay’s VeRo department, who are akin to the police.  By listing an item for only 24 hours, the probability of getting their listing removed decreases while still benefiting from the increased exposure of 1-day listings.

8) The seller does not accept Paypal or credit card payments: Approach with extreme caution here, as you will not be covered monetarily should the transaction go wrong.

Finally, do not forget the old saying, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is."  Thank you for reading and good luck!

Regards,

Jenuine_Bruin

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NOTE: I have not permitted any party other than www.ebay.com to publish the guide herein or any portion thereof.  Please be advised should you come across this guide at another online or offline party, even if the retailer claims authorship or republication rights from either myself or eBay, Inc.

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