How to Tell if Your Supreme is Real?

Supreme is one of the most valuable brands in the streetwear world – making it a top target for counterfeiters. From $300 Box Logo Hoodies to $1,000 Supreme x The North Face collabs, scammers create increasingly realistic fakes that trick even seasoned collectors.

With fake Supreme items flooding marketplaces like Grailed, StockX, and eBay, being able to authenticate a piece before buying is essential. At LegitGrails, we’ve reviewed thousands of Supreme items – this guide reveals how to spot a fake like a pro.

1. First Warning Signs Before Buying

Before inspecting stitching or tags, the first red flags usually appear in the buying process:

• Price is too good to be true (especially for new Box Logo drops)
  Sketchy sellers: vague photos, no return policy, pressure to pay via Zelle or crypto
• No proof of receipt or purchase history
  

Stick with trusted reselling platforms like GOAT, eBay Authenticated, or StockX. If buying off Grailed or Instagram, always use PayPal Goods & Services and request timestamped photos.

2. Box Logo Authenticity

The Box Logo (aka “Bogo”) is the most replicated part of any Supreme piece – especially on hoodies and tees.

2.1 Bogo Letter Alignment Test (a.k.a. The “Flying E” Test)

A legit Supreme Bogo has laser-sharp embroidery with the following traits:

• The “E” in Supreme should be perfectly horizontal – never tilted (“flying E” = fake)
• Letters never touch or overlap
• “P,” “R,” and “M” have clear inner loops and curved ends
• Use a ruler: all letters should sit on a straight baseline
  

Subtle shifts in alignment or boldness often indicate a fake.

2.2 Color and Stitching

• The box color should be a deep red – not cherry, pink, or dull maroon
• Lettering is matte white, not shiny
• Authentic embroidery features a criss-cross/diamond pattern, not horizontal lines
• On close inspection, threads on the real Supreme flow into the fabric with tight spacing
  

If your logo is angled, uneven, or uses cheap glossy thread – it’s not the real deal.

3. Neck Tags and Wash Tags

Both the neck tag and wash tag hold key authenticity clues. Supreme changes tag formats by season, so knowledge of era-specific details matters.

3.1 Neck Tag Details

• “Supreme” is centered in the bottom third of the tag – not too high or low
• Text should be clean, thin, and printed – not overly bold or smudged
• Spacing Test: the gap between “Supreme” and “Made in USA” or “Canada” is precise. Fakes often crowd these lines together or use misaligned fonts
• In collabs like TNF x Supreme, the neck tag should include both logos with consistent sizing and font sharpness
  

Pre-2010 tags may differ slightly from 2020+ releases – check reference photos from the correct era.

3.2 Wash Tag Tests

• The RN 101837 code must be present – this is Supreme’s registered RN number
• Text is thin, sharp, and deeply printed – not faded or blurry
• Stitch Test: real wash tags are attached with a straight line of stitching and a small flap of fabric above the seam
• Some fake items include wash tags, but the fonts are often bold, thick, or curved
  

Compare your tag with official photos from Supreme’s seasonal collections for accuracy.

4. Hoodie and Shirt Construction

Counterfeiters often skip small but noticeable quality points on hoodies and tees.

4.1 Hoodies

• Drawstrings: Always flat and mid-length – never round or rope-like. Both ends should align with the bottom of the Box Logo
• Material: Supreme uses heavyweight cotton with a soft brushed fleece interior. Fakes may feel lightweight or overly rigid
• The inside neck seam should be clean, with even stitching and no bunching
  

Use the Drawstring Test: round cords or lopsided lengths = likely fake.

4.2 T-Shirts

• No visible neckline stitching from the outside (on short sleeves)
• Text on back neck tag should include correct period spacing (e.g., “U.S.A.” not “USA”)
• For graphics: high-definition printing that doesn’t crack after washes
  

Always verify the colorway and placement of prints for releases like the Motion Logo or CDG Box Logo tees.

5. Supreme Hats: Unique Checks

Caps and beanies have their own verification rules.

5.1 Bogo and Font

• Box Logo on caps is slightly italicized – not fully straight like hoodies
• Real Supreme hats feature 6 rows of tight brim stitching, evenly spaced

5.2 Fold Test

• Fold the cap in half vertically – the eyelets (vent holes) should align perfectly
• Misaligned eyelets or visible underbrim stitching errors usually indicate fakes

6. Still Can’t Tell? Trust Professional Authentication

Even top-tier fakes can pass basic checks. If you’re not 100% sure:

• Submit your item photos (front, tags, stitching, logos) to LegitGrails
• Our experts review your submission in 3 simple steps:
  • Upload photos
  • Receive expert verdict
  • Get a certificate of authenticity in less than 30 minutes
    

Don’t guess when the resale value is hundreds of dollars – know for sure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the RN number for Supreme?

Supreme’s RN code is 101837. It’s legally required on authentic tags and registered under Supreme’s name.

How do I verify my Supreme shirt?

Check stitching at the neckline (should not be visible), the RN tag, logo sharpness, and drawstring material. Or use LegitGrails to be sure.

Is Supreme made in China?

Some items are. Supreme manufactures in USA, Canada, and China, depending on the item. Use tags and print quality to verify origin.

Conclusion

From Bogo alignment to drawstring shape, fake Supreme is easier to spot once you know where to look. But scammers continue to improve their tactics, making surface-level checks less reliable.

When in doubt, get your Supreme item professionally authenticated by experts like LegitGrails. We’ve helped thousands of collectors avoid fakes – and we can help you too.