How to Spot Authentic vs. Fake Designer Handbags: Expert Tips

Are you considering purchasing a pre-owned designer handbag from Rewind Vintage Affairs?

Before you invest in the accessory of your dreams, it’s essential to know how to distinguish between an authentic designer handbag and a fake one. Unfortunately, counterfeit designer bags are becoming more and more common, and it can be challenging to spot a fake without expert knowledge. In this article, we’ll discuss why spotting fake designer handbags is important, the signs of an authentic designer handbag, the common signs of a fake designer handbag, tips and tricks for spotting fake designer handbags, and additional resources for authenticating designer handbags.

All of us here at Rewind Vintage Affairs and in the wider pre-loved luxury fashion industry love to shop designer bags. From classic monogrammed vintage shoulder bags and rare limited-edition pieces to coveted mini top handles and designer luggage, pre-owned luxury bags are widely sought-after fashion favourites. But thanks to the increasing popularity of pre-loved and vintage luxury styles, there are more fake designer bags available on the market than ever before. Sellers often target luxury shoppers and attempt to sell them fake designer handbags under the pretence that the items are authentic. This is a scam which undermines the integrity of the luxury resale market and deters many hopeful shoppers from searching for pre-owned designer bags.

But luckily for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to help spot the differences between genuine and fake designer bags so you can confidently shop your designer handbag favourites. Below, we detail -

1. Why Spotting Fake Designer Handbags is Important
2. Signs of an Authentic Designer Handbag
3. Common Signs of a Fake Designer Handbag
4. Tips and Tricks for Spotting Fake Designer Handbags
5. Additional Resources for Authenticating Designer Handbags

Why Spotting Fake Designer Handbags is Important 

Purchasing a fake designer handbag can have numerous negative consequences, regardless of whether you know you’re buying a fake or not. Firstly, buying counterfeit designer bags funds criminal organisations, such as human trafficking, drug cartels, and terrorist groups. Secondly, carrying a fake designer bag can damage the reputation and integrity of the authentic design house, which can impact the value of their products.

The impeccable design and exceptional quality of luxury bags are key factors which make consumers eager to pay hundreds and, in many cases, thousands of pounds for their favourite styles. Replica designer handbags simply don’t offer the expert craftsmanship which luxury shoppers expect and therefore leave consumers disappointed and longing for the exemplary details and finish which they expect from the world’s most revered fashion houses. 

When consumers buy fake designer bags they don’t just miss out on the world-class quality of authentic styles. Fake designer handbags fail to offer the same coveted silhouettes, prints, textures and other design features that make genuine bags from luxury labels so sought after.

Louis Vuitton fake bags are some of the most prolific inauthentic styles that flood the market. Replicas of the French maison’s popular vintage shoulder bags are illegally produced in mass quantities using cheap materials. Despite being conceptualised by Louis Vuitton’s son Georges Vuitton in an attempt to combat the creation of counterfeit products, the brand’s iconic monogram is one of the most counterfeited prints in the world today. But it is often one of the most obvious indicators that a bag is a Louis Vuitton fake. The label’s monogram pattern is incredibly hard to replicate so inauthentic recreations typically stand out for all the wrong reasons. Elements to watch out for include -

• The monogram flowers appearing disproportionate to the other motifs
• An irregular sequence of motifs
• The monogram motifs appearing too small or too large compared to the original pattern

Gucci is another commonly counterfeited luxury brand. Perhaps you’re wondering - where can I go to have my designer handbag authenticated? While there are many companies that offer authentication services for luxury products, the Gucci code checker online is one of the fastest ways to confirm your bag’s authenticity quickly and easily.

Signs of an Authentic Designer Handbag 

To spot an authentic designer handbag, it’s essential to understand the key features that set them apart from fakes. Firstly, authentic designer bags are typically constructed from high-quality materials, such as supple leather, durable canvas, or glossy patent leather. Secondly, the stitching on an authentic designer bag will be precise and even, with no loose threads or fraying. Finally, the logos and serial numbers on an authentic designer bag will match the brand's official specifications.

Consistency is another major feature to look out for when checking the authenticity of a luxury bag. For example, a Louis Vuitton copy will likely display a monogram pattern that’s inconsistent with the sequence of motifs on the genuine print. Be sure to look out for obvious (and sometimes subtle) discrepancies between a bag you suspect could be a fake and authentic versions. Well-known designs, such as the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Chanel Classic Flap and Hermès Birkin, are some of the most widely circulated, and subsequently sophisticated, fakes on the illegal market. Be sure to take extra care when confirming the authenticity of these popular styles. 

Common Signs of a Fake Designer Handbag 

Counterfeit designer bags are often easy to spot if you know what to look for. One of the most common giveaways is poor stitching, which is often uneven, loose, or visibly frayed. Fake designer bags also use low-quality and often synthetic materials, which don’t have the same luxurious feel as authentic bags. Additionally, counterfeit bags often have inaccurate logos and serial numbers.

The internet is flooded with videos and articles explaining the most common signs of replica designer handbags. But one of the most obvious ways you can quickly and easily determine that a bag is fake is by accessing its overall appearance and feel. Handbags from top luxury labels are made to last so if upon a first inspection the bag looks and feels a little off, it’s probably because the item is a fake.

Tips and Tricks for Spotting Fake Designer Handbags 

Examining the stitching on a designer bag is a crucial part of determining its authenticity. Authentic designer bags have stitching that’s evenly spaced, tight, and neat. Additionally, touching the materials can be a telling sign of a fake - it’s essential to look for high-quality, luxe materials. When assessing the logos, it’s crucial to compare them to images of the official logos online. Finally, it’s essential to buy from reputable sellers, such as Rewind Vintage Affairs as we can provide an authentication certificate.

If you want to sell designer pieces with us but are unsure about the authenticity of your items you should consult our team of experts. Whether dealing with luxury clutches or vintage shoulder bags, they can confirm if your item is genuine or a replica. Our experts can also provide you with a breakdown of why every aspect of the design, from the material and stitching to the logo and interior label, contributes to this judgement.

Additional Resources for Authenticating Designer Handbags 

If you're struggling to determine the authenticity of your designer bag, there are numerous additional resources you can use. For example, most high-end designers have codes, certificates, and holograms that you can use to verify authenticity. You can also take your designer bag to a luxury resale shop, such as Rewind Vintage Affairs, who can authenticate the bag for you. Finally, numerous online authentication services offer reliable authentication for designer bags.

It’s easy to feel bombarded thanks to the overwhelming amount of information determining authentic vs. fake designer bags online. But the wealth of resources are there to help prevent shoppers just like you from being scammed and instead encourage fans of luxury bags to make considered and informed purchases. You can find easy to read guides on a lot of designer labels’ websites detailing the most common flaws and inconsistencies to look out for when uncovering replica designer handbags. Plus, check out our Vintage Affairs Journal for more handy tips and tricks that will transform you into an authentication pro in no time. 

Conclusion 

Spotting fake designer handbags is essential to ensure that you're investing in a genuine luxury accessory. In this article, we’ve detailed the importance of being able to distinguish between authentic and fake designer handbags, as well as the key features to look for when assessing a bag’s authenticity. Remember to use these tips and tricks when evaluating designer bags, and always make sure to buy from reputable sources to guarantee that your investment is worthwhile. 

If you’re searching for authentic designer handbags, Rewind Vintage Affairs offers a range of vintage shoulder bags, Louis Vuitton, and other designer bags that have undergone rigorous authentication.

Our selection of rare and limited-edition luxury finds is unparalleled and we’re passionate about ensuring every designer gem we sell is authentic to give our customers peace of mind when shopping with us. So whether you’re buying Louis Vuitton vintage shoulder bags or runway-exclusive Chanel creations, you can trust that you’re investing in an authentic piece of luxury fashion.