Vintage T-Shirt Forum & Community Authentication Appraisals

Chris here with Holy Idea Tees. So, I was wondering if I might be able to access everyone's extensive knowledge of vintage t-shirts for a moment? I’ve attached some photos of a tee I bought. I know if it is a genuine original it’s a lot of money but I really don’t think it is because it shouldn’t have been this easy to get it. Like they say, if it’s too good to be true it probably is. However, stranger things have happened. So here it goes:

As most vintage t-shirt sluts like myself do, I peruse eBay to see if any unlucky soul happens to be selling a t-shirt they have no idea is worth some money. This one caught my eye for obvious reasons. I researched the brand “ROSSO” but haven’t been able to come up with much other than it was a British brand (I think) which would correlate with the story of the tee. There are also marks and holes on the tee and light wear indicative of it being worn. So, as it was only $10, I went ahead and bought it because if it was fake I wouldn't be out that much money. If anything, it would be an education on how to spot a fake.

So, now that I’ve received it, I’m really stumped because it certainly appears as though it could be real but 99% of me says it’s not. The only thing that is different compared to the one being sold by Stormcrow Vintage is the placement of the graphic. Additionally, if it is fake, do those who fake these kinds of things go through the trouble of stains, holes and other wear? Also, if this guy is selling for thousands of dollars elsewhere, wouldn’t the scammers be asking more than $10?

Lastly, and perhaps most important of all, this came from Thailand. That may be enough evidence in and of itself to know its fake but, like I said, I’m just furthering my education on this stuff in the sum of $10.

Thanks for everyones help!

CK
Instagram: @holyideatees

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One of the problems buying stuff online - the seller can stage the photos so it appears more legit. By your photos you can see that this is one of those tees generated by a modern t-shirt printing machine. Basically provide the image and these machines can print full color tees. Although usually have the dull look this one does.

Another red flag that one of those machines was used is that it's 100% cotton - as they only work with 100% and light colors. The reason being that the ink is actually absorbed into the fabric - rather than sitting on top of it like a screen print.

I did a test on a t-shirt made on one of those machines years ago - if you can't return it and really want to experiment, break out some bleach:

http://www.defunkd.com/blog/vintage-t-s ... ot-a-fake/

Scammers usually pick an obscure tag like that so buyers can definitively say it's modern.

The original also has a non-centered front graphic - looks to sit on the left hand side of the tee. You can also compare the dull vs vibrant colors in images attached.

Pit to pit is about 18.5 inches.

Thanks for the reply man. I figured it was fake but wanted your expert assessment. After reading your post, I must say it is DEFINITELY fake. Live and learn! Thanks for the education!

Hi,
I have an original as was there on the day and bought it from a trader for approx £1 I think. I’ve had it ever since and it is sitting in a drawer in my bedroom ! I’ve only ever seen one before on eBay and they were looking for crazy money for it !