How to Tell If a Chanel Handbag Is Fake

It's safe to assume that handbags sold on street corners aren't authentic.

Designer handbags, such as those produced by Chanel, are sought-after fashion accessories. New Chanel bags are available from high-end retailers. It's safe to assume, however, that independent vendors offering Chanel purses at drastic discounts are peddling knock-offs. Even if the vendor claims that the cheap price is due to the bag's age, the demand for collectable Chanel bags is also high, meaning prices for authentic vintage oness also remain high. Examining a designer bag before purchasing it is the best way to determine whether it's authentic.

Instructions

1. Check the logo. The Chanel logo is a reversed "C" interlocked with a capital "C." The logo is gold, silver or another material secured with fine stitching, according to DebutantClothing.com. On external logos, the right "C" should overlap with the left "C" on the top and bottom. The overlapping of the logo is reversed on the inside flap of a few rare vintage Chanel handbags.

2. Look for the serial number. All Chanel bags have an original serial number and should include an authenticity card, according to ChanelAmour.com. Older bags, made in the 1980s or before, have a seven-digit serial number, and those made after 1990 have an eight-digit one. New Chanel bags also have a plastic cover over the tag displaying the serial number to protect it.

3. Examine the fabric. This can be difficult when purchasing online, so request to see the bag in person if possible. Chanel only uses high-quality materials, according to DesignerHandbagReview.com, so a true Chanel will be made of leather, fine fabric, fur or other exotic materials. Chanel never uses pleather (imitation leather).

4. Make sure all of the metal on the bag matches. If buckles or chains on the front are gold, metal inside the bag will be gold as well. Even the metallic "Chanel" logo plate on newer bags (vintage bags have cloth tags instead of metal) will match, according to Chanel Amour.

5. Find the origin tag. Authentic Chanel bags are made in Italy or France, according to Designer Handbag Review. If there is a tag anywhere in the bag stating a different country of origin, the handbag is a fake.

Tips & Warnings

• Before buying online ask the seller to send many pictures of the inside and outside of the bag and of any tags or cards included with the bag.

• When using a site like Ebay, always check the seller's feedback and comments.

• Chanel never offers their bags at wholesale, according to Chanel Amour. Be wary of vendors claiming they offer low prices or discounts due to wholesale.

References

• Debutant Clothing: Is Your Chanel Bag Fake?
• Chanel Amour: Buying Used Chanel-Spotting Fakes
• Designer Handbag Review: Spotting Authentic Chanel Handbags

Resources

• Chanel
• Designer Handbags 101
• Spotting a Knockoff Handbag: Harder than You Think