Introduction
The branded bag market is full of fakes. Here's how to recognize a genuine leather bag.
Material and smell
Genuine leather smells like leather - a rich, natural scent. Faux leather smells chemical or plastic. The skin is warm and soft to the touch, the fake is cold and slippery.
Seams
The seams of genuine bags are straight, even, without loose threads. There are usually more stitches per centimeter than fakes. Also look at the internal seams - they should be of the same quality.
Details and hardware
Branded bags have heavy, high-quality metal - zippers, buckles, chains. The metal has engravings that are clear and precise. On fakes, the metal is light, cheap, the engravings are blurry.
Logo and labels
Compare the logo with the brand's official logo - font, size, placement. Inner labels should be properly sewn, not glued. Check that the bags have serial numbers and match the brand's format.
Price
If the price is too good to be true, it probably isn't. Check market prices and beware of very cheap offers.
Where to buy
Prefer reliable sellers, check their feedback. Ask for the original invoice, cardboard box, dust cover - these are signs of authenticity. If in doubt, ask for an expert's opinion.