Distinguishing authentic Hermès from fakes | Ones Vintage
1｜Introduction
2 | Gold hot stamping logo
3 | Special Sutures
4 | Size
5 | Leather Texture and Smell
6 | Exclusive Marking
7 | Metal Zipper Belt
8 | Dust bag/packaging box
9 | Warranty Card/Maintenance Book
10 | Where to verify authenticity
11 | Ones Vintage Services
1｜Introduction
Welcome to this guide on how to verify the authenticity of a Hermès bag. Hermès is a renowned luxury brand, so its products are often imitated by counterfeiters. We understand that buying a pre-owned bag can be intimidating, especially for new buyers, as you may not know the authenticity of the item. To ensure your Hermès bag is authentic, check the labels and logos, inspect the leather, examine the stitching and craftsmanship, and seek professional assistance if needed. We hope these tips help you ensure your Hermès bag is truly authentic. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
2 | Gold hot stamping logo
You can further verify the authenticity of an Hermès bag by observing the hot stamping logo. First, pay attention to the logo's placement and arrangement. On a genuine Hermès bag, each letter of the hot stamping logo is hand-embossed individually, with each row of letters gradually decreasing in size. Second, pay attention to the clarity and detail of the logo. Authentic hot stamping logos are typically very clear, with meticulous attention to detail in the letters and design. Counterfeit items often have the entire logo stamped in one go, which can lead to striated lines, shallower embossing, lower clarity, and inconsistent font size and line spacing. Ensure the logo's font and size match the official brand information. If you notice any blurriness, blurriness, or inaccuracy in the hot stamping logo, this could be a sign that the bag is fake.
3 | Special Sutures
Observing the distinctive diagonal stitching on Hermès bags is also a key way to verify authenticity. Authentic Hermès products utilize a unique, traditional technique, with three-stranded diagonal threads that appear twisted. This creates a distinctive diagonal texture at the seams, and the texture and color of the stitching match the leather. These diagonal stitches are typically meticulous and neat, demonstrating Hermès' exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship. Counterfeit products, in contrast, may utilize rigid, straight stitching, resulting in smoother, less twisted stitching.
4 | Size
You can also verify the authenticity of an Hermès bag by observing its dimensions. Authentic Hermès bags typically have precise measurements, and the brand is very particular about the sizing of its bags. For example, the four most classic Birkin sizes are 25, 30, 35, and 40 cm, representing the length of the base. Therefore, pay attention to whether the bag's length, width, and height conform to the brand's standard measurements. Also, ensure that the proportions and symmetry of the bag's various parts are consistent with the Hermès design style. For example, a counterfeit Hermès bag may have discrepancies in dimensions, incorrect proportions, or a lack of harmony in the overall appearance.
5 | Leather Texture and Smell
Observing the leather grain and scent of a Hermès bag can also help you distinguish authenticity. Genuine Hermès leather typically has a unique grain and scent, is of high quality, and has a natural feel. Therefore, pay attention to the fine, authentic grain of the bag, and watch out for any artificial or unnatural appearances. Furthermore, genuine Hermès leather typically exudes a natural scent, with a light, leathery aroma. In contrast, counterfeits may have a faux leather grain and a chemical or unnatural odor. Since natural leather has some variation in grain, it's natural for an authentic bag to have some wrinkles. Conversely, a fake Hermès bag will have a perfectly regular, even grain. Furthermore, Hermès leather undergoes a special processing unique to the brand, imparting a unique scent that lingers in the dust bag, a far cry from the harsh, chemical odor of counterfeit faux leather.
6 | Exclusive Marking
Observing the unique engraving on a Hermès bag can also help you distinguish authenticity. Authentic Hermès bags typically feature detailed and clear engravings that may include the brand logo, location of manufacture, and date code. Furthermore, Hermès embosses the bag with the initials representing the year of production. The outlines surrounding the letters also represent different eras, and the numbers next to them represent the craftsman's code. Authentic hand-embossed bags have a more pronounced embossing, while counterfeits are often machine-embossed, with less noticeable embossing and often irregular placement. Experts point out that Hermès' ID code differs from other luxury brands. Hermès stamps the bag with the initials representing the year of production and the numeric code of the craftsman, giving it the appearance of hand-printing. Counterfeits, on the other hand, are often machine-embossed, with less noticeable embossing and a more rigid look.
7 | Metal Zipper Belt
Observing the zipper and other hardware details on Hermès bags can also help you distinguish authenticity. The "H" at the end of the zipper is also a key feature. Authentic Hermès bags often have a metal "H" embellished on the zipper. Authentic Hermès bags should have a polished, textured finish and a smooth, rounded shape; counterfeit bags may have a rough, dull appearance. However, it's important to note that not all bags will have this metal "H" on their zippers, especially older models. Another key characteristic is that the zipper pull should not be perpendicular to the zipper's seam, but parallel to it.
On bags like the Birkin and Kelly, the inner ring of the hollow circle should be curved, not right-angled. Authentic metal belt slots should be polished and well-finished, appearing more refined than counterfeits. Furthermore, the inner ring of the center circle on Birkin and Kelly bags should also be curved, not square.
8 | Dust bag/packaging box
You can also help verify the authenticity of a Hermès bag by examining its dust bag and packaging. Hermès is particular about the design of its dust bags. Authentic Hermès bags often come with high-quality dust bags and packaging, often featuring the brand's logo, beautiful design, and a premium feel. Previously, authentic dust bags were made of beige cotton with a herringbone pattern and a tan logo. Newer bags are made of orange cotton flannel with clear logos and a thick, dark brown drawstring, matching the logo. Of particular note is the small circular symbol above the circular "H" on the logo, which has a slash through the center instead of a solid, closed circle. When verifying the authenticity of a dust bag, pay attention to the texture, printing details, and logo clarity; these details can help you more accurately determine the authenticity of a Hermès bag.
The packaging itself can also reveal clues. A genuine Hermès box is sturdy and thick, a darker orange, and bordered by slightly matte black lines. Counterfeit boxes, on the other hand, are softer and thinner, with a translucent, reflective black border. In contrast, the dust bag and packaging of a counterfeit bag may be of lower quality, with blurred or noticeably different printing. Therefore, by carefully examining the dust bag and packaging of an Hermès bag, you can more accurately determine its authenticity.
9 | Warranty Card/Maintenance Book
Authentic Hermès bags do not come with a warranty card or warranty booklet. If you do not receive a warranty card or warranty booklet when purchasing an Hermès product, this should not be a cause for concern.
If you receive a guarantee card or warranty certificate when purchasing an Hermès product, this could be a warning sign of a counterfeit. Hermès does not provide these documents, so if you receive something like this, it could mean that the item you purchased is counterfeit.
10 | Where to verify authenticity
It is important to note that while Hermès does not offer an official authentication service, they do offer a warranty service for their bags. You may consider sending your Hermès bag to an official Hermès store for a warranty service. If the bag is found to be counterfeit during this process, Hermès will refuse the warranty service. This can be an option to verify the authenticity of your Hermès bag.
If you have doubts about the Hermès product you purchased, you can also seek professional authentication services. Through professional authentication services, you can obtain an independent third-party opinion, further ensuring that the Hermès product you purchased is authentic. This approach can provide you with greater security and confidence, allowing you to own and use your Hermès product with confidence. Common luxury authentication agencies in Asia include Entrupy and China Inspection and Quarantine. Entrupy is a professional luxury authentication company with advanced technology and tools to help customers verify the authenticity of luxury goods such as handbags, shoes, and accessories. They use high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence technology to accurately detect product details and features, providing reliable verification results. China Inspection and Quarantine is a well-known luxury authentication agency with extensive experience and expertise, specializing in the identification and authentication of luxury goods. They typically carefully inspect the materials, craftsmanship, and markings of the product and provide objective verification reports, making them widely recognized as a reliable luxury authentication agency.
11 | Ones Vintage Services
Ones Vintage is an authorized merchant of Entrupy, the LVMH Group's authentication service, and provides authentication certificates. Entrupy offers advanced technology that combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology to ensure customers receive the most reliable luxury goods authentication services. Entrupy's technology outperforms the human eye in several ways. While manual verification can be subject to errors or oversights, Entrupy's technology can detect even the slightest discrepancies or inconsistencies that could indicate a product is counterfeit. By leveraging machine learning and data analytics, Entrupy's system continuously improves and adapts to new counterfeiting techniques, ensuring it remains at the forefront of counterfeiters in the ever-changing luxury goods market.
If customers have any questions or concerns about their luxury bags, they can come to Ones Vintage for consultation. Customers can benefit from a comprehensive verification process that combines human expertise and cutting-edge technology to ensure the authenticity and integrity of their luxury purchases. They can confidently rely on our professional team and Entrupy's technology to ensure the authenticity of their luxury goods, providing customers with confidence and peace of mind.
