In short: Look for a hologram sticker underneath the curved bill. If there is one, it’s a real Von Dutch hat. A real hat should also have the “KUSTOMMADE Von Dutch ORIGINALS” tag.
Are you wondering whether your Von Dutch trucker hat is original or fake? In this article, you’ll learn how to tell if a Von Dutch hat is real or not by spotting the fake ones from the authentic.
1. Look for the hologram sticker
The first thing you’ll need to pay attention to is the hologram sticker underneath the curved bill. You’ll know that you’re looking at an authentic Von Dutch hat if you see the holographic sticker.
Some of the older generation (vintage) hats might not have the hologram sticker, but newer generations of trucker hats purchased from Von Dutch come with a holographic sticker.
If you see the sticker, you can feel good about the hat. The holographic sticker is located underneath the curved bill, which certifies the authenticity of the Von Dutch hat.
2. Examine the “Von Dutch” logo embroidery
Next, you’ll need to examine the “Von Dutch” logo embroidery located on the front part of the hat. The authentic product should have a thick patch with neat threads.
The fake product, on the other hand, will not have a high level of detail on the logo patch. You can immediately tell the rough quality of the fake one by noticing the quality of the patch.
You’ll need to pay close attention to the stitching, especially on the TM text. Each alphabet should be separated and neatly stitched next to the other.
If the stitching is loose, you’re probably looking at a fake Von Dutch hat. Remember, the level of detail on the “Von Dutch” logo patch should look like a work of art.
3. Sturdy not flimsy
If you manage to get your hands on a Von Dutch hat, hold it closely and try it on. The original Von Dutch trucker hat should feel sturdy, not flimsy. It should also fit well on your head.
Unlike most cheap trucker caps out there, a true Von Dutch trucker hat is made to last a long time. An authentic hat should maintain its shape and stand on its own.
4. Pay attention to the tag on the inside
Next, you should pay close attention to the “Von Dutch” tag on the inside. You should see the tag with the text “KUSTOMMADE Von Dutch ORIGINALS”.
Fake products tend to not have this tag on the inside. They usually just come with a white product tag that says where it’s made. This is a sign of a fake product.
Remember, if you see the tag, you’re probably looking at a genuine Von Dutch hat. However, if you don’t see the tag, you’re probably looking at a fake product.
5. Buy from the official Von Dutch website
The only way to guarantee that you’re getting the real deal is to buy from the official Von Dutch online store. You can go to their website to order online because they ship internationally.
Avoid buying a Von Dutch trucker hat on eBay, where there have been plenty of fraud alerts and suspicious sellers selling fake Von Dutch products, including hats and hoodies.
Alternatively, you can also visit their official offline stores.
There are only three confirmed locations so far. One in Melrose Ave, California, one in Bali, and one in France. Make sure to contact Von Dutch first before visiting one of their stores.
If you’re buying from the secondary market, there’s a chance that you’ll pick up a fake one.
6. Genuine hats come in a box with a unique product tag
If you buy a Von Dutch hat online from the official store, your product should come to you inside a cardboard box. When you open it, the hat should be protected by plastic wrap.
Next, when you open the plastic wrap, there are a few things to check.
First, the cardboard protection on the inside of the hat. An original Von Dutch hat should have cardboard on the inside. This cardboard is designed to help the hat keep its shape.
Second, notice the product tag. It should look like this.
The front part of the tag is orange and should have the “Von Dutch” text. The back part of the tag should have the text “I DON’T MESS AROUND WITH UNNECESSARY STUFF”.
If everything checks out, congratulations, you’re holding a genuine Von Dutch hat.
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