Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Alright, since there is an incredible problem with ordering this specific item from Amazon, I will tell you what to look for when you receive your item to distinguish the deceptively convincing fakes from the authentic, legendarily *L I F E S A V I N G* Carhartt's. I live 15 minutes from the world headquarters, I know exactly how this item should function and have purchased a minimum of thirty of these over my lifetime for friends, family, and myself. You must first understand that there are three distinct factories which produce this product. The first are licensed factories in Kentucky, the second in Canada, and the third in China. The tagging of Chinese origin is not a valid reason to distinguish fake from real, as they abide by the same standard of rib stitching and acrylic quality. The second understanding is dimensional, the watch hat has an extremely specific length to width to height ratio. Finally, and most importantly, the third understanding is that the fakes from China are produced for a specific reason; they can match with convincing accuracy both the logo and the tear-able internal tag, however they cannot yet match a licensed Carhartt's quality to price ratio because of some import laws. They must sacrifice on a specific quality (the density and quality of the stitching) in order to both compete, yet remain convincing enough to still sell online. In order to tell if your hat is truly authentic, you must verify that the brim measures 4 inches tall, the overall height 9 inches, and the brim width 8 and 1/2 inches when laid flat. Secondly, take the brim and hold it above a significant light source while stretching it between your fingers. You should feel SIGNIFICANT elastic resistance and strength in constructional constitution. - - -If light passes easily through and you can see that the internal stitching is loose like a sock, you have a fake. There is no arguing this fact, some are closer than others but none of them are as tight, dense, or BULLETPROOF as a true watch hat. If, when stretching, there is even a hint that the hat would rip if you were using it to hang off a cliff you have a F A K E. It gets cold up here in Michigan, we need these things to not die, so forgive me if I sound a little angry; I am. - - - If light BARELY passes through, with only very small pinholes of light peaking through, you have a genuine product. I have also noticed that the store "EZ Sportswear" consistently sells these fakes, they all say made in Canada so I suspect there is some sort of import law they can skirt and flip these bogus beanies. Seeing that it is sold by Amazon directly is not enough evidence to certify these either, I have received numerous fakes directly from Amazon. Another significant clue is that stock for these is almost always moving, there is very little dead stock on this specific item: therefore you can check Carhartt's main website and take note of which colors they offer. If you see fantastic colors only on Amazon you have another clue (this does not discredit the older heather patterns that are still available on here, I am specifically referring to colors like Peach and Winter white that looks flat white instead of the beige it should be). So there you have it, now stop arguing because I have received so many fakes from this website I won't even bother use it anymore. It's also hilariously insulting they might try to sell the women's winter white for $45 when the legitimate men's (the only size it comes in, one) is ~$14. So... watch out people, the probability is high you will be unknowingly swindled. It's really annoying planning on presents that include this hat and receiving a fake 70% of the time.