How To Spot Fake Burberry Bags

As with any popular brand, Burberry bags are widely replicated. There are however, some steps you can take to rule out fakes.

If you are looking at Classic or Nova Check bags there are a few things to consider. First, the bags should come in a vinyl coated canvas (PVC) which is comparable to some types of leather. However, the difference in texture is apparent. It is very durable yet retains the aesthetic qualities associated with Burberry.

The Classic Check is characterized by a symmetrical pattern with horizontal and vertical red, black and white stripes and centered knight insignia on tan canvas. The nova check has a lighter color with the same colored stripes (except the red leans towards pink) but different pattern. It is very easy to familiarize yourself with both patterns on the official website.

The check pattern on authentic Burberry handbags should be perfectly vertical and horizontal. The pattern should neatly meet and continue around the sides and bottom of the bag. The stripes themselves need to be straight and clearly defined, not messy or bled out.

Similar guidelines can be applied to quilted bags. The diagonal lines should consist of neatly stitched, equal sized diamonds (or squares depending on how you look at them). The lines created by the diamonds should be straight and cross each other at right angles. On an authentic bag horizontal trim/seams will cut directly across the diamonds making neat triangles- no sloppy angles. The same goes for the diagonal check pattern. Check patterns over quilting should run perfectly through (vertically and horizontally) the diamonds.

Now there are certain Burberry styles and handbag shapes that will cause the checked or quilted lines to appear crooked. The difference between sloppy stitching and the curvature of a bag is generally apparent.

Steer clear of any “creative” check patterns as this could be a sign of a fake. Research is essential, however, as there are authentic check variations that have come out over the years.

Burberry bags are made in Italy and will say so on the back of the interior tag above the serial number. The front of the tag will say Burberry London. The embossing and logo should be clearly defined, properly aligned and proportionate. Replica handbags sometimes have sloppy logos and misspellings.

Research into particular styles is essential as interior tags can differ, and sometimes the logo is located on the exterior of the bag as well. One thing you can count on for all Burberry bags is quality. Steer clear of any handbags with poor stitching or materials. You will not find them in an authentic bag. This goes for all Burberry products. For instance, Burberry scarves are widely copied. Some giveaways are poor check pattern, crooked lines and edges and loose threads. Sometimes a supposedly 100% silk scarf will be blended with a lower quality material. The difference can be felt if you have an authentic scarf for reference.

Bag linings come in canvas, suede or Burberry Signature Fabric. Hardware is engraved with Burberry; a messy engraving is a sign of a fake. It is hard to authenticate a bag by the zipper as the manufacturers differ. Price tags hang and can come in tan and dark blue. Dustbags come in tan and navy blue depending on the year.

Hopefully this guide will help you spot fake Burberry bags. But as always, it is never a sure thing unless you purchase from the official website or an authorized dealer.

For more information and pictures of Burberry bags click here. To find the nearest Burberry outlet click here.