Learn how to spot a fake designer handbag or purse!
So you’ve finally decide to dish out a large amount of money for a designer handbag. Before you buy, make sure it’s the real thing you’re purchasing and not a cheap fake. With the popularity of designer handbags and purses, it’s no wonder why so many companies are eager to start making knock-off versions of Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and other high-fashion handbags.
The fabric used to create designer brand name handbags is noticeably different than the material used for fakes. If there is wrong stitching or if the material is flawed in even the smallest manner, chances are it’s not a designer brand handbag. Designer handbags will always have real materials, i.e. leather, not fake leather or fake animal skin.
The best thing about authentic designer handbags is that they are unique and a lot of man hours go into making each handbag exactly right. Designer handbags and purses will often have extra stitching and detailing such as diamonds, buckles or zippers which make them truly unique to any other designer handbag maker. The diamonds on name brand handbags will also be real 100% of the time.
One of the best ways to determine whether or not a handbag is a fake is by studying the real ones. Celebrities will always have real, name brand designer handbags and purses. Most people recognize the design of Louis Vuitton and Prada handbags because a celebrity and the hype they’ve created for the designer. When you constantly see celebrities sporting specific types of handbags, you will be more inclined to notice the difference between real handbags and fake ones.
Many brand name handbag and purse designers will put a custom label or logo on their items which will indicate that the handbag is authentic. The names and logos sometimes appear on zippers or pockets and some designers like to put it in the same spot on every handbag to ensure their customers know it’s real. Go to the designer’s website to find the handbag you’re planning to purchase. Compare all the details of the logo with the handbag you’re going to purchase. Although small, there are likely small details that will point out a fake designer handbag.
Here are the five major things to look for when buying a designer replica and tips for spotting a fake.
The Handbag Stitching
Stitching will be a dead giveaway. Inconsistencies in the stitching and sloppy construction in less visible areas, such as the bottom of the handbag or inside pockets, are details to look for right away. Designer handbags cost more because they are built with more complexity. Fake handbags usually do not have the care of construction that the real handbags have. If the construction looks simplistic, it's likely to be a fake.
The Handbag Materials
Many fake handbags are no longer made of PVC but of reasonably good leather, or even lambskin; however, they are rarely as good as the materials labels like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Coach use. Fake handbags tend to be rigid and often have some sort of discoloration. When dealing with fake leather handbags and purses, make sure the leather does not have an un-even look that is consistent. People sometimes assume designer handbags should be lined, which is why many fake handbags are lined. But, on the contrary, real purses are sometimes not.
The Handbag Label
Look for any of misspellings on labels and tags. On any quality handbag, the labels are stitched in, but in Gucci counterfeits, a cheap tag will hang from the handle. Look at authentic handbags online, and study the real designer tags. Fake labels and hangtags are generally cheaply made, unclear in impression, and have a lesser quality of stitching. Sometimes fake Coach handbags will include tags with misspelled and run-on words. Burberry handbags will often be marked "Burberrys" instead of "Burberry - London".
The Handbag Packaging
Luxury designers and retailers put a great deal of care into packaging their handbags. This includes tissues, wrapping paper, and shopping bags. Look for handbags that have the original packaging. It's important that the box or bag the handbag comes in is either too big or too small, and is of the same brand as the handbag you’re purchasing. Designers of luxury handbags and purses seldom cram things into boxes or flimsy dust bags. Most designer handbag dust bags are made of thicker, soft cotton or flannel.
The Handbag Details
The intricacy of threads, leathers, fabrics, metals and stamping make a designer handbag what it is and should be- expensive. Most luxury handbags don't just come with a certificate of authenticity; they also come with a product booklet that details the handbags key features.
When looking at designer handbags on the internet, always be cautious, scrutinize the pictures, research the seller, and always ask for a guarantee of authenticity. There are some great deals for designer handbags to be found on the internet. Just make sure what you buy, is what you get.
Our website has several detailed and informative articles on how to spot a fake designer handbag specific to the different designers. Below is a list of links to help you decide if the handbag you want to purchase is a fake. Don't see the designer you want below? Bookmark this page as we will be adding more designers in the very near future.
