How to Spot Fake North Face Jackets: 7 Best Authenticity Checks

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Recognized for durability and style, The North Face is a go-to brand for consumers of different lifestyles.

Mostly known for outdoor sportswear, the American clothing company also manufactures outerwear, shirts, footwear, and other equipment like tents, sleeping bags, and backpacks.

The North Face jackets are loved by consumers of all kinds — from active athletes to fashion-loving celebrities.

Angelina Jolie, Geri Halliwell, and Meryl Streep wearing The North Face jacketsAngelina Jolie, Geri Halliwell, and Meryl Streep wearing The North Face jackets (Credit: WENN / HRC / Alex Jackson)

Counterfeiters have long been a problem in the fashion industry, and The North Face products are no exception.

In December 2019, AP News reported that $800,000 of counterfeit merchandise was seized at shopping centers and flea markets in North Carolina. The knock-off products included fake UGG boots, counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags, and fake North Face Jackets.

If you’re planning to buy a product from this well-known brand, protect yourself by checking to ensure your purchase isn’t counterfeit.

Buying The North Face products from authorized retailers like Backcountry and Nordstrom is arguably the simplest way to ensure you get the real thing. You’ll find the best selection of products on the official The North Face website.

You can also shop for The North Face jackets online at Zappos, Moosejaw, and Nordstrom Rack.

The North Face has more than 200 stores around the worldThe North Face has more than 200 stores around the world (Credit: March Marcho / Shutterstock)

When shopping on Amazon, ensure you don’t purchase from a reseller. Here are seven easy ways to check the authenticity of The North Face jackets.

1. Check the retailer reputation

Fake and knockoff products are rampant online, and they are typically distributed as second-hand items with cut-off prices to attract buyers.

If you are considering buying a used jacket, it is essential that you closely inspect the seller or the online store, especially on sites like eBay and AliExpress.

Usually, there will already be some signs that can be spotted in a listing or a product post. Beware of sellers who have bad feedback, use stock photos, or offer extremely cheap prices. Whenever possible, take the time to question and observe the seller.

2. Check The North Face mountain logo

The brand logo is a great feature for checking the authenticity of the jacket. Generally, the worst counterfeiters will get this part wrong by bad stitching, uneven spacing, and even misspellings.

Screenshot from YouTuber Kaz L inspecting his jacketsScreenshot from YouTuber Kaz L inspecting his jackets (Credit: YouTube)

The North Face’s quarter-circle logo, produced by California designer David Alcorn in 1971, evokes Half Dome, a massive granitic monolith at the eastern end of Yosemite Valley in Yosemite National Park, California.

The font used for the logotype is similar to a widely used sans-serif called Helvetica Bold.

The North Face logo evokes Half Dome, a massive granitic monolith in Yosemite National ParkThe North Face logo evokes Half Dome, a massive granitic monolith in Yosemite National Park (Credit: The North Face)

A genuine The North Face jacket should display a cleanly made stitch or print of the brand. Check for loose threads on the embroidery, which is a typical sign of cheap production.

3. Check the tags

Authentic The North Face jackets have a red tag that displays the product code, product style, barcode, price, and place of manufacture. The style printed on the tag should match the actual style of the jacket.

If you want to identify the model name of your jacket but don’t have the original tag, check the internal label. The model name starts with an A or C, followed by three letters or numbers.

Familiarize yourself with the specific model you are interested in. Authentic North Face jackets will match the company’s product specifications and features.

The North Face products usually come with a warranty. Counterfeits are unlikely to offer this.

4. Check the quality of the fabric

The North Face uses high-quality fabric for jacket construction, and counterfeiters always use cheaper materials to save on production costs. In styles that have Gore-Tex technology, the fabric is durable and waterproof but lightweight.

The North Face jackets

Fleece models are smooth and do not feel heavy when worn. Cheap knockoffs may be able to replicate the look of the jacket, but they will never be as comfortable as the real deal.

Typically, copycat products feel heavy and rough because of the cheap alternative fabric.

5. Check other small details

Pay attention to other minor details, including the hardware of the jacket. Authentic jackets pay importance to even the smallest details. However, replicas will easily overlook this part and settle for cheaper materials.

The North Face zipper from YouTuber Kaz L.Screenshot from YouTuber Kaz L inspecting a The North Face jacket’s zippers (Credit: YouTube)

Zippers should go up and down smoothly, even when brand new. In many styles with pull zippers, The North Face uses paracord and not a generic plastic pull.

High-quality, even stitching is a hallmark of genuine North Face products. Uneven or loose stitching can be a sign of counterfeiting.

6. How much do The North Face jackets cost?

While it’s possible to find discounted The North Face products online, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll find discounts exceeding 50% of the original retail price.

Try comparing the price to the discounted items found at Nordstrom Rack. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it most likely is!

7. Where are North Face jackets made?

The parent company of The North Face, VF Corporation, owns over 30 manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, the United States, and many more.

The North Face jackets are made in a variety of countries, including Cambodia, China, India, Bangladesh, and VietnamThe North Face jackets are made in a variety of countries, including Cambodia, China, India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam (Credit: Kamil Zajaczkowski / Shutterstock)

The North Face does offer a “Made in USA” collection featuring jackets and apparel entirely manufactured in the United States. These items are often labeled and marketed accordingly.

The North Face Made In USA beanie is knitted in New Jersey with a label made in KentuckyThe North Face Made In USA beanie is knitted in New Jersey with a label made in Kentucky

They also contract with over 1,000 supplier factories globally to produce their products. This makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of a particular jacket based solely on where it’s made.

Who owns The North Face?

The North Face was acquired in 2000 by the VF Corporation and is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of the VF Corporation.

It is headquartered in Alameda, California, co-located with over 30 brands owned by the same American worldwide apparel and footwear company. VF Corporation controls 55% of the U.S. backpack market with the Jansport, Eastpak, Timberland, and North Face brands.

Summary: Verifying the Authenticity of The North Face Jackets

Authenticating a The North Face jacket involves several key steps. Firstly, check the seller’s credibility, especially when purchasing online from platforms like eBay or AliExpress. Look for signs of authenticity in the listing, such as genuine photos, seller feedback, and realistic pricing.

Examine the jacket’s logo for quality stitching, correct spacing, and no misspellings, as the logo is often inaccurately replicated in counterfeit products. Inspect the tags closely, as genuine jackets will have a red tag displaying the product code, style, barcode, price, and place of manufacture.

The fabric quality is also a telltale sign; authentic North Face jackets use high-quality materials that are durable and comfortable. Pay attention to small details like zippers and hardware, which are of high quality and function smoothly in original products.

Lastly, be aware of the product’s price range; significant discounts beyond 50% of the original price can be a red flag for counterfeits. Check out the helpful video from YouTuber Kaz L that details more tips on how to spot a fake The North Face jacket.