If you are a fan of Gucci bags, knowing the basics of how to tell the difference between a genuine and a counterfeit can be useful. While spotting the differences isn’t always simple, you can equip yourself with the information you need to authenticate a real Gucci bag. That is the key reason why I decided to write this article to help you tell if Gucci bags are fake or real.
Considering Overall Quality
Even though selling fake items is illegal in the United States, it occurs more frequently than many people realize. Several knockoffs appear to be very the same as the genuine article, but this is not always the case. So, first and foremost, consider craftsmanship.
The stitching on legitimate Gucci bags is generally tighter and longer lasting, the hardware fits far more evenly and snugly, and the material is sturdy and heavy. In a nutshell, the genuine Gucci bags simply appear and feel higher quality.
Generally speaking, there are four other zones in which you can tell the difference between authentic and counterfeit Gucci bags. One of the most appealing aspects of Gucci bags is the level of sophistication in every one, including the leather or fabric, hardware or components, as well as serial number tag. Each of these features has the possibility to either dispel or confirm your suspicions that it is a forgery.
Check the Leather or Fabric
Examining some of the components within the Gucci bag’s fabric or leather can aid in determining its authenticity.
Gucci Canvas Handbags
As you might know, the canvas is the most commonly used fabric for Gucci bags, and it is here that you really can find a hint to the Gucci bag’s authenticity.
Firstly, take a look at the logo on the fabric or canvas. And here are the important aspects to pay close attention to:
- Firstly, the Gs logo should be facing each other, with the right G facing left and the left G facing right. In fact, it is very easy to spot when this is done improperly.
- Secondly, the G serifs must be long and exquisite. The section extending into the G has to be longer than the section extending toward the opposite G. They shouldn’t be hazy. What’s more, they need to be slim and stylish, rather than modern or bulky.
- Lastly, the rounded part of the G needs to be a flawless oval, with no points.
- And the logo should be even and well defined, not hazy or poorly defined, whether coated canvas or printed on canvas.
Other aspects of the canvas fabric are also involved. Among each pair of interconnecting Gs, there will always be two perfectly-defined diamond-shaped “dots.” A lot of fake Gucci bags will do this inaccurately. For instance, they could have more or fewer than two dots, or the dots could also be too close together or too far apart. Moreover, this design should be woven into the canvas or fabric rather than printed on it. In fact, this is not to be muddled with the Gucci fabric, which has only diamond dots without any Gs. The fabric of Gucci monogram canvas bags is usually rougher, but it will soften with use.
Gucci Leather Bags
Genuine Gucci bags are also common in stamped leather, also known as guccissima. In general, this is made of leather and has the logo engraved on it. Besides, the design needs to be even and consistent as well. The logo should also be very clear, sophisticated, and easy to read, not fuzzy. (Nevertheless, with time, it may become fainter.)
Inspect Hardware
Many fake Gucci bags tend to have hardware that is a telltale sign, such as being super-light, hollow-feeling, cheapened, tearing, or scabbing. Original Gucci hardware, on the other hand, is substantial and heavy. Here are important hardware details you should check to see if your Gucci bag is fake or real.
Embossed Details and Zippers
The word “Gucci ” should be embossed on much of the hardware, and if it is, the inscription needs to be very clean and orderly, not hazy or wonky. The zipper pull should also be made of the same high-quality material as the remaining parts of the bag, either leather or canvas. In general, the zipper is made of metal, not ever plastic, and should also be embossed with the Gucci logo on the bottom part of newer bags.
Logos
Furthermore, there has been a substantial shift to the brand Gucci as of 2016. In particular, a new designer has changed the logo so that it is now overlapping rather than interlocking. In fact, the interlocking logo should still be visible on the leather or canvas, but a larger logo on the belt buckle, for example, will look completely different. The new G is also more streamlined, with a sharper top opening.
Besides the new G logo, you may notice a patterned tiger head closure, a graphic buckle, or another design part.
Check the Serial Number
A lot of people believe that the serial number tag is one of the best ways to tell the difference between real and counterfeit Gucci bags. The Gucci serial number is usually found on a leather patch stitched to the inner side of the bag at the top. You need to notice that it is not stitched down on every side. What’s more, the tag needs to be square or slightly vertical rectangle in shape.
Real Gucci bags from the 1990s had a slightly rounded bottom, and a few of their details differed a little bit. The signature symbol is also missing, and the phrases “made in Italy” are all capital rather than all lowercase. Lastly, the word “Gucci” appears identical.
More lately, you will notice that both what is written on the label and how it looks have always been the same. If you want to buy original Gucci bags, you should pay attention to these details. They are as follows:
- A brand symbol is located at the top part of the tag (even though it can sometimes be missing)
- Besides, the word Gucci í in the center, with the letter G created in the similar way as the logo’s intersecting Gs.
- There will be the words “Made in Italy” at the bottom of the bag. And the words need to be all lowercase and in the very same font as the brand name just a little above them.
Lettering
Once you know the signs to look for, the letters that spell Gucci are instantly recognizable. Some distinguishing characteristics include:
- The letter G is indeed round (not kind of oval). If the line were extended, it would almost shape an O.
- Unlike the interconnected Gs, the serif fonts on the G are always equal.
- In addition, the two sides of the letter U are not the same; the left side is usually thick, while the right side is a little bit thinner.
- The Cs, like the letter G, are also really round.
Fonts and Placement
The number font is exceptionally delicate. In particular, any numbers that appear too clear or sophisticated might be from a counterfeit bag. What’s more, the serial number on brand-new Gucci bags will be two lines with one over the other. Besides, you will find no letters in the serial number.
In the Gucci vintage handbags, the layout differs and may have hyphens or periods. In fact, the numbers will not always be flawlessly aligned. Because of the uncertainties of handwork, the challenge of engraving pigskin, which many of the bags are made of, and other aspects, the numbers tend to be slightly unequally lined up.
Lastly, the serial number might be used to help you spot suspect Gucci bags. The number would be divided into two rows. Nevertheless, there does not appear to be agreement on what the numbers really mean, but experts speculate that the top row should be the style number, while the bottom row should be a provider or manufacturing code. And the overall number of digits typically ranges between 10 and 13.
Check Papers and Dustbags
Genuine Gucci bags are packaged differently. They will never be packed in a plastic box. If you see any Gucci handbags wrapped in a cheap plastic box, this is a dead giveaway of a fake bag. In addition, they usually come with dustbags, which have changed in color over time. And these bags come in light, black, and dark colors.
Controllato Cards
A lot of online sources cite the controllato card, which is white in older Gucci bags and off white in newer models, as evidence that a Gucci handbag is authentic. In Italian, the word “Controllato” means “checked”, and it indicates that the bag was subjected to quality control. Both Controllato and Gucci are written on the card, and the numbers 0 and from 1 to 9 will be written underneath.
There are two issues with using the badge to provide information about your Gucci handbag. Firstly, the card is completely separate from the bag, so it can be removed from one handbag to another. Secondly, a card can be misplaced. As a result, just as your bag lacks a card does not automatically rule it out as a forgery.
Information Cards
There is also an information card besides the controllato card. This, as well, can become detached from the handbag or be manufactured by scammers, so the bag that doesn’t look quite right (for example, the logo is inaccurate) can also be used to demonstrate that a bag is fake. The absence of these cards cannot be used to prove that a bag is fake.
New Gucci bags also have a QR code tag on the inner side of the bag.
Check Vintage Bags
Since Gucci was founded in 1921, there are so many older handbags that are still available, and they are widely desirable. Besides, several rules for authenticating vintage Gucci bags, described as those 20 years or older, are the same as for newer Gucci bags, while others are different. And here are several crucial things to look for:
- Quality. An authentic vintage Gucci bag, like a modern handbag, will always have first-rate hardware, high-quality stitching, and premium materials. Poor craftsmanship most likely indicates a forgery.
- The brand logo. The interlocking G logo, first developed in the early 1960s, was not always the only logo.
- The unique serial number. Several older Gucci vintage bags don’t come with a serial number, while others include double-digit numbers or none at all.
Request High-Quality Photographs
If you don’t have any Gucci bag in your hand and are purchasing your Gucci handbag online, but not from the main department store or from Gucci’s official website, make sure to request and receive numerous high-quality photos of the bag. Close-ups of certain photos are required to see the details. Bag experts can authenticate handbags based on photos and just a few sources of evidence. So, if the photos are nice enough and you know exactly what you need to look for, you can, too.
Make Use of Expert Resources
If you find a handbag you like but aren’t sure it is genuine, you can get help online. And here are some online expert resources you can rely on.
Free Community Help
Make use of resources such as Bag Forum or Purse Blog Forum. Both are online community forums with sections devoted to authenticating Gucci handbags. Because the authenticators are donating their time, they are very strict about following a set of rules. So, make sure that you include all of the necessary details. This includes the following:
- Excellent photography, including close-ups of the serial number tag and hardware.
- The bag’s history
- The seller’s information
- A link to the purchase, where relevant
- Any other information that could be useful to the authenticator
Paid Authentication Services
You could also pay a small fee and have your Gucci bag authenticated by one of the companies that offer this service, such as Real Authentication, Authentication First, My Poupette, and Luxury Exchange.
Some businesses, such as Real Authentication, have professionals who specialize in specific brands and have hours of experience seeing and managing them. According to one of their specialists, it can sometimes take them several hours to authenticate a handbag. Some, such as My Poupette, also suggest reputable Gucci bag resellers, so you shouldn’t have to depend exclusively on your recently acquired authentication abilities.
If you become the unfortunate owner of a counterfeit Gucci bag, you still have options. Contact an authentication firm to obtain official evidence that it is a forgery. It may assist you in obtaining your money back from the salesperson or even your card company.
Be Certain of Your Purchase
Knowing the specifics of a Gucci bag and exactly what to look for when purchasing one can really help you make an informed decision. You can expect to get a genuine Gucci handbag whether you are in search of a brand new one or a secondhand style online or in-store.
