How to Check if a Hermes Bag is Original

You’ve just been offered a Hermes bag – the Holy Grail of luxury fashion. The deal seems too good to pass up, but a nagging thought creeps into your mind: Is it authentic? Welcome to the world of Hermes counterfeits. Fakes are getting more sophisticated every day, making it increasingly difficult to distinguish between a real Hermes and a knock-off. But don’t worry, this guide will reveal the tricks used by the pros, breaking down each aspect of authentication, so you can be 100% confident when buying one of these coveted items.

Let’s dive into the key elements you need to scrutinize.

1. The Blind Stamp

The blind stamp is one of the most important elements when authenticating a Hermes bag. Each bag has a stamp placed discreetly on the interior, often near the clasp or under a pocket. This stamp reveals the year and workshop where the bag was crafted. Hermes uses a letter system to denote the year (A through Z), sometimes encased in a square or circle to mark different eras of production. A missing or poorly done blind stamp is a major red flag.

Moreover, the font, spacing, and alignment of the stamp should be perfect. Genuine stamps are clean, deeply embossed, and evenly spaced. Counterfeiters often botch these small details, so examining the stamp closely can reveal whether the bag is real or not.

2. Leather Quality and Texture

When you touch an authentic Hermes bag, the first thing you should notice is the quality of the leather. Hermes uses only the finest materials, from Togo and Clemence to Epsom and Box calf leathers. Genuine Hermes leather is supple, luxurious, and feels high-end the moment you touch it. Each type of leather has distinct characteristics:

• Togo leather is soft with a slightly pebbled texture.
• Clemence leather is heavier and has a flatter grain.
• Epsom leather is more rigid with a shiny, textured surface. Counterfeit bags often use lower-grade leathers that may feel stiff, thin, or even plastic-like. Authentic Hermes leather will also develop a patina over time, aging gracefully rather than showing signs of wear.

3. Stitching

Hermes bags are hand-stitched using the saddle stitch technique, which ensures durability and precision. The stitching should be uniform, with no uneven or loose threads. One telltale sign of a fake is sloppy, inconsistent stitching. On a genuine Hermes bag, the stitching is tight, neat, and perfectly aligned. Examine the bag’s edges and interior carefully, as counterfeit bags often cut corners here.

4. The Zipper and Hardware

Hermes uses high-quality zippers and metal hardware that are often custom-made for the brand. Authentic hardware is solid, heavy, and perfectly crafted, usually made from palladium or gold. The Hermes logo will be clearly engraved on the zipper pull and other hardware, with precise detailing. If the zipper feels flimsy or the hardware is lightweight and poorly engraved, you’re likely dealing with a fake.

5. The Lock and Key

The Hermes lock and key system is another iconic feature of their bags. Each lock is individually numbered and comes with matching keys stored in a leather clochette. Both the lock and key should be heavy and solid, with a smooth, polished finish. Counterfeit locks often feel cheap, with uneven numbers or poorly engraved details.

6. Authenticity Card and Dust Bag

While many counterfeit bags come with authenticity cards, Hermes does not include authenticity cards with their bags. If you see one, it’s a huge red flag. Hermes bags come in an orange dust bag with the logo clearly printed in the center. The fabric of the dust bag should be thick and high-quality, with no fraying or inconsistencies.

7. Serial Numbers and Holograms

Hermes does not use holograms or serial numbers to authenticate its bags. If you see a Hermes bag with these, it’s almost certainly fake. Hermes relies on its blind stamp and craftsmanship as proof of authenticity.

8. Price and Provenance

When it comes to luxury, if the price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Authentic Hermes bags, especially iconic models like the Birkin or Kelly, are priced steeply, often upwards of $10,000. If someone is offering you one for a fraction of the price, it’s a red flag. Additionally, where you purchase the bag matters. Always buy from reputable dealers or directly from Hermes stores to avoid fakes.

9. Odor Test

Another often overlooked detail is the smell of the leather. Authentic Hermes bags have a distinctive leather scent that is rich and pleasant. Fake bags often have a chemical or plastic smell due to the inferior materials used. While this may seem subtle, your sense of smell can be a powerful tool in determining authenticity.

10. Comparing to Other Hermes Bags

If possible, compare the bag in question to a known authentic Hermes bag. Small differences in stitching, hardware, or leather texture will become more obvious when you have both bags side by side. It’s one of the easiest ways to spot a fake.

Conclusion

When it comes to authenticating a Hermes bag, the devil is in the details. By examining the blind stamp, leather quality, stitching, hardware, and even the scent, you can confidently determine whether the bag is real or fake. Remember, buying from a trusted source and paying attention to the subtle signs will ensure that you’re investing in a genuine Hermes piece.