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If you love Gucci bags, then of course you want the real deal. To be confident when you're buying, you need to know how to spot the fakes. Luckily, there are a number of signs you can look for, so you won't be caught buying knockoffs.
Steps
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Ask for images of the actual bag. That is, if it looks like the company is just using a stock image, request images of that bag specifically, especially if you are buying it used. [1] X Research source
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Look for sloppy stitching. Gucci pays close attention to detail, so their stitching will be even and neat. If thread is pulling out or if it seems uneven on a bag, that bag is likely a fake. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Examine the back of the label. The back of the label should have the serial hand-stamped on it. The letters should be small and close together. If they are widespread apart, it's likely a fake. [3] X Research source
- Also look for the copyright symbol (a circle with an R in it). The label should also have "Gucci" on it. Look specifically at the "u," which should be less bold on the right than the left. [4] X Research source
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Check the seams. Where seams meet, the pattern should line up precisely. Also, letters and logos won't be cut in half with the real thing. [5] X Research source
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Feel the leather. The leather shouldn't be tough, but rather, soft and supple. Obviously, that is harder to see online, but in person, you should feel the leather. [6] X Research source
- On Gucci bags, the leather should be pebbled napa leather. Microsuede is a dead giveaway for a fake. [7] X Research source
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Look for glue lines. If you can see glue spilling out anywhere, it likely isn't a Gucci. Check where the different types of materials meet, and look at the lining inside for glue. [8] X Research source
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Check for rust. The metal on Gucci bags should not rust. Look closely at the places where the metal meets the leather or canvas. [9] X Research source
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Look for the sheen. Gucci bags are usually canvas. When you tilt them in the light, they should be lightly shiny. [10] X Research source
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Examine against the real thing. That is, visit a store to see the real thing in person. Counterfeiters will often get parts of the bag wrong, especially on the inside, such as pocket locations or lining color. [11] X Research source
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Check for misspellings. Sometimes counterfeiters get words on the label wrong, so check to make sure words are spelled correctly. [12] X Research source
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Look at the "About Us" page. Authenticate sites will have information on their store and a mission on their about me page. Authenticate sites are more likely to have the real thing. [13] X Research source
- Of course, fake stores can set up a fake "About Us" page. However, if it's missing, it's a giveaway of a low-quality store.
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Read the "Frequently Asked Questions" page. They should offer reassurances about the authenticity of their bags, as well as answer questions you have about the bags. [14] X Research source
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Look for the phrase "guaranteed authentic Gucci bag." Don't be fooled by other phrases such as "guaranteed original." [15] X Research source
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Check out how many listings they have. A seller with thousands of listings is not likely selling real Gucci bags. [16] X Research source
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Examine whether it's a site with one seller. Sites such as Amazon and eBay feature multiple sellers, so it's more difficult to tell if you have a quality seller. [17] X Research source
- You can still find real Gucci bags on these sites. You just need to be more careful about who you buy from.
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Skip the roadside stands. Bags being hawked on the side of the road are not likely to be the real thing.
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Consider the price. If the bag your buying is considerably cheaper than a similar item on another site, it's likely fake. [18] X Research source
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Tips
- To ensure you are getting a Gucci bag, buy direct from Gucci.Thanks
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Warnings
- Buying fake bags can seem harmless. However, some counterfeit bag makers use child labor to make bags. [19] X Research sourceThanks
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about differentiating fake bags from real bags, check out our in-depth interview with Mallika Sharma .
References
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2013/01/01/how-to-spot-a-fake-designer-handbag/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/19/how-to-spot-a-fake_n_4470655.html
- ↑ http://www.glamour.com/fashion/blogs/dressed/2014/08/how-to-tell-if-a-bag-is-a-fake
- ↑ http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/a26872/5-ways-to-spot-a-fake/
- ↑ http://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/features/a359/the-fight-against-fakes-0109/
About This Article
Article Summary
X
Fake Gucci bags are easy enough to spot if you examine the label and craftsmanship. On a real Gucci bag, the back of the label should have a hand-stamped serial number and the text should be small and close together. Gucci make high quality bags, so if you see one with uneven or frayed stitching around the edges, it’s probably a fake. Where the seams meet, the pattern should line up exactly, so if the letters or logos are cut in half, it’ll be a fake. Real bags should be made from soft, supple leather. If the material feels tough, it’s fake. However, the main giveaway is usually the price. If you think you’ve found a real Gucci bag for significantly cheaper than its retail price, you haven’t. For more tips, including how to spot a fake Gucci seller online, read on!
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