How to Spot a Knockoff Chanel Handbag

Learn how to spot knockoff Chanel handbags.

Chanel is a Paris fashion house that was founded by Coco Chanel in 1909. Today Chanel is recognized as one of the most elegant and stylish names in the fashion world. The Chanel brand is coveted for its high-couture jewelry, shoes, accessories and fragrances. As with other high-end brands, this has led to a flooded marketplace of fake Chanel merchandise, including Chanel handbags. By learning how to spot the telltale signs of knockoff Chanel handbags, you'll be able to purchase an authentic Chanel handbag with confidence.

Instructions

1. Find the serial number on the inside of the Chanel bag. Count the digits in the serial number, which is either seven or eight digits on an authentic Chanel handbag. Make sure the serial number also matches the authenticity card that comes with the Chanel handbag.

2. Study the Chanel logo on the Chanel handbag. On genuine Chanel handbags, the top of the right C in the logo should overlap the top of the left C. The bottom of the left C in the logo should overlap the bottom of the right C.

3. Examine the hardware on the Chanel bag. The hardware and metal logo on authentic Chanel bags will always match each other.

4. Read the label that lists the materials used to make the Chanel bag. Knockoff Chanel bags are made from lambskin, while authentic Chanel bags use only calfskin.

5. Check the authenticity card that comes with the Chanel bag. The card that comes with an authentic Chanel handbag is never laminated, and is black with gold lettering and trim. On fake Chanel bags, there will often be typos in the authenticity card.

6. Look at the back pocket of the Chanel handbag. Knockoff Chanel handbags have larger pockets than genuine Chanel handbags.

7. Check the inside flap of the Chanel handbag, which should be smooth and wrinkle free. The inside flap of knockoff Chanel handbags often pucker and are wrinkled.

Tips & Warnings

• Genuine Chanel purses are priced at $1,000 and higher. Chanel bags hold their value over time, and their resale price remains high. If you find a Chanel handbag listed at an inexpensive price, this is often a red flag that the handbag is a Chanel knockoff.

References

• New York Magazine: Chanel
• Edubook: How to Spot a Fake Chanel Bag
• My-Perfect-Designer-Handbag: Spot a Fake Chanel

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Bag Bible: How to Spot a Fake Chanel
• ABC News: How to Spot a Designer Knockoff
• Always Indian: How Can You Spot a Fake Chanel Bag