Real vs. Fake: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black” Authentication Guide

8th August 2025 EDT FEATURES

Real vs. Fake: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black” Authentication Guide

How to distinguish an original TNF jacket from its replica, according to SNKRDUNK's professional authenticators.

Real vs. Fake: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black” Authentication Guide

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket "Black" Retail US$

The North Face, a popular outdoor brand originating from America, has created an iconic piece with the Nuptse Jacket. This down jacket became a symbol of the 1990s hip-hop scene and continues to maintain strong popularity in streetwear culture.

However, due to its status as a highly coveted staple item, numerous counterfeit versions circulate in the secondary market, making careful consideration essential when purchasing.

This guide focuses specifically on The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black” and examines how professional authenticators at SNKRDUNK distinguish between authentic and counterfeit items. While this represents only a portion of the authentication methods employed, it serves as a valuable reference for those hesitant about purchasing from secondary markets.

Understanding The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black”

The classic Nuptse Jacket is actually available in three different regional specifications: Japanese, American, and Korean variants distributed by Goldwin, each featuring slightly different designs and details. This analysis focuses on the American specification “1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket,” which faithfully reproduces the style originally released in 1996.

Key features include a relaxed box silhouette and 700 fill power goose down insulation, evidenced by the “700” embroidery on the left sleeve. These details distinguish it from the Japanese specification version and contribute to its appeal. The jacket maintains high popularity and frequent trading activity on SNKRDUNK.

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Authentication Points

▪︎Brand Name Tag

The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket "Black"

The brand name tag reveals significant differences between authentic and counterfeit versions. Examination shows distinct variations in the typography of letters “C” and “O” in the brand name between genuine and fake versions.

▪︎Chest Logo Embroidery

Similar to the brand name tag, the chest logo embroidery displays different typography for letters “C” and “O”. Additionally, the half-dome embroidery specifications show notable differences between authentic and counterfeit versions.

▪︎Country of Origin/Size Tag “NEVER STOP EXPLORING” Embroidery

The country of origin/size tag requires careful examination of the “NEVER STOP EXPLORING” embroidery on the reverse side. Counterfeit versions contain spelling errors in the word “EXPLORING”.

▪︎Trust Name Tag (Pre-24AW Specification)

The trust name tag shows shape differences, with authentic versions displaying a horizontal rectangular format while counterfeits appear more square-shaped.

▪︎Trust Name Tag (Microscope Analysis)

When examining the trust name tag under microscope magnification, authentic versions display clear, sharp details, while counterfeit versions appear blurred and indistinct.

▪︎Manufacturer Tag

The accompanying manufacturer tag exhibits different fonts, with counterfeits showing thinner typography and wider spacing between characters compared to authentic versions.

▪︎Manufacturer Tag (RDS)

The RDS manufacturer tag displays differences in the feather icon shape, providing another distinguishing characteristic between authentic and counterfeit items.

▪︎Name Tag and Interior Pocket Zipper Tape (IR Analysis)

Infrared (IR) analysis provides additional verification methods. When examining the name tag and interior pocket zipper tape sections under IR, authentic versions appear white while counterfeits appear black.

Professional Authentication Recommendations

These authentication points represent only a portion of the comprehensive evaluation process. Professional authenticators examine multiple additional factors to make definitive authenticity determinations. Counterfeit manufacturing techniques continue advancing daily, making it extremely difficult for non-experts to independently identify fakes using informal methods.

The complexity of modern counterfeiting underscores the importance of purchasing through platforms that employ professional authenticators with highly accurate authentication processes. While this guide focuses specifically on The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket “Black,” similar detailed authentication guides for other models provide valuable references for informed buying and selling decisions.

The secondary market for luxury streetwear items requires careful navigation, and understanding these authentication markers helps consumers make informed decisions while highlighting the value of professional authentication services.

What is SNKRDUNK Lab?

At SNKRDUNK Lab, we’re dedicated to combating the social and economic issues caused by counterfeit goods. We’re doing this by improving our authentication technology and raising public awareness about fakes.

By strengthening our partnerships with local and global experts and research institutions, we’re combining technology, data, and human expertise to set the new standard for authentication.

Our Main Activities

Investigating and Researching Counterfeit Goods
SNKRDUNK currently maintains an authentication accuracy rate of 99.97%. We will continue to conduct research and investigations, utilizing Japan’s largest database of counterfeit products to stay ahead of the curve.

Improving Our Authentication Technology
By introducing and researching various tools, including X-ray, infrared, and microscopes, we are enhancing our technology to ensure we can authenticate every single item.

Communicating for Public Awareness
We will regularly publish market reports based on our partnerships with external organizations and experts, as well as on insights and research findings gathered from the field.

Read more about SNKRDUNK Lab here.

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