Fashion & textiles

Choose official shops, the brand’s own websites or authorised retailers. Be wary of markets, car boot sales and social media, which are the favourite haunts of fraudulent sellers.

When shopping online, make sure the website selling the product is secure – look for a padlock in the URL – and check reviews from other users; if any of them have been scammed, they’ll warn others by leaving a negative review.

A price that is unusually low compared with the brand’s official price should immediately raise a red flag. Be wary of permanent sales or overly aggressive promotions on little-known websites.

Check the seams (even, strong thread, consistent stitching), the quality of the fabric (texture, drape, absence of a strong chemical smell) and the finishing touches (hems, buttons, high-quality zips).

Check that the fabric composition and care labels are neatly sewn on, legible and comply with the relevant standards (washing instructions, country of origin). A poorly printed label, one containing spelling mistakes in the composition and/or care instructions, or one that has come unstuck or is missing, is a warning sign.

Check the precision of the logo (alignment, exact colours, no smudges), the quality of the screen printing or embroidery, and whether the finish is consistent with the official designs shown on the brand’s website.

An authentic item of clothing usually comes with neat packaging (a dust bag, hangtag, branded pouch) and, depending on the brand, sometimes a certificate or warranty card.