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Easily identify an authentic vs. fake Prada purse or wallet
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The devil might wear Prada... but is it real? Despite how popular counterfeiting has become, it doesn't take a professional to determine what's real and what's fake when it comes to designer purses. Whether you're buying a used Prada tote or simply want to know if your favorite blogger's bag is genuine, we’ll walk you through how to examine the logo, hardware, fabric, and more to determine any Prada purse’s authenticity.
Fake Prada Bag: 5 Signs Your Bag Is Counterfeit
- Brand Name: The right leg of the “R” in “Prada” has no slight upward curve.
- Interior Logo: The interior plaque is printed on plastic or fabric (not leather).
- Stitching: Stitching is sloppy, uneven, or has loose stitches.
- Zippers: Zippers are blank or feature different metals across the bag.
- Authenticity Card: The card is missing or has typos and other errors.
Steps
Section 1 of 4:
How to Tell If a Prada Bag Is Real
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Look for the signature curve in the "R" in the Prada logo. Find the Prada logo on the bag (which simply says “PRADA”) and look for a slight upward curve in the right leg of the “R.” If the leg is straight like a regular "R," you may have a counterfeit bag. Aside from the shape of the letters, look for the phrases “MILANO” and “DAL 1913,” both of which should accompany the Prada logo. [1] X Research source- Find anywhere the word Prada is printed or engraved on the bag to make sure the curved "R" is present in each spot. This includes extras like the dustbag if there is one or the authenticity card.
Your bag may be fake if the "R" in Prada is straight without any curve.
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Examine the triangle logo for the correct font, spacing, and color. The inverted triangle logo on the outside of a Prada bag is easily recognizable. Ensure that the letters are evenly spaced on the plaque and that the font matches all printing on the bag. On a genuine bag, the background color of the plaque will also match the color of the bag itself. [2] X Research source- The plaque should be fastened securely to the front of the bag and not be falling off or skewed at all.
- The logo on a real bag will be easily readable, no matter how small the font is.
- While you're checking the font around the bag, check that all words are spelled properly.
Your bag may be fake if the triangle logo doesn't match the color of your bag, contains typos, or feels loosely-attached.
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Look for uniformly-colored hardware that’s engraved with “Prada.” Prada only uses high-quality gold and silver for its hardware, and they’ll never mix metal colors on a big. So, check that all of your bag’s hardware (e.g., zippers, clasps, feet, etc.) are all the same color. Different colors or finishes may mean that the bag is fake . [3] X Research source- Likewise, check that all of the hardware is branded with the Prada name—if the logo is missing from the buckles, zippers, locks, or metal feet, you may have a fake bag.
- Not all real Prada bags have metal feet on the bottom of the purse or special accents like locks. Check the Prada catalog online to see if your model is supposed to.
Your bag may be fake if the hardware is blank, chipped, discolored, or varies in metal type across the same bag.
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Check for high-quality zippers from LAMPO, YKK, Riri, Opti, or Ipi. Prada only uses zippers from reputable brands like LAMPO, YKK, Riri, Opti, and Ipi, so one of these brand’s names will be engraved on the back or side of the Prada bag zipper. If one of these brand names is absent from the bag’s zipper, it may be a fake (or the zipper has been replaced, indicating a used bag. [4] X Research source- Due to the high quality of these zippers, they should work fairly easily. Open and close the zipper to see if it runs smoothly. Any snags, catches, or broken zipper pieces may indicate a counterfeit bag.
Your bag may be fake if the zippers are blank or contain a misspelling of "Prada," "LAMPO," "YKK," "Riri," "Opti," or "Ipi."
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Look for lining printed with Prada branding in an altering orientation. In a genuine Prada bag, the interior fabric will either be embossed Jacquard nylon fabric or Nappa leather. The fabric will have a pattern that alternates between the Prada brand name and the image of an unwound rope. However, the “Prada” text inside the bag should be stitched so that every other line appears upside down—if all of the branding is facing in the same orientation, your bag may be a fake. [5] X Research sourceYour bag may be fake if the interior lining is blank, or if it features the Prada logo but the text is all facing in the same direction.
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Ensure the logo plaque matches the fabric and reads “Prada Milano.” Some bags have an interior logo plaque on the inside of the bag, and the details of this plaque can reveal whether your bag is genuine or a fake. However, not all Prada bags have the logo plaque, so check if your model is meant to have the plaque before proceeding with this step. If your purse should have an interior plaque, it should also: [6] X Research source- Have a rectangular shape with rounded corners (unlike the triangular exterior plaque).
- Feature the words “Prada Milano.” It may also say “Made in Italy,” although some bags are now made in China.
- Be made of ceramic or leather—not plastic or cloth.
- Match the hardware and lining color of the bag.
- Be securely attached to the bag.
- If your inside logo plaque doesn’t fulfill any of these requirements, your bag may be a fake.
Your bag may be fake if the inside logo plaque doesn't say "Prada Milano" or is made of plastic or cloth.
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Look for meticulous, color-matches stitches that angle upward. Real Prada Bags will have straight stitching that runs parallel to the seams with small, tight, and uniform stitches. Prada stitches are also angled slightly upward, creating a distinctive pattern for the authentic bags, and almost exactly matched to the color of the bag material. [7] X Research source- You should not see any fraying or loose threads, which are fairly sure signs of a fake bag.
Your bag may be fake if the stitching is sloppy, uneven, or contains loose threads.
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Examine the Authenticity Card and Quality Assurance Tag. Prada bags come with two key items that assure their authenticity: the Quality Assurance Tag and Authenticity Card. The former is a small, white, square-shaped tag on the bottom seam of the bag’s interior pocket. It should have a small number on it, known as the purse factory number. [8] X Research source- The Authenticity Card is a sealed card that should arrive with the bag inside of a black envelope embossed with the Prada logo. It will contain the serial number and purse style information for your bag.
- Fake bags may still have the tag and card as described above. Signs of forgery, however, include uneven spacing between the letters and numbers, slanted lines, low-quality printing, or a printed (not embossed) logo on the envelope.
- You can also attempt to verify the serial number printed on the authenticity card. Contact Prada via their website and fill out the contact form, writing a subject line like, "Please verify the serial number of my Prada bag." Include the serial number in the body of the form.
- Alternatively, search the serial number on Google to make sure it matches your bag’s style or use a third-party authenticator like Entrupy .
Your bag may be fake if it doesn't come with an Authenticity Card or if the serial number on the card cannot be verified by Prada.
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Run your hand over a leather bag to see if it’s soft to the touch. Made from real calf leather, Prada leather bags should be supple and smooth. If the leather is stiff or unbending, it’s likely a fake. The leather should also have a uniform texture with the grain visible across the bag. [9] X Research sourceYour bag may be fake if the material feels rough or rigid.
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Consider whether the price of the bag is in a reasonable range. Prada bags can cost thousands of dollars due to the high-quality materials and skilled craftsmanship used to assemble the brand’s products. Even if a bag is being sold second hand, it could still cost upward of $800-1000 dollars. Search on Google for the model of bag that you’re looking at to see what they’re selling for—if a bag seems heavily discounted, it may signal a counterfeit item. [10] X Research sourceYour bag may be fake if it's being sold for less than $800-$1000 dollars.
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Check for a white dust bag with the Prada logo printed in black on it. A dustbag is a cloth covering similar to a pillow sham that protects a purse from dirt, sun exposure, and moisture. The font that’s on the dust bag will match the font on the Prada bag itself (the logo or the interior fabric font) if it’s a real bag. It will also have a drawstring. [11] X Research source- There should be a label stitched in the dust bag that says "Prada" and "100% Cotton Made in Italy".
- Not all Prada bags come with a dustbag. If there isn’t one, ask the seller or search online to see if the model usually comes with a dust bag.
- Older purses may have a navy dust bag with Prada printed in gold.
Your bag may be fake if the included dust bag doesn't feature the Prada logo.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDo Prada bags come with authenticity cards?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerYes, all genuine Prada bags have an authenticity card. This card will display the serial number and information about the style of purse. It will be contained within a black envelope that has the Prada logo embossed into it. You can check the serial number on Prada’s website or by contacting them directly by email or in-store.
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QuestionCan you sell fake purses on eBay?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerNo, you cannot sell fake or counterfeit purses on eBay. This is not only against eBay’s terms and conditions but it’s also illegal under the laws of many countries. For example, in the USA, it’s considered to be fraud. You risk being charged for committing an offense and having your eBay account suspended or removed. If in doubt, see your attorney for advice and you can also ask other sellers for guidance on the eBay forums.
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QuestionHow do I know my Coach bag is authentic?This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.wikiHow Staff EditorStaff AnswerThe main things you need to look for when assessing the authenticity of a luxury bag are quality, durability, logos/tags and patterns. For helpful advice on each of these things to help you determine whether or not your Coach bag is authentic, check out the wikiHow: How to Spot a Fake Coach Bag .
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References
- ↑ https://realauthentication.com/we-authenticate-prada/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/fake-designer-bags/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/fake-designer-bags/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
- ↑ https://handbag.yournextshoes.com/spot-fake-prada-handbags/
About This Article
Article Summary
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If you see a Prada bag that you suspect is fake, look for the slight upward curve in the right leg of the letter R of the logo. If the R isn't curved, it's a fake. Compare the logo on the outside of the bag to the plaque on the inside of the bag, and make sure the interior plaque is made of leather or ceramic, which are signs of a real bag. Then, check the hardware on the bag, including all of the rivets and zippers, to make sure they are all the same metal and are stamped with the word "Prada" to certify its authenticity. For tips on examining the material for quality and checking the serial number, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "Got a free Prada bag and figured it was fake because it has a made in China tag inside. But since I didn't know much about Prada bags I decided to research them. Now if I run across any I know what to look for. It's still a nice purse, even though it's fake, lol." ..." more
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"Got a free Prada bag and figured it was fake because it has a made in China tag inside. But since I didn't know much about Prada bags I decided to research them. Now if I run across any I know what to look for. It's still a nice purse, even though it's fake, lol."
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"I just got my first Prada bag for Mother's Day, and I immediately knew it was fake. The zippers are plastic and the tag says Made in China! Luckily I'm not a materialistic person. The bag is still cute and roomy, so I'll continue to wear it."
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"I checked the lining,which has Prada consistently printed. The zippers are the same color as the material.the zippers run smoothly and I am absolutely thrilled to possess my bag. Thank you!"
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"Step by step details (with supporting photos) on how to spot a fake Prada, and a link to the Prada website, this answered my query plus more. Thank you wikiHow."
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"The detail about the Prada logo having the notch in the "R" was clutch. Now I know I have a knock-off and can donate it to Goodwill! Thanks."
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