Designer Handbags : Top-quality bags from today’s leading designers usually cost a lot of money. Unfortunately, that makes them targets for scammers. Counterfeiters often create knockoff bags that are practically indistinguishable from their authentic counterparts. While some people don’t mind carrying look-alike bags, other people prefer the real thing, even if that means paying a little bit more money.
Not only do authentic bags feature higher-quality construction but you can also feel good about supporting independent designers. It is important to know what to look for when shopping for Woodland leather .
With these tips you can avoid getting duped into paying the full designer price for a knockoff handbag.
Don’t Get Misled By The Price
It is hard to judge the quality of a handbag based solely on its price. The odds of finding an authentic designer bag at a rock-bottom price are relatively slim unless the bag has significant flaws. If you see a perfect handbag that is priced a lot lower than its normal retail value, it probably is a knockoff. Unfortunately, the opposite is not always true. Just because a handbag is expensive, it doesn’t mean that it is authentic. A lot of counterfeiters charge designer prices for knockoff bags. Shopping for handbags online can be particularly challenging since it is a lot harder to judge the authenticity of individual bags. Usually, you are less likely to get scammed if you purchase a handbag from a well-known retailer rather than a random seller online.
Shopping in person is almost always the best option. When you can visually inspect a handbag for yourself, it is a lot easier to judge the quality. Shopping online, on the other hand, is more difficult since you usually have to base your buying decision on a small picture of the handbag. Trying to authenticate a bag from a photo is practically impossible since you don’t have an opportunity to verify certain hidden details.
If you decide to buy your handbag through the Internet, only buy from a well-respected retailer. Make sure that your purchase is backed by a guarantee. For instance, sites like eBay and Amazon usually offer some type of buyer protection. The benefit of going this route is that you can get a refund if you wind up getting a knockoff bag.
Inspect The Zippers Closely
One thing that sets designer handbags apart from other bags is the fact that most designers pay close attention to every single detail that goes into the construction of the bag. That means that you can use these details to verify the authenticity of a bag. The zipper is a great example. Designer handbags feature high-quality metal zippers that are sewn in with straight, even stitching. When they are zipped, they stay perfectly flat. If a handbag has a plastic zipper, it is usually a sign that it is a counterfeit bag.
In terms of functionality, zippers are one of the most important parts of any designer handbag. Designers understand this, which is why they almost always opt for metal zippers. While brass zippers are commonly used, you can also find copper or nickel-plated zippers, depending on the overall look of the bag. The zipper tab should be made out of metal, as well. If any part of the zipper is made of plastic, it could indicate that the bag is a knockoff according to The Vintage Bar.
The zipper itself should be attached to durable fabric and should have rounded teeth with no sharp edges. It should be stitched into the bag using sturdy, straight stitching. All of the stitches should be the same size and they should be lined up perfectly in a row. Try moving the zipper back and forth several times to verify that it functions correctly. If it doesn’t open and close easily or if it gets stuck, you should probably avoid buying the handbag.
When shopping online, don’t hesitate to contact the seller to request detailed photos of the zipper. Ask if they can send a photo with the zipper closed and one with it open.
Look For High-Quality Hardware
Most designer handbags are embellished with different types of hardware, ranging from buckles and locks to metal rings, strap fittings, and handles. All of these elements should be made out of high-quality metal. Some of the most common metals used in modern-day handbags include bronze, brass, copper, or metal that has been nickel or zinc plated. The surface of the hardware should be free from imperfections. Low-quality metal casting techniques typically leave behind bumps or raised sections. You will never find these flaws or imperfections on an authentic designer bag.
The hardware should also be sized correctly for the overall size of the bag. Large handbags are usually designed to carry a lot of weight. That means that the hardware needs to be larger and more durable. Small handbags, on the other hand, usually have a lot more delicate hardware since they don’t need to carry quite as much weight.
Check the areas where the individual pieces of hardware are attached to the handbag. Make sure that these areas are reinforced with sturdy stitching to make the bag more durable. For handbags with rivets, inspect not only the front of each rivet but also the back to make sure that there is a washer in place. This helps keep the rivets from pulling through the fabric of the bag.
Finally, finish by checking the buckles. The tongue should be durable enough that it doesn’t bend or flop around. Give the buckles a firm tug to test how durable they are. Most high-end handbags are designed with strength in mind, helping to ensure that they will last for a long time.
Look For Straight, Even Stitching
All of the stitches on the handbag should be the same size. They also should line up perfectly with one another. Look for any threads that have come loose or any bumpy areas of stitching. Don’t forget to check the inside of the bag, as well. The stitching on the interior should be the same quality as the stitching on the outside of the bag. Most handbag designers use thread that is thick and durable, helping to ensure that it doesn’t break or wear out over time. Counterfeit bags often have high-quality stitching on the outside of the bag. On the inside of the bag, however, the thread is a lot thinner and the stitching isn’t as sturdy. Mismatched thread quality is often a sign of a knock-off bag.
Check the Finishing on the Edges
Cleanly finishing the edges of leather takes a lot of time and effort. As a result, most counterfeit bags don’t have nicely finished edges. Check any edges on the handle or other areas of the bag. If you see portions that are rough or stringy, it either means that the quality of the bag is not up to par or that the finishing wasn’t done correctly. With designer handbags, the edges have usually either been painted or polished instead of being left raw. Even though this is a small detail, it is worth looking for since it can help verify that the bag is authentic.
Look At The Quality Of The Lining
When viewing photos of handbags online, it is extremely hard to judge the quality of the lining. Designer bags all have high-quality lining that is as strong and durable as the outside of the bag. Handbags are designed to carry a wide range of items, meaning that the inside of the bag has to be capable of withstanding a lot of wear and tear. That is why the lining needs to be both strong and easy to clean. Any spills or leaks shouldn’t wind up destroying the bag. Avoid handbags that have poor-quality lining that is thin or difficult to clean.
Check For Strong, Functional Handles
Most handbags have straps or handles that are designed to make carrying them around easier. These elements should not only be the right size for the bag but they should also be comfortable to use and durable enough to withstand daily use. Avoid handbags with weak handles. Handles that are hollow inside or that aren’t very durable are usually the sign of a low-quality bag. High-quality handles, on the other hand, are usually made out of multiple layers of leather that have been bundled together for durability.
As a general rule of thumb, the length of the strap doesn’t matter. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the strap length. What is important, however, is to verify that the straps are attached to the bag correctly. The area where the strap connects to the bag should incorporate extra stitches to provide additional support and stability. Handles on high-end bags are also reinforced from the backside with an extra support layer. This helps keep the handle from coming loose from the bag.
Look For High-Quality Leather
The quality of the leather used to make handbags can vary significantly. High-end leather usually has a recognisable smell that makes it easy to distinguish from lower quality leather. When it comes to leather, quality matters. The leather that is used in designer handbags is usually extremely soft and pliable, which is what gives the bags their high-end look.
The way that the leather is tanned is also important since it affects the durability of the finished product. Obtaining the best results requires an in-depth tanning process that not only takes a lot of time and effort but also costs quite a bit of money. One way to judge the quality of the leather is by considering where it came from. Certain countries including England, France, Italy, and the United States are well known for producing high-quality leather. These countries adhere to proven tanning techniques that consistently provide excellent results.
The way that the leather feels says a lot about its quality. High-quality leather should feel smooth to the touch. It should also be soft and flexible. Avoid leather that feels rubbery or that looks or feels like plastic. Even though it is possible for authentic leather to feel synthetic, it should be relatively easy to identify premium quality leather based on how it feels, looks, or smells.
