Real vs Fake Hermès Birkin: How to Tell Them Apart

The Hermès Birkin is one of the most sought-after luxury bags, but its popularity has also led to a rise in counterfeits and replicas flooding the market. Since even official boutiques have limited availability, many people consider buying second-hand, imported, or privately sold Birkins. However, the fear of purchasing a convincing fake can be a significant concern.

This article breaks down key points to help you determine whether a Birkin is authentic. Use these insights as a guide before purchasing to avoid falling for counterfeits.

Why Are There So Many Fake Birkin Bags on the Market?

There are two main reasons why counterfeit Birkins are so widespread:

1. Limited Production and High Demand: Hermès bags are handcrafted by artisans, making production numbers low. Even the Birkin, despite its immense popularity, is no exception. The demand far exceeds the supply.
   
2. High Resale Value: Birkins command high prices in the resale market, often selling above their original retail price. Even when available, they can be challenging to afford.
   

Fake Birkins are often sold at lower prices than authentic ones. Some buyers, looking for a bargain, might unknowingly—or even knowingly—purchase a counterfeit. Due to their exclusivity and high price point, demand exists even for fakes, keeping them in circulation.

How to Spot a Fake Birkin: 14 Key Points

Several factors must be checked when determining authenticity. Remember these tips when purchasing a Birkin to ensure you’re getting the real deal.

1. Logo (Stamping)

Inside the flap of an authentic Birkin, you’ll find the stamp in the center: “HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE.” The text is embossed into the leather on a genuine bag and then colored with ink. It could be a fake if there is no embossing or if the text appears smudged or misaligned. However, even authentic Birkins can have slight ink bleeding, so this factor alone isn’t a definitive way to determine authenticity.

2. Hardware on the Strap

Hermès hardware is carefully beveled to prevent scratching the leather, resulting in smooth, rounded edges. The hardware on the strap is always beveled, giving it a refined look without sharp angles. Also, check for inconsistencies in the plating—genuine hardware has an even finish. It may be fake if it reflects light in a harsh or overly bright way.

3. Pocket Zipper

When closed, the zipper pull on an authentic Birkin sits flat and parallel to the zipper. Another key indicator is the zipper hardware—genuine Hermès zippers have a matte finish, while counterfeits often use shinier, more reflective materials. When examining a bag in person, test the zipper’s movement. Authentic Birkins use Riri zippers, a Swiss brand known for their distinct resistance when pulled. If the zipper moves too smoothly and effortlessly, it could indicate a counterfeit.

4. Bottom Studs (Feet)

Authentic Birkin bottom studs have a trapezoidal shape. The bag is likely a fake if the studs are cylindrical and uniform in width. Like the strap hardware, real Hermès studs are also beveled, giving them slightly rounded edges.

5. Polishing of the Touret

The touret is the donut-shaped metal piece on the front of the bag. While best seen in person, a key difference lies in the reflection of the polished surface. Poor polishing results in a wavy or distorted reflection, indicating a counterfeit.

6. Clasp

When spotting a fake Birkin, the metal clasp that secures the bag's flap should also be checked. Authentic Hermès clasp hardware has small rounded protrusions on all four corners, slightly darkened on the front, and neatly embedded into the leather on the back. It is also stamped with "HERMÈS-PARIS." However, if the engraving appears overly uniform and perfectly clean, it may have been laser-etched—a common sign of a counterfeit. Some fakes also contain spelling errors, such as missing the accent over the “E.”

7. Clochette (Lock & Key Case)

Authentic Birkin and Kelly bags come with a lock and keys, neatly stored in a leather clochette. The lock is engraved with “HERMÈS” on the bottom, and its number should match the keys. Genuine keys are attached with a leather string and fit perfectly inside the clochette. Counterfeits often have mismatched or lightweight locks and keys, which may not fit appropriately in the clochette. Check for backstitching at both ends and an inner groove along the edges for authenticity.

8. Handles

Examine the firmness of the handle bases and check whether the front and back handles are slightly different in length. On a genuine Birkin, the bases of the handles are firm and structured. If they feel soft or flimsy, the bag may be a counterfeit.

Although the bag has double handles, the front handle is slightly shorter than the back one to improve comfort. It is likely a fake if both handles are the same length or if the back handle is shorter.

9. Dust Bag Color

The color of Hermès dust bags has changed over the years. The latest versions are grayish beige woven with white and beige threads. Identifying authenticity based on color alone is difficult, but comparing multiple dust bags side by side may help if you notice inconsistencies in shade or tone.

10. Dust Bag Material

The latest Hermès dust bags are made of 100% cotton. They do not contain polyester or other synthetic fibers.

11. Date Code

Every authentic Hermès Birkin has a Blind Stamp inside, indicating the year of production and the artisan’s code. The stamp’s location varies by style and year; since late 2015, it has been placed inside the bag on the left gusset. Genuine stamps are deeply and cleanly imprinted, while counterfeit ones tend to be shallow or inconsistent.

12. Stitching

Each Birkin is hand-stitched by a single artisan using a traditional two-needle technique. Authentic stitching has a slight upward slant and may include occasional double stitches, particularly on the clochette and handle attachments. Unlike machine-made counterfeits with uniform stitches, genuine Hermès bags show slight irregularities, adding to their unique craftsmanship.

13. Leather

Hermès uses only the highest quality leathers and exotic skins, each with natural variations. Authentic Birkins may have visible veins or slight imperfections, while genuine crocodile and alligator bags have irregular, unique scale patterns. Counterfeit bags often appear unnaturally uniform, with embossed leather mimicking exotic skins or overly consistent textures in Togo leather.

14. Size

Birkins come in precise standard sizes: 25, 30, 35, 40, and 50 cm. The 30 and 35-cm sizes are the most popular and frequently counterfeited. Genuine Hermès bags adhere strictly to these measurements, while fakes may be slightly off, often a few centimeters larger or smaller.

Real vs Fake Birkin: Beware of Super Fakes

The differences between real and fake Birkins were evident in the past, making identification relatively easy. However, the quality of counterfeits has steadily improved over the years. "Super fakes" are now designed to replicate the authentic Birkin closely. These replicas are incredibly well-made, with details similar to the original that only an expert can distinguish. 

For an average person, it can be difficult to tell if a Birkin is real or fake. If you're unsure whether the Birkin you're considering is authentic, here are some recommended ways to purchase confidently.

Recommended Purchasing Methods for Those Unsure How to Spot a Fake Birkin

With the rise of high-quality counterfeit Birkins, it can be challenging to tell whether a bag is authentic. If you're unsure, we recommend purchasing from a trusted source.

Buy from a Hermès Boutique

If you purchase a Birkin directly from a Hermès store, you can be sure it’s 100% authentic. While store stock may be limited, the peace of mind that comes with buying from a boutique is unmatched.

Purchase from a Reputable Secondhand Store

Another option is to buy from a secondhand store with high ratings and reviews. Look for stores with a strong sales record and positive customer feedback. At Gallery Rare, for example, products are sold by knowledgeable staff with deep brand expertise. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about a product.

Conclusion: How to Spot a Fake Birkin Bag

• Birkins are rare, difficult to obtain, and have high resale value, which is why counterfeits are circulating in the market.
  
• To distinguish between real and fake Birkins, check the logo, hardware, zipper, bottom studs, touret, clasp, clochette, handles, date code, stitching, leather, size, and the color and material of the dust bag.
  
• Unlike authentic Birkin bags, highly sophisticated "super fakes" are hard to tell.
  
• Purchasing from a Hermès boutique or a trusted secondhand store is recommended.

In this article, we've outlined the reasons behind the circulation of fake Birkin bags and guided you through the process of identifying them. Counterfeits invariably contain flaws, so we encourage you to refer to our points to ensure you purchase an authentic item.

At Gallery Rare, our team of knowledgeable and experienced professionals guarantees the authenticity and proper sourcing of all our products, offering you peace of mind with every purchase.

If you're looking for a Birkin, we invite you to explore our collection today!

*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of April 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.