brand focus
3 minute read
How to Spot a Fake CP Company Goggle Jacket
Words by Heather June Coombs
A genuine Goggle Jacket’s lens is part of the garment, not an afterthought.
The Goggle Jacket: Knowing What to Look For
The C.P. Company Goggle Jacket is a design classic. Founded by Massimo Osti in 1971, C.P. Company has a history of innovation in fabric and garment dyeing. The Goggle Jacket, specifically, is a statement piece. It’s also one of the most counterfeited garments. Knowing the genuine article quickly separates the informed buyer from the hopeful.
Badge and Lens Construction
Focus on the left sleeve pocket. This is the primary indicator. The lens itself should be made from a high-quality optical-grade plastic, not flimsy perspex. It should be clear and free of distortion. The frame holding the lens should be firmly stitched, often with a slight curve, and typically made from the same garment-dyed fabric as the jacket. Cheap fakes often have a flat, poorly integrated lens that feels tacked on. On newer models, examine the C.P. Company engraving on the lens – it should be sharp, not blurry. The badge itself (if present – some models are lens-only or have a fabric flap) is crucial. Genuine badges will have precise stitching, often with slight variations in thread thickness for a textured logo. The "C.P. Company" text should be crisp and legible, not smudged or uneven. The attachment of the badge to the sleeve is also key: it should be securely sewn on, often with a zig-zag stitch, and feel robust.
Zips and Hardware
C.P. Company uses high-quality zips primarily from YKK or Lampo. Check the zip pullers. They should be substantial, often branded with "C.P. Company" or "YKK" or "Lampo". The teeth of the zip should engage smoothly and feel durable. Fakes often use generic, lightweight zips that snag easily. Look at other hardware too: poppers, toggles, and buckles. These should all feel solid and well-engineered. If a metal component feels like cheap, painted plastic or lightweight alloy, that’s a red flag. The branding, if present, will be clean and deep-stamped, not surface-printed or poorly etched.
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Fabric and Dyeing
C.P. Company is renowned for its innovative fabrics and garment dyeing techniques. This is hard to replicate. The fabric of a genuine Goggle Jacket will have a rich, complex depth of colour that only comes from true garment dyeing. It won't be a flat, single-tone colour. The hand-feel should also be distinctive – whether it's a technical shell, a soft cotton gabardine, or a hard-wearing nylon, it will feel substantial and unique. Examine the stitching throughout the jacket. It should be neat, consistent, and strong. There should be no loose threads or uneven seams. Garment-dyed pieces will have a slight variation in colour intensity, particularly around seams and edges, which is a characteristic of the dyeing process, not a flaw. Flat, uniform colour is often a sign of a cheaper, pre-dyed fabric.
Internal Labels and Swing Tags
Inside the jacket, look for the main neck label. It should be securely sewn in, often with multiple lines of stitching. The text will be clear, with the C.P. Company logo correctly rendered. Check for spelling errors on any internal labels. Swing tags, if still attached, can also offer clues. While easier to fake, genuine tags use high-quality card stock, often with embossed or raised print, and usually incorporate holographic elements or specific fonts. Cross-reference any product codes or season details on the tag with online archives or official C.P. Company resources. A missing wash label or a poorly printed one is also suspicious. Pay attention to the fabric composition and care instructions – these should be precise and detailed. Buying pre-owned means due diligence. Investigate the seller, ask for detailed photos, and compare what you see with examples of genuine items. A deal that feels too good to be true often is.
