Women Corner

So you’ve had your eye on the new Gucci Jackie-O or Christian Dior Saddle Handbags for a while and you’re pretty proud of yourself for finding a steal of a deal online or at a bargain store. You’re pretty confident that your girlfriends are going to be green with envy. But how do you know that the expensive designer bag you just bought isn’t really just a cheap knockoff? There’s a few ways to determine the authenticity of handbags. Here are a few tips on how to spot the fakes right away.

 Look at the bag closely. One of the main reasons designer bags are so costly is because they are made from better quality materials than most bags and are assembled by real people, not machines or third-word assembly lines. Look at the stitching on the bag. Is it frayed in any places? How thick is the stitching? Quality bags are stitched not just once but several times to ensure durability.

 Another way to check authenticity is simply by the weight of the bad. Authentic bags are typically much heavier than a cheap knock-off. The materials used in the hardware are quality metals, not cheap, painted plastic. When purchasing a new purse, lightly scratch one of the metal fasteners with your nail. Did any paint chip off? If so you know you’ve got a knock off. Real bags not only don’t have painted hardware, but typically will have a clear plastic coating around it to protect if from scratches.

 Check out the placement of the designer’s logo. Is the logo painted or engraved. No true designer purse has a painted-on logo. They are engraved so that they last a long time. Also check the lining of the purse. Almost all major designers use a shiny material that looks like silk or satin. The logo should be imprinted on the lining. If it’s not then it’s most likely a fake.

 The last thing you can do to absolutely ensure that the purse you buy is authentic is to only purchase bags with a certificate of authenticity. Nearly all expensive designer bags come with a certificate that verifies that the bag is real. Stay away from any bags that don’t include this certificate.

• authenticity of handbags