How to Spot Fake vs. Real Versace Sunglasses: Key Differences

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Plus, helpful tips to avoid buying fake sunglasses

Co-authored by Nikita Chen and Devin McSween

Last Updated: September 25, 2025 Fact Checked

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Authenticating Real vs Fake Sunglasses

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Avoiding Fakes

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Versace is an iconic luxury brand known for their bold designs, and their sunglasses are no different! Because Versace’s sunglasses are so popular, lots of companies make counterfeit copies and try to pass them off as the real thing. So, how do you know if the sunglasses you’re looking to buy are real or fake? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll go through all the signs that Versace sunglasses are real or fake and give you tips on how to stay away from fakes.

How to Tell If Versace Sunglasses are Real

According to fashion authentication expert Nikita Chen, the best way to authenticate designer sunglasses is to “look at the brand logo on the sunglasses and to inspect the font and the positioning.” Additionally, he says to check out “the thickness of the font of the text that is positioned on the brand logos of the sunglass[es]." Other things you can look for include:

Code authentication: Real glasses have an NFC tag for easy authentication.
Trademarks: Real glasses have “VERSACE” and “MADE IN ITALY” on the right arm.
Logos: Real glasses have a clear, well-crafted Medusa logo.
Model number: Real glasses have the number printed on the left arm.

Section 1 of 2:

Differences Between Real & Fake Versace Sunglasses

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Product code authentication If you bought a newer pair of sunglasses, Versace provides a few different ways to authenticate them with the product codes on the packaging. Most product labels now contain an NFC tag that you simply tap with your phone to authenticate the item. If the sunglasses have a CLG code, register it on Versace’s website to confirm they’re real.^{[1]
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- Scan the QR code on the product label for more in-depth details on how to authenticate your sunglasses.
- The product info is typically printed on stickers on the bottom of the box.^{[2]
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- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The sunglasses do not have a scannable NFC tag, QR code, or CLG code.
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Trademarks Legitimate Versace sunglasses have “VERSACE” and “MADE IN ITALY” printed or engraved next to each other on the inside of the right arm. Newer models also include “CE” to indicate the product meets EU safety and health requirements. The trademarks are cleanly and clearly written in Versace’s signature font, making them easy to read.^{[3]
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- Signs the sunglasses are fake: “VERSACE” is written on the lens—legitimate models do not have this engraved on the lens.^{[4]
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  Research source} Additionally, the trademarks may be poorly printed, making them difficult to read, and use the wrong font. The “CE” mark may be missing, or the sunglasses say they were made somewhere other than Italy.
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Logos Most Versace sunglasses include their signature Medusa head or Greca border pattern somewhere on the item, whether that’s on the temples or as embellishments on the hinges. The logos are typically made out of metal and appear high-quality. They are well-crafted and identical to the logos used on the item’s packaging, as well as other Versace items (bags, accessories, clothes, etc.).^{[5]
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- Note: Versace does make simpler, less embellished designs that don’t have either of these logos.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The logos appear poorly made out of low-quality materials and look different from Versace’s official designs.
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Model number All authentic Versace sunglasses have the model number printed on the frames, typically somewhere on the inside of the left temple or arm. The number reads “MOD.” followed by a string of numbers and letters. Simply search the model number online to confirm that it is an official style made by Versace and that it matches the design you have.^{[6]
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- The model number should also be well written, use a standard font, and be easy to read. It also doesn’t fade easily with wear.
- Note: Some older, vintage sunglasses might not have a model number.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The model number is missing, doesn’t actually exist, or doesn’t match the style of sunglasses you have. The writing itself may appear poorly printed or difficult to read, or use an inconsistent font.
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Material Regardless of whether the sunglasses are made out of plastic (acetate, nylon) or metal, the material is always high quality and well-crafted. The lines of the frames are crisp and smooth, without any harsh points or irregularities. The sunglasses also have a substantial feel to them and don’t seem like they’d break easily.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: They look like they’re made out of poor-quality materials and feel flimsy. The frames might appear worn out or ragged in some areas. You might also see visible pieces of glue.
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Lenses The lenses on authentic Versace sunglasses are also made out of high-quality materials. They are durable and scratch-resistant, so they stand up to wear and tear well. Most lenses have UV protection, and many frames can have prescription lenses inserted.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The lenses appear flimsy or don’t provide good sun protection.
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Hinges The hinges of all of Versace’s sunglasses are also well-made. The hinges are sturdy and securely attached to the frames. They have a balanced feel that allows you to open the sunglasses smoothly. In other words, the hinges don’t feel too loose or too tight.^{[7]
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- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The hinges are very loose, so it feels like the frames might fall off, or too tight, so it’s difficult to open them. The hinges might appear poorly made, too.
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Nose pads Some Versace sunglasses have nose pads, which are also of the highest quality. They are typically soft, translucent, and adjustable, allowing you to move them where they feel most comfortable.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The glasses don’t have nose pads when they should (or vice versa). The pads might not be adjustable or feel comfortable, either.
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Packaging All of Versace’s sunglasses come in their signature packaging. They are packaged in sturdy, black boxes with “VERSACE” and the Medusa logo printed in metallic gold in the center. The sunglasses themselves are stored in a black glasses case with “VERSACE” printed on the center in gold.^{[8]
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- The sunglasses also come with a little booklet explaining their warranty and authenticity, as well as a Versace-branded cleaning cloth.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The boxes aren’t black or are missing the gold Versace logos on the front. The logos may appear off-center, be the wrong color, or use the wrong font, too.^{[9]
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Price Versace is a luxury brand, so their sunglasses definitely aren’t cheap. Prices vary depending on the style, but they’re typically in the $300 to $500 range. Pre-owned pairs can be significantly cheaper, but they’re still around the $100 range.
- Signs the sunglasses are fake: The price seems very low or too good to be true for the style you’re looking at. New pairs are unlikely to sell for less than $300, while pre-owned pairs are unlikely to sell for less than $50.

Section 2 of 2:

How to Avoid Buying Fake Versace Sunglasses

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Buy sunglasses from Versace or an authorized retailer. To ensure your Versace sunglasses are authentic, get them directly from Versace’s website or find them at a boutique near you. Or, shop at a reputable store that carries Versace sunglasses, like Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale’s, or Sunglass Hut.
- If you’re looking for pre-owned sunglasses, shop at a trustworthy store like The RealReal.
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Check images and reviews carefully if you’re buying second-hand. Look at the pictures of the sunglasses the seller provided closely and compare them to images of the glasses on Versace’s website to determine if they’re real or fake. Then, read through the seller’s reviews to make sure people don’t report receiving fake items.
- Stay away from sellers that just provide stock images of the sunglasses, as there’s no way to tell if the ones they’re selling are real or not. Alternatively, ask them to provide images of the exact glasses they’re selling.
- Be wary of sellers who don’t have a lot of completed sales or lots of reviews. If possible, buy from someone who is well-reviewed.
- If you’re still not sure whether the sunglasses are real or not, use an authentication service, like LegitGrails, to help confirm their authenticity.
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Be wary of suspiciously low prices. If the price of the sunglasses is too good to be true, chances are they’re fake. New Versace sunglasses cost at least $300, while pre-owned pairs are usually still around $100. So, be very suspicious if prices are much lower than that.
- Shop with a credit card when possible. If you find out that the sunglasses are fake and the seller doesn’t want to refund you, you can file a dispute with your credit card company.
- If you discover that the sunglasses are fake, Versace asks that you email their brand protection department at brandprotection@capriholdings.com.