How to Tell if a Hermès Bag Is Real

Since its founding, Hermès has captivated people worldwide, with iconic bags like the Kelly and Birkin representing the brand’s legacy. However, the brand’s popularity has also led to an increased production of counterfeit goods produced by unscrupulous sellers.

The presence of fake luxury items is an unfortunate reality, and for those who unknowingly purchase them, it can be a frustrating experience. Owning a counterfeit bag can harm one’s social status, and discovering a fake purchase can be deeply disappointing. So, is there a way to distinguish a highly convincing Hermès counterfeit from the real thing?

In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if a Hermès bag is real by examining its stamp. We’ll also take a closer look at super fakes, high-quality counterfeits that have become increasingly common in recent years. Read on to learn more.

Can You Identify a Fake Hermès Bag by Its Stamp?

It is possible to differentiate a counterfeit Hermès bag by examining its stamp.

Hermès stamps serve a purpose beyond decoration—they are key indicators of authenticity. Their placement, meaning, and embossing style can help determine whether a bag is genuine. Hermès carefully places its stamps in discreet areas to prevent fading over time. The embossing’s depth is also consistent and well-defined.

However, counterfeit techniques have improved in recent years, making it harder to rely solely on stamps for authentication. It’s crucial to check other details as well.

That said, understanding the meaning behind Hermès stamps is the first step in distinguishing real from fake. In the next section, we’ll break down what these markings represent.

What Do Hermès Stamps Indicate?

Hermès stamps provide information about:

• The year of manufacture
  
• The artisan who crafted the bag (initials)
  
• The production location
  

For example, a stamp reading "UCT323 AU" contains specific details. The first letter on the left, "U," represents the year of production. Each year is assigned a different letter, sometimes enclosed in a circle or square, depending on the period.

The remaining sequence, "CT323 AU," refers to the artisan and production location. However, Hermès does not publicly disclose which letters correspond to specific workshops or artisans, so these details remain unknown.

Is a Hermès Bag Without a Stamp Real or Fake?

Now that you understand what Hermès stamps mean, you might wonder: what if there’s no stamp at all? Does that automatically mean the bag is fake?

In reality, some Hermès products do not have stamps. Since skilled artisans meticulously handcraft each item, there are instances where a stamp may not be applied based on the artisan’s judgment. Therefore, a missing stamp does not necessarily indicate a counterfeit.

So, how else can you determine authenticity? In the next section, we’ll review key details to help you spot a fake Hermès bag.

How to Spot a Real Hermès Bag: Key Features Besides the Stamp

While the stamp is one indicator of authenticity, several other aspects must be examined when verifying a Hermès bag. Below, we’ll break down each crucial detail to help you identify counterfeits.

1. Stitching

Stitching is one of the most essential elements in determining authenticity. Hermès bags are crafted with a mix of hand-stitching and machine stitching, reflecting the artisan's skill. Hand-stitched seams slant downward to the right, while machine stitching slants upward to the right.

Authentic Hermès bags, depending on the design, feature a combination of both stitching types. In contrast, counterfeit bags often feature uniform, overly precise stitching with a mechanical appearance and excessively wide spacing. If the stitching appears too even or has noticeable gaps, it may be a fake.

2. Zipper

Authentic Hermès zipper pulls are engraved with "HERMÈS" parallel to the pull line. If this engraving is missing, the bag is likely counterfeit.

Additionally, genuine Hermès zippers feature an "H"-shaped metal end. If the zipper lacks this signature "H" detail, it is likely a fake. Since zippers are a key indicator of authenticity, constantly scrutinize them.

3. Closure Hardware

The closure hardware at the center of the bag’s upper section secures designs like the Birkin and Kelly. This key detail plays a crucial role in identifying counterfeits.

On authentic bags, the metal plating is flawless and blends seamlessly with the bag’s aesthetic. The screws securing the hardware do not protrude from the surface.

In contrast, counterfeit bags may have overly bright, unnatural-looking metal tones, protruding screws, or visible gaps where the leather and hardware meet.

4. Leather Material

Hermès uses only the highest-quality leather. Take Togo leather, a signature Hermès material introduced in 1997, as an example. Compared to counterfeits, the differences are clear:

• Authentic Togo leather has irregular grain patterns, deep wrinkles, and visible veins.
  
• Fake versions have shallow embossing and finer grains.
  

Additionally, authentic leather is soft and supple, whereas fake leather often feels stiff and rough. Though subtle, these textural differences are key indicators of authenticity.

5. Hardware Components

The turn-lock hardware (also called touret) securing the bag’s straps is another key feature to examine. An authentic Hermès touret has a distinct weight, making it feel substantial when turned. In contrast, fake hardware feels noticeably lighter.

Another essential detail is the metal feet at the base of the bag. Each foot on an authentic Hermès bag is individually hand-installed, leading to slight variations in shape and occasional discoloration. If all the base studs on a bag are identical in color, shape, and finish, it is likely a counterfeit.

6. Brand Logo Stamping

Brand-name products feature engraved brand logos, and Hermès is no exception. Each Hermès item is therefore stamped with the words “HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE,” yet counterfeits often fail to replicate this correctly.

• The stamp’s depth is uniform on authentic bags, with crisp, well-defined lettering.
  
• On fake bags, the stamping may be inconsistent, with ink bleeding or smudging.
  
• Some counterfeits even have incorrect fonts or misshapen lettering, making them easy to spot.
  

Since the brand logo engraving represents the brand's identity, Hermès ensures meticulous craftsmanship in its design. If the engraving appears slightly sloppy, the item is highly likely to be counterfeit.

7. Dust Bag

Don’t overlook the dust bag when verifying authenticity. Even well-made counterfeits may skimp on the dust bag, using low-quality materials and sloppy construction. The key aspects to examine in the dust bag are the logo and the interior stitching. 

The Hermès logo, positioned at the center of the dust bag, is a deep brown color and intricately detailed. Counterfeits often have lighter, faded prints with poor definition.

When turning the dust bag inside out, the difference between a genuine and a counterfeit becomes obvious. Authentic dust bags have fine, precise stitching inside, whereas counterfeit ones often have loose threads, fraying, or inconsistent stitching.

Even if the bag looks authentic, an inferior dust bag can be a red flag.

Is It Difficult to Spot a Fake Hermès? A Breakdown of Five Super Fake Tiers

Counterfeit Hermès bags are categorized into different tiers of super fakes. The higher the tier, the harder it is to distinguish from a genuine item, so caution is necessary. Below, we break down the five tiers of super fakes.

Tier 1: B-Grade Counterfeits

These are low-quality fakes that are easy for anyone to recognize as counterfeit. Made with cheap materials and poor craftsmanship, they can be identified at a glance without even touching them. Even those unfamiliar with Hermès products will immediately notice the inferior quality when handling them. Because of their low cost and easy accessibility, they are widely circulated in the market.

Tier 2: A-Grade Counterfeits

These super fakes are made to be usable in daily life. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice sloppy stitching or a blurred logo. Striking a balance between production cost and quality, they are commonly found in the market.

Tier 3: S-Grade Counterfeits

Though not as precise as SS-grade fakes, these are high-quality counterfeits. The details are well-crafted, making them difficult to identify as fake at first glance. However, subtle differences in the leather grain, hardware color, and stitching can help distinguish them.

Tier 4: SS-Grade Counterfeits

Before the emergence of N-grade counterfeits, SS-grade was considered the highest quality among fakes. The differences from an authentic Hermès piece are so minor that the average person would struggle to tell them apart. One can spot discrepancies only by closely examining details such as stitching and hardware construction. If anything feels slightly off, it's best to suspect a counterfeit.

Tier 5: N-Grade Counterfeits

N-grade counterfeits are the highest-quality super fakes. They use the same leather and hardware as genuine Hermès products, making them nearly impossible to distinguish, even for professional authenticators. Extra caution is advised if a purchase is made outside of an official store or from a questionable seller.

How to Avoid Buying a Fake Hermès

The best way to avoid purchasing a counterfeit is to be careful where you buy your Hermès products. Here are the safest purchasing options:

Buying from an Official Hermès Boutique

Purchasing from an official Hermès store guarantees authenticity. You’ll receive a genuine product at the correct retail price and after-sales support to ensure long-term use. However, flagship items like Birkin and Kelly bags are produced in limited quantities and are in extremely high demand, making them difficult to find. If you're determined to buy one, you may need to visit multiple stores to find a boutique with stock.

Buying from a Trusted Luxury Resale Store

Purchasing from a reputable secondhand luxury store is one of the safest ways to buy a genuine Hermès product outside an official boutique. The demand for pre-owned items has been growing, with more buyers seeking discontinued models and vintage pieces. If you buy a Hermès product secondhand, look for a trustworthy reseller.

Gallery Rare, a luxury resale specialist, relies on experienced and highly knowledgeable authenticators who carefully examine each item to verify its authenticity. Products that raise even the slightest suspicion of being counterfeit are excluded from sale. Customers can shop for Hermès items confidently, knowing that every piece has been thoroughly vetted. Gallery Rare is a trusted destination for those seeking a pre-owned Hermès treasure.

Seeking Professional Expertise

Authenticating a Hermès bag requires a deep understanding of its materials, craftsmanship, and signature details. Even experienced collectors can be misled by high-quality fakes, making expert verification essential for authenticity.

Conclusion: How to Tell if a Hermès Bag is Real Using Stamps

• Hermès stamps can be used to identify fakes.
  
• In addition to stamps, stitching and logos can reveal counterfeits.
  
• The higher the tier, the harder it is to detect a super fake.
  
• The safest way to buy an authentic piece is from an official boutique or a reputable luxury resale store like Gallery Rare.
  

To identify a fake Hermès bag, one can start by examining the placement and embossing quality of the brand stamp. However, as counterfeit production techniques improve, stamps alone may not be enough to distinguish a fake. In such cases, check the stitching, zippers, and even the dust bag for inconsistencies.

Super fakes are increasingly challenging to detect as their quality improves. Spotting a counterfeit can be extremely difficult unless you are a professional authenticator. That’s why purchasing from an official boutique or a trusted luxury resale store is highly recommended.

Gallery Rare’s expert buyers leverage years of experience to verify authenticity, ensuring customers can confidently shop. If you're looking for a Hermès bag, visit our store for a carefully curated selection of genuine luxury items.

*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.