How to know if your Puma football shirt is original: Full guide

Knowing whether a Puma football shirt is original can be difficult, especially when buying vintage shirts or second-hand kits online. Counterfeit shirts can look convincing in photographs, but there are several details you can check to identify potential fakes. That's why our team made this step-by-step guide on checking the authenticity of any Puma football shirt.

The most important starting point is the Puma Style No, which identifies the specific product model. The club badge, Puma logo, labels, stitching and material can provide further evidence of authenticity. In this guide, we will walk you through each step so you can check whether your Puma football shirt is original.

You can find the Puma style code on the big washing labels. On newer shirts, the code is on the front of the labels, while on older Puma shirts you can find the code on a smaller tag behind the big washing labels. Here, you can see different codes and symbols, as well as the washing instructions and country of origin. Make sure to use the code that says STYLE NO. (774979-01). Type this exact code in your internet browser (preferrably Google) and go to images. If the exact shirt is shown multiple times, and the images are from reliable sources, this is a sign of it being an original shirt. If Google shows images from different shirts and photos of style codes, often from Chinese/Asian websites, it is definitely a fake shirt.

Make sure to test with this given image. Type '774979-01' in your browser and go to images. This is an original AC Milan 2024/25 home shirt. '703568' is the style code from the other fake Arsenal shirt. 

Puma has used different logo designs throughout its history. Before inspecting the logo, find a reliable reference of the same shirt from the same season. Check the following details:

• Shape: The leaping Puma should have the correct proportions and silhouette
• Edges: The outline should be clean, without obvious irregularities or loose material
• Position: The logo should sit in the correct location and orientation for that particular shirt
• Application: Check whether the logo should be embroidered, heat-pressed or applied using another method

The application method can vary between seasons and shirt versions. Many player versions use heat-pressed logos, while other versions may feature embroidered or different types of applied logos. A crooked logo, incorrect shape or poor finishing can indicate a counterfeit. However, normal wear and damage on an older shirt should also be taken into account.

The club badge is another important detail when checking a Puma football shirt. Compare it with the official badge used by the club during the relevant season. Pay attention to:

• Shape and proportions: The outline should match the original badge
• Details: Text, symbols, colours and small design elements should be correct
• Position: The badge should be placed where it appears on authentic examples of that shirt
• Finishing: Embroidery should be consistent, while heat-pressed badges should have clean edges and the correct shape

The way a badge is applied depends on the shirt model. A fan version may have an embroidered badge, while a player version may use a lightweight heat-pressed badge. Do not assume that every original Puma shirt uses the same type of badge. Instead, compare your shirt with the correct version and season. Search for the correct shirt on the official Puma site and compare. Incorrect lettering, uneven outlines, misplaced details or a badge that differs from reliable reference images are reasons to investigate further.

The stitching can provide useful clues when checking whether a Puma football shirt is original. Look closely at the seams, sleeves and bottom hem to see whether the stitching is consistent and neatly finished. Pay attention to the way the Puma logo and club badge are attached, as the application method can vary between different shirt models and versions. Compare these details with an authentic shirt from the same season, as stitching techniques can differ between older and newer kits. Loose threads or uneven seams do not automatically mean a shirt is fake, particularly when dealing with vintage shirts, but several inconsistencies may indicate a counterfeit.

The material and fabric can help you determine whether a Puma football shirt is original. Different seasons and shirt versions use different fabrics, so compare the material with an authentic example of the exact same model. Player versions are generally made with lightweight performance fabrics, while fan versions may use a different texture and construction. Pay attention to the fabric pattern, ventilation panels and placement of textured sections, as these should match the original design. Original Puma shirts are made of a relatively thin and stretchy fabric. Shiny, thick and not breathable material are all signs of a shirt being fake. The material should also feel consistent with the shirt's intended version. However, fabric alone cannot confirm authenticity, as Puma uses different materials across its collections and older shirts may have changed through wear and washing

Authenticating Puma shirts is a tricky process, especially now that counterfeiters are gaining more knowledge and access to better technology. That is why it is important to follow every step in this guide; do not jump to a conclusion based solely on a style code returning a positive result. If you need help identifying a Puma shirt or have any other questions, please feel free to reach out to us. Our team will be glad to help!