Any consignment shop worth its salt will not sell fake designer items. It’s unethical and against the law. That being said, it still happens at consignment shops and more often at thrift shops. So how do you spot fake designer items? Here are a few things to look for and consider.
Most Common Fake Designer Items
Before you can spot fake designer items you have to understand what items are most often faked or knocked off.
Most Faked Items:
- Handbags (most people are aware of this one, but see the link below to my previous blog on this to understand why this is problematic)
- Small Leather Goods (wallets, belts, card holders)
- Accessories (especially silk scarves and neckties, wool scarves and pashminas)
- Footwear (especially branded sneakers, luxury slides and heels)
- Sunglasses
- Apparel (especially branded sweatshirts, t-shirts and tracksuits)
Brands That Are Faked Most:
- Chanel
- Gucci
- Versace
- Louis Vuitton
- Coach
- Prada
- Dior
- Burberry
- Givenchy
- Goyard
- Birkin
- Hermes
- Michael Kors
What to Check To Spot Fakes
At Consignments Ltd. We check designer items thoroughly. Just the other day a consignor dropped off a Louis V satchel. It came with a certificate of authenticity. But alas it was not from the famous designer and was sent back. We look at several factors and you can do this too.
Check Stitching
Whether it’s a silk scarf or a leather handbag, how items are sewn together speaks volumes. Look for clean, tight and even stitching. Loose or sloppy sewing is a clue that the “designer “ item may be a fake.
Check Hardware
Designers use good hardware. It’s necessary to support the prices these items garner. Designer pieces have quality zippers, buckles, rings, snaps and logo plates. Their finish is impeccable and their markings are crisp. By contrast, fake designer items have subpar hardware. Zippers don’t work smoothly and are lightweight. Buckles and logo plates seem hollow. Logo strikes are often misaligned or blurry.
Check Materials
Designer items use high-end materials. Leather is rich and supple. Silk is luxuriously smooth. Cotton is soft and doesn’t pill. Consequently, counterfeit items use cheaper materials. Leather is stiff or not leather at all. Polyester is substituted for silk and cotton is blended. Materials should feel good in your hand if items are authentic.
Smell It
Fake designer items often don’t smell quite right. I’m not talking about the overwhelming smell of a skunk here but what I mean is that the odor is off. It smells a bit like chemicals. Real designer items smell as good as they look.
OK What Now
That being said, if you’re at the thrift store and time is of the essence, what should you do? If you’ve used your eyes and your nose and your fingertips and things are seeming right, maybe you take a chance. As long as you’re willing to lose the price paid if the designer item you think you have is a fake. It’s the thrill of the hunt after all.
Still not convinced? Check out my previous blog: Don’t Buy Fake Designer Bags For The Holidays for more information. Think someone you know would like this blog? Feel free to share with the links below. Have an idea for a future blog? Email me at consignmentslimited@gmail.com.
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