How can you tell if your designer bag is real?
Do you see a designer bag and wonder if it is authentic? That is a very common question, especially when it comes to vintage and pre-loved items. Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Prada, and Céline all use their own features and systems, which can make it difficult to judge authenticity. At Pepper Luxury Vintage, we explain what to look out for and how to recognize a genuine designer bag.
REAL
FAKE
Start with the overall look of the bag
When identifying a genuine designer bag, it never comes down to just one detail. In practice, authentication always starts with the overall look. Even before checking logos or codes, the appearance of a bag can already reveal a lot.
Where fake bags often fall short
In practice, the quality of materials is one of the most reliable indicators. With counterfeit bags, you often see that:
- the leather feels plastic-like
- the stitching is irregular and frayed
- the dimensions are incorrect
- the serial numbers are incorrect
When doubt remains, a professional authenticator such as Entrupy can help. They assess the bag as a whole.
Serial numbers and date codes on designer bags
Designer bags use serial numbers or date codes in different ways. Louis Vuitton worked with date codes, Chanel with serial number stickers and cards. Gucci uses recognizable serial numbers, while Prada and Céline mainly work with hot stamps and internal markings that cannot be read as serial numbers. Nowadays, more and more brands are switching to digital systems, such as microchips or QR codes, which are not visible on the bag.
A serial number or date code is never proof of authenticity. Read more about Louis Vuitton date codes, Chanel serial numbers, and Gucci serial numbers in our blogs.
Differences per designer brand
Although the basic principles are the same, each brand has its own specific details to look for.
Chanel
With Chanel, the difference is often visible in the details. The CC logos are sharp and symmetrical, and the stitching is even. With counterfeit bags, the proportions or spacing are often slightly off, especially with the CC logo on the inside, even if the bag looks good at first glance.
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Louis Vuitton
Louis Vuitton can mainly be recognized by the canvas and the alignment of the pattern. On authentic bags, the monogram flows calmly and logically across seams. With counterfeit bags, you more often see that the pattern is interrupted or that the canvas feels soft and thin.
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GUCCI
With Gucci, the difference is usually found in the feel of the materials and the finishing. Authentic Gucci leather and canvas feel fuller and heavier. With counterfeits, the material often looks smoother or plastic-like, and labels, stitching, or hardware are finished less precisely. Sagging can be normal with vintage items, poor finishing is not.
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Prada
With Prada, the difference is mainly in the finishing and proportions. The metal logo is placed neatly and firmly attached, without being crooked or having sharp edges. With counterfeits, you more often see that the metal feels lighter, the placement is slightly off, or that the materials and shape are executed less precisely.
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Céline
With Céline, the difference is mainly in the leather and the logo. The leather feels firm, while with counterfeits the material is often thinner or synthetic. In Céline designs, the lines are clean and the panels align neatly. With counterfeit bags, the proportions are often slightly off or the bag looks unbalanced.
SHOP CÉLINECharacteristics of an authentic bag
An authentic bag
An authentic bag is made from high-quality materials. The leather feels firm yet supple. The finishing shows straight, even stitching without loose threads. Logos and brand stamps are correctly spelled and placed in the right position. Hardware such as zippers, buckles, and chains feels heavy. The interior is also neatly finished.
Serial numbers, date codes, or chips match the brand, the model, and the year of production.
A non-authentic bag
A non-authentic bag feels lighter and is made from materials that are cheap or plastic-like. The stitching is irregular or poorly finished. Logos may be misspelled, placed crookedly, or incorrect in size. The hardware is light, has an unnatural shine, and wears quickly. The interior is also less neatly finished, with thin lining or visible glue residue.
Serial numbers may be missing, incorrectly printed, or do not match known brand specifications.
Buy your vintage designer bag
Buying vintage Louis Vuitton at Pepper Luxury Vintage
At Pepper Luxury Vintage, we only select items that meet our quality and authenticity standards. Whether it’s a Louis Vuitton Speedy, Chanel Classic Double Flap, or any other vintage designer bag, every bag is carefully inspected.
Discover our collection of vintage Louis Vuitton bags and get your vintage designer bag at Pepper Luxury Vintage.