Real Vs Fake Chanel- 9 Ways to Spot the Difference

When it comes to prestige, one can never go wrong with a Chanel bag. 

Founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the brand acted as a breakthrough in the fashion world. To this day, Chanel’s impact remains powerful, making it one of the leading giants in the fashion industry.

Considering Chanel’s popularity, many sellers have come up with rip-offs of the original. Some replicas are so good that it would take an experienced professional to tell them apart. 

Worried that you might be a victim of the fake Chanel scam? Here’s a guide on verifying whether your fashion staple is authentic.

How to Spot a Fake Chanel Bag?

1) Serial Number

Starting from the mid-1980 Chanel began equipping its bags with a serial code. 

Typically these codes are found inside the bag stitched onto the leather. However, they can also be found in the form of stickers placed in the lining. 

The serial number or authenticity code comprises a series of 7 to 8 digits to reflect the manufacturing year of the bag. You can look them up online and compare the number to the model of the bag. 

Most online databases or forums dedicated to luxury brands will provide you with the characteristics of the serial number. If you own a fake Chanel, your code will not match the model.

Another thing to keep an eye out for is the features of the serial sticker. Things like the colour of the tape or the number of logos vary from bag to bag. Match them with the data and you’ll know if you own a real or replica. 

Bear in mind that recent bags (from April 2021) have eradicated the use of stickers. Instead, they are equipped with microchips featuring the authentication details of the bag. 

2) Inspect the Leather

Chanel utilizes a variety of leather in the production of its bags. From crocodile leather to goatskin, each skin is chosen according to the aesthetic of the bag. 

Out of all the skins, Lambskin and Caviar are the most popular leathers thanks to their durability and luxurious appeal.

Generally, authentic Chanel bags have a soft feel and smooth finish. Lambskin leather in particular has a distinctive bright sheen and is commonly found in vibrant colored bags.

Faux leather has a plastic appearance and feels stiffer to the touch. It also has a grainy texture to it and smells chemical-like. 

3) Quilting Pattern

The quilting pattern on Chanel bags serves as a trademark for the brand. Most Chanel bags come with a diamond or chevron stitched quilting. Apart from enhancing visual interest, these patterns help add strength to the bag, helping it last longer. 

If the quilts on your Chanel bag are too padded or too flat, this is an indication that you might be dealing with a counterfeit. 

Another thing to look out for is the geometry of the quilts. Replica Chanel bags have irregular quilting patterns where the squares are not aligned. Moreover, the colour and material of the thread may vary from the original design.

4) Hardware

Experts at Chanel demonstrate their craft on all parts of the bag and hardware is no exception. Starting with the colour, everything from the logo to the screws used for the clasp has to be of the same colour and material. 

Most of Chanel’s merchandise uses gold or silver-toned metals which have a refined look to them. In contrast, fake Chanel bags have a brassy look to them. The metal may also be painted with cheap gold that flakes off with time. 

Additionally, the weight of the bag can also be a dead giveaway in determining its originality. Just like telling real watches apart from fake, a lightweight feel could indicate the use of cheaper metals thus a fake bag.

Furthermore, the inside of the flap features a lock plate-backplate of the logo clasp. This is secured with two special screws. Observe the screws and note the pattern. Chanel bags produced before 2015 use flat head screws- never plus-shaped ones. 

As of now, the brand utilizes star-shaped screws that are exclusive to the company. This is particularly hard for vendors to replicate because star-shaped screwdrivers are not sold locally. 

5) Logo

The iconic logo of Chanel is a key artefact in representing the brand’s identity. 

Real items have three-dimensional C’s that interlock together reflecting a silver/gold tone. As for the configuration, the top of C on the right is in front of the C on the left. At the bottom, the C on the right is behind the one on the left. 

Fake bags have a flat logo that is not aligned in the centre. 

6) Inside Lining

Most Chanel bags have a burgundy-coloured lining inside the bag however this may vary accordingly. 

Regardless of the type the fabric (satin) lies flat against the inside of the bag and is stitched tight. It is smooth to the feel and is tucked in meticulously at the corners. 

On the other hand, counterfeit brands tend to use fabric that tends to crease or feel textured. 

7) Observe the Chain Strap

Another signature feature of Chanel bags is the style of their chains. Authentic pieces have a particular manner of interlocking the leather into the metal. As of today, there are only four different techniques. These include a triple-fold, four-fold, turn or cut edge. 

Check online and compare the pattern of your strap with these four techniques. Pay special attention to the stitching on the leather as well. It is supposed to be neat and thorough.        

8) Zippers and Buttons

Examine the zipper of your Chanel bag to verify its originality. Read the engraving on the front or back of the slider. Unlike rip-offs, Chanel is particular about its zipper manufacture. 

Most vintage bags have their details engraved on the front of the zip. You will find the use of Eclair, circle symbol 3 C, Dsymbol or DMC zipper. Newer models will have a Chanel Paris, Lightning engraved on the back.

Likewise, the snap-on-snap buttons also have engravings on them. Recent bags feature Chanel Paris or Chanel on their buttons. 

9) Overall Look 

We recommend placing the bag on a flat white surface and taking a look at the overall shape. Genuine Chanel has more square corners and is constructed with a smooth finish. Fake Chanel bags are usually box-like and have discrepancies (i.e. irregular rise and falls) on the surface. 

The flap must equate to the width of the bag and not extend beyond the sides. Furthermore, the sides of the bag should be uniform in terms of planes and align appropriately.

Conclusion

With the rise of Chanel’s popularity in the market, the availability of fake items is becoming more common. While some bags are easy to spot as fake, others may require a keen eye. 

By using the tips provided in the guide and ensuring that you buy your items from a reputable seller, you can stop yourself from being a victim of these scams.