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Many people collect designer bags, but it’s an expensive hobby. It can be even more thrilling to save money by finding authentic ones at second hand stores. However, be careful before heading out for your next shopping trip.
These tips will teach you about spotting the difference between real and fake designer bags so you don’t fall for counterfeit products.
1. The Stitching Is Uneven
Designer labels take great care when putting their bags together. There will never be a luxury handbag with stitching that features problems like:
- Double stitches
- Knotting
- Stitches of different lengths
Machinery that works quickly to produce a mass amount of bags at a time will create lesser quality stitching, but it still ends up on the market. Designer brands will ensure the highest quality stitching so your bag looks great and lasts a lifetime.
2. The Hardware Feels Hollow
Bag hardware can become costly, so counterfeiters will replace clips, buckles and rings with identical pieces that are hollow. You can feel the weighted difference compared to solid hardware on luxury bags.
If you’re unsure about a particular product, tap the hardware with your nail. It will ring if it’s hollow or have a deeper metallic sound if it’s not. Anyone who finds their bags online can always look into return policies before purchasing anything to test the hardware in person.
3. The Leather Is Embossed
Leather has grain lines that differentiate it from other fabrics. Designers use authentic leather that already has natural grain patterns. Counterfeiters will emboss their bags using a machine to stamp grain lines into the faux leather.
A designer bag reseller should be able to provide proof of leather types for all items. You can automatically trust a material like Montana full-grain cowhide leather, which never gets embossing treatment because it ruins the integrity. Any product that doesn’t have verifiable leather is likely a counterfeit and a waste of your money.
4. The Tag Cautions Against Conditioning
Clothing and accessories always have care instructions on their tags. If a bag catches your eye and cautions you against conditioning it, it’s likely a fake.
Designer bags made with genuine leather benefit from regular conditioning because the moisture prevents flaking over time. Imitation leather can’t soak it in, so it could shorten your purse’s life span if used.
5. The Leather Doesn’t Have A Scent
Genuine leather has a distinctly earthy, pleasant scent compared to the plastic undertones of counterfeit bags. Although this isn’t a guaranteed way to spot the difference between real and fake designer handbags, it’s an excellent tool to use in addition to these other indicators while searching for your next purchase.
6. The Lining Fabric Is Wrong
If you think you’ve found a designer bag, research the brand and model. Each one belongs to a specific line that has an identical lining fabric. Counterfeiters may replace it with a different colour or pattern, indicating that you should look for an authentic bag elsewhere.
You may not know what that fabric is before researching it on the spot. Keep your smartphone handy to verify anything that catches your eye.
7. The Bag Is Missing Pockets
Lining fabric isn’t the only thing bags share when they’re part of the same collection. They also have the same number of pockets. Always look up whatever bag you find at resellers. A quick internet search will reveal precisely how many pockets should be on the outside or inside of the handbag if it’s authentic.
8. The Serial Number Isn’t Correct
Many designer bags feature a serial number. It can be on the small tag inside the purse or a leather tag attached to the handles. Anyone can find the serial number for each collection or line online to verify a handbag before purchase.
It’s crucial to know if your preferred designer uses serial numbers. For example, Louis Vuitton bags don’t have serial numbers. Instead, the brand started using date codes in the 1980s after stamping leather without them. Learning small details like these will clarify if you’ve found a counterfeit.
About The Author:
Oscar Collins is the managing editor at Modded, where he writes about cars, fitness, the outdoors and more. Check out @TModded for regular updates!
This blog post may contain links to external websites or products. We encourage you to do your own research to make sure a company or product is right for you.