How to Spot a Fake Canada Goose Jacket: The 2026 Authenticity Guide

If you’ve ventured outside in an area with a winter climate, you’ve probably noticed the iconic red, white, and blue circular arm logo patches.

Having become a fashion must-have in the past decade, Canada Goose’s best-selling parkas and lightweight down styles are among the most popular winter products at Nordstrom and Backcountry, and for good reason.

Producing extreme-weather outerwear since 1957, the Canadian brand originally designed parkas for scientists based in Antarctica, making these parkas the real deal.

Before you start, we recommend familiarizing yourself with Canada Goose’s official counterfeit guidance; then follow our simple seven-step guide below to help you confidently determine the authenticity of your jacket.

1. Check the Packaging Quality and Size Consistency

Genuine Canada Goose products are packaged with care. Look for flaws, scratches, or damage that might indicate a counterfeit. Examine the coloring and intensity of the Canada Goose logo on the package. Counterfeits often get this wrong.

Sometimes the size on the package doesn’t match the jacket’s actual size. Inconsistencies like this are red flags for counterfeit products​

2. Inspect the Arctic Logo Disc for Embroidery and Font Accuracy

The Arctic disc or patch is a key feature of a Canada Goose coat. The patch, which shows the brand’s trademark logo, should have clean embroidery and the correct font. Some coats have the badge on the left arm, while others have it on the right.

The maple leaves and the brand name should be identical in size and evenly spaced. Counterfeits often feature poorly replicated patches with uneven embroidery and incorrect colors.

Rachel Bilson with the Canada Goose logo on her left arm and singer-songwriter Mabel McVey with the patch on her right arm (Credit: WENN / Michael Wright)

The outer ring of the logo contains “CANADA GOOSE” on the top and “ARCTIC PROGRAM” on the bottom, both in capital letters. Each side of the logo has five maple leaves.

The Canada Goose logo does not represent an outline of Canada but reflects the brand’s geographical roots. Designed by David Reiss in the 1980s, the emblem shows the inverted North Pole.

Well-embroidered patch on an authentic coat (Credit: Canada Goose)

In an interview with the British newspaper The Independent, CEO Dani Reiss (son of David) explained that “the white landmass is the ocean, and the blue dots are islands.” He also says, “The badge makes people feel like they belong to a club.”

Uneven embroidery on a fake parka (Credit: Canada Goose)

In November 2019, MarketWatch reported that counterfeiters are using $5 iron-on patches bought on eBay to fake $1,000 Canada Goose coats.

“Like many world-leading brands, our success has led to our products being copied by counterfeiters,” Canada Goose told the financial information website in a comment.

Sacha Baron Cohen, Jimmy Fallon, and Emma Stone wearing Canada Goose jackets (Credit: WENN / TNYF / C.M. Wiggins / Wheatley)

“We take the protection of our brand and our trademarks seriously, and we will continue to take the necessary steps to protect consumers from the dangers of counterfeit goods.”

3. Examine Stitching, Seams, and Interior Labels

A telltale sign of counterfeit goods is lousy stitching. Genuine coats always display even stitching, which is usually done by machine.

The original tag should be securely stitched, with no air bubbles underneath. The letters on the sizing piece of the tag should be smaller and narrower than the main tag.

The stitching on the authentic label should be seamless, neat, and well-executed, unlike the asymmetrical, sloppy stitching on replicas. Also, letters on the counterfeit label are often not as big and bold as they should be.

4. Verify the Hologram Security Tag (Post-2011 Jackets)

Another essential feature of the Canada Goose parka is the hologram, which counterfeiters will find hard to replicate.

The hologram security tag is a feature implemented in 2011 to help combat counterfeiters. You will find it in every Canada Goose jacket and accessory made after 2011.

Hologram security tag on an authentic parka (Credit: Canada Goose)

In the second half of 2017, the company started sewing a new, unique hologram label into every product as proof of authenticity. It features a Polar Bear image and elements visible from different angles.

No hologram and messy tag on a fake product (Credit: Canada Goose)

5. Inspect Zippers, Buttons, and Hardware Details

Canada Goose uses only YKK zippers on its outerwear. Aside from the YKK zipper brand, inspect the zipper and other hardware for quality. Replicated goods are typically defective due to the cheap materials used.

Authentic buttons are dark grey with a matte finish, while counterfeit buttons are shinier and lighter. The lettering on fake buttons is not as deeply engraved and lacks the thickness of genuine buttons.

Genuine pullers are not overly broad or huge. Unlike the engraved and pale letters on counterfeits, the letters on an authentic puller are embossed and bold.

6. Evaluate Fur Trim Quality (Older Jackets Only)

The fur ruff — though controversial — was once an essential detail of most Canada Goose jackets. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an American animal rights group, frequently criticized the company’s use of fur.

Wearing a replica Canada Goose jacket, a PETA model stands in a “bloody” steel trap at a protest in Knightsbridge, London, on March 14, 2017 (Credit: WENN)

Like the company that makes UGG boots, Canada Goose claims to be committed to the responsible use and ethical sourcing of all animal materials in its products.

In 2021, the company announced it would no longer use animal fur on its clothing. The company stated that it would end the purchase of all fur by the end of 2021 and cease manufacturing with fur no later than the end of 2022. They have followed through on this commitment and used alternative materials in their jackets.

As of early 2026, Canada Goose has not introduced a direct synthetic or “bio-fur” replacement for its iconic coyote fur trim. Instead, the brand has made a decisive design shift away from fur altogether.

PETA protesters accusing Canada Goose of cruel use of fur (Credit: WENN)

Rather than substituting animal fur with faux alternatives, Canada Goose has redesigned its jackets with streamlined, trim-free hoods, higher collars, and structured silhouettes that rely on engineering and insulation—not fur—for warmth and wind protection.

Flagship styles such as the Expedition and Chilliwack parkas are now offered exclusively in non-fur versions.

Full and soft coyote ruff on an authentic parka (Credit: Canada Goose)

Until the company went fur-free, authentic Canada Goose parkas used high-quality coyote fur on the hood. In contrast, replicas from unknown manufacturers used cheaper materials, such as raccoon fur, which is rougher and scragglier than coyote fur.

Since Canada Goose no longer uses animal fur in its products, verifying authenticity based on fur applies only to older Canada Goose jackets manufactured before this policy change.

For more recent jackets, other authentication methods, such as examining stitching quality, zippers, labels, and hologram tags, would be more relevant and reliable.

Less voluminous raccoon fur on a fake parka (Credit: Canada Goose)

7. Confirm Authorized Retailers and Legitimate Styles

One of the best and most effective ways to avoid counterfeit products is to arm yourself with the right knowledge. Before clicking that buy button, verify that the website you buy from is an authorized retailer of Canada Goose.

The brand’s website has a URL search tool that you can use to verify a retailer. It will also help you familiarize yourself with the styles available on the website before ordering. You can also visit any official Canada Goose store to confirm the authenticity of your jacket.

Why Are Canada Goose Jackets So Expensive?

Canada Goose jackets are notably expensive for three primary reasons. Firstly, they are specifically engineered for extreme cold conditions, such as polar expeditions, and are renowned as some of the warmest jackets available.

Dani Reiss, president and CEO of Canada Goose, and Kate Upton attend a Canada Goose–Vogue cocktail conversation on climate change and the future of polar bears at SmogShoppe on February 12, 2020, in Culver City, Los Angeles (Credit: WENN / Avalon)

Second, their jackets are made with the highest-quality materials and come with a lifetime warranty, meaning they are covered for the product’s practical lifetime.

Many customers have worn their jackets for decades, though repairs may be required due to improper care, negligence, or normal wear and tear.

Jackets from high-quality manufacturers like Canada Goose, The North Face, or Moncler usually last longer than other, less expensive brands.

Canada Goose’s London store on world-famous Regent Street, right in the heart of the city’s West End (Credit: WENN)

Finally, Canada Goose jackets have become a status symbol and a prime target for robberies and counterfeiters.

During the 2018 Christmas season, The New York Post reported that thieves shoved down a tourist in Soho and stole her $1,100 Canada Goose coat. The company reportedly makes $580 in gross profits on every $1,000 in sales.

Where Are Canada Goose Jackets Made?

All the company’s products are made in factories located in Toronto and Winnipeg.

Canada Goose is headquartered in Toronto and has kept 100% of production at home in Canada (Credit: Shutterstock / JHVEPhoto)

While many manufacturers are moving production to lower-cost locales, the company prides itself on making all its products in Canada.

Dani Reiss, the Canadian CEO of Canada Goose, wrote in Harvard Business Review why the company has decided to keep all its manufacturing in Canada.

To many people, owning a Canada Goose jacket is like owning a little piece of Canada, and for that they’re willing to pay a premium.

That’s another part of what persuaded me to commit to being a “Made in Canada” brand, even as other companies were fleeing the country. I realized that although we couldn’t sustain the cost of domestic manufacturing in a world where people bought one $299 coat and kept it for a decade, we could do so in a new environment where outerwear was treated as a luxury, coveted and collected, just like high-end watches or cars. The Swiss had Rolex, the British had Range Rover—Canada could have Canada Goose.

Does Canada Goose Still Use Real Fur?

Until 2021, Canada Goose maintained that real fur was superior for protecting Earth’s coldest environments, potentially offering environmental benefits over non-biodegradable fake fur.

Natural fur decomposes into harmless materials, unlike synthetic alternatives. However, the company has committed to ceasing the use of real animal fur by the end of 2022.

Where Is It Cheapest to Buy Canada Goose Jackets?

Canada Goose jackets are never on sale and are sold at nearly the same prices in all shops around the world. Unless you get lucky with the exchange rate, you won’t save money by buying a jacket in Canada.

Does Canada Goose Kill Geese for Down?

According to Newsweek, Canada Goose’s down is sourced from Toronto company Feather Industries, which in turn sources its feathers from the meat industry.

In other words, the down used in Canada Goose jackets is sourced from goose and duck farms as a by-product of the food industry and is certified under the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). The globally recognized standard prohibits live plucking and force-feeding, ensuring that the birds are treated humanely throughout the supply chain.

To spot a fake Canada Goose jacket, examine the packaging for quality and logo accuracy, check the Arctic logo patch for embroidery quality and font correctness, and assess the stitching and seams for evenness.

Also, verify the presence and quality of the hologram security tag, inspect zippers and hardware (particularly for YKK branding), and evaluate the fur’s appearance and texture for older models.

Purchasing from authorized retailers and familiarizing oneself with Canada Goose’s styles can also help identify genuine products.

Here’s a helpful video on how to spot fake Canada Goose jackets:

We also recommend reading Deborah Copaken’s Atlantic article about buying a fake Canada Goose jacket for $925. Also, don’t miss our guide showing how to clean and store Canada Goose jackets at home!

Canada Goose has around 50 stores around the world and can also be found in many department stores (Credit: Kaskip / Shutterstock)

Canada Goose offers a diverse product range suitable for a range of needs, from sleek streetwear to rugged designs for more demanding conditions.

Where to Buy Authentic Canada Goose Jackets

The brand’s success has, unfortunately, made it a target of counterfeiters. To protect yourself from a potential scam, buy from an authorized retailer.

In addition to Canada Goose’s official website, the top online retailers of Canada Goose products include Amazon, Farfetch, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom.

While not all unauthorized retailers sell counterfeit items, it is good practice to always be careful.

Does Canada Goose Ever Have Sales or Outlets?

If you’re wondering if it’s possible to buy discounted Canada Goose jackets, the answer is no.

Like Louis Vuitton, the brand prides itself on never having gone on sale, and Canada Goose has no outlets. Any website claiming to be an outlet for Canada Goose is a scam.

You will not find any Canada Goose jackets for sale on Black Friday. The only way to buy discounted Canada Goose jackets is to work for Canada Goose. Every employee reportedly has access to an exclusive employee sale where jackets and clothing are discounted by 50-90%.

How to Buy Canada Goose with Confidence

With counterfeit Canada Goose jackets becoming increasingly sophisticated, knowing what to look for—from logo embroidery and hologram tags to authorized retailers—can make all the difference.

Whether you’re investing in a classic parka, a lightweight vest, or exploring the brand’s fur-free future, informed shopping is the best way to protect both your wallet and your winter style.