Woodyw1988’s Love Letter to 90s Football Shirts
Introduction Welcome to the first instalment of KitLegit’s Collectors Series Blog, where we dive into the stories, passions, and treasures of football shirt collectors from around the globe. At KitLegit, we believe every football shirt tells a story—a memory stitched into fabric, a moment frozen in time. To kick off this series, we’re thrilled to introduce Woody, known as woodyw1988 on Instagram and the co-host of That 90s Premier League Podcast. A lifelong Sheffield Wednesday fan and a connoisseur of 90s football memorabilia, Edward’s collection is a vibrant tapestry of nostalgia, passion, and personal history. Today we’ll unpack his journey and discover what makes his collection a true kit lover’s dream. A 90s Obsession Born in Childhood The 90s were a golden era for football. Bold kits, unforgettable moments, and larger-than-life players defined a decade that still holds a vice-like grip on fans’ hearts. For Woody, that nostalgia isn’t just a fleeting memory—it’s a way of life. With a collection that boasts somewhere between 300 and 350 football shirts (he’s lost count, and who can blame him?), Woody has turned his childhood obsession into a treasure trove of 90s football culture. “I’ve always been obsessed with shirt designs,” he says, his enthusiasm practically leaping off the page. “It started as a kid, but it got serious during COVID when I expanded my collection.” The Heartbeat of Hillsborough For Woody, collecting football shirts isn’t just about owning pieces of fabric—it’s about chasing memories. Growing up as a Sheffield Wednesday fanatic, his love for the Owls runs deep, and his collection reflects that devotion. “Sheffield Wednesday mainly,” he explains when asked about his focus, “then 90s Premier League.” It’s a nod to an era when kits were unapologetically loud—think geometric patterns, baggy fits, and sponsors that screamed character. But among the sea of blue and white stripes and retro Premier League gems, one shirt stands above the rest: the Sheffield Wednesday 1995-97 match-worn, long-sleeve Chris Waddle kit. A Hero’s Shirt, A Collector’s Dream “Chris Waddle’s my footballing hero,” Woody says. “That shirt’s my favorite and probably the most valuable or rare in my collection.” It’s easy to see why. Waddle, with his dazzling wing play and iconic mullet, was a symbol of flair in an era that celebrated individuality. To own a match-worn piece from such a legend is to hold a slice of football history—one that Woody cherishes deeply. Yet, for all the prestige of his Waddle shirt, it’s another kit that holds the most sentimental value: the 1993-95 Sheffield Wednesday black away shirt. “It was my first ever shirt, given to me by my mum for my fifth birthday,” he recalls. “It’s not just the design—it holds a special place in my heart.” That single sentence captures the essence of what collecting is for Woody: a bridge to personal milestones, family, and the pure joy of being a fan. The Hunt for Authenticity Building a collection of this magnitude hasn’t been without its challenges. Sourcing shirts, especially those from the 90s, is a labor of love that requires patience, trust, and a keen eye. Woody’s approach is methodical yet community-driven. “There are some great trusted sellers within the community,” he advises. “Start with them. Then Vinted and eBay can have some gems.” Authentication, however, is where things get tricky. “The older the shirt, the harder it is to verify,” he admits. “Not many have product codes, and fakes are getting more accurate.” To combat this, Woody leans on his network—chatting with sellers, requesting detailed photos, and consulting fellow collectors for second opinions. It’s a collaborative spirit that underscores the camaraderie in the kit-collecting world. A Shrine to Football’s Past Once a shirt joins his collection, Woody treats it with the care it deserves. “I’m lucky to have a kit room where I store and hang my shirts,” he says, painting a picture of a football shrine that any fan would envy. Preservation is key, especially for pieces like his match-worn Waddle kit or that cherished birthday gift from his mum. Each shirt is a time capsule, and Woody ensures they’re ready to spark joy for years to come. Wisdom for the Next Generation For aspiring collectors, Woody’s advice is refreshingly heartfelt: “Enjoy every second! Don’t pressure yourself to be like someone else.” In a world where social media can turn passions into competitions, his words are a grounding force. “Take your time, enjoy the hunting, and shop around to ensure the best value,” he adds. “It’s all about memories for me.” That philosophy shines through in every facet of his collection, from the thrill of tracking down a rare 90s Premier League kit to the quiet pride of displaying his childhood favorite. More Than Just Shirts Woody’s journey is a testament to the magic of football shirts. They’re more than merchandise—they’re vessels of nostalgia, symbols of fandom, and threads that connect us to the game’s soul. As he continues to grow his collection and share his love for the 90s through That 90s Premier League Podcast, one thing is clear: for Woody, every shirt is a story waiting to be told. Stay tuned for more from our Collectors Series Blog, where we’ll uncover the passions and treasures of football shirt collectors worldwide. Want to make sure your collection is authentic? Download KitLegit today to get your kits authenticated. And if you’re a collector with a story to share, we’d love to hear from you! What’s your favorite football shirt memory? Drop it in the comments below, and let’s keep the nostalgia alive.
Keep it legit: how to avoid counterfeit football shirts this holiday season
With the holiday season in full swing and the rush to buy your loved ones the perfect gift, here are our tips to ensure that you stay safe and avoid counterfeit football shirts. The Background It’s no secret that online shopping is the new standard, with over 60% of consumers preferring to buy goods online rather than in-store. This is music to the ears of counterfeiters who make tidy sums during the holiday season. By setting up online shops with seemingly good deals, low stock incentives, and fake reviews, it’s very easy for a scammer to get a hold of your money. Here’s how you can avoid it. If It’s Too Good to Be True, It Is At this point in the season, in December, you won’t find this season’s kit for anything under 80% of the price, and that’s only if the store or club shop is running a discount. If you find this year’s kit for a tempting £15, then it’s definitely a counterfeit. Be wary, scammers are smart – some will price their kits up all the way to the £60 or £70 mark, which increases their margin, but it is still the same counterfeit kit you’d get for £15. The same applies to retro kits, which are all the rage right now. Jump on any number of Chinese sites and you’ll see a classic Barcelona Ronaldinho kit from 2006, or a Zidane 1998 shirt for pennies. If they’re real, you likely won’t find these kits for under £100. If it’s too good to be true, it probably is. Be Wary of Markets, Avoid Street Sellers It goes without saying that anything being sold on the street in any tourist destination is fake. If you’re in Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, Rome, or Paris to name a few – avoid, avoid, avoid. The same can be said of any unofficial shops touting holiday promotions. Would you hang a £100 shirt out in the street for anyone to take? No, official products are always inside the shop and closely watched by store employees. Markets are hit-or-miss. Many collectors and sellers get booths at these markets to sell their wares. If they’ve done their due diligence, then you’ll likely get an authentic product, but if they haven’t… be wary. Always ask if they’re part of the KitLegit ecosystem as we work with many small businesses across the UK, France, Portugal, and Spain to help build trust and authenticate their products. You can check the list of our Certified Partners here, as well as our database of sellers. Stay Safe on Online Marketplaces If you’re bargain hunting on any one of Vinted, eBay, Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or Depop (to name a few), then be prepared to ask a lot of questions. Going back to our first point, if you find this season’s kit, brand new with tags, for peanuts – it’s fake. Pre-loved goods are harder to tell but the first point of reference is always photos. If the user has listed just the front and the back of the shirt, be sure to email them for more photos of all the labels and details before purchasing. If they refuse, it’s probably counterfeit. If they do send you the photos, then run them through the KitLegit app for security. We need between 3 and 8 photos to give you a result, but be sure to follow all of the instructions when doing your check to ensure complete accuracy. In an ideal world, the seller you’re shipping from is already using KitLegit. They may list a product with a QR code overlay, attach a PDF certificate or a link to their product hosted on KitLegit. Be sure to scan any QR codes and ensure that they are indeed coming from kitlegit.com and not a knock-off site! Shipping times and availability Another great way to tell a counterfeit is through availability. If the shirt is retro or vintage, then it shouldn’t be selling in multiple sizes with personalisation options. This is a great way to detect a counterfeit seller on a marketplace or independent website. Likewise, another easy indicator of authenticity is also the shipping time the seller mentions in the product details. In most cases, a shipping time of 10-14 days means it’s coming from Asia and is likely a fake. This is a favored tactic by dropshippers! Use the KitLegit App The secret tool to stay safe this holiday season and avoid a counterfeit. By running items through KitLegit before you purchase, you ensure that you’re getting the real thing. If you’re shopping in-person, you can simply take photos of the item with your phone. If you’re shopping online and have access to all of the details of the shirt (we need more than front and back), then you can upload the photos into the app to run a check. An alternative way is to ask the seller of the item to run a KitLegit check on their side and provide you with a link to the result. KitLegit checks take under 40 seconds to complete, and if done correctly, are 99% accurate in detecting fake goods between 2000-2025. If you’re shopping for a rare vintage piece before this time, you can submit a manual check for review by our experts in 24 or 72 hours! The Takeaways Common sense is always your greatest ally when shopping for gifts this holiday season. If it’s too good to be true, the seller is suspect, or you have that gut feeling – then you’re probably about to buy a counterfeit. To be extra sure, KitLegit is always available in the App Store and PlayStore to support you when both buying and selling. From the KitLegit team, stay safe and happy holidays!
KitLegit 101: How to spot a fake Nike football shirt
Nike has been a trailblazer in football since its early days, offering quality gear with impressive marketing campaigns and brand recognition. For decades, Nike has been outfitting top football clubs, teams, and players, becoming synonymous with football culture and iconic designs that have become fan favorites, like the Total 90 segment of the early 2000s. So, how do you stay safe and avoid buying a fake Nike football shirt? Check the security tags Nike security tags are found either on the front of a football shirt, or on the inside seam close to the wash labels. Not all teams and seasons have security tags, but the majority of shirts after the year 2000 should have these present. These are a great way to find a fake – look for spelling mistakes and poor quality stitching. Since authentic shirts have completely unique security codes, it is very difficult to determine authenticity from these digits unless you know exactly what to look for. A great tool to check the security codes is the KitLegit app. Check the style code labels Style code labels are found in most modern shirts (post-2000) just under the care label. This usually shows some great information including the season, size, style code and UPC barcode. Googling the style code is a great way to see if the shirt matches other items found on the web, while the other digits on this label are also great ways to see if the information is a match. Many counterfeiters use the same label for many different shirts, often resulting in a mismatch of information. Swing tag details Genuine Nike swing tags will reference the specific team or country, while fakes often use generic terms and may have spelling errors present. There will usually also be a reference to the style code found on the style code label tag as well as the UPC barcode. Be sure to also check that the UPC barcode is legitimate and a sticker, not simply printed on to the cardboard to ‘look legit’. Inspect the care label The care label is typically located inside the shirt, near the waist area. Its primary function is to provide consumers with specific instructions on how to care for their Nike football shirt. However, it also serves as a useful tool for identifying counterfeit products. First, ensure that the country of manufacture is listed on this label, as this is a legal requirement. If you’re particularly savvy, you can verify that this matches the actual country of manufacture for the specific shirt and season. Additionally, examine the label for any spelling errors or inconsistencies. Counterfeiters often overlook these details, making them a significant indicator when trying to spot a fake football shirt. Check the logos, crest and stitching Counterfeit jerseys often reveal themselves through small flaws. Common mistakes include incorrect stitching, typeface issues, and misshapen stripes. For instance, a fake Nike shirt might have incorrect colors or inconsistent patterns, which are clear signs of a counterfeit. Additionally, examine the overall stitching and placement. Check if the crest is correctly positioned and if the stitching appears professional. Also, consider the sizing—does a medium fit like a true medium? While these assessments can be subjective, when combined with the aforementioned indicators, they generally provide a reliable way to determine the authenticity of a football shirt. Look for other red flags When assessing the authenticity of a Nike football shirt, consider factors like price, source, and availability. You generally won’t find the latest season shirt for significantly less than the retail price. If it’s being sold for £12.99, this is a major red flag. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re buying a retro shirt, consider whether it’s likely to come brand new with tags. In most cases, this is unlikely. Use KitLegit To be completely sure, try KitLegit – the authentication app for football shirts – designed to digitally detect counterfeits in seconds. Just upload or snap a few photos of your football shirt and the technology will authenticate it for you.
The Four Worst Marketplaces to Buy Genuine Football Shirts
As football enthusiasts, we all cherish the thrill of donning our favorite team’s jersey. But in a world where counterfeit merchandise runs rampant, how can you ensure that the shirt you proudly wear is the real deal? Fear not! We’ve got your back with this complete guide on spotting fake football shirts.
KitLegit 101: How to spot a fake Adidas football shirt
Adidas has been a pioneering force in football since its inception, providing innovative gear and sponsoring major events. The brand made history by supplying the official ball, TELSTAR, for the 1970 FIFA World Cup™, marking the beginning of a long-standing partnership with the tournament. Over the years, adidas has been synonymous with football culture, outfitting legendary players and national teams, and introducing iconic products like the Predator boots, which revolutionized the game since their debut in 1994. So, how do you stay safe when buying an Adidas football shirt. Let’s dive into it. Start with product codes Product codes are a key factor to examine when looking to authenticate your Adidas football shirt. These six-character codes, usually found on the collar tag, should reference the item in question when searched online. Counterfeits typically use incorrect or unrelated product codes, leading to different or random Adidas products. The Adidas product code is usually the 2nd line of the tag, found under the date on the first line. In the example below, the style code is HY3375. Your first step should be to use a search engine to check this product code. However this is not full-proof, as counterfeiters are getting better – even product codes can lie. So what’s your next step? Swing tag details Genuine Adidas tags will reference the specific team or country, while fakes often use generic terms. If the tag reads “ADIDAS JSY” on a team jersey, it’s likely not authentic. There will usually also be a reference to the style code found on the collar tag. A real barcode is also mandatory, if not present – time to get suspicious. This is not always possible if the shirt is used or the swing tags are damaged. Authenticity tags Authenticity tags, which are usually found on the reverse of the Style Code tag on the collar are another great way to authenticate your Adidas football shirt. This is usually in the form of. QR code with numbers present on the top and bottom of the tag. Some fake Adidas Football shirts may lack these tags. The numbers on these tags are usually unique so it is a harder element to confirm, but ensure that at the very least, this is present on your shirt. Inspect the care label The care label is usually found on the inside of the shirt, around the waist area. It’s purpose is to give consumers specific instructions on how to care for your Adidas football shirt. For our purposes, it also doubles as a great way to identify a fake. Double check that the country of manufacture is present on this label (this is required by law), and if you’re really good – that it matches with the actual country of manufacture for this shirt and season. Another great way is to look at the label for any spelling mistakes or inconsistencies. Counterfeiters often cut corners, and this is a big giveaway when trying to detect a fake football shirt. Check the logos, crest and stitching Counterfeits often betray themselves with flawed logos. Common errors include incorrect stitching, typeface issues, and misshapen stripes. For example, a counterfeit soccer jersey might exhibit connected ‘d’s and an oddly shaped stripe, which are clear indicators of a fake. Other places to look is general stitching and placement. Is the crest in the correct place, does the stitching look professional? Also look at the size, does the medium actually fit like a medium? These are subjective analyses but when combined with the above indicators, can generally give you a good idea of what you’re working with. Look for other red flags When assessing an Adidas football shirt’s authenticity, consider other factors like price, source and availability. You generally won’t find the latest season shirt for very much under the asking price, if it’s being sold for £19.99 – this is a key red flag to consider. If it’s too good to be true, it usually is. If you’re buying a retro, is it likely that it would come brand new with tags? Unlikely. Use KitLegit KitLegit is the authentication app for football shirts – designed to digitally detect counterfeits in seconds. Just upload or snap a few photos of your football shirt and the technology will authenticate it for you. Download KitLegit here!
David Beckham’s Legal Triumph: A Landmark for Brand Authenticity
As football enthusiasts, we all cherish the thrill of donning our favorite team’s jersey. But in a world where counterfeit merchandise runs rampant, how can you ensure that the shirt you proudly wear is the real deal? Fear not! We’ve got your back with this complete guide on spotting fake football shirts.
A Comprehensive Guide to Identify Fake Football Shirts
As football enthusiasts, we all cherish the thrill of donning our favorite team’s jersey. But in a world where counterfeit merchandise runs rampant, how can you ensure that the shirt you proudly wear is the real deal? Fear not! We’ve got your back with this complete guide on spotting fake football shirts.
Football Finery x KitLegit: Recapturing Nostalgia
Football isn’t just a sport; it’s a tapestry of stories, emotions, and memories that bind fans across the globe. For many, like Chris Cooper, the journey begins in childhood, with a first match that imprints on the heart. It’s the sight of gleaming team buses and the roar of the crowd that ignites a lifelong passion.
Le Parc à Maillots x KitLegit: A Journey of Authenticity and Passion
In the heart of France, a passion for football and a commitment to authenticity gave birth to an online retail phenomenon: Le Parc à Maillots. Founded by Andréas Athée, a football enthusiast with a keen eye for genuine merchandise, Le Parc à Maillots has quickly become a trusted name in the world of football apparel.
Le Parc à Maillots Becomes First French Gold-Certified Seller with KitLegit
London, February 27, 2024 — KitLegit, the leader in AI-powered sports apparel authentication, is thrilled to announce its relationship with Le Parc à Maillots, the first Gold Certified seller in France. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our mission to protect consumers from counterfeit products and fraud, by providing the most innovative, accessible, and cost-effective technology to authenticate sports merchandise. Le Parc à Maillots, renowned for its authentic and attractively priced football shirts, has achieved Gold Certification from KitLegit. This means that all listings on Le Parc à Maillots are authenticated via KitLegit, providing buyers with the utmost confidence in their purchases. “Working with KitLegit is a testament to our commitment to authenticity and quality,” said Andréas Athée, the founder of Le Parc à Maillots. “We are proud to be the first Gold Certified seller in France and look forward to providing our customers with the assurance they need when purchasing sports apparel.” KitLegit’s AI-powered football shirt authentication tool is the first counterfeit checker to be fully-automated and available to consumers. “Our work with Le Parc à Maillots further solidifies our commitment to ensuring authenticity in the sports retail and collectibles space,” said Alex Protsenko, the founder of KitLegit. About Le Parc à Maillots Le Parc à Maillots is a trusted online retailer specializing in authentic football shirts. With a wide range of products from various clubs and national teams, Le Parc à Maillots is committed to providing football fans with genuine merchandise at competitive prices. The company’s dedication to authenticity and quality has earned it the distinction of being the first Gold Certified seller in France by KitLegit. About KitLegit KitLegit helps consumers stay safe in the sports retail and collectibles space through secure sports apparel authentication. Our AI-powered football shirt authentication tool is the first counterfeit checker to be fully-automated and available to consumers. We detect counterfeit sports merchandise through imagery, helping sellers showcase authenticity and buyers ensure they’re buying the real thing. For more information about KitLegit and the Le Parc à Maillots, visit www.kitlegit.com or follow us on social media: @kitlegitapp. Press Contact: Luke Elden, Marketing Director: luke.elden@kitlegit.com | Phone: +44 7590 426857 Note to Editors: High-resolution images and additional information are available upon request.