I’ve always been a fan of luxury bags, and the Hermes bag is the pinnacle of fashion and style. When it first came on the scene, I was blown away, and it immediately shot to the top of my wish list. But unsurprisingly, there are a lot of fakes out there, too. So when it comes to Hermes bags, how can you tell the real from the fake?
Well, the first and most important thing to look out for is the material. An authentic Hermes bag will be made of high-quality leather or exotic skins, with the logo of a horse and carriage embossed on the outside. A fake will often use a cheaper kind of leather, or even vinyl, and the logo may be printed rather than embossed.
When it comes to the construction of the bag, look for precision and accuracy. An original Hermes bag typically has precise stitching and a lining that’s held in place with no less than 24 stitches. Fake bags may have sloppy stitching or use glue to fix the lining in place, instead.
Also, check the small details. Hermes bags will have the date code stamped on the inside of the bag, and the metal hardware will usually be stamped with the company logo. Fake bags may have the same hardware, but the metal will be plated and won’t have the right stamp.
And when it comes to price, it’s an easy give away. An original Hermes bag can cost thousands of dollars, while fake ones might cost less than $500. So when comparing prices, make sure you know what you’re getting.
Finally, the surest way to tell the real from the fake is to buy from a certified dealer. Sure, it’s more expensive, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind. And if you’re worried about authenticity, you can also buy from an online marketplace like Vestiaire Collective, which offers authenticated luxury items.
That said, it’s a whole different story for buying on the street. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tell the real from the fake with these bags. For starters, counterfeiters usually don’t have the same attention to detail that genuine Hermes bags have. So, check for things like off center stitching, poorly cut leather, stiff hardware, and a lacking logo. Finally, a fake Hermes will often smell of plastic or glue, whereas an original will smell like the highest quality leather hides and skins.
So, next time you’re on the hunt for an Hermes bag, keep these tips in mind and you’ll be able to tell the original from the fake. After all, you don’t want to end up with a bag that looks great but isn’t the real thing.
Now that I’ve talked about how to differentiate between the original and the fake. Let’s look at how you can spot a fake Hermes bag when you buy in the form of pre-owned goods. First things first, you should always check the condition of the bag. Because pre-owned replica bags most likely have been used more, the original design of the bag may look different than in the shop. This can be confusing because the bag will have some wear. But, genuine Hermes bags are well known for their durability and craftsmanship, meaning you should look out for small signs of deterioration, like soft leather, broken zippers or loose seams.
Another thing to consider is the seller’s research. Authentic Hermes bags come with their own serial numbers, and it’s important to make sure that these numbers match whatever the seller is telling you. If the seller can’t provide any info about the history of the product, it’s likely that it isn’t original, and you should keep shopping.
It’s also important to check the type of product and season. Every Hermes bag has a named season/collection, but counterfeiters sometime don’t emulate the season codes correctly, so if the bag you’re looking at is from a different season, it’s more than likely a fake. Also, counterfeits don’t typically have the same unique prints and design details that make an Hermes product stand out. This applies to products across all Hermes ranges, so it pays to be vigilant when it comes to the details.
When it comes to shopping for a pre-owned Hermes bag, always use an authorized reseller, like Vestiaire Collective. This guarantees that the product you’re buying is authentic, and comes with its own authenticity card – something that counterfeiters can’t reproduce.
Finally, if all else fails and you’re still not sure if the bag is fake or original, always go with your gut. If something seems off or suspicious, it might just be better to walk away and keep looking.
Now let’s talk about how to properly maintain a genuine Hermes bag. First off, humidity is the enemy. So, look for waterproofing sprays and store your bag in a moisture proof bag or plastic. It’s also important to clean your bag regularly – at least once a month. This is especially important in rainy seasons or areas with heavy snow. In general, any high quality leather cleaner should do the trick.
Another thing to remember is to avoid too much sun exposure. Too much light can cause fading and drying of the leather, which damages the material. To help protect your Hermes bag, it’s best to store it in a dust bag when you’re not wearing it. And, if you’re going out, try to keep your bag out of the sun when possible.
Additionally, take extra special care when it comes to repairs and replacements. Genuine Hermes bags receive repairs at official stores, so if you have any issues, make sure to take your bag to a certified repair location. By keeping your bag in tip-top shape, you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come.
Finally, one of the best ways to ensure long lasting quality is to buy your bag from an authorized reseller. Not only do they provide you with a valid authenticity card, but they offer full refunds if there are any signs of damage or flaws. So, if you want to reap all the benefits of an original Hermes bag, it’s best to buy from an authorized dealer.
That said, it’s as much an exercise of quality control as it is of style. With a bit of know-how and care, you can be sure that you’re investing in a genuine bag that will stand the test of time.