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If you love Gucci bags, then of course you want the real deal. To be confident when you're buying, you need to know how to spot the fakes. Luckily, there are a number of signs you can look for, so you won't be caught buying knockoffs.
Steps
Examining the Bag
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1Ask for images of the actual bag. That is, if it looks like the company is just using a stock image, request images of that bag specifically, especially if you are buying it used.[1]
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2Look for sloppy stitching. Gucci pays close attention to detail, so their stitching will be even and neat. If thread is pulling out or if it seems uneven on a bag, that bag is likely a fake.[2]Advertisement
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3Examine the back of the label. The back of the label should have the serial hand-stamped on it. The letters should be small and close together. If they are widespread apart, it's likely a fake.[3]
- Also look for the copyright symbol (a circle with an R in it). The label should also have "Gucci" on it. Look specifically at the "u," which should be less bold on the right than the left.[4]
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4Check the seams. Where seams meet, the pattern should line up precisely. Also, letters and logos won't be cut in half with the real thing.[5]
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6Look for glue lines. If you can see glue spilling out anywhere, it likely isn't a Gucci. Check where the different types of materials meet, and look at the lining inside for glue.[8]
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7Check for rust. The metal on Gucci bags should not rust. Look closely at the places where the metal meets the leather or canvas.[9]
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8Look for the sheen. Gucci bags are usually canvas. When you tilt them in the light, they should be lightly shiny.[10]
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9Examine against the real thing. That is, visit a store to see the real thing in person. Counterfeiters will often get parts of the bag wrong, especially on the inside, such as pocket locations or lining color.[11]
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10Check for misspellings. Sometimes counterfeiters get words on the label wrong, so check to make sure words are spelled correctly.[12]
Paying Attention to the Store and Listing
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1Look at the "About Us" page. Authenticate sites will have information on their store and a mission on their about me page. Authenticate sites are more likely to have the real thing.[13]
- Of course, fake stores can set up a fake "About Us" page. However, if it's missing, it's a giveaway of a low-quality store.
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2Read the "Frequently Asked Questions" page. They should offer reassurances about the authenticity of their bags, as well as answer questions you have about the bags.[14]
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3Look for the phrase "guaranteed authentic Gucci bag." Don't be fooled by other phrases such as "guaranteed original."[15]
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4Check out how many listings they have. A seller with thousands of listings is not likely selling real Gucci bags.[16]
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5Examine whether it's a site with one seller. Sites such as Amazon and eBay feature multiple sellers, so it's more difficult to tell if you have a quality seller.[17]
- You can still find real Gucci bags on these sites. You just need to be more careful about who you buy from.
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6Skip the roadside stands. Bags being hawked on the side of the road are not likely to be the real thing.
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7Consider the price. If the bag your buying is considerably cheaper than a similar item on another site, it's likely fake.[18]
Warnings
- Buying fake bags can seem harmless. However, some counterfeit bag makers use child labor to make bags.[19]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/how-to-spot-a-fake_n_4470655.html
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a359/the-fight-against-fakes-0109/
About This Article
Fake Gucci bags are easy enough to spot if you examine the label and craftsmanship. On a real Gucci bag, the back of the label should have a hand-stamped serial number and the text should be small and close together. Gucci make high quality bags, so if you see one with uneven or frayed stitching around the edges, it’s probably a fake. Where the seams meet, the pattern should line up exactly, so if the letters or logos are cut in half, it’ll be a fake. Real bags should be made from soft, supple leather. If the material feels tough, it’s fake. However, the main giveaway is usually the price. If you think you’ve found a real Gucci bag for significantly cheaper than its retail price, you haven’t. For more tips, including how to spot a fake Gucci seller online, read on!