Ripndip is a streetwear brand known for its playful and bold designs, especially the iconic “Lord Nermal” cat graphic. Its quirky and irreverent style has made Ripndip hoodie a favorite among skaters, streetwear enthusiasts, and fans of eccentric fashion. However, with its rise in popularity, the market has seen an influx of counterfeit Ripndip products, particularly hoodies.

Buying fake merchandise not only compromises quality but also supports unethical business practices. This guide will help you spot authentic Ripndip hoodie and avoid fakes, ensuring that you get a genuine product worthy of your investment.

Buy from Official and Verified Retailers

The easiest way to ensure you’re purchasing a legitimate Ripndip hoodie is to buy directly from official sources. Here’s where you should be shopping:

Ripndip Official Website: The best place to buy authentic Ripndip merchandise is from their official website, where you can find the latest collections and exclusive drops.
Authorized Retailers: Ripndip also partners with several trusted retailers like Zumiez, PacSun, and other well-known streetwear or skate shops. Always verify that the retailer is an official partner by checking Ripndip’s retailer list on their website.
Limited Edition Releases: Ripndip often drops limited-edition collections that are available exclusively through official channels or pop-up events. Be wary of these being sold elsewhere, especially at drastically discounted prices.

By sticking to official and authorized stores, you significantly reduce the chances of buying counterfeit items.

Examine the Logo and Branding

Ripndip hoodies are easily recognizable due to their playful and unique graphics, particularly the infamous Lord Nermal Cat. Pay close attention to the following details to spot fakes:

Logo Consistency: Authentic Ripndip hoodies feature the brand’s signature logos and characters, including the well-known “Ripndip” wordmark. Check the font, spacing, and size of the logo to ensure it matches the official version. Fake hoodies often have misaligned or poorly reproduced logos.
Lord Nermal Cat: Look closely at the details of the famous Lord Nermal graphic (the cat with the hidden middle finger). The design on authentic hoodies will be crisp, sharp, and well-printed, whereas counterfeits often have blurry, off-color, or distorted versions of this character.
Ripndip Tag: Authentic Ripndip hoodies will have a well-made tag with the brand’s logo, care instructions, and size information. This tag should be sewn into the neckline and not glued or poorly stitched.

Red Flags:

Blurry or Faded Graphics: If the design looks pixelated, washed out, or poorly printed, it’s likely a fake.
Incorrect Font or Spacing: Fakes often use slightly off fonts or misaligned text for the Ripndip logo.

Feel the Fabric Quality

Ripndip hoodies are known for their high-quality materials, which provide comfort and durability. If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a hoodie, touch and feel the fabric:

Premium Material: Authentic Ripndip hoodies are made from thick, soft cotton or cotton-blend fabrics. The hoodie should feel substantial but comfortable. If the material feels thin, rough, or cheap, it’s probably not authentic.
Stitching Quality: Look closely at the stitching along the seams. Authentic Ripndip hoodies have clean, tight stitching with no loose threads or uneven seams. Counterfeit hoodies may have poor stitching, which could lead to the hoodie falling apart after a few wears.
Interior Quality: Check the inside of the hoodie. The lining should be soft and comfortable, without any rough patches or poorly sewn areas. Ripndip’s hoodies are designed for long-lasting wear, so if the inside feels scratchy or poorly made, it’s likely a fake.

Red Flags:

Thin, Flimsy Fabric: If the hoodie feels lightweight or low-quality compared to what you’d expect from Ripndip, it’s likely a knock-off.
Messy Seams and Loose Threads: Poor craftsmanship is a tell-tale sign of counterfeit merchandise.

Inspect the Printing and Graphics

Ripndip is famous for its bold and creative graphics, which are always printed with precision and care. Here’s what to look for:

High-Quality Printing: Authentic Ripndip hoodies have vibrant, well-defined graphics that are applied with high-quality printing techniques. The design should be clear, with sharp edges and consistent colors. Counterfeits often use cheap printing methods that result in faded, peeling, or cracking graphics after a few washes.
Durability: The graphic on a genuine Ripndip hoodie will not fade or crack easily, even after multiple washes. If the design looks like it might peel off, or if the print is already showing signs of wear, it’s likely a fake.

Red Flags:

Faded or Patchy Graphics: If the colors look faded or the graphic is peeling even before the hoodie is washed, it’s not authentic.
Poor Color Reproduction: Authentic Ripndip designs use vibrant colors. If the colors on the design look off, dull, or patchy, it’s a fake.

Pay Attention to the Price

Price is a huge indicator when it comes to authenticity. Ripndip hoodies are premium streetwear items, and their price reflects that:

Realistic Pricing: Authentic Ripndip hoodies typically range from $60 to $100, depending on the design and release. If you see a hoodie being sold for a significantly lower price, especially new, it’s likely a counterfeit.
Discounted Fakes: Counterfeiters often lure buyers with prices that seem too good to be true. If you come across a deal that feels unrealistically cheap—like a brand-new Ripndip hoodie for $20—it’s almost certainly a fake.

Red Flags:

Extreme Discounts: Be cautious if the price is much lower than the standard retail cost, especially from unofficial sources. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Check for Official Packaging

Authentic Ripndip hoodies typically come in high-quality packaging that reflects the brand’s attention to detail:

Branded Packaging: Ripndip often uses branded packaging, which may include a branded plastic bag or tissue paper with the Ripndip logo. If the hoodie arrives in generic or poor-quality packaging, it’s a sign that the item might be fake.
Care Tags and Stickers: Along with branded packaging, Ripndip may include care instructions or sticker packs with your purchase. If these are missing, or if they look poorly made, it could be a sign of a counterfeit.

Red Flags:

Generic Packaging: A Ripndip hoodie should not arrive in a plain plastic bag with no branding. Counterfeiters often use cheap, unbranded packaging to cut costs.

Seller Reputation and Feedback

If you’re buying from an online marketplace or a third-party seller, always check their reputation and reviews:

Check Reviews: Look at the seller’s reviews and ratings. If others have reported receiving fake items, stay away.
Ask for Detailed Photos: Ask the seller to provide multiple photos of the actual hoodie, especially close-ups of the logo, tags, and graphics. If they’re reluctant or provide only stock images, that’s a red flag.
Verify Return Policies: Reputable sellers should offer a reasonable return policy in case you’re not satisfied with your purchase. Be cautious of sellers with no return policy.

Red Flags:

No Feedback or Negative Reviews: If a seller has no reviews or a significant number of negative reviews, it’s safer to avoid them.
Stock Photos Only: A lack of original product photos is a warning sign. Reputable sellers should be able to provide clear, detailed photos of the actual item.

Stay Updated on Official Ripndip Drops

To avoid getting scammed by counterfeiters, it’s essential to stay updated on Ripndip’s official releases:

Follow Ripndip on Social Media: Ripndip regularly announces new drops, collaborations, and limited-edition releases on their social media accounts. Following them ensures that you know where and when to buy authentic merch.
Email Newsletters: Sign up for Ripndip’s newsletter to receive direct updates about their latest collections and special releases. This helps you stay ahead of counterfeiters who may advertise fake versions of new products.

By staying informed, you can be sure that you’re buying from official sources and not falling victim to fake products.

Conclusion: Be a Smart Buyer

Ripndip bold, quirky designs make it a beloved brand in streetwear culture, and getting your hands on authentic merchandise ensures that you’re wearing high-quality, original clothing. Counterfeit hoodies may come with lower prices, but they also bring poor quality, misleading branding, and contribute to unethical practices.

To recap, here’s how to spot an authentic Ripndip hoodie:

Buy from official or authorized sources like Ripndip’s website or trusted retailers.
Inspect the logo and branding for clean, well-printed details.
Feel the fabric to ensure it’s soft, durable, and well-stitched.
Check the print quality for vibrant colors and durable designs.
Be wary of extreme discounts—if the price seems too low, it’s likely fake.
Look for branded packaging that includes care tags and extras.