How to Identify an Authentic Hermès Handbag

Buying a designer bag can be a dream-come-true for many women. A designer bag is a big investment, so it is important to know that you are spending money on an authentic piece. Fake handbags are getting more and more convincing, so it is important to know what to look for when identifying an authentic Hermès handbag.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with Hermès designs. Designer bags are very limited from season to season. Each year only sees so many new designs. Certain bags are made only in a few select colors or may have a certain color of lining. Knowing these things will help you identify a fake.

2. Look closely at the proportion of the handbag. A well-made designer bag will be perfectly proportional. It will be perfectly symmetrical and the handle will be completely centered. Take a good look at the shape. If it looks a little off or crooked, it is a fake.

3. Know what the stamp or label should look like. Hermès bags are almost always labeled and stamped on the inside only. However, there are a few designs that feature a stamp on the outside. The stamp or label should also be neat and clear.

4. Examine the lining. Most Hermès bags are lined with the same leather that the outside is made of. There are some styles that may be lined with canvas of the same color as the bag. Know which styles these are and know what lining to expect.

5. Look for an "H" engraved on the zipper. This will be done neatly and clearly on brass zippers. A couple of the designs have leather zippers, and in those cases, the "H" will be stamped.

6. Be suspicious of low prices. A Hermès bag will probably never sell for under $5,000. Bags made with imperfections in the factory are destroyed, and employees are not given gifts that they may resell. If a seller claims it is an unwanted gift, carefully consider why someone would spend $5,000 on a gift before knowing for sure that the recipient would like it.

7. Study the stitching very closely. Stitches should be perfectly straight, even and tight. The best craftsmen in the world make these bags, and imperfect bags do not leave the manufacturer.

[beautifulbasics]

on 7/3/2009 More! Authenticity Guides at: http://myworld.ebay.com/beautifulbasics/

[vavavoom]

on 5/15/2008 hi, could anyone please tell me what kind of leather/lining that being used for the latest Hermes Crocco Bag? is it the same kind of leather like suede that used in Hermes Crocco bags that released in the previous years, or the latest collection use other kind of lining/leather that is not suede kind of leather - just plain leather? thanks for your response!