How to Spot Fake Gucci Bags

Co-authored by Daniel Gbenle

Last Updated: May 18, 2025 References

If you love Gucci bags, then of course you want the real deal. To be confident when you're buying, you need to know how to spot the fakes. Luckily, there are a number of signs you can look for, so you won't be caught buying knockoffs.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Examining the Bag

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That is, if it looks like the company is just using a stock image, request images of that bag specifically, especially if you are buying it used.^{[1]
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Gucci pays close attention to detail, so their stitching will be even and neat. If thread is pulling out or if it seems uneven on a bag, that bag is likely a fake.^{[2]
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Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Expert Interview}^{[3]
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3
Examine the back of the label. The back of the label should have the serial hand-stamped on it. The letters should be small and close together. If they are widespread apart, it's likely a fake.^{[4]
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- Also look for the copyright symbol (a circle with an R in it). The label should also have "Gucci" on it. Look specifically at the "u," which should be less bold on the right than the left.^{[5]
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Where seams meet, the pattern should line up precisely. Also, letters and logos won't be cut in half with the real thing.^{[6]
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Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Expert Interview}^{[7]
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5
Feel the leather. The leather shouldn't be tough, but rather, soft and supple.^{[8]
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Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician

Expert Interview} Obviously, that is harder to see online, but in person, you should feel the leather.^{[9]
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- On Gucci bags, the leather should be pebbled napa leather. Microsuede is a dead giveaway for a fake.^{[10]
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If you can see glue spilling out anywhere, it likely isn't a Gucci. Check where the different types of materials meet, and look at the lining inside for glue.^{[11]
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Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Expert Interview}^{[12]
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The metal on Gucci bags should not rust. Look closely at the places where the metal meets the leather or canvas.^{[13]
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Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Expert Interview}^{[14]
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Gucci bags are usually canvas. When you tilt them in the light, they should be lightly shiny.^{[15]
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That is, visit a store to see the real thing in person. Counterfeiters will often get parts of the bag wrong, especially on the inside, such as pocket locations or lining color.^{[16]
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Sometimes counterfeiters get words on the label wrong, so check to make sure words are spelled correctly.^{[17]
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Daniel Gbenle
Sneaker Authenticator & Founder of Certisfied

Expert Interview}^{[18]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Paying Attention to the Store and Listing

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1
Look at the "About Us" page. Authenticate sites will have information on their store and a mission on their about me page. Authenticate sites are more likely to have the real thing.^{[19]
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- Of course, fake stores can set up a fake "About Us" page. However, if it's missing, it's a giveaway of a low-quality store.
They should offer reassurances about the authenticity of their bags, as well as answer questions you have about the bags.^{[20]
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Don't be fooled by other phrases such as "guaranteed original."^{[21]
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A seller with thousands of listings is not likely selling real Gucci bags.^{[22]
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5
Examine whether it's a site with one seller. Sites such as Amazon and eBay feature multiple sellers, so it's more difficult to tell if you have a quality seller.^{[23]
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- You can still find real Gucci bags on these sites. You just need to be more careful about who you buy from.
Bags being hawked on the side of the road are not likely to be the real thing.
If the bag your buying is considerably cheaper than a similar item on another site, it's likely fake.^{[24]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

How do you identify an authentic Gucci bag?

Real Authentication
Fashion Authentication Experts
Real Authentication is an app offering authentication services for a variety of luxury designer goods, including handbags, shoes, clothing, jewelry, watches, and accessories. Founded in 2016, it is now the world’s leading process to verify the authenticity of new and used luxury goods, servicing clients in more than 95% of the world. Real Authentication has highly skilled authentication experts and utilizes proprietary Intelascan™ technology to conduct authentication through images provided by their clients. Real Authentication has been featured in publications like Business Insider, Vogue, Fashion United, Tech Times, and more.

Real Authentication

Fashion Authentication Experts

Expert Answer

Characteristics of an authentic Gucci bag vary a lot with age. The bag should feature a logo stamp, country of origin or ‘made in’ stamp, and a factory code somewhere within the item. Gucci bags are made of high-quality leather, hardware and stitching. If the Gucci bag is falling apart or is made of low-quality materials, this could be a sign that the bag is counterfeit.

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Warnings

Buying fake bags can seem harmless. However, some counterfeit bag makers use child labor to make bags.^{[25]
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