If you’ve tried securing a pair of Eric Emanuel mesh shorts during a Friday drop, you already know the struggle. As the undisputed king of summer streetwear, EE shorts sell out in seconds, leaving many fans with no choice but to turn to the resale market. However, with massive popularity comes an influx of highly convincing replica mesh shorts. In this comprehensive legit check guide, we'll break down the subtle differences between genuine EE shorts and cheap counterfeits, saving you from spending premium money on fake streetwear.
🩳 Eric Emanuel Shorts Overview
Eric Emanuel has earned the undisputed title of the "King of Mesh Shorts." What started as a niche sportswear brand operating out of New York City's Garment District has exploded into a global streetwear phenomenon. Best known for his signature double-layered mesh shorts, Emanuel has managed to turn a gym class basic into one of the most highly coveted items in fashion.
1. Brand Background & Origins
Eric Emanuel founded his eponymous label in New York City with a simple mission: to elevate vintage American sportswear. Drawing heavy inspiration from '90s hip-hop culture, basketball aesthetics, and classic athletic gear, Emanuel focused intensely on perfecting the mesh short.
While the brand now produces hoodies, sweatpants, tees, and collaborative sneakers (with the likes of Adidas, Reebok, and major sports franchises), the EE Basic Mesh Short remains the flagship product that sells out in seconds every week.
Made in the USA
A key point of pride for the brand is its manufacturing. Almost all Eric Emanuel shorts are manufactured locally in New York City's Garment District. This close proximity to production allows Emanuel to personally oversee quality control and maintain a highly responsive, fast-paced release schedule.
2. Key Features of the EE Basic Mesh Short
What makes these shorts so distinct compared to standard gym shorts?
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Premium Mesh Construction: Unlike cheap, scratchy single-layer mesh shorts, genuine EE shorts feature a soft, breathable, and heavy-duty double-layered polyester mesh. It is designed to prevent transparency while maintaining high-airflow breathability.
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The Signature "EE" Logo: Typically screen-printed or direct-dyed onto the left thigh, the interlocking "EE" logo has become a massive status symbol in the streetwear community.
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7-Inch Inseam (Above the Knee): Optimized for a modern, slightly retro look, the shorts are designed to sit comfortably above the knee (approximately a 6.5" to 7" inseam depending on the exact production batch).
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Ribbed Elastic Waistband: Heavyweight elastic with an internal, adjustable drawcord offers structural security and comfort.
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Deep Pockets: Practical deep side pockets prevent phones and keys from falling out, making them highly functional for casual daily wear.
3. Why Eric Emanuel Shorts Became Popular
✦ Basketball Nostalgia
A major reason for the brand’s success is nostalgia.
The shorts reference:
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AAU Basketball Culture
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High School Gym Uniforms
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90s NBA Aesthetics
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Vintage Sportswear
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Early-2000s Athletic Fashion
Eric Emanuel essentially transformed ordinary mesh shorts into a luxury-streetwear collectible.
✦ Limited Weekly Drops
One of the brand's biggest strategies is scarcity.
Eric Emanuel became known for:
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Weekly Friday Releases
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Small-Batch Production
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Rapid Sellouts
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Highly Limited Collaborations
This release strategy created strong resale demand and hype culture similar to sneaker drops.
Few mesh shorts have become as recognizable in modern streetwear as Eric Emanuel shorts. What started as a niche basketball-inspired silhouette has evolved into one of the most copied items in contemporary fashion resale culture. Below are the most important details to examine before making a purchase.
🧭 Eric Emanuel Shorts Real vs. Fake Guide
⚡ Quick Comparison Table
| Check Point | Authentic Characteristics | Red Flags |
| Mesh Fabric | Thick premium athletic mesh | Thin or flimsy mesh |
| EE Logo | Sharp embroidery or print | Crooked or blurry logo |
| Waistband | Heavy elastic construction | Weak or twisted waistband |
| Drawstrings | Thick premium cords | Thin cheap strings |
| Interior Tags | Crisp labels & correct fonts | Typos or blurry printing |
| Stitching | Dense and symmetrical | Loose or uneven seams |
| Side Trim | Balanced alignment | Crooked panel placement |
| Pockets | Structured and reinforced | Thin pocket lining |
| Fit & Cut | Luxurious relaxed shape | Awkward proportions |
1. Mesh Fabric Quality
One of the fastest ways to identify fake Eric Emanuel shorts is the mesh itself.
Authentic pairs use heavyweight athletic mesh with a premium feel that stands apart from ordinary sports shorts. The material feels structured, breathable, and durable without becoming stiff.
Counterfeit pairs often use cheaper lightweight mesh that feels overly thin or synthetic.
✔️ Real:
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Thick athletic mesh
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Premium textured feel
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Durable double-layer construction on many releases
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Structured drape
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Consistent perforation pattern
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Matte finish rather than shiny plastic appearance
❌ Fake:
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Thin see-through mesh
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Lightweight or paper-like feel
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Cheap shiny synthetic texture
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Uneven mesh holes
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Poor structure when worn
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Excessively stretchy fabric
2. EE Logo Accuracy
The iconic "EE" logo is one of the most recognizable details on Eric Emanuel shorts — and one of the most commonly flawed areas on replicas.
Many fake pairs struggle with logo placement, stitching density, and font proportions.
✔️ Real:
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Sharp embroidery edges
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Clean symmetrical lettering
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Consistent spacing
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Dense stitching
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Accurate logo sizing
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Smooth finish without thread fraying
❌ Fake:
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Crooked lettering
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Thick or distorted font shape
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Loose embroidery threads
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Uneven spacing
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Flat low-density stitching
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Inconsistent placement between pairs
3. Waistband Construction
Authentic Eric Emanuel shorts use a premium elastic waistband that feels secure and substantial.
The waistband should maintain its structure even after repeated stretching.
Fake pairs often use weak elastic that twists easily or feels overly soft.
✔️ Real:
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Thick elastic structure
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Strong tension
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Clean waistband stitching
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Smooth interior finishing
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Shape retention after stretching
❌ Fake:
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Thin elastic band
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Weak tension
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Twisting waistband
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Uneven seam lines
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Cheap lightweight construction
4. Drawstrings & Cord Quality
Eric Emanuel shorts typically feature premium drawstrings that feel thicker and more refined than ordinary athletic shorts.
Replica pairs frequently use generic shoelace-style cords.
✔️ Real:
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Thick woven drawstrings
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Soft premium texture
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Consistent color finish
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Cleanly finished tips
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Durable construction
❌ Fake:
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Thin synthetic cords
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Rough texture
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Fraying ends
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Cheap plastic tips
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Uneven dye coloring
💡 Small details like drawstrings often reveal overall manufacturing quality.
5. Interior Tags & Labels
Interior labels remain one of the most reliable authentication checkpoints.
Authentic Eric Emanuel tags feature clean typography, proper spacing, and consistent materials.
Counterfeit manufacturers often struggle to replicate tag quality accurately.
✦ Main Tags to Inspect
Brand Label
Usually includes:
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Eric Emanuel branding
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Size information
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Production details
Care Label
Typically contains:
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Fabric composition
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Washing instructions
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Country of manufacture
Size Tag
Should feature:
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Clean font spacing
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Proper stitching alignment
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Consistent sizing format
✔️ Real:
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Crisp text printing
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High-quality woven labels
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Correct spacing
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Sharp font edges
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Straight stitching attachment
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No spelling mistakes
❌ Fake:
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Blurry text
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Thin paper-like labels
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Misaligned fonts
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Uneven stitching
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Typos or spacing errors
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Cheap synthetic tag material
⚠️ Always compare multiple tags together instead of relying on only one label.
6. Stitching Precision
Authentic Eric Emanuel shorts show strong overall craftsmanship throughout the garment.
Seam construction should appear symmetrical and tightly finished.
Many fake pairs show inconsistent stitching quality under close inspection.
✔️ Real:
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Dense stitching
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Straight seam lines
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Reinforced stress points
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Symmetrical construction
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Minimal loose threads
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Clean interior finishing
❌ Fake:
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Uneven stitch spacing
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Loose threads
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Crooked seams
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Weak reinforcement
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Messy interior stitching
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Visible construction flaws
7. Side Trim & Panel Alignment
Many Eric Emanuel shorts use striped side trim or layered panel construction inspired by vintage basketball uniforms.
Replica pairs frequently struggle with symmetry and alignment.
✔️ Real:
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Balanced stripe placement
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Straight panel lines
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Symmetrical proportions
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Smooth transitions between fabrics
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Consistent stitching paths
❌ Fake:
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Crooked stripes
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Uneven panel widths
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Wavy seam lines
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Misaligned trim
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Color bleeding between sections
📌 Compare both legs carefully — authentic pairs are usually extremely symmetrical.
8. Pocket Construction
Pocket quality is another underrated authentication detail.
Authentic Eric Emanuel shorts usually feature reinforced pockets that feel integrated into the garment rather than loosely attached.
✔️ Real:
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Durable pocket lining
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Reinforced opening seams
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Structured pocket shape
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Smooth interior construction
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Balanced pocket depth
❌ Fake:
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Thin pocket material
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Weak stitching near openings
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Loose internal fabric
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Uneven pocket depth
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Poor interior finishing
9. Fit & Overall Shape
Eric Emanuel shorts are known for a relaxed luxury athletic fit.
Counterfeit pairs often fail to replicate the proportions correctly.
Authentic shorts typically sit comfortably with a structured but casual drape.
✔️ Real:
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Balanced relaxed fit
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Structured silhouette
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Comfortable leg opening
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Proper inseam proportions
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Premium drape when worn
❌ Fake:
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Strange oversized shape
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Excessively long inseam
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Awkward tapering
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Poor fabric drape
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Cheap gym-short appearance
🧠 Pro Tips for Buyers
When Shopping Online
Always:
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Request close-up tag photos
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Ask for waistband images
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Inspect logo stitching carefully
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Compare seller photos to verified pairs
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Review seller history and feedback
Avoid listings that:
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Use only stock images
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Blur interior labels
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Hide important details
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Refuse additional photos
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Offer unusually low prices
When Buying In Person
Check:
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Mesh thickness
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Logo embroidery quality
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Drawstring texture
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Waistband tension
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Pocket construction
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Overall garment weight
💡 Authentic Eric Emanuel shorts usually feel far more premium than ordinary mesh basketball shorts.
❓ FAQ: Eric Emanuel Shorts Authentication
Q1. Are all Eric Emanuel shorts made from the same mesh material?
No. Fabric weight and texture can vary slightly between collections and seasonal releases. However, authentic pairs consistently feel premium and well-constructed.
Q2. Are fake Eric Emanuel shorts common?
Yes. Eric Emanuel shorts are heavily counterfeited due to strong resale demand and popularity within streetwear culture.
Q3. Is the EE logo enough to authenticate a pair?
No. Some replicas copy the logo surprisingly well. Always inspect multiple details including tags, waistband construction, stitching, and fabric quality.
Q4. Do authentic Eric Emanuel shorts always fit oversized?
Generally, authentic pairs feature a relaxed athletic fit, but exact sizing may vary depending on the release.
Q5. Can fake pairs have convincing tags?
Yes. Some higher-end replicas imitate tags relatively well, which is why overall construction quality matters just as much.
Q6. Are lower resale prices automatically suspicious?
Not always. Some sellers price items aggressively for quick sales. However, extremely low prices combined with poor photos or missing tags should raise concern.
Q7. What is the most reliable authentication detail?
There is no single perfect indicator, but mesh quality, logo precision, and tag consistency together are usually strong authentication checkpoints.
📝 Final Thoughts
Authenticating Eric Emanuel shorts ultimately comes down to material quality, construction precision, and consistency across details.
While counterfeit manufacturers can imitate the general appearance, they often fail to reproduce the premium craftsmanship that authentic pairs consistently deliver.
If you remember just three things:
✔️ Inspect the mesh quality carefully
✔️ Check the EE logo precision
✔️ Verify the interior tags and stitching
—you will immediately avoid many obvious fake pairs.
For limited releases or expensive resale purchases, always compare multiple authentication points together rather than relying on one detail alone.
The more details you inspect, the harder it becomes for counterfeit products to fool you.