How To Authenticate Balenciaga Clothing
Balenciaga is a high-end fashion brand founded in 1917 by Spanish designer Cristóbal Balenciaga. Known for its bold shapes and innovative designs, the brand has always been ahead of its time. Today, Balenciaga blends luxury with streetwear, constantly pushing fashion’s boundaries and making a statement with every collection.
Wash Labels
One of the most effective methods to authenticate Balenciaga clothing is through assessing the wash labels. In this guide, we will explore how Balenciaga's wash labels have evolved over the years.
Early 2000's
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. The front side of the single wash label comprised of the composition details and wash symbols and details to the bottom of the label which often overlapped to the back side, all in central alignment and in upper case.
Early 2000's
The back side of the single wash label contained the overlapping wash details, country of manufacture details to the centre and production style code details to the bottom, all in central alignment and in upper case.
2004 - 2008
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. The front side of the single wash label comprises of the composition details which often overlapped to the back side and a size tag that has been kept in use to this day, all with central alignment and in upper case. Additionally, a production tag detailing the country of manufacture was present with centralised alignment.
2004 - 2008
The back side of the single wash label comprises of the overlapping composition details to top, wash symbols and details to centre, country of manufacture details just below and production style code details to the bottom, all with central alignment and in upper case.
2009 - 2016
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. The front side of the first wash label comprises of washing symbols to the top, Balenciaga text, country of manufacture details followed by style code details at the bottom, all with central alignment and in upper case.
2017 - 2018
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. The front side of the 1st of 2 wash labels comprises of washing symbols to the top, Balenciaga text, style code details and country of manufacture details to bottom, all with central alignment and upper case. These labels were also manufactured to be easily torn along the top.
2017 - 2018
Another example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. It comprises of the same details as the prior wash label showcased, however these labels contained a much larger Balenciaga text. These labels were also manufactured in black with white text during this time period.
2018 - 2021
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. The front side of the 1st of 2 wash labels comprises of Balenciaga text to top, country of manufacture details below with a left-hand alignment, and style code details to bottom with a central alignment. Additionally, all details are written in upper case.
2018 - 2021
Another example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. It comprises the same details as the prior label, just with additional text written with left-hand alignment and in upper case between the Balenciaga text and country of manufacture details.
2022 - present
An example of an authentic label from this time period is showcased. These labels are much longer in length than any previous Balenciaga wash label produced, and they comprise of the Balenciaga text to top, followed by country of manufacture details in left-hand alignment, size details and style code to the bottom, both in central alignment. Additionally, all details are written in upper case. Further wash labels detail washing instructions in multiple languages. These labels are also manufactured in white with black text.
Neck Labels
Another effective method to authenticate Balenciaga clothing is through assessing the neck labels. In this guide, we will explore how Balenciaga's neck labels have evolved over the years.
Early 2000's
The early 2000's saw multiple styles of neck labels produced, with the first label appearing in 2001, the middle label appearing in 2002 and the third neck label appearing in 2003 and being used through to 2006.
2007 - 2012
2007 saw a neck label revision that was used until 2012 which was white in colour and featured black text.
2013 - 2016
In 2013, Balenciaga revised the previous neck label for a larger print version.
2017
2017's revision saw the dot removed from the wash label.
2018 - 2020
The following year saw the paris text removed from the wash label and the Balenciaga text made thicker.
2020 - 2022
2020 introduced numerous different styles of wash labels as showcased.
2022 - present
2022 saw the introduction of more neck label styles, this time as standalone rectangular labels stitched into the garments fully along the top.
Size Tags
Another effective method to authenticate Balenciaga clothing is through assessing the size tags.
Size Tags
Balenciaga employs a uniquely identifiable sans-serif font in their size tags. They have size tags with both letter sizing and number sizing.
Note: This guide is not exhaustive. Authentic Balenciaga products can vary by model, season, and country of manufacture, so genuine items may differ from the examples shown. Counterfeit versions are constantly evolving, with new variations regularly appearing that may not be documented here. When in doubt, professional authentication is strongly recommended.
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