CDG is faked a lot, primarily because the PLAY heart logo is not particularly complicated, and it seems like it could be copied easily. It's not a, not if, but many people end up buying a secondhand or off some random resale site without realizing what to look for. This is an overview of the actual differences, not an authentication course, but the stuff you can check in under a minute.

The logo of the heart is a significant part of Sarnia's history

This is where most fakes start to fail. The real PLAY heart should have even spacing of eyes, a particular curve at the top of the commedesgarrcons.com  heart and clean even dense embroidery with no hanging threads at the edge of the heart. Fakes often have the proportions a little off, the heart too thin, the eyes too far apart or uneven, the embroidery looser, gaps between the stitches. Lift the garment toward you. When the heart is even just a little different from the official pictures of the product, this is generally enough.

Stitching and embroidery density

The real CDG embroidery is compact. You shouldn't be able to see much of the fabric showing through the thread on the logo itself. Cheap fakes will typically be made with a lower thread count which makes the logo appear slightly transparent or patchy when viewed close-up. Move your finger over it as well. Raised, even texture is authentic embroidery. Sometimes fakes are either flat or rough in certain areas.

You can build a clean rotation in either direction

If you have assured that a piece is authentic, then the easiest way to wear it is to keep things as simple as you can. A stussy basic fits the bill here, basic tees and hoodies with quiet branding that will not be a distraction to a CDG logo piece or the ability to determine what is really grabbing the attention of the outfit. It's also an effective way to rotate it during the selection process of which CDG pieces to invest in.

Tags and labels

Look for the inside tag. CDG employs a particular font and printing technique that is difficult for fakeers to get right — even if they have the right way to make the garment. Check for blurriness in the text, errors in spacing, and any tag material that doesn't feel like the same thickness as the rest of the paper. Some counterfeits also have the wrong care label wording, or miss information that's supposed to be placed on the label such as the country that the fabric is made in.

Color accuracy

Official colourways are precise, and they have a specific purpose. A “black” PLAY piece must be black and NOT a charcoal color. Reds also often have a different hue; false reds may be more orange or more maroon than the actual CDG red. When comparing product photos, make sure to view them in natural light, not store light because this can help conceal a color that truly isn't.

Price as a signal

In the words of old, if a price seems too good, it is. The value of PLAY pieces on the resale market is reasonably held and so a heavily discounted “deal” on a popular item, particularly a Converse collab or denim jacket is one of the more reliable red flags out there. The correct version resellers don't get to the market price and then try to sell the pieces at a much lower price.

Buying secondhand safely

Only buy from sellers who post clear, high-resolution images of the tag, the logo close-up and any stitchwork.Only purchase from those who post high-resolution images of the tag, logo up close, and stitchwork, not just a nice full-body shot of the garment. If they don't include additional photos, request them. If a seller is not willing to take the time to show close-ups when requested, then this is a red flag.

What is the quickest method of determining whether CDG is a fake?

First examine the heart logo carefully. The two most likely signs are uneven eye spacing or when the embroidery is loose.

Are fake CDG tags different?

Usually, yes. Common counterfeit features are blurry printing, incorrect font spacing or missing care label information.

Must you always steer clear of a lower price?

While it's not a sign that it's definitely wrong, a big difference in the price of a popular colorway is a good indicator that something might be up.

Is the marketplace for resale of CDG a safe place to buy them?

Some are honest, but always ensure that the photos from the seller are careful and thorough and request closer shots of the logo and tag prior to purchase.

In the case of authenticity should color matter?

Yes. Official colourways are specific and fakes are often slightly off colours particularly reds and blacks.

Is it ever worth buying second hand?

Yes, provided you do the necessary checks first. Lots of genuine CDG is available for inexpensive secondhand prices.