How to Spot a Fake Jellycat

Jellycat stuffed animals have become incredibly popular over the past few years. Known for their soft, plush fabrics and adorable designs, Jellycats have amassed a huge following of collectors and fans.

Unfortunately, with popularity comes counterfeits. Fake Jellycats have flooded the market, making it difficult to tell real from fake. As a Jellycat collector myself, I’ve learned how to spot a fake and make sure I’m getting the real deal.

Here’s my guide on how to spot a fake Jellycat stuffed animal:

Check the Tag

The easiest way to spot a fake Jellycat is to check the tag. Real Jellycat tags have the following features:

• The Jellycat logo, featuring a white cat inside an oval shape
• The proper spelling of “Jellycat”
• A hologram or metallic authenticity sticker
• A sewn-in tag made of satin or silky material
• The proper product name and number

Fakes may have a cheap printed tag, misspellings, no hologram sticker, and inferior materials.

Run your fingers over the tag – real Jellycat tags feel luxurious and high-quality.

Inspect the Face

Jellycats are known for their adorable, expressive faces. Fakes often get facial features wrong:

• Eyes – should be embroidered, not printed. Embroidered eyes use thread to add depth and dimension.
• Nose – varies by animal, but should be firmly stitched on, not floppy or poorly attached.
• Mouth – should have clean, tight stitching. Watch for loose threads or uneven shapes.
• Whiskers – if the animal has whiskers, they should be made of strong thread, not plastic.

Study old tags for comparison. Get to know what the real faces should look like.

Feel the Fabrics

Jellycats use premium fabrics like plush, fleece, and velour. Their fabrics feel luxuriously soft and smooth.

Fakes tend to have inferior fabrics that feel rough, thin, or flimsy. Real Jellycat fur feels deliciously soft and dense.

Some things to look for:

• Plush – Long, feathery fibers with a smooth texture
• Fleece – Soft, short fibers that feel almost silky
• Velour – Smooth, velvety finish with a slight sheen

Rub the fibers between your fingers – real Jellycat fur should feel cloud-like.

Review the Finishing

High-quality finishing is a Jellycat trademark. Inspect the following areas closely:

Seams

Seams should be tight, neat, and consistent. Watch for loose threads, gaps, or uneven stitching.

Stuffing

Fluff and squeeze the animal to feel the stuffing inside. Real Jellycat stuffing is plush and springy. Fakes may be lumpy or too firm.

Paws & Limbs

Check that limbs are firmly stuffed and attached. Real Jellycats have rounded, well-formed paws.

Ears & Tail

Ears and tails should be made of quality material and neatly stitched on. Make sure they are firmly attached.

Real Jellycats feel like a premium, well-made product. Fakes tend to have sloppy, inferior finishing.

Examine Small Details

The devil’s in the details when spotting a fake Jellycat. Subtle features to examine include:

• Paw pads – should be nicely shaped and stitched
• Toes – evenly formed and segmented
• Nose/ear tips – stitching should be precise
• Whisker holes – clean cut, not ragged
• Eye highlight marks – evenly embroidered

Pore over every inch – flawless execution reflects true Jellycat quality.

Trust Your Instincts

With practice, you’ll develop an “eye” for real Jellycats. Trust your gut if something seems off. Ask yourself:

• Does the overall quality feel high-end?
• Does this look like the real product photos?
• Does the price seem too good to be true?

When in doubt, it pays to be skeptical. Demand tags, packaging, and other proof before purchasing.

If your Spidey senses tingle, walk away and keep looking!

Buy From Reputable Sellers

To ensure you’re getting 100% authentic Jellycats, buy only from:

• The official Jellycat website
• Authorized retailers like Nordstrom or Harrods
• Trusted individual sellers with proven track records

Avoid flea markets, random online sellers, and sketchy sites. Don’t be tempted by unbelievable deals.

Stick to reputable sources – it’s worth paying more for the real thing!

Hopefully these tips will help you avoid fake Jellycats and spot counterfeits. By inspecting tags, materials, craftsmanship and trusting your instincts, you can buy with confidence. The joy of finding that perfect, authentic Jellycat is worth the effort. Happy hunting!