How to Identify Fake Coach Bags

Coach makes a wide range of items, from shoes and dresses to sunglasses and wallets. Despite the success of their entire brand, they are perhaps best known for their purses. Coach bags are designer purses known for their high-quality materials and fine craftsmanship. Prices vary according to the particular model, but most Coach handbags cost a few hundred dollars. As a result, there are lots of replicas on the market. If you know what to look for, there are surefire ways to identify fake Coach bags.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Confirm the authenticity of the bag's design via the official Coach website. Each Coach design will feature a specific name and number. If you can't find the bag's design, it is certainly a fake.

2. Study the bag's material. Coach bags are made from high-quality, durable materials. If the bag's material seems to be flimsy, cheap or overly stiff, it is not likely a real Coach purse.

3. Examine the hardware on the bag. If any buttons, clasps or zippers appear flimsy or cheap, it is not authentic Coach. Generally, Coach hardware will be either gunmetal, brass or nickel. Coach does not feature gold hardware.

4. Study the logo. If the bag features Coach's trademark pattern, confirm that the print shows capital C's. Often, replica purses feature capital G's on the print instead of C's.

5. Look for glue residue. Replica purses are often glued together rather than strongly stitched. While fake Coach bags may still feature stitching, they are often held together by glue.

6. Scrutinize the bag's stitching. All Coach bags feature even, durable and sturdy stitching. If the bag in question features crooked, uneven or sloppy stitching, it is not an authentic Coach bag.

7. Inspect the bag's label. Replica Coach purses often have misspellings or typos on the labels. On authentic bags, the label will always feature clear, evenly spaced text that is free of errors.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase Coach bags from an authorized retailer and you'll know the bags are authentic.
• If the seller will not show you a photo of the actual bag you are buying, do not purchase the item.

Resources

• Coach

[illuminata25]

on 8/12/2009 Great article! I have seen websites which offer cheap bags that look so authentic, but I only buy from authorized dealers.