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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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Examining the Bag

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  1. 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]
  2. 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]
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  3. 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]
    • 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]
  4. Where seams meet, the pattern should line up precisely. Also, letters and logos won't be cut in half with the real thing.[5]
  5. 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]
    • On Gucci bags, the leather should be pebbled napa leather. Microsuede is a dead giveaway for a fake.[7]
  6. 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]
  7. The metal on Gucci bags should not rust. Look closely at the places where the metal meets the leather or canvas.[9]
  8. Gucci bags are usually canvas. When you tilt them in the light, they should be lightly shiny.[10]
  9. 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]
  10. Sometimes counterfeiters get words on the label wrong, so check to make sure words are spelled correctly.[12]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Paying Attention to the Store and Listing

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  1. 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]
    • 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.
  2. They should offer reassurances about the authenticity of their bags, as well as answer questions you have about the bags.[14]
  3. Don't be fooled by other phrases such as "guaranteed original."[15]
  4. A seller with thousands of listings is not likely selling real Gucci bags.[16]
  5. Sites such as Amazon and eBay feature multiple sellers, so it's more difficult to tell if you have a quality seller.[17]
    • You can still find real Gucci bags on these sites. You just need to be more careful about who you buy from.
  6. Bags being hawked on the side of the road are not likely to be the real thing.
  7. If the bag your buying is considerably cheaper than a similar item on another site, it's likely fake.[18]
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Warnings

  • Buying fake bags can seem harmless. However, some counterfeit bag makers use child labor to make bags.[19]
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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.

About This Article

Mallika Sharma
Co-authored by:
Certified Leather Care Technician
This article was co-authored by Mallika Sharma. Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom. This article has been viewed 139,352 times.
1 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 16
Updated: February 21, 2024
Views: 139,352
Categories: Bags
Article SummaryX

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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Reader Success Stories

  • Iris

    Iris

    Jan 8, 2019

    "Found a Gucci purse at my local thrift store for a grand total of $18. I wasn't sure if it was real or not, so..." more
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