It might be tempting to grab that “on-sale” designer bag online, but make sure you can trust the retailer before clicking the buy button.
Since counterfeit designer bags are rampant nowadays, buying only from trusted retailers is best so you won’t be ripped off.
The easiest way to buy real handbags is to buy from authorized stores, department stores, and online retailers (Credit: Ehrlif / Shutterstock)
In April 2016, CNN reported that the business of fakes and counterfeit goods is worth as much as $461 billion.
While buying a fake handbag may seem harmless on the surface, a report from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development warns that it is “a significant economic threat that undermines innovation and hampers economic growth.”
High-Risk Designer Bags: Most Targeted by Counterfeiters
Counterfeiters target the most popular and iconic designer bags, often aiming for high-demand models like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and Chanel Classic Flap.
Trendy bags like the Gucci Dionysus and Dior Saddle Bag are also frequently replicated, as are timeless designs like the Prada Galleria and Saint Laurent Sac de Jour.
Other brands and models that are commonly counterfeited include the Hermès Birkin, Fendi Baguette, Céline Luggage Tote, Balenciaga City Bag, Chanel Boy Bag, Gucci Marmont, Dior Book Tote, Saint Laurent Niki Bag, Prada Saffiano Tote, Louis Vuitton Speedy, Givenchy Antigona, and Michael Kors Selma.
Counterfeit bags are often made in unsanitary conditions and can smell bad because they are made with low-quality materials that can have a strong odor (Credit: Nicoleta Ionescu / Shutterstock)
In April 2019, 5,000 counterfeit items were seized at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The products included 1,242 fake Gucci belts, 678 pairs of counterfeit Nike shoes, 531 counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags, 500 counterfeit Samsung adaptors, 502 counterfeit Gucci fanny packs, 230 counterfeit Hermes handbags, 192 counterfeit Casio Shock watches, 144 counterfeit Ferragamo belts, 100 counterfeit Versace belts, and 119 counterfeit Fendi shorts.
If you’ve been thinking about getting your hands on a designer bag, take some time to do a little inspection first, especially if it is a second-hand or pre-loved item from an online retailer.
Authentic designer bags are made with care and attention to detail. The stitching should be neat and even, and the hardware should be made of high-quality metal. Fake bags may have sloppy stitching or cheap hardware. Read on below for hints on how to spot fake designer bags.
1. Understanding the True Cost of Authentic Designer Handbags
Designer handbags are expensive for a reason. A great deal happens during the production of these purses.
If you are being offered a “designer bag” for just $250, but it usually retails in the market for $2,500, chances are it’s fake. If the price of a purse sounds too good to be true, the bag is most likely not authentic.
Even if the bag is pre-loved, a genuine designer purse will never be extremely cheap. In November 2019, CNBC reported that many purses sold on The RealReal, an online luxury consignment store, are fakes.
2. Ensuring Consistency in Hardware: A Key Authenticity Indicator
Unless it’s a special edition, the hardware of designer bags should all have the same color and finish. If the zipper is gold, all hardware should be the same. An exception would be Chloe bags, as this brand makes bags with mixed hardware.
Additionally, check the typography and logo details on the bag. Authentic designer bags have precise, well-defined logos and consistent fonts. Counterfeit items often have minor errors, such as uneven spacing or incorrect fonts, that reveal their lack of authenticity.
Counterfeit bags usually don’t have the same high-quality hardware as real handbags
Also, check that the zippers can open and close smoothly. Most brands put a brand stamp on their hardware, which should match the actual logo of the brand.
3. Examining Stitching Quality: A Crucial Step in Verifying Authenticity
Often, the stitching on the bags is a dead giveaway. Fake purses might copy the style and look of popular designer goods, but if you look closely, there will usually be apparent signs.
You should expect perfection when it comes to the stitching on a designer bag
The stitching on fake bags is uneven, sloppy, slanted, and even frayed. Cheap bags are also often just glued at the seams instead of stitched. Genuine designer bags have even and high-quality stitching throughout.
Another key detail is pattern alignment. Luxury brands like Louis Vuitton ensure perfect symmetry in their monograms and patterns across seams. Misaligned or inconsistent patterns are often a sign of counterfeit craftsmanship.
4. Discerning Real Leather in Designer Bags: What to Look For
Leather can never be faked. Designer knockoffs typically use cheap leather for their bags, but this material has a different feel, look, and smell from genuine leather. Fake leather can feel sticky and rough; some look shiny like plastic.
The Hermès ‘Birkin’ bag below is crafted in genuine crocodile leather with gold hardware. According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), it can take the skins of four crocodiles to make a single bag.
Real designer bags are made with high-quality materials, such as leather, suede, and canvas
High-quality materials are a hallmark of authentic designer bags. Genuine bags feel luxurious, with a specific weight and texture that is hard to replicate. Counterfeit bags often feel lighter and may lack the supple, natural feel of real leather.
5. Inspecting Packaging and Authenticity Cards for Genuine Signs
Other small details to which you should pay attention include the bag’s label, packaging (box and dust bag), and authenticity cards.
While many counterfeiters now copy small details like these, the real deal should display perfectly stamped, printed, or embossed labels. To be sure, check out the brand’s official website and compare the details.
The logo on an authentic designer bag should be clear and well-defined. The font should be consistent, and the letters should be evenly spaced. Fake bags may have a blurry or poorly printed logo.
Counterfeiters often make mistakes when copying logos and labels. Be on the lookout for misspellings or grammatical errors.
Many luxury brands include serial numbers or date codes to verify authenticity. For example, Louis Vuitton date codes provide information about the manufacturing location and date. Be cautious of inconsistencies or missing codes, as counterfeit bags often fail to replicate these details accurately.
Safeguarding Against Counterfeit Designer Handbags
When shopping for designer handbags online, ensure vigilance and awareness to avoid counterfeit products. Scrutinize the material quality, zipper functionality, logo accuracy, and overall craftsmanship.
Compare with authentic items online and consider professional authentication for assurance. These measures will help you safely navigate the designer fashion world and confidently purchase genuine items, steering clear of fakes.
If you’re still uncertain about a bag’s authenticity, consider using a professional authentication service. These experts are trained to identify subtle differences that may be difficult for the average buyer to spot.
Spotlight on Celebrities and Their Authentic Designer Accessories
Kim Kardashian shows off her classic Hermés “Birkin” bag (Credit: WENN)
Gigi Hadid and Khloe Kardashian rock all-black looks with their black handbags (Credit: WENN)
Sisters Kylie and Kendall Jenner experiment with green totes (Credit: WENN)
Bella Hadid values quality, style, and function with her Givenchy “Lucrezia” duffel (Credit: WENN)
Meghan Markle and Selena Gomez show off their taste in designer bags (Credit: WENN)
Counterfeit handbags are an unfortunate reality in today’s fashion world, but there are ways to protect yourself. Learn how to identify fake Louis Vuitton bags in our comprehensive guide on spotting counterfeit Louis Vuitton handbags, which covers stitching, material quality, and more.
If you’re a fan of Coach, don’t miss our detailed article on how to authenticate Coach bags, providing practical tips for discerning real from fake. For those interested in Hermès, our feature on identifying genuine Hermès handbags highlights key indicators, from leather quality to unique serial numbers. By staying informed with these resources, you can confidently navigate the luxury handbag market and avoid falling victim to counterfeits.
