79% of the eldest members of GenZ have purchased a counterfeit handbag. But it’s important to remember that this isn’t just illegal – it’s a waste of money too.
Real designer handbags will last longer and be more meaningful than a fake Chanel bag could ever be. Purchasing counterfeit bags hurts yourself and the designer, but sometimes people do it accidentally when they buy secondhand!
Don’t let a fake Chanel bag fall into your hands. Learn how to spot them here.
Stitching
Chanel handbags are impeccably made. Every bit of attention is paid so that all the details are perfect. For that reason, you can spot a knockoff Chanel by its stitching.
Take a close look. Is everything in a straight line? Are all the stitch sizes completely the same? Is the thread fraying or coming loose?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it’s a replica bag or, in other words, a fake.
Codes
When you’re buying Chanel, take a look for the serial and date codes. Most of the bags have them. Just because it has it, though, doesn’t mean it’s real.
Do a quick Google search. The exact same bag should show up. If no bag shows up, or worse the wrong bag shows up, you have a fake bag on your hands.
Fonts
Knockoff Chanel has a hard time getting the fonts exactly right on their handbags. When buying handbags, always be ready for a reference to a real logo on hand.
There should be no differences between the real, official logo and the one you find on the bag. Even the littlest differences in the font can be an indicator that you’re holding a fake bag.
That being said, make sure that you’re familiar with all the different eras of Chanel. The logo has slightly changed over time, and if you’re holding something quite old the logo might be less recognizable to you.
Smell Test
This one might seem silly, but it’s the oldest trick in the book for seasoned vintage bag buyers. Take a sniff of the bag.
Real designer handbags are made out of genuine leather, which has a distinct, earthy smell. If the bag smells like chemicals, it’s likely made of fake leather and is a fake bag.
Hardware
As mentioned before, designers of high-end bags pay a great deal of attention to the details. The craftsmanship and the materials used are always excellent.
The metal will be high quality and never cheaply painted over top. Don’t buy a bag if the metal looks dingy or poorly put together. It shouldn’t be scratched, and there certainly shouldn’t be any chipping or peeling. That’s a surefire sign of a fake bag.
Also, keep an eye out for metal that isn’t quite an attractive color. It may be a cheaper metal option than the designer intended.
Authentication
The best way to make sure you’re buying a real vintage handbag is to buy it from a source that professionally authenticates their bags. While you can have amazing designer finds in thrift stores, a consignment store is usually more reliable. For example, shop for vintage Chanel bags here, where every item is guaranteed to be authentic.
No Fake Chanel Bag for You
By following these tips, you can avoid buying a fake Chanel bag. Make sure that you always buy high-quality designer items that will be worth your money and last you a beautiful lifetime.
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