How to Spot Fake Moncler: A Complete Guide to Checking Authenticity with Patches and QR Codes Before Buying Secondhand or at Flea Markets
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Because Moncler is so popular, there are a lot of counterfeits , so you need to be especially careful when purchasing second-hand items or on flea market apps.
This article explains how to check authenticity, such as patches, QR codes, and animated tags, in a way that even beginners can understand , and summarizes how to check before purchasing and when you have it in your hands.
By the time you finish reading, you will have developed the ability to judge for yourself whether something is genuine or not.
~~~
First, here's a quick guide to identifying fake Moncler products:
When it comes to Moncler, the key is to check the information you can find out before you buy it and the information you can find out when you hold the actual product in your hands .
If you understand this difference first, you won't be confused about what to look for.
In this chapter, we will organize these priority checks into an easy-to-understand list and summarize the criteria to make the next assessment process go more smoothly.
Tag age (commonly known as "brown tag" or "blue tag")
This tag is seen in the early days, before the product became popular, and since there were few counterfeits in circulation at the time, the probability that it is a fake is "basically" low .
However, "low" does not necessarily mean it is genuine . You should also consider the age consistency (sewing specifications, fabric, and metal fittings) to make a comprehensive judgment.
The difference between pre-purchase checks and on-hand checks
・Before purchasing, check " Who you are buying from (seller) "
・When checking the product at hand, check " what you bought (quality and specifications) "
・Only one of them can lead to misjudgment
→ Safety is enhanced only when you check the product before purchasing and in person.
Three points that beginners should look at first
|
priority |
Check items |
Why is it a priority? |
Ideal state (image description) |
|
① |
Patch texture |
The most obvious difference between counterfeits |
The felt is thick, and the outline of the embroidery is clear. |
|
② |
QR code/serial code |
Evidence that can be objectively verified |
Passes official authentication (displays AUTHENTICATED) |
|
③ |
Reliability of the seller |
First-stage filter to avoid fakes |
Sellers with a history and track record are safer than individual sellers. |
3-point confirmation image (easy to visualize)
・✅ Patches → "Does the embroidery look three-dimensional when you look closely?"
・✅ QR code → "Can I scan it with my smartphone for authentication?"
✅ Seller → "Are there any suspicious comments or transaction history?"
Cases where authenticity is difficult
|
Difficulty |
case |
Why it's difficult |
supplementary explanation |
|
expensive |
Old model (no QR code) |
Authentication tool is not available |
Models from before 2016 do not have serial codes or QR codes, and the tag specifications change over time, so you need to know the model year to identify them. |
|
expensive |
Tag specifications vary by era and factory. |
There is no single correct answer |
Moncler's details may vary depending on the manufacturing factory, and "there are multiple patterns even for genuine products." |
|
Very high |
High-grade counterfeits (elaborate copies) |
Can't tell from the photo |
Recently, the level of reproduction of embroidery, engravings, and materials has become so high that even appraisers have difficulty making a judgment without comparing the details of the actual item. |
・It's easy to mistakenly think that "old models = all fakes"
・I feel reassured just because the tag image looks real.
・Because the price is quite high, people believe it is genuine.
(*Counterfeiters not only sell "too cheap counterfeits" but also "overpriced counterfeits.")
Comprehensive judgment is necessary to spot fakes
The authenticity of Moncler cannot be determined by just one point.
Accuracy can be improved by checking a combination of different items, such as patches, QR codes, tags, and zippers.
Also, since specifications vary depending on the year and model, it is easy to make mistakes if you apply the same standards to all models.
From here, we will clearly explain why comprehensive judgment is necessary.
Why individual judgments are dangerous
Moncler products have many distinctive features in each part, so judging them by looking at only one part may lead to a misjudgment.
In the actual counterfeit market, there has been an increase in "partially specialized counterfeits" in which only one element is made to look exactly like the real thing while other parts are rough, and there are also copies in which only the patches are made to look like the real thing.
|
Dangerous examples |
Why is it a misdiagnosis? |
|
Only the patch is elaborate |
It's hard to notice if the QR code is fake |
|
QR works but the tag is messy |
There is a pattern of genuine serial numbers being reused. |
|
The markings are correct but the stitching is rough. |
Just copying information from multiple factories |
→ Conclusion: It is dangerous to examine only one part of the body because there is insufficient information to make a judgment.
Criteria for checking multiple points
A comprehensive judgment is a method of checking by "comparing" multiple checkpoints .
Accuracy will improve if you view the data in the following order: Appearance → Tags → Functional Parts → Authentication Code.
|
step |
What to check |
meaning |
|
STEP 1 |
Patches and embroidery |
Check the quality difference at a glance |
|
STEP 2 |
Tags/Anime Tags |
Printing and stitching consistency |
|
STEP 3 |
Zippers and engravings |
Parts manufacturer reliability |
|
STEP 4 |
QR code/serial code |
Final confirmation with authentication |
By following this procedure, the chances of oversight are reduced and the "possibility of a fake slipping through" is significantly reduced.
Differences between the old and new models
Moncler tag specifications, authentication methods, and detailed designs vary depending on the era , so applying "new standards" to older models will result in mistakes.
Model Year |
Difficulty in distinguishing |
Key Differences |
2017 and later (new models) |
Relatively easy to understand |
Authentication possible with QR code |
Around 2010-2016 |
Be careful |
There is a mix of QR codes and no QR codes. |
Before 2000 (old model) |
High difficulty |
No serial number/knowledge dependent |
Older models do not necessarily mean fakes.
However, because there is less information, "accurate overall judgment is required."
How to distinguish them from patches and embroidered logos
The easiest way to tell the difference between fake Moncler products is to look at the patches.
The real thing has fine embroidery and thick, luxurious felt, but fakes often have rough stitching and a weak three-dimensional effect.
In this chapter, we will clearly explain the characteristics of genuine patches from three perspectives: material, embroidery, and sewing.
Felt material and embroidery precision
Genuine Moncler patches are characterized by thick felt and dense embroidery that gives them a three-dimensional look .
Fakes tend to have a flimsy texture and blurred edges.
|
Comparison points |
Genuine |
Common characteristics of counterfeits |
|
Felt texture |
Solid thickness and luxurious feel |
Thin and flimsy, prone to pilling |
|
Embroidery density |
The threads are tightly packed and smooth |
Rough and sparse lines |
|
Surface appearance |
Three-dimensional and clear contours |
Flat and lacking definition |
If you touch it lightly with your fingers, you can immediately tell that the fake is thin and the embroidery has weaker steps.
Edging, thread thickness, and three-dimensional effect
The next thing to check is the finish of the edges of the patch and the thickness of the thread .
Genuine products have neatly finished edges and uniform thread thickness, while fake products have uneven edges and threads that are either too thin or too thick.
|
Check items |
Genuine |
fake |
|
Border |
Beautiful curves and cut lines |
Frayed or wavy edges |
|
thread thickness |
Consistent and uniform |
There is variation in thickness |
|
Three-dimensional feeling |
The texture makes the logo stand out |
It looks flat and "flat" |
Many fakes have noticeable deterioration around the edges, so just looking at this will increase the accuracy of your assessment of authenticity.
Moncler logo sewing (attaching a patch)
The genuine article has neat, even stitching along the edge (outer periphery) of the patch , and the backstitching is well-placed.
Fakes are prone to "floating" due to inconsistent distance from the outer circumference, bending, and loose thread tension .
Check that the seams do not become rough at the R (curvature) of the corners.
Stitching position misalignment and roughness
The last thing to check is the stitching position and alignment .
The genuine article has the logo sewn on in a balanced manner, whereas the fake article has the logo sewn on tilted to one side or has a rough, sloppy finish.
|
Decision points |
Genuine |
fake |
|
position |
Fits perfectly in the default position for each model |
Misaligned/Left/Right |
|
Sewing |
Fine and uniform stitches |
The stitching is rough and protruding |
|
Installation feel |
Blends naturally with your clothes |
May appear to be floating |
How to check authenticity using a QR code and serial code
When it comes to Moncler products, you can be more certain of determining whether they are genuine by checking the QR code or serial code in addition to the patch .
Recent models have a system that allows authentication by simply scanning the card with a smartphone , so even beginners can check it with confidence.
In this chapter, we will clearly explain the steps to check on the official website and the points to note when using older models that do not come with a code.
How to check on the official certification site
Recent Moncler products have a QR code and serial code on the inside tag.
You can verify authenticity by scanning this on the official authentication page.
Authentication Procedure
|
STEP |
Things to do |
point |
|
1 |
Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera |
Shooting so that the image is not blurred |
|
2 |
Automatically access the official authentication page |
Make sure it's a Moncler-only page |
|
3 |
See the Authentic (Genuine) Verification Display |
Be careful if it says "Mismatch" or "Not registered" |
*Even if you cannot read the QR code, many of them have a 12-digit serial code in the same tag , so you can check it by entering it manually.
Notes for old tags/models
Not all Moncler products have QR codes.
Older models from before around 2016 may not have a QR code or serial code .
|
Model Year |
Authentication Method |
Points to note |
|
Since 2017 |
Check with QR code and serial code |
The most reliable determination |
|
2010-2016 |
There are models with and without it. |
"None" does not mean "fake" |
|
Before 2000s |
No QR or serial number |
Check the quality of the patches, stitching, and tags |
Since the old model has "less information = harder to detect," a comprehensive judgment (checking multiple points) is required.
Criteria for determining when codes do not match
Even if you scan a QR code or serial code and it is not authenticated, you cannot immediately conclude that it is a fake. It is important to stay calm and check the following points.
|
situation |
possibility |
correspondence |
|
“No match” display |
High possibility of fake |
Check other parts of your hand |
|
Unable to read due to error |
Malfunction or dirt on the reading side |
Try it a few times and check again |
|
It's an old model and there's no code. |
Old model specifications |
Check from the date information |
How to spot fakes using anime tags (comic labels)
The anime tag (comic label) is a tag with a design unique to Moncler, and is a checkpoint that makes it easy to distinguish from counterfeits .
The genuine article has beautifully colored prints and precisely detailed lines, but the fake article has dull colors and thick lines, making the sloppy print stand out .
Additionally, differences in stitching and design from different eras can also be used as factors to determine whether a product is authentic or not, so in this chapter we will provide specific explanations on how to tell them apart.
Print color and line thickness
There is a big difference in the clarity of the printing on genuine and fake anime tags .
The real thing has clear outlines and vibrant colors, but counterfeits often have dull colors and thick lines.
|
Comparison points |
Genuine |
fake |
|
Color development |
Vivid and transparent |
Dull and cloudy |
|
Printing lines |
Thin and clear depiction |
Too thick/looks blurred |
|
Precision of the design |
Reproduce every detail |
Easy to omit or distort |
Tips on how to tell the difference
-
Check if the "boundaries" of the picture are clean
-
Pay attention to whether the character's eyes and outlines are blurred.
The difference between seams and edges
There are differences not only in the printing, but also in how the tags are attached .
The genuine article has carefully finished edges and evenly spaced seams.
On the other hand, fakes are often applied carelessly, with wrinkled edges and rough thread ends.
|
part |
Genuine |
fake |
|
Edge processing |
No fraying and neatly folded |
The corners are not rounded and appear to float. |
|
stitch |
Even and straight |
There are bends, unevenness, and loose threads |
|
Finishing |
Blends naturally into the jacket |
It looks unnaturally floating |
Decision points
-
Are the corners of the tag clean?
-
Is there any thread sticking out?
Differences in label design by generation
Anime tags undergo subtle changes in specifications over the years, so you should avoid hasty conclusions such as "it's a fake just because it has an old design."
|
era |
Features |
Difficulty in distinguishing |
|
New tag (recent model) |
Vivid colors and thin lines |
Easy to distinguish |
|
Mid-term model |
The print is clear, but the specifications may change |
Comparison required |
|
Old tag |
Lighter color and paper quality change |
There is little information and it is difficult |
-
Even if it is the same genuine product, there may be differences in texture depending on the year of manufacture.
-
Therefore, it is more reliable to check not only by printing but also by checking the patch and QR code.
How to distinguish details such as zipper and snap engravings
The difference in finish between genuine and fake items is clear not only in patches and tags, but also in small details such as zippers, buttons, and metal fittings.
Moncler products in particular are made with a particular focus on the quality of the metal fittings , so simply looking at the depth and shape of the engraving and the brand engraving on the zipper can be used to determine authenticity.
In this chapter, we will clearly organize and explain the points that should be checked for each part .
Zipper brand and stamped shape
Genuine Moncler products also have consistent manufacturer markings on the zippers .
Typical examples include "Lampo," "riri," and "VISLON," and are characterized by deep engravings that are carved all the way to the edges.
Zipper— Lampo 's "◯R"
A common feature of genuine products is that the "◯R" part of the pull handle or slider engraving appears slightly squashed (not perfectly round).
The thickness of the mold makes the outline appear slightly compacted (flattened), while fakes tend to have a nice, perfectly round shape with a shallow engraving .
Also, check the depth of the engraving, smoothness of the chamfer, and overall gloss.
On counterfeits, the markings may be shallow, blurred, or uneven.
Also, the edges of the handles are often rough and can feel rough to the touch, so care must be taken.
Button and rivet engraving
The snap buttons and rivets are also engraved with the Moncler logo, and the authentic version has beautifully curved letters with clear steps .
In a fake, the "O" may appear oval, or the typeface lines may be unnaturally thin (or too thick).
Furthermore, the position and angle of each button on the genuine product is precise, while on the counterfeit product, they are often positioned imperfectly, which also shows the difference in quality.
Hook brand
Genuine products often use snaps made by the Italian company FIOCCHI , which have uniform engraving depth and sharp edges.
Counterfeit products tend to have shallow engravings, smudged letters, or wavy surfaces.
*There are exceptions depending on the era and factory, so the rule of thumb is not to make a judgment based on the hook alone.
Drawcord accessories
The differences in the finish of the parts are also evident in the drawcords (cords used to tighten the hem and hood).
Genuine products have heavy cord stoppers and metal parts, and are uniformly rounded and smoothly finished.
On the other hand, counterfeit products may use parts that are too light or have noticeable burrs (remaining marks from the machining process).
In some cases, the paint may come off if you pull too hard, so it's important to check not only the appearance but also the feel.
Identify down based on thickness, feather volume, and weight balance
When determining the authenticity of Moncler, the most difficult thing to fake is the quality of the down inside .
The real thing is made with high-quality goose down, with a perfect balance of thickness, feather volume, and weight.
On the other hand, fakes often only look similar, and when you actually touch them, they tend to have unnatural swellings and are extremely light.
In this chapter, we will clearly explain how to determine if down is genuine based on its texture and fluffiness.
Tips for judging by feel rather than appearance
|
Comparison points |
Authentic (Moncler genuine product) |
Counterfeits and copies |
|
tactile sensation |
Soft and fluffy |
Only the surface is bulging, and the inside feels empty |
|
Repulsion force |
It returns to its original shape immediately after being pressed (bouncy resilience) |
It is slow to return to its original shape even when pressed, and it easily loses its shape |
|
Feather bias |
It spreads evenly inside |
It tends to become uneven or clump. |
|
How thickness appears |
Natural volume |
Unnaturally bloated and appears to be floating |
|
Warmth to the touch |
Feel the warmth the moment you touch it |
It is often cold to the touch |
-
✅ Check the "feel when pressed" instead of a photo
-
✅ The real thing is "light and soft, yet packed tightly"
-
✅ Fake products are often "light" or "sparse"
-
✅ The speed at which feathers return (resilience) is also important
-
✅ Be careful of uneven or lumpy food
Unnatural bulges that are common in fake down jackets
|
Comparison points |
Authentic (Moncler genuine product) |
Counterfeits and copies |
|
How it expands |
"Flexibly expands" along the lines of the body |
It expands into a round shape, giving it a "costume-like" feel. |
|
Three-dimensional feeling |
Natural thickness for a smart look when worn |
The thickness is too uniform and looks unnatural |
|
Shoulder and arm shape |
Moderate room for easy movement |
Your shoulders and arms are so swollen it's hard to move. |
|
Content density |
It's light but feels stuffy |
It looks thick but the inside is hollow |
|
silhouette |
Well-balanced from both the front and side |
When viewed from the side, it looks as thick as a log |
The danger of being too light
|
Comparison points |
Authentic (Moncler genuine product) |
Counterfeits and copies |
|
Feeling of weight |
It's very lightweight, but you can feel that it's packed with content. |
Just being light can easily feel "empty" |
|
Heat retention |
It's warm from the moment you put it on |
It's light but doesn't transmit heat |
|
Feather Balance |
It is evenly distributed in each part |
There is a bias in each area |
|
Lifting sensation |
Light yet dense with a "concentrated" feel |
Light as air with no core of weight |
|
Experience when wearing |
Maintains a layer of air to block outside air |
Outside air gets in and it gets cold easily |
Why is down too light dangerous?
-
✅ Many counterfeit products have reduced filling, mistaking "lightness" for "luxury."
-
✅ The real thing is lightweight but has a "warmth-retaining bulk"
-
✅ Extremely light items are likely to be made to reduce material costs .
-
✅ Be careful if there is no feeling of blockage when you touch it.
-
✅ Products that move strangely between the shoulder and cuff when held (and have no contents) are typical fakes.
Sales information to look at before buying second-hand goods or at flea markets and characteristics of dangerous sellers
There are many second-hand items and flea market apps on the market where it is difficult to tell from photos alone whether they are genuine or not.
In fact , it is safer to check the seller's information and description before checking the product itself .
This is because whether an item is genuine or fake depends greatly on the carefulness of preparation before listing and whether the description is consistent.
In this chapter, we will clearly summarize tips on how to determine at an early stage whether an item is dangerous, even before seeing it in person.
The inconsistency seen from the price and description
When checking out Moncler items at second-hand or flea markets, first check the pricing and description to eliminate any suspicious listings early on.
You should be especially careful if the product has any of the following characteristics:
|
Check items |
Safe Selling |
Dangerous listings (high possibility of fakes) |
|
price |
Market price (100,000 to 200,000 yen range) |
Obviously cheap (less than 50,000 yen) |
|
Market price explanation |
Specify "date of purchase," "number of times worn," "model number," etc. |
Cheap for no reason/lack of explanation |
|
Status column |
Honestly describe any stains or damage |
Just keep repeating "Brand new" |
|
Seller Information |
Receipt/Box/Warranty card |
No information or vague |
|
Phrases |
Honest and thorough explanation |
Ambiguous expressions such as "guaranteed authentic" and "genuine product" |
You should be especially careful of evasive expressions such as "I think it's genuine" or "It was described as an authentic product."
If they are writing in a way that does not take responsibility, it is likely that they are not confident in the authenticity of the information.
Distinguishing between real photos and reused images
In many cases, fake Moncler listings use "reused images picked up from somewhere, rather than actual photos."
It will be easier to distinguish between the two if you check the following points in particular:
|
Check items |
Safe Selling |
Dangerous listings (possibility of reuse) |
|
background |
"Backgrounds with a sense of life" such as homes, floors, and closets |
White background / Studio style / Unnaturally beautiful |
|
How the light hits |
Every photo is different |
All photos taken from the same angle, with the same light and uniform image quality |
|
Wrinkles and creases |
Natural wrinkles from wear and storage |
It's like new, "completely unaffected" |
|
Close-up of logo or patch |
Shooting from multiple directions |
Only one photo, out of focus |
|
Photographing tags and QR codes |
Close-up and clear |
There are no tag photos at all |
You should be especially careful with images that have a pure white background, no shadows, or an image quality that is unusually clear and uniform.
This is often the case when images from online product pages or overseas e-commerce sites are simply reused , and there is a possibility that the product may be listed as "out of stock" and there is no actual product on hand.
Pitfalls of parallel imports and overseas shipping
The most common problem when purchasing second-hand items or at flea markets is listings that advertise "parallel imports" or "overseas shipping."
Not all of them are dangerous, but you should be careful as these are the routes where counterfeits are most likely to sneak in .
Be wary if the listing description and conditions are as follows:
|
Check contents |
Important Notes |
Why is it dangerous? |
|
Shipped from |
Overseas warehouse / China, Hong Kong / Korea |
There may not be a product on hand |
|
Purchased from |
"Overseas outlets," "parallel imports," "purchased items" |
The origin is unclear, making it difficult to verify authenticity |
|
certificate |
"No accompanying documents" "Receipt lost" |
No real backing |
|
price |
Clearly cheaper than the retail price |
Typical patterns of counterfeit products being mixed in |
|
Tags |
Blurry photos / No listings |
Hide tags if you can't create them intricately. |
Particularly dangerous is the phrase " Immediate purchase OK even though shipping is overseas ."
If it's genuine, there will likely be some time lag due to inspection and storage, but if it emphasizes that it's available for immediate purchase and immediate shipping, it's likely a stock trick that's based almost entirely on images.
How to choose the right route to buy authentic products safely
The most important thing to ensure you get the real thing is where you buy it .
The risk of counterfeit Moncler products being mixed in varies greatly depending on the seller, so the first safety measure you should take is to choose a reliable purchasing channel.
In this chapter, we will clearly explain how to buy safely and the criteria for selection.
The benefits of authorized dealers and certified second-hand stores
The safest place to buy Moncler is from an authorized retailer or a second-hand store with a system in place to verify authenticity.
These retailers only sell genuine products and provide warranties, purchase histories, and after-sales support , so there is no risk of worrying later.
Even when buying second-hand items, it is important to choose a store that has systems in place to prove its reliability, such as being "authenticated," "having a clear seller," and "having a return policy."
How to buy safely on BUYMA and flea markets
It is possible to purchase genuine products on sites such as BUYMA and Mercari, but there are some things to be aware of.
In particular, you should always check the seller's sales record, the content of the reviews, the angle of the photos, and whether or not they have tags.
Be wary of sellers who provide vague descriptions or who are slow to respond to comments (or avoid doing so).
Before purchasing , request a photo of the patch, QR code, or animated tag to ensure it meets the checkpoints.
The deciding factor for expensive items is whether or not they have a warranty.
With expensive down jackets like Moncler, the post-purchase warranty is a great source of peace of mind.
Authorized retailers and certified second-hand stores will provide documents such as purchase certificates, receipts, and shop cards to verify authenticity.
On the other hand, sellers that do not offer a warranty have difficulty handling returns, and in the worst case scenario, you may have to "just accept a fake."
Ideally, the higher the amount, the more peace of mind you should have when choosing a policy that includes or does not include a guarantee .
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summary
To identify fake Moncler products, it is important to not only check the appearance, such as the patches and embroidery, but also to comprehensively check multiple points, such as QR code and serial code authentication, zipper engraving, and the thickness and weight balance of the down .
Especially when purchasing second-hand or through a flea market app, it's easier to avoid counterfeits by judging the reliability of the seller, the thoroughness of the product description, and the quality of the images.
There has been an increase in sophisticated counterfeits that are close to the real thing, but if you know how to tell them apart as explained here, you will definitely be able to check them with your own eyes more often, allowing you to choose down jackets with confidence.
If you are considering making a purchase, choosing a reliable purchasing route will ensure a successful purchase.
From now on, please use this article as a reference and choose authentic Moncler products with confidence.