Let me be real with you — once you get a taste of real Cortiez gear, there’s no turning back. As someone who’s been deep in the UK streetwear scene for years, I’ve seen firsthand how Corteiz (aka Crtz) went from a whispered underground movement to an absolute cultural force. But with all that hype comes the inevitable flood of fakes and bootlegs, and trust me — you don’t want to be caught out wearing a knockoff.
This is your ultimate guide to spotting authentic Corteiz gear, straight from someone who lives and breathes this brand. Whether you’re copping a Corteiz hoodie, scoping out a pair of Corteiz cargos, or adding shorts or a tracksuit to your rotation, I’m going to walk you through every single detail you need to know.
Why Authentic Corteiz Matters
Let’s be honest: wearing fake Corteiz isn’t just embarrassing — it’s a straight-up violation of the culture. Corteiz stands for authenticity, rebellion, and community. When you rock a genuine Crtz piece, you’re not just wearing clothes — you’re wearing a message. So if you want to rep the brand properly, you’ve got to know how to spot the real from the fake.
1. Know Where It Drops – Official Channels Only
First thing’s first: Corteiz does NOT sell through retailers or third-party websites.
If you’re trying to grab gear off eBay, Depop, or some dodgy reseller site, you’re already playing with fire. Corteiz releases its pieces directly through limited drops — usually via password-protected websites or exclusive location-based pop-ups. If you missed the drop, your safest bet is buying from a trusted, verified reseller — and even then, proceed with caution.
Red Flag: Any store claiming to be an “official” Corteiz distributor is lying. The brand controls every part of its distribution — that exclusivity is key to its identity.
2. Inspect the Logo Closely
The most iconic part of any Corteiz piece is its Alcatraz logo — the prison tower enclosed in a globe. I’ve seen so many fakes that get this wrong. Here’s how to spot the real deal:
- Clarity and Symmetry: The bars of the prison tower should be clean and well-stitched or printed. Fake versions often have blurry lines or uneven spacing.
- Embroidery Quality: On hoodies, cargos, and tracksuits, the globe logo is often embroidered. Real Corteiz embroidery is tight, detailed, and raised. If it’s flat, fraying, or misaligned — it’s fake.
- Lettering: The brand name “Corteiz” or “Crtz” should always be in the correct stylized font. If you notice any funky spacing or misprints — walk away.
3. Fabric Quality and Feel
One thing I’ve always respected about Corteiz Hoodie is the premium quality of the materials. Whether it’s a hoodie, a pair of cargos, or even their shorts — everything feels substantial.
- Corteiz Hoodies: These are heavyweight, thick, and warm with a soft fleece lining. The stitching around the cuffs and hem is always neat.
- Corteiz Cargos: Real ones use durable, ripstop or cotton-twill fabrics. They’re built to take a beating and still look fresh.
- Corteiz Shorts and Tracksuits: Even their lighter gear has a structured feel. The zippers work smoothly, drawstrings are thick, and logos don’t peel or fade.
Quick Tip: If it feels cheap, thin, or flimsy — that’s your cue it’s fake.
4. Stitching and Construction
This is where fakes always fall short. Authentic Corteiz Cargos is stitched with precision. Take a look inside the seams of a hoodie or the hem of your cargos:
- Double Stitching: Real pieces usually feature double-stitched seams — especially around the pockets and cuffs.
- No Loose Threads: A true Corteiz item won’t have random strings hanging out. Fakes often cut corners here.
- Reinforced Areas: On cargos and tracksuits especially, high-wear areas like knees and elbows are reinforced.
5. Tags and Labels
One of the easiest giveaways of a fake Corteiz piece is the inner label. Here’s what I’ve found on real gear:
- Corteiz Branded Neck Tags: These include the logo, size, and washing instructions.
- Made in Details: Authentic Corteiz typically says “Made in England” or “Made in Portugal.”
- QR Codes and NFC Tags: Some newer drops even include tech-enabled tags for verification. Fakes almost never go this far.
Red Flag: If your tag says “Made in China” or doesn’t mention Corteiz at all — it’s fake.
6. Sizing and Fit
Corteiz Shorts has a distinct streetwear cut. I know how every piece is supposed to fit, and that’s how I’ve dodged fakes in the past:
- Hoodies: Boxy, oversized fit with dropped shoulders.
- Cargos: Loose around the legs but fitted at the waist, often with adjustable straps or cuffs.
- Shorts: Mid-thigh to just above the knee, relaxed with utility pockets.
- Tracksuits: Slightly tapered joggers with a snug but relaxed fit, paired with a roomy zip-up or pullover.
Fakes often miss the mark completely and have awkward proportions.
7. Price is Always a Clue
If you find a “brand new Corteiz hoodie” for £30, it’s too good to be true — and probably fake. Corteiz isn’t cheap, and that’s part of the brand’s appeal. Authentic pieces usually fall in these ranges:
- Hoodies: £100–£150
- Cargos: £110–£160
- Shorts: £70–£100
- Tracksuits: £160–£220
Paying anything significantly less than this should raise an eyebrow unless you’re dealing with a trusted source during resale.
8. Official Drop Announcements
Before every drop, Corteiz usually teases the release on their official Instagram (@crtz.rtw) or through viral marketing stunts. I’ve followed their rollouts for years, and they’re always unpredictable but strategic.
Only buy from drops or resellers who can provide proof of purchase, order confirmations, or packaging details. Bonus points if they show screenshots from the actual drop event.
9. Community Verification
Sometimes, I just can’t be 100% sure about a piece. When in doubt, I always turn to the Corteiz Tracksuit community. There are multiple forums, Reddit threads, and even IG groups where heads are quick to call out a fake.
Posting clear photos of logos, stitching, tags, and fit will usually get you an accurate answer within minutes. The Corteiz community doesn’t play when it comes to authenticity.
10. Trust Your Gut
After a while, you develop a sixth sense for what’s real and what’s cap. If something feels off — it probably is. Don’t be afraid to walk away. Wait for the next drop. It’s always worth it to cop real Corteiz than flex a fake one.
Final Word: Stay Sharp, Stay Real
Corteiz isn’t just clothing. It’s a lifestyle, a community, a movement — and that’s exactly why authenticity matters. I’ve made it my mission to rep the brand right, and if you’re reading this, I know you’re trying to do the same.
So next time you’re eyeing a hoodie or hunting down a pair of cargos, remember these tips, take your time, and cop with confidence. The streets are watching — and when you’re in authentic Corteiz, they’ll know.
