Signs to identify fake designer bags

Fake designer handbags are everywhere and at first glance, they can look quite similar to the real thing. Here's how to tell a  real designer handbag from a fake .

Super realistic good price

Even on the secondhand market, authentic designer handbags in good condition don't come cheap, so if a handbag is a bargain, it's probably a fake. Sure, you might occasionally stumble upon a coveted Gucci or Hermes bag for a fraction of the price at someone's clearance sale, but those rare deals are rare.

Sold on the street

If the designer handbag is being sold by a street vendor or at a local flea market, there's a good chance it's not authentic. And if the seller has a LOT of "designer" bags for sale, it's probably because they're not selling authentic designer handbags.

Skin like plastic

Take a good look at the leather of the designer bag you're considering. If it's of poor quality, it will feel plasticky or unusually stiff. Worn-out patches may peel or split, a sign that it's not genuine leather. Also, give it a good sniff. Does it smell like leather? If not, it's probably a fake.

Poor dyeing

Genuine designer handbags have top quality dyeing processes, so if the colors on the handbag look patchy, it is likely a fake, unless that was the designer's intention.

Logo uses wrong font

It can be difficult to exactly copy the font used in a designer's logo, so if the font looks uneven, it's probably a fake. If you know the brand of handbag you're looking at, familiarize yourself with the logo. Take a photo of the authentic logo and save it to your phone so you can compare it when shopping. If the logo font looks uneven, it's probably a fake.

There is a spelling mistake.

This seems like a detail that counterfeiters would look for, but you'd be surprised to learn that they often don't. So if it says Gucci, it's not real. Look inside and outside the bag for all the logos and writing, including the hang tag and labels, and make sure everything is spelled Gucci. If there are any misspellings, the bag is fake.

Bag care label missing

Designer handbags come with labels that tell you how to properly care for your very expensive investment. If these labels are missing, it's possible that someone ripped them off, but more often than not, the bag is a fake.

Faulty stitching

Authentic designer handbags have tight, even stitching, while fakes may have loose, sloppy stitching, uneven stitching, or even missing stitching where the fabric (especially on the inside) is glued rather than sewn. If it doesn't have neat, precise stitching, it's probably a fake.

The logo is blurred or incorrect.

Most designers stamp their signature logos on the bag. These logos should be printed crisply, while fake logos may be slightly blurred or inaccurate. Also, look for the logo printed on the inside lining—fake bags often lack this detail.

No authentication papers

If the bag is brand new, it should have a certificate of authenticity or similar paperwork. Fake bags don't have this. This can be a bit tricky if you're buying used, but if it does have the paperwork, it's a good sign.

Color or style does not match

If you like a rare color LV Speedy and you immediately get offers, it's time to do some pre-shopping research on different types of bags. Find out what's available so you don't accidentally spend a bunch of your hard-earned money on a fake bag—even if the seller tells you it's a 'rare design.' Sure, it might be, but sometimes it's not.

Micah Soto

Update 07 June 2025