I was so excited to share with my friend that I’ve become a professional bag spotter! Spotting fake bags is not as hard as it sounds. It takes patience and observation. Here’s my guide to spotting fake bags like a pro.
First, it helps to know what to look for. The details on a real bag are usually very precise. Look for the stitching and the logo, if it’s there. Check for any misspelling or any illegible font; that’s a sure sign of a fake. Additionally, look for any loose threads, unaligned pockets, or ripped seams. The real stuff should be made from sturdy material.
Second, feel the bag – does it feel too light or too flimsy? Does it make a crackling sound when you move it around? All of these are signs of a fake. Real bags should weigh a decent amount; they’re usually much heavier than fake bags.
Third, look at the colors and the patterns. Real bags often have subtlety of colors and the patterns should look natural, not obviously printed. Fake bags have too much of the same colors and the patterns are usually too busy or too uniform.
Fourth, pay attention to the zippers, especially the zipper tabs. Even when real, the zippers could be of poorer quality, but usually they’re a bit tougher which you can tell by tugging on the tab. Fake zippers are made of lighter and cheaper metal.
Fifth, do your research. Look online for the “real” design, check out some real life pictures and compare it with the one you’re holding. It should look almost exactly the same, perhaps just slightly different from the one alongside it. That’s a sign of good craftsmanship.
Sixth, the hardware on a real bag should look more premium than the average metals used on a fake. Real metal should have a slightly smoother finish and it’s usually tarnish-resistant.
Lastly, look at the price tag. Unless it’s an outlet store, most branded bags don’t come cheap. It’s not likely that you’ll find a real one for a fraction of the original price.
Now that you’re aware of the key details to look for, it’s time to put it to the test. My next tip is to visit a store yourself and try to spot the differences. Hold a real bag and a fake one and compare them. Remember to look into the details and feel the bag. A professional bag spotter knows how to tell a real bag from a fake one.
In this next section, I’d like to share with you a few more tips on spotting a fake bag. I’m sure after this, you’ll be able to spot one right away.
TIP #1: Check the inside of the bag. This is the most important but often overlooked. Fake replica bags tend to have cheap lining on the inside, either bleached, rough, or shiny. Whereas in real bags, the lining is nicely done and it feels exactly like the outside.
TIP #2: Check the way the bag closes. If the bag has a clasp, does it function correctly, without a hitch? Does it take some effort to open and close the clasp? A real one should feel sturdy, a fake one not so much.
TIP #3: Notice the way the logo is embossed or engraved. Real bags will have a pronounced logo that almost feels 3D. Check the edges to make sure it’s symmetrical enough and it doesn’t have any burrs.
TIP #4: Check the dust bag. Any luxurious bag that you purchase should come with its own dust bag. It must be clean and free from stains or bleach marks.
TIP #5: Look for the tag. Real bags usually come with a tag that’s attached to a handle. The tag should not be too stiff nor too soft, but somewhere in between.
TIP #6: Feel the texture. Real bags are made with more authentic materials and have a more organic texture. Some replica bags are made with leather and should not feel glossy or plastic-like.
TIP #7: Check the bag’s back side. If the bag has a back pocket, it should have a pocketplate that’s made out of metal or leather. It should also have a logo embossed on it.
These are some of the key points that I use to spot a fake bag. It’s a matter of having a steady eye for the details. Once you know how a real bag should look like and how it should feel, you’ll be able to spot a fake like a pro.
Another important aspect of bag spotting is knowing its history. If you ever come across a vintage bag, it’s important to know what year it came out and what other lines it got released with. Knowing its past will give you some indication of its authenticity.
The final thing I’d like to mention is that a lot of the time, we tend to rely heavily on the Internet. While you can find helpful guides and reviews online, it’s important to always do your own research. Read as many articles as you can about the style and the shape of the bag. Check out other owners and their reviews. Use your resources wisely to gain a better understanding of the bag.
These are my tips and tricks for spotting a fake bag. If in doubt, always go for the real thing. It will last longer and give you an elegant look that a fake just can’t provide. With this guide, you’ll be able to enjoy your bag for years to come.