How to Tell Whether a Fendi Product Is a Knockoff

An authentic Fendi handbag has leather accents.

Designer products are coveted because of their high-quality materials. Fendi products are no exception. Fendi is mostly known for its purses, which retail for $375 to $6,000. Because of Fendi's popularity, it is not unusual to find knockoff products, specifically handbags. It is important to determine whether your Fendi product is authentic before you make your purchase, or you may be throwing your money away.

Instructions

1. Look at the fabric. Fendi handbags are made out of a mixture of canvas and silk called zucca jaguard. Imitation handbags use inexpensive materials. Feel the fabric to see if it is flexible. If it is, the bag could be a knockoff.

2. Examine the logo. Fendi's logo is two F's. The first one faces forward and the second is inverted and upside down so the letters form an open rectangle with two short lines in the center. A knockoff will often use the letter L instead of one of the F's.

3. Verify that the hardware is covered. Fendi insists upon using protective covering on its hardware so the bag will remain in prime condition until it is purchased. The hardware should be uniform in regard to luster and color.

4. Inspect the thread. An authentic Fendi handbag will have even stitching, and the thread will be the same color as the bag. Knockoff bags may have uneven stitching and may use nonmatching thread.

5. Open the bag. Fendi handbags are always lined in brown fabric. If the lining is another color, you have a fake Fendi. There should be a serial number inside. Knockoff handbags often include letters in the serial numbers.

References

• Fendi: The History of Fendi
• Hilary; Fake or Fendi? The Difference Between Designer Bags and Knockoffs; Noa Glouberman
• NYC24: The Give-Away-How to Tell Fake From Phony