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, such as 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 jackets (Credit: WENN / HRC / Alex Jackson)
Counterfeit products are a persistent issue in the fashion industry, and The North Face items are frequently targeted.
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. The best selection of products is on the official The North Face website.
You can also shop for The North Face jackets online at Zappos and Nordstrom Rack. Avoid purchasing from a reseller when shopping on Amazon.
Inside a North Face store showcasing their latest outdoor apparel and accessories, perfect for both adventure enthusiasts and style-conscious shoppers (Credit: March Marcho / Shutterstock)
Here are seven easy ways to check the authenticity of The North Face jackets—many of these tips also apply to The North Face footwear. Just like with jackets, fake boots may have lower-quality stitching, poorly aligned logos, and cheap materials that compromise comfort and durability.
1. Verify the Seller’s Reputation Before You Buy
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. Inspect The North Face Logo for Authenticity
The brand logo is a reliable indicator of authenticity. Counterfeit logos often display poor stitching, uneven spacing, or misspellings.
Close-up comparison of The North Face logos to spot differences between genuine and counterfeit jackets (Credit: YouTuber Kaz L / 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 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, a typical sign of cheap production.
3. Examine Product Tags for Accurate Details
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. Feel the Fabric Quality—Authentic Jackets Stand Out
The North Face uses high-quality fabric for jacket construction, while counterfeiters always use cheaper materials to save on production costs. The fabric in styles with Gore-Tex technology is durable and waterproof but lightweight.
Comparison of authentic The North Face jackets, highlighting style variations and the brand’s iconic logo placement
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. Look Closely at Small Details Like Zippers and Stitching
Pay attention to other minor details, including the jacket’s hardware. Authentic jackets value even the smallest details. However, replicas easily overlook this part and settle for cheaper materials.
Close-up of a YKK zipper on a The North Face jacket, a key detail in verifying authenticity (Credit: YouTuber Kaz L / 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. Know the Price Range—Avoid Deals That Are Too Good
While discounted The North Face products can be found online, the discounts are unlikely to exceed 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. Identify Manufacturing Locations for Authenticity Clues
The North Face’s parent company, VF Corporation, owns over 30 manufacturing facilities in China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, the United States, and many more.
Close-up of an authentic The North Face label, displaying product details and country of manufacture for verification (Credit: Kamil Zajaczkowski / Shutterstock)
The North Face offers 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 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.
Understand The North Face Ownership—Know the Brand’s Parent Company
The North Face was acquired by VF Corporation in 2000 and is now a wholly owned subsidiary of VF Corporation.
It is headquartered in Alameda, California, 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: Quick Checklist to Authenticate Your North Face Jacket
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 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.