How to Spot a Designer Knockoff

Real or Fake?

Designer labels can charge more because of the status associated with that brand. Most people want to show off the season's top brands and names, but it always comes at a high cost. Some of those people try to cut down on that price by buying designer items on auction sites like eBay and Craig's List. The catch there is those people have to know how to tell the difference between a fake item and a real one. In most cases, they will need to handle the actual item to see or feel those differences.

Instructions

1. The most obvious signs of a knock-off are crooked stitching and cheaper fabrics and materials. Also, if the label indicates that it is leather, it should smell like leather.

2. Know where the brand makes its items, then check for that label. If you know a designer's label is from Italy and the tag says "Made in China," you know it is not authentic.

3. Pay attention to logos and signatures. You must know exactly how the brand's logo looks and where it should be on the item. If the logo is backwards, or a letter is missing, it's not real. You must also know what materials make up the item. All Hugo Boss items, for example, or are done on soft, high-quality material. A Hugo Boss item that feels rough to the tough should be ignored.

4. Consider the price of the item. If you know it retails for $1,500 and the asking price is $200, chances are it's too good to be true.

5. Compare the item to photos on the website of the designer. Some of those sites also have information for how to spot replicas of their products.

Tips & Warnings

• Review the feedback for any online sellers of designer items. Most counterfeit dealers have been busted at least a time or two, so check negative comments. Never buy any such item online without a money-back return policy.

References

• Fakes Revealed