How to find cheap Raf Simons replicas and how to spot the real from the fake.
Raf Simons, The Designer
There’s no argument that Raf Simons is lauded as one of the most celebrated and central figures in the fashion industry. His influence on fashion stretches far and wide as he has found success at nearly every level of the industry. What makes Raf such an inspiring creative force is his range as a designer. From progressive men’s tailoring to graphic, subversive streetwear, his collections have done it all.
“modernity and minimalism with focus on construction and shape”
The Clothing Label
Raf Simons debuted in the fashion world in 1995 with the introduction of his clothing label “Raf Simons”. The clothing label is going strong until today. The “Raf Simons” clothing label is menswear-only label. Raf’s own collections are always provocative. The biggest attribute of his works is modernity and minimalism with focus on construction and shape.
I list some of the top products (of all times) in the Raf Simons clothing line. Along with cheap Chinese copies.
Fake VS Real – How To Check Authenticity
As with all replicas, there’s not one single way to check if an item is real or not. But here are some general rules and things to look out for.
In the comparison above you’ll notice that the fake RS patch has rounded corners. But the most obvious tell is the poor stitching as most fakes lacks attention to detail. And while you can’t spot it in the photo, the fake patch is considerably smaller compared to retail. It’s also not embossed like the original.
Always check for print placement. In the above example the dot should be on the shoulder. The fake version on the right has a really good print, with nice deep colours, but the print placement is off.
Again, attention to detail isn’t Chinese rep makers strong suit. While the saturation, contrast and brightness is off, and can’t compare to a retail, professionally photographed version, you can easily spot the differences between the two. The right, fake version, lacks in its print details and looks blown out. Always double check the print and Google the retail version to compare.
The popular I Love NY Sweater.
Top 10 Most Popular RS fakes
Thank You t-shirt $22 (Note that it is significantly oversized).
I Love NY Sweater $25. See retail photo above. There’s the alternative God Maker version which is slightly more expensive but has had better reviews.
Summer Games Long sleeve $40. Print is correct, but the tag says SS17 and according to a Reddit user it’s a FW17 item.
Raf Simons Denim Shirt $40. Updated batch with correct patch, but lacks a minor yellow colouring underneath the tape.
Raf Simons x Eastpack Backpack $45. A pre-order item and has yet to ship when writing this article. It should be noted that it retails for around $200.
Raf Simons Doll Head T-shirt $15. Pictured above.
Raf Simons x Eastpack Bladerunner PVC Backpack $60.
Raf Simons Navy Blue Denim $35. This is the version without tape, see warehouse photos.
Raf Simons Detroit Runners $65.
Raf Simons Slim Fit Joy Division T-Shirt $18. Retail version pictured above.
Raf Simons New Order Substance Flowers Sweater Hoodie $15.
Raf Simons Guitar Boy Dress Shirt $50.
For more Raf Simons items, browse our RS section.
The Odd and Weird
Raf Simons isn’t known for casual everyday wear. Here are some items you might want to grab just for the hell of it.
The Collar, for those who dare.
$5 Raf Simons collar. This was included for free in some of the retail shirts.
B.Numbers – The most popular Raf Simons rep seller
If you ever browsed for Raf fakes on Taobao, chances are you’ve come across a seller named B.Numbers. Here are a few things you should know about him.
- Carries many rare, uncommon items you can’t find anywhere else.
- Often more expensive compared to other sellers.
- Inconsistent quality. Always use a warehouse to check for quality issues before shipping.
- Known to be rude and difficult to communicate with. Doesn’t allow refunds unless its an obvious flaw.
Classic, archived pieces from early 2000
Pyramid Bomber
Pyramid Bomber was released in the Spring/Summer 200 collection. It is an oversized cotton bomber with a logo print on the back. Quite minimalistic, Pyramid Bomber quickly became notorious among fashion enthusiasts thanks to its nostalgic design which had been popular since 1993.
Legit is sold around $2000 on Grailed.
Fake: There is currently no replicas of this being sold.
The fake is very close to the original with correct colours, knitted with high quality wool.
Raf Simons Disturbed Striped Sweater
This striped knitted sweater comes in different color variations, but the red and blue version is definitely the most sought after. There are two versions, one retail standard and a catwalk version. The latter has a very cropped fit with one of the arms being longer than the other. It should be noted that the original is made of virgin wool, which the copy is unlikely to use.
Legit, catwalk edition: is at $900+
Fake: $22 via Superbuy and Taobao
Virginia Creeper Digicamo
Virginia Creeper Digicamo Hoodie was a part of the Virginia Creeper Fall/Winter collection in 2002. The hoodies contain both camping-inspired design and varsity that were presented in a wooded, dark area. Along with varsity tops and jackets, sleeping bags and camp uniforms, these oversized digital camouflage hoodies were created in both desert and snow tones, creating minimal designs thanks to their effortless drape.
Legit: $200-$400 on Grailed
Fake: There is currently no copies being sold.
Riot Riot Riot Camo Bomber
This is another popular product in the Raf Simons clothing line that quickly gained popularity after its release. It was introduced in the Riot Riot Riot Fall/Winter collection in 2001. The Riot Riot Riot Camo Bomber reflects Raf’s view of teenage rebellion with an elegant, militaristic twist thanks to the patch-adorned, oversized camouflage sweaters, bombers, head wraps, and more. Every item from the Riot Riot Riot collection can easily reach five-digit prices at auction.
Legit: $20 000
Fake: There is currently no copies being sold.
Nebraska Crewneck
Nebraska Crewneck was introduced in the Fall/Winter 2002 Virginia Creeper collection and even today, this sweater continues to be a crowd pleaser thanks to its vintage wash and oversized cut. Every sweater produced in the Nebraska Crewneck line has a unique factory distressing that evolves its own wear and tear over time.
Legit: $900
Fake: There is currently no copies being sold.
Other classic, archived Raf Simons
Consumed Parachute Bomber
Although there are many bondage-strapped products in the Raf Simons clothing line, the Consumed Parachute Bomber still manages to stand out from the rest. The product is commonly found in museums and is rarely seen for sale. Masterfully placed straps, pockets, and strings adorn both the back and the front and can be paired with matching shirts, trousers, and suit jackets. The low-key “mini” versions of this product have also been introduced from time to time but they never reached the same level of popularity.
Consumed Shirt
Consumed Shirt is part of the same collection as the Consumed Parachute Bomber. The key difference between the two products is that the Consumed Shirt is made with red or white prints and features on-trend scattered graphics to demonstrate the creative work of Raf. The graphic of Penelope Tree (famous ’60s model) that is shown on the right center of the product is a repurposed photo from the Black and White Ball.
Poltergeist Sweater and Parka
Released in the Fall/Winter 2005 collection named “History of My World”, the Poltergeist Sweater and Parka pays tribute to Raf’s signature patchwork style. The product takes a much darker approach with a capsule of Poltergeist inspired garments, including parkas and crewneck sweaters with the split text of Poltergeist and featuring a scene from Fascination (1979 cult horror film) directly onto the garment, among many other prints and designs.
Peter Saville Leather Jacket
Released in the Fall/Winter 2004 collection, Peter Saville Leather Jacket implements Peter Saville’s artwork. It is a double-rider style jacket which can be easily found in art and fashion museums across the world.
Raf’s Latest Work: Spring/Summer Menswear Collection 2019
Raf Simons returned to Paris Fashion Week this year to showcase his Spring/Summer 2019 collection for men in a warehouse in Paris. He used sleek colors like green, blue, and many prints like floral ones for the next hot season. This latest presentation by Raf was more of a return to the old tailoring codes that were once required in luxury menswear, prior to the current focus on sportswear casual. Overall, he offered modern wear with bright silhouettes.
