5 Ways to Differentiate a Designer Product From a Fake

The counterfeiting of designer goods is big business, and many unsuspecting consumers have purchased a cheap knock off from a street cart vendor or second-hand clothing store. Spotting a fake can be difficult if you don't have an eye trained for quality, but once you've seen the real thing, there can be no mistaking it for a lesser-quality imitation. There are many hints that can clue you in as to whether a product is real or faux. Knowing the difference could save you buyer's remorse later on.

The Quality

Quality is the hallmark of designer goods. They're sold at a premium under the assumption that they are made better and will therefore last longer. The seams are a tell-tell sign of whether a product is a fake or actually designer quality. Seams should line up and there should be no loose or unraveling threads.

Sloppy and uneven stitching is a big clue that a product is a fake. Be sure to also check the stitching on the inside of the product, and see if it is lined. Designer bags are always lined and the stitching on the lining is just as neat as the stitching on the outside of the product. Designers take the time to ensure stitching is neat and labels are affixed straight before sending them out for sale to the public. 

Where the Product was Made

A designer fake is usually made in Asia, so be suspect of anything that claims to be designer yet was made in China. Real designer goods are usually made in Europe and they're labels will state as such. Take, for example, these Italian designer sneakers. Everything from the leather shoe to the shoe box was made in Italy. 

Designer Products Come With Documentation

If your designer product arrives with price tags attached and no document ensuring its authenticity, you should be suspicious. Designers don't affix price tags to their products and they always include information assuring the purchaser of the authenticity of the item in addition to a lifetime guarantee of the product. Many designers also include a serial number with the product. 

Brand Familiarity

Sometimes you just have to know the brand to quickly identify a fake. For example, Louis Vuitton doesn't provide authenticity cards with its products, so if you see a Louis Vuitton with a statement of authenticity, be suspect. Many counterfeits will come with an authenticity card featuring a hologram. No designer brand uses hologram images. They simply trim their cards in gold. Some experts can even tell a brand is inauthentic because of the type of font used in the authenticity card or product number. 

There are legal knock-offs to be aware of as well. These knock-offs are legal because they don't attempt to be exactly like the designer brand. For example, they may spell their name differently by a letter. Think Chanel vs. Channel, or Carter instead of Cartier. They may not be using the same spelling, but they are still certainly hoping you will be fooled. 

Where You Purchase Your Product

If you purchase your designer bag from a flea market or second-hand store, you're taking a big risk since you don't know the history of the seller or their motives. It should also be a red flag if that seller has an unbelievable discount affixed to that item. Buying online from eBay also comes with risks if you don't catch it's a knock-off right away. If you do notice, ask the seller for a refund. If the seller isn't responsive, contact eBay and they will take action to ensure you are refunded by the seller for your bogus purchase. Buy designer brands directly from the designer's store or from a well-known department store that carries high-end fashion. 

Purchasing designer products doesn't have to be a guessing game when you purchase your products from reputable sellers. Regardless, always look at the quality of the stitching and materials used. You'll become familiar enough with your favorite brands and less likely to be fooled by a fake.