How To Spot a Fake Chanel Purse…Then Buy It

Ok here we are with our fourth in the series “how to spot a fake purse,” this time looking at Chanel. I’ll go through everything you need to know to tell a fake from the real thing, and a good replica from a piece of pleather. If the info you’re looking for isn’t here, I guarantee it will be on one of the Gucci, LV or Coach pages.

Before you read, first figure out why you want to know how to spot a fake Chanel purse, then take the advice accordingly. By this I mean, do you want to know how to spot one so you can avoid fakes, or so you can buy a good fake Chanel handbag? Not too many people start these articles with that question, huh? Well, I’m not working for the man here. I’m willing to help you out either way. After all, if you’re going to buy replica, I’m not going to change your mind about it. You might as well buy a good one, as far as I’m concerned.

Be Warned About These Guides

These guides are a tricky thing because people come to them expecting to find surefire ways to determine faux from real. They want specifics. This, unfortunately can end up further tricking consumers. Why? Everything can be replicated. Receipts, authenticity cards, serial numbers, logos, emblems, etchings, stitch patterns, dust bags, packaging, buckles, straps, leather—everything! Anyone who tells you flat out that you can spot a fake Chanel by looking for an authenticity card or a serial number is an idiot. And I’m sorry but if you take that kind of blind advice you’re not exactly using the whole bean up on your shoulders.

Spot a Fake Chanel Using Your Noggin

That said, knowing the details of the authentic is the first and only way to spot a fake Chanel. What I’m criticizing is the idea that any one detail can tell you the authenticity of something. What you need to do is develop an eye, both for the bag as a whole and all it’s finer points.

And just as a final, general point the absolute most important thing is to know the vendor you’re buying from. Whether you want a real thing, or a good fake, just going to a trustworthy vendor is doing more to insure you than anything.

Spotting a Fake Chanel Specifics

The first thing you should know is that Chanel, more than any other designer cracks down hard on the sale of replicas. This means they can be harder to find. It also means you’re less likely to find fakes masquerading as real ones (since those are the ones that luxury designers sniper off the map first). It doesn’t mean that they’re less common though. Chanel is the 3rd most commonly replicated brand behind LV and Gucci.

The CC Logo

The Chanel, logo (founder Coco Chanel’s initials) has been with the brand since 1910. What you’re looking for are two interlocking C’s, back to back without any serif. A serif means the bag is fake. This is pretty common, and the thing that makes it kind of look like the Gucci GG logo. Another, finer point is that on the real CC, the top hook of the C on the right overlaps the top hook of C on left and not vice versa. This detail is huge.

Authenticity Cards & Stickers

Since 1988 Chanel has put a hologram sticker on the interior of all their handbags. This sticker is one of those ones that can’t be removed whole. It would peel off in pieces and make a mess if you tried to take it off. On it is the Chanel logo and a serial number that matches the one on the authenticity card.

Stitching & Details

Designer bags always have a higher stitch count than lower quality purses. On a true Chanel look for 6 stitches per inch, roughly. Also make sure they are perfectly aligned and there is no irregularity in the stitch pattern.

The most commonly replicated Chanels are the quilted leather bags. This patterns leaves diamond shaped seams across a very tender leather and forms a perfect grid over the whole bag. Look for any unbalance.

Read our replica bag sites and store reviews to find out where to get the best replica Chanel.