The Acne Studios "Stockholm 1996" print, whether on a T-shirt, hoodie, or sweatshirt has become a defining staple of modern streetwear. Its vintage aesthetic and boxy cut make it one of the most sought-after pieces on the secondary market.
You have likely landed here because you found a listing on Vinted, eBay, or Depop that seems just a little too good to be true.
Finding this piece below retail price is rare, and that "steal" you found might actually be a trap. Because the original items are designed to look "distressed" and worn-in, it is incredibly easy for counterfeiters to hide poor quality behind the vintage aesthetic. In this guide, we will help you determine if that bargain is a genuine archive piece or a cheap replica. Looking for our breakdown of the viral Acne Studios Scarf? You can find that guide here.
A. The 4-Step Inspection Guide
Use the comparisons below to inspect your item. These indicators apply to T-shirts, Hoodies, and Sweatshirts featuring this specific print.
1. The "Stockholm 1996" Stamp Print
The central feature of this collection is the stamp-like logo.
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Real: The print simulates a vintage stamp. Look closely at the "1996" and "Stockholm" text. The distressing (the fading/white noise effect) is evenly distributed but organic. Crucially, the edges of the letters remain sharp despite the faded fill. The "O" in Stockholm is usually a distinct shape.
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Fake: The print often looks "heavy" or "clumpy." Counterfeiters often use too much ink, making the letters look to black rather than distressed. The "1996" numbers often lack definition, appearing blurry or significantly bolder than the text above them.
2. The Retail Hang Tag
If your item is listed as Brand New With Tags (BNWT), this is the first thing to check.
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Real: The "Acne Studios" typography is perfectly balanced with airy spacing. The text is matte black and sharp. Acne studios is perfectly centered on the tag.
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Fake: The font weight is inconsistent, often too thin or noticeably too bold. Pay attention to the spacing (kerning) between the letters; fakes often have letters that nearly touch. Acne studios is not centered on the tag.
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3. The Size & Wash Label
The internal wash tag is the "black box" of authentication; it reveals the most data.
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Real: The header "Acne Studios" text is bold and solid black. The model code (e.g., FN-UX-TSHI... or similar depending on if it's a hoodie or tee) uses a specific, thin sans-serif font. The size tab (e.g., XS, S, M) usually includes the numeric measurements (e.g., 175/94A) in a crisp bold font.
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Fake: The logo text often appears greyish or faded rather than deep black. The text block regarding material composition (often Cotton/Hemp blends for this collection) is frequently misaligned. The small size tab usually features a generic, thinner font that does not match the sleek typography of the main label. Made in Portugal is almost unreadable.
4. The Neck Tag & Distressing details
The signature rectangular neck label is consistent across the collection.
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Real: The label has a subtle sheen but isn't overly glossy. The stitching attaching it to the neckline is precise and tight. On these specific items, look at the fabric around the collar: the "bite marks" or distressing on the ribbing should look intentional and manufactured.
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Fake: The side stitching is often sloppy, with loose threads or uneven spacing. The "Acne Studios" text may be crooked or not vertically centered on the ribbon. The collar distressing often looks like random, jagged cuts made with scissors, rather than a high-quality wear-and-tear effect. On the example you can also see the fake used a different t-shirt model, with thicker structure.
B. The 30-Second Shortlist
Scanning a listing online? If you spot any of these red flags based on the guide above, walk away:
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The Print Color: The print looks solid black and heavy, rather than a faded, vintage grey stamp.
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Hang Tag Alignment: The "Acne Studios" text is not centered on the white cardboard tag.
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The "Made in Portugal" Text: On the wash tag, the country of origin text is blurry, smudgey, or unreadable.
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Size Tab Font: The font on the small size tag (e.g., M, L) is thin and weak, instead of crisp and bold.
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Fabric Structure: The t-shirt fabric looks too thick or coarse, and the collar cuts look like random scissor holes.
C. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the "Stockholm 1996" logo appear on different items? A: Yes. This print is used on T-shirts, oversized hoodies, and crewneck sweatshirts. The authentication points regarding the print and labels remain consistent across all these silhouettes.
Q: Where is this collection manufactured? A: The majority of the Stockholm 1996 range is Made in Portugal. Be cautious of items claiming to be Made in China or Turkey, although older or different seasonal variations can exist, Portugal is the standard for this specific line.
Q: How do these items fit? A: The entire 1996 line is known for an oversized, unisex fit. A Medium hoodie or tee will fit significantly larger than a standard standard Medium.
D. Don't Guess, Verify It.
The "distressed" nature of the Acne Studios Stockholm 1996 collection makes it a haven for counterfeiters. They hide poor production quality behind the "vintage" look. High-end replicas are now copying the correct wash codes and materials, making visual checks difficult for the untrained eye.
Don't risk spending retail prices on a replica. If you want to be 100% sure about your Hoodie, T-Shirt, or Sweatshirt, let our experts handle it.
Authenticate your Acne Studios piece below:
