How To Spot Fake St John Knits

How to Spot Fake St. John Knits: A Comprehensive Guide

St. John Knits is renowned for its luxurious cashmere and sophisticated designs. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to a surge in counterfeit products. Knowing how to identify authentic St. John Knits is crucial to protect yourself from purchasing a fake. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge to confidently differentiate genuine pieces from imitations.

Key Features of Authentic St. John Knits: A Closer Look

Authentic St. John Knits boast several distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from counterfeits. Examining these features carefully will significantly improve your ability to spot a fake.

1. The Label: Your First Line of Defense

The label is your most important clue. Genuine St. John Knits have a distinct label with specific features:

• High-quality materials: The label itself will feel luxurious and sturdy, not cheap or flimsy.
• Precise stitching: The stitching on the label will be impeccable, with no loose threads or uneven seams.
• Correct spelling and logo: Pay close attention to spelling and the St. John logo. Counterfeit labels often contain errors. The logo should be crisp and clear, not blurry or distorted.
• Care instructions: The label will include detailed care instructions, usually indicating professional dry cleaning.

2. Fabric and Construction: Unraveling the Quality

St. John Knits are known for their exceptional quality fabrics and meticulous construction. Examine these aspects closely:

• Fabric weight and feel: Genuine cashmere will feel luxuriously soft and have a certain weight to it. Fake cashmere often feels thin, scratchy, or lacks the proper drape.
• Stitch quality: Look closely at the stitching. Authentic St. John Knits are impeccably sewn, with consistent stitch length and no loose threads.
• Seams: Seams should be neat, flat, and even. Ragged or poorly finished seams are a major red flag.
• Hardware: Buttons, zippers, and other hardware should be high-quality and smoothly functioning. Cheap, flimsy hardware often indicates a counterfeit.

3. Design Details: Subtleties that Speak Volumes

St. John Knits feature intricate design details that are difficult to replicate perfectly.

• Unique patterns and embellishments: Counterfeits often miss the nuances of the original designs. Compare the garment to images of authentic pieces online.
• Color consistency: The color should be consistent throughout the garment. Inconsistent coloring suggests a poorly made imitation.
• Overall fit and drape: Authentic St. John Knits have a distinct luxurious drape and flattering fit. Ill-fitting or awkwardly draped garments are often counterfeit.

Where to Buy Authentic St. John Knits

To minimize your risk of purchasing a fake, it's recommended to buy from reputable sources:

• Authorized St. John boutiques: This is the safest place to buy authentic garments.
• High-end department stores: Reputable department stores typically carry authentic designer brands.
• Trusted online retailers: If buying online, ensure you're purchasing from a trusted and verified retailer. Check their return policies and customer reviews carefully.

Final Thoughts: Investing in Authenticity

Investing in authentic St. John Knits is an investment in quality and style that will last. By taking the time to carefully examine the garment's features, you can confidently avoid counterfeit products and enjoy the luxury of genuine St. John Knits for years to come. Remember, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Prioritize quality and authenticity over a bargain.