Bag Authentication Checklist
This tool was created in collaboration with TheBigBagBlog.com.
Spot the Real Deal: Use This Bag Authentication Tool for Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès
If you’ve ever been tempted to snag a luxury handbag from the resale market, you’ve probably asked yourself this one critical question: “How do I know it’s real?” With counterfeits getting scarily convincing and designer prices climbing higher every year, making sure your dream bag is the real thing is more important than ever.
That’s why we built the Bag Authentication Tool — a smart, beginner-friendly way to help you inspect designer bags from top brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Hermès. Whether you’re checking your own collection or sizing up a preloved piece, this tool gives you a confidence boost in just a few clicks.
What Is the Bag Authentication Tool?
This free online tool helps you walk through key authentication points for three of the world’s most coveted luxury brands. Instead of digging through forums or decoding serial numbers on your own, our checklist brings everything together in one neat, interactive page.
Here’s how it works:
- You choose the brand of the bag you want to check.
- You’re shown a detailed checklist tailored specifically to that brand.
- As you tick off the signs of authenticity you’ve spotted, the tool calculates your results in real time.
It’s simple, visual, and totally fuss-free — no app downloads or memberships required.
Why Use a Bag Authentication Tool?
Counterfeit bags aren’t just a problem for big resellers — even casual buyers and long-time collectors can fall for high-quality fakes. Today’s knockoffs often mimic stitching, stamps, and hardware so closely that spotting the differences takes a trained eye. But here’s the good news: most fakes still slip up somewhere.
That’s where the tool helps. It gives you:
- A guided inspection tailored to each brand’s unique features
- Expert-inspired tips presented in a non-technical way
- An instant result based on how many signs of authenticity you can verify
Whether you’re shopping secondhand, receiving a gift, or doing your own bag audit, this tool is like having a mini authenticator at your fingertips.
How It Works
1. Choose Your Brand
When you open the tool, you’ll see a dropdown menu with three major luxury names:
- Louis Vuitton
- Chanel
- Hermès
Each brand has its own unique design elements and signature traits. Selecting one reveals a customized list of signs to check for that specific designer.
2. Review the Checklist
You’ll then see a series of checkpoints — these are real-world details used by pros to evaluate bags. Here are a few examples from each brand:
🟫 Louis Vuitton
- Monogram pattern is symmetrical
- Leather has a natural darkening (patina)
- Date code is formatted correctly (like SD2057)
- Stitching is even and tight
- Interior lining matches the expected material
⚫ Chanel
- Serial number sticker matches authenticity card
- Quilted pattern aligns perfectly at seams
- Interlocking C logo is positioned correctly (right over left)
- “Made in France” or “Made in Italy” stamp
- High stitch count (typically 10+ stitches per inch)
🧡 Hermès
- Blind stamp shows year and artisan ID
- Saddle stitching is visibly hand-done
- Zipper pull feels solid and is properly engraved
- Logo stamp is centered, crisp, and deep
- Bag includes dust bag and felt protector
As you go through, tick off each feature you’ve confirmed. You don’t need to check every box — just mark what you can verify based on photos or your own inspection.
3. Hit “Check Authenticity”
Once you’re done, click the button to evaluate your results. Based on the number of boxes you’ve checked, you’ll get one of three results:
- Looks authentic: Most key details match up
- Possible match: You’ve spotted some good signs, but more proof is recommended
- Red flags: Too many warning signs — proceed with caution
Who Can Use This Tool?
Literally anyone. Whether you’re new to luxury fashion or a seasoned collector, the checklist is designed to be easy and useful for:
- Bag lovers browsing online or in-store
- Shoppers looking at resale platforms like Vestiaire or Fashionphile
- Sellers verifying items before listing
- People checking the authenticity of gifts or inherited bags
It’s a great first step before you spend big — or worse, regret spending big.
Why Tools Like This Matter
The secondhand luxury market is exploding, and with it, so is the need for smarter, faster, and easier ways to authenticate items. Counterfeits are more sophisticated, and shoppers are more informed than ever.
This tool supports that new wave of conscious consumerism by offering a DIY-friendly approach to bag authentication. Think of it as a helpful checkpoint before you commit — especially if you don’t want to pay for a professional authentication service right away.
And let’s be honest: spending $5,000+ on a Chanel bag should come with peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
The Bag Authentication Checklist Tool isn’t a replacement for a professional, but it’s a smart and reliable way to spot red flags early on — before you swipe that card or click “buy now.”
By offering a brand-specific, user-friendly experience, this tool makes it easier than ever to shop secondhand with confidence. Whether you’re buying a Louis Vuitton Neverfull, a classic Chanel Flap, or dreaming of your first Hermès Kelly, this tool has your back.
