Chanel Guides

Step 1

Poor Leather Quality and Finish

Authentic Chanel bags are made from high-quality materials such as lambskin, caviar leather, or calfskin. These leathers feel soft, supple, and luxurious to the touch.

Fake Chanel bags often use:

• Shiny, plastic-like leather

• Rough texture or uneven grain

• Unnatural chemical smells

Tip: Chanel caviar leather has a pebbled texture that’s consistent and deeply embossed — fakes often have shallow or inconsistent bumps.

Step 2

Incorrect or Inconsistent Serial Numbers

Every Chanel bag since the 1980s includes a serial number sticker and a matching authenticity card. These serials correspond to the year of production and follow a strict format.

Watch out for:

• Missing serial stickers

• Serial numbers that don’t match the year/model

• Sloppy font, wrong spacing, or misaligned numbers

• Authenticity card doesn’t match the serial

Step 3

Logo and CC Lock Misalignment

The Chanel CC logo is iconic — and also one of the most counterfeited features. On authentic bags:

• The right C overlaps the left C at the top

• The left C overlaps the right C at the bottom

• The lock is centered and straight, with precise spacing

Fakes often get the proportions, spacing, or overlap direction wrong.

Step 4

Lightweight or Tarnished Hardware

Chanel hardware is made from high-quality metal, often 24K gold-plated in vintage models. It feels solid and heavy, with a polished, durable finish.

Counterfeit Chanel hardware may:

• Feel hollow or flimsy

• Tarnish or fade quickly

• Have rough edges or incorrect engravings (like “CHANEL PARIS” font)

Step 5

Inconsistent Stitching and Quilting

Chanel bags feature precise stitching and iconic diamond quilting. The diamonds should line up perfectly across seams, flaps, and side panels.

Common stitching red flags:

• Uneven or loose threads

• Misaligned quilting patterns

Step 6

Lining, Zipper, and Interior Tag Issues

Authentic Chanel bags are just as refined inside as they are outside. Look for:

• High-quality leather or fabric linings

• Smooth, sturdy zippers (often Lampo or YKK in vintage bags)

• A clearly embossed interior tag with “Made in France” or “Made in Italy”

Fakes often cut corners here, using:

• Plastic zippers

• Loose or wrinkled lining

• Poorly printed or off-centered tags