How To Authenticate Balmain Clothing
Swing Tag
In this example, the counterfeit omits both the barcode and quefairedemesdechets.fr symbols sticker.
The text is printed too thick, the ‘2H’ is misaligned too far right instead of centered, and both the style code and ‘Heel/Tacco’ text are incorrectly centered.
Additionally, many counterfeit products have been produced with the shown swing tag, possessing the 'YH1F021' code to swing tag, but '1601I321' on the wash labels, which does not match and is a clear sign of a counterfeit.
Neck Label
In this example, the counterfeit prints the text using an incorrect font, most notably in the shape of letters 'B', 'A', and 'M' of 'BALMAIN', and letters 'A', 'R', and 'S' of 'PARIS'.
Additionally, the counterfeit's text is produced too thick.
Neck Label
In this example, the counterfeit shows multiple text inconsistencies, most notably vertically condensed proportions, incorrect shaping of letters such as ‘B’, ‘A’, and ‘L’, and the ‘PARIS’ text appearing oversized with insufficient spacing between letters.
Wash Label
In this example, the counterfeit size tag’s ‘L’ is incorrectly produced.
The text appears noticeably off, with several discrepancies and misshaped letters, such as the ‘R’ and ‘S’ in ‘PARIS', whilst appearing too bold, thick and bright white in colour.
‘PORTUGAL’ is misplaced on its own line, and the label incorrectly describes the item as a “tee-shirt” despite it being a hoodie.
Additionally, the style number ‘1601I321’, common on many counterfeits, corresponds to a logo t-shirt, which this product is not.
Wash Label (Continued)
In this example, the counterfeit prints the text incorrectly with thick lettering, incorrect spacing and uses the wrong label material, showcasing a diagonal pattern instead of the distinct textured pattern visible on authentic wash labels.
Wash Label (Continued)
In this example, the counterfeit prints the text too thick and in an incorrect font, with noticeable letter shape errors.
The counterfeit incorrectly prints the leftmost 30°C wash symbol, and produces text without sufficient spacing between letters as visible on the authentic label.
Additionally, the label and print appear overly pristine, lacking the subtle texture seen on authentic labels.
Note: This guide is not exhaustive. Authentic Balmain 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.
At Genie Authentication, we create free resources to provide valuable, accurate, and accessible information to everyone. Our mission is to empower consumers, promote authenticity in designer fashion, and combat counterfeiting. If you've found our resources helpful or learned something valuable, we kindly ask for your support. Consider purchasing an authentication to help us continue offering high-quality, free educational content. Your contribution ensures that we can keep educating and protecting consumers while fighting counterfeit products. Thank you for supporting our mission!