UGG Since 1974 vs UGG: What’s Real and Which One to Buy?

UGG Since 1974 vs UGG is one of the most searched questions every winter. Honestly, it’s more confusing than it should be.

Worry not. We’ve got you. Here's the short answer:

UGG Since 1974 and UGG are not the same. UGG Since 1974 is an Australian family brand that handmakes each boot in Queensland using real sheepskin. The global UGG brand is owned by a US company. It makes its boots overseas in factories. Both look alike, but the Australian one is more original and truly handmade.

But the full story goes way deeper. From legal battles to real sheepskin quality, you deserve to know what you're actually buying.

We’ve worn both and can tell you exactly how they compare in comfort. Stick with us to the end, and we’ll help you confidently choose the one that’s right for you.

Key Takeaways

• UGG Since 1974 and UGG are not the same company at all.

• UGG Since 1974 is made in Australia, while UGG is made overseas.

• The word “UGG” is trademarked globally by the American brand, not in Australia.

• UGG Since 1974 sells as “Since 74” outside Australia due to legal issues.

• UGG Since 1974 focuses on handmade, heritage-quality sheepskin boots.

• Price, materials, and labels can help you spot the difference.

• Both brands are real, but they offer totally different experiences.

UGG Since 1974 vs UGG - A Detailed Comparison

UGG Since 1974 and UGG are two very different brands. UGG is an American company that mass-produces boots overseas. UGG Since 1974 is Australian and hand-makes every pair in Queensland. Both sell sheepskin boots and use the word “UGG,” but they don’t have the same history or quality. If you want something handmade in Australia, UGG Since 1974 is the one to look at.

Here’s the UGG Since 1974 vs UGG comparison table:

Histories and Origins

You might be surprised to learn that UGG and UGG Since 1974 are not the same company. UGG, the brand you see everywhere, was started in 1978 by an Australian surfer who moved to California. He brought the sheepskin boot style with him and started selling it in the U.S. That brand eventually became UGG, which is now owned by an American company called Deckers.

Meanwhile, UGG Since 1974 was making sheepskin boots back in Queensland, Australia. This is a family-run business that started in the early 1970s. They never moved production offshore. They’ve stayed focused on making boots the traditional way, using real sheepskin.

Trademark and Legal Issues

This is one of the most confusing parts about these two brands. In Australia, the word “ugg” is considered generic. It just means sheepskin boots. That’s why several Australian companies use it in their product names. But in the rest of the world, the word “UGG” is a registered trademark. It’s owned by Deckers, the American company that sells UGG boots globally.

Because of that trademark, companies like UGG Since 1974 can’t sell their boots under the name “UGG” outside Australia and New Zealand. Instead, they use the name “Since 74” in other countries. This change is only due to legal restrictions.

If you’re shopping from outside Australia, this is important to know. Just because a boot doesn’t say “UGG” on the label doesn’t mean it’s not authentic. In fact, some of the most genuine, Australian-made sheepskin boots don’t carry the UGG name because they legally can’t.

Manufacturing, Materials, and Quality

The difference between UGG and UGG Since 1974 is huge. UGG, the American brand, makes most of its boots in China and Vietnam. The sheepskin comes from different places, and the production is done in large factories. The quality is consistent, but the process is all about scale.

UGG Since 1974 makes every pair of boots by hand in Australia. The sheepskin is sourced locally. The tanning is done in Australia. The stitching and assembly happen in one workshop.

We’ve worn both brands. The UGG boots from Deckers are comfortable and look good. But the pair from UGG Since 1974 felt like they were made just for us.

Product Range and Design

UGG is a full fashion brand now. They update their styles every season. Plus, they follow trends closely. So, if you want variety, UGG has a lot to offer.

UGG Since 1974 keeps it simple. They focus on what they know best, which are sheepskin boots and slippers. Their designs are classic and don’t change much. You won’t find bold colors or trendy styles here.

This makes your choice easier. If you’re looking for fun new styles, UGG gives you more options.

Brand Positioning and Marketing

UGG, the global brand, has a massive presence. You’ve probably seen their ads with celebrities and influencers. They’re in magazines, social media, and fashion shows. Their message is about comfort and casual style.

UGG Since 1974 doesn’t follow that path. Their branding is quiet and personal. They tell the story of a family-owned business in Queensland that still makes every boot by hand.

Is UGG Since 1974 real UGG?

Yes, UGG Since 1974 is a real ugg boot maker. They are one of the few Australian-owned companies that still handcraft sheepskin boots in Australia. They have been doing this since the 1970s in Queensland. In Australia, the term "ugg" is generic. It refers to a type of sheepskin boot, not a single brand.

What makes this confusing is the global trademark situation. Outside Australia, the word "UGG" is legally owned by an American company called Deckers. So UGG Since 1974 can’t always use that name overseas. They often sell under the name “Since 74” in international markets. But the product is still the same.

Why are there two different UGG brands?

There are two UGG brands because the word "ugg" means different things depending on where you are. In Australia, “ugg” is a common term for sheepskin boots. Any bootmaker there can use the word. That’s how UGG Since 1974 and many other local companies use it. But outside Australia, the name “UGG” is trademarked by Deckers, an American company.

Back in the 1970s, Australian bootmakers were making and selling ugg boots locally. One of them, Brian Smith, moved to the U.S. and started selling those same boots. He later sold his business, and the new owner Deckers trademarked “UGG” in many countries. That’s why you see only one UGG in global stores, even though others exist in Australia.

Why is UGG Since 1974 being sued?

UGG Since 1974 has faced legal issues because of trademark laws outside Australia. In most countries, the word “UGG” is owned by Deckers Outdoor Corporation. That means no one else can sell boots using that name in those countries. So when UGG Since 1974 tries to sell internationally under its full name, it creates a legal problem.

Deckers has the rights to the “UGG” trademark in over 130 countries. If another company uses that name on products outside Australia or New Zealand, Deckers can sue or send cease-and-desist letters. That’s what’s happened to UGG Since 1974.

Because of this, UGG Since 1974 now uses the name “Since 74” when selling to customers in other countries. They also include disclaimers on their site explaining the legal restrictions. This has nothing to do with the quality of their boots. It’s just a branding issue.

Which UGG is original vs fake?

Neither brand is fake, but they are different types of “original.” UGG Since 1974 is original in the sense that they’re still making boots in Australia, the traditional way. They never stopped. They use local sheepskin, and they hand-make everything.

UGG, the global brand owned by Deckers, is also original, but in a different way. They own the trademark “UGG” in most countries. Most of their boots are made in Asia. But they do control the global image of the UGG name.

Is UGG Since 1974 legitimate?

Yes, UGG Since 1974 is a completely legitimate company. They have been making ugg boots in Australia since the 1970s. They are Australian-owned and operated, and their boots are made by hand in their own workshop. They use real Australian sheepskin, and they are officially recognized as an Australian Made business.

Just because you may not see them in international stores doesn’t mean they’re not real. They simply aren’t allowed to use the “UGG” name in most countries because of trademark restrictions. So when you see them using the name “Since 74” instead, that’s their way of staying within the law.

UGG since 1974 vs UGG: How to Tell Them Apart?

To tell the difference between UGG Since 1974 and UGG by Deckers, start with the label. UGG Since 1974 may be called “Since 74” outside Australia. UGG by Deckers will always use the “UGG” name globally. Look at where the boots are made. If it says Australia, it’s likely UGG Since 1974. If it says China or Vietnam, it’s likely Deckers.

Label and Branding

Start by checking the brand label. If you’re outside Australia, boots made by UGG Since 1974 might be sold under the name “Since 74.” This is because they’re not allowed to use the word “UGG” in most other countries due to trademark restrictions. On the other hand, UGG by Deckers will always display the familiar UGG logo. You’ll see it on the heel tag, the sole, and inside the shoe. They also include branded packaging and care instructions.

If the boot doesn’t show any clear branding or seems to hide the name, be careful. It might be a reseller or imitation.

Another thing you can check is the fine print on the label. Look for the country of origin. UGG Since 1974 makes all of its boots in Australia. That should be written clearly. UGG by Deckers makes theirs in China or Vietnam, so that will be listed too.

Price and Availability

Real Australian-made boots are more expensive to produce. If you see a pair of “Australian made” ugg boots selling for a really low price, that should raise a red flag. UGG Since 1974 boots cost more because they’re handmade using real sheepskin. You won’t see heavy discounts or huge stock volumes on their website.

UGG by Deckers, on the other hand, produces in large quantities. You’ll often see promotions and seasonal sales. They can offer lower prices in some cases because they use large-scale manufacturing and different sourcing.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen the full picture of UGG Since 1974 vs UGG, the choice really depends on what matters most to you. If you're after trend-driven fashion, UGG by Deckers is for you. But if you're looking for something truly Australian, UGG Since 1974 is the real deal.

We’ve worn both, and we can honestly say that both are top-notch. Either way, now you know what you're buying and why it matters.