Hermès Kelly: Ultimate Authentication Guide (2025)

Last Updated on janvier 7, 2025 by Ch David

How to Check if Hermès Kelly is Original

The #1 way to authenticate the Hermès Kelly is checking the ‘HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE’ text. Fakes often have a super thin inscription.

1. Engraving

• Authentique :
  • The “S” in “HERMÈS” is in line with other letters, with correct thickness and placement.
  • The “MADE IN FRANCE” text is appropriately thick, well-shaped, and opaque.
• Faux :
  • The “S” in “HERMÈS” is too thick and positioned higher than the other letters.
  • This is also observed in the “PARIS” text with the letter “S” being thicker.
  • The “MADE IN FRANCE” text is too thin, improperly shaped, and lacks opacity.

This applies to all bags from our era. Below is a note for (way) older bags.

Vintage bags crafted prior to 1954 may display alternative inscriptions (silver or gold).

Some other authentic bags may feature a colorless debossed stamp.

Is it too hard? Reach out to our expert Hermès authenticators:

2. Strap

• Authentique :
  • Letters in all text are properly spaced, aligned, and have consistent thickness.
  • None of the letters are connected.
• Faux :
  • The letter “S” in “HERMÈS” is overly thick.
  • In “PARIS”, the letter “S” is positioned lower, and the vertical leg of “R” is too thick.
  • The letters “F” and “R” in “MADE IN FRANCE” are connected.
  • The letter “C” in “FRANCE” is too thin, while the letter “E” in “FRANCE” is overly thick.

3. Metal plate

• Authentique :
  1. The upmost horizontal leg in “E” has the right length.
  2. Letters “S” use a constant font throughout the metal plate (for both of them).
• Faux :
  1. The top horizontal leg in “E” is too short.
  2. Both letters “S” use a different font. They curve too soon.

Une mention rapide :

• Les étapes que nous avons écrites jusqu'à présent sont les suivantes BEST les moyens d'authentifier cet article
• Les étapes suivantes restent des méthodes fiables...
• ... mais elles s'appliquent aux versions non supérieures des répliques disponibles pour cet article

En cas de doute, nous vous recommandons de revérifier les étapes expliquées ci-dessus.

4. Handler

• Authentique : The handle is straight and uniformly shaped all around.
• Faux : Crooked and not properly aligned, differing from the uniform shape seen on the original.

5. Luggage tag

• Authentique : The stitching on the tag is thin and consistent all around.
• Faux : The stitching at the top right corner of the luggage tag is noticeably thicker.

6. Clasp

This only applies to Kelly bags with a golden clasp.

• Authentique : The clasp is entirely golden.
• Faux : The opening mechanism is silver instead of gold.

7. Lock

• Authentique : Has a thinner font for the “HERMÈS” text.
• Faux : The logo is way thicker than it has to be.

8. Interior strap

• Authentique : All threads are perfectly straight, even when curving along the strap.
• Faux : The stitching is crooked on the area where it curves.

9. Stitching

Find this little tab on the exterior side of your Kelly.

• Authentique : Thinner and smaller threads than the fake.
• Faux : The stitches are too thick and boxy.

10. Closure ring

• Authentique : When light lands on the ring, it powerfully reflects it away.
• Faux : Doesn’t reflect light powerful enough.

Shortlist : Tell a fake Kelly in 30 seconds

This simplified list makes it easy to authenticate Hermès Kelly bags in a hurry:

1. Interior Text: Check for thickness and proper positioning of interior text.
2. Exterior Tab: Verify the thickness and positioning of text on the exterior tab.
3. Handle Shape: Ensure the handle is straight and uniformly shaped.
4. Luggage Tag: Examine consistent stitching on the tag, especially at the top right corner.
5. Clasp (Golden): Authentic bags have entirely golden clasps; fakes may have silver mechanisms.
6. Lock Font: Authentic locks have thinner “HERMÈS” text; fakes may have thicker text.
7. Strap Stitching: Authentic straps have straight stitching, even on curves.
8. Exterior Tab (Handle): Check for thinner, smaller threads.
9. Stitching (Exterior Tab): Authentic bags have thinner, smaller threads.
10. Closure Ring: Authentic bags powerfully reflect light on the closure ring.

If you can’t go through the entire detailed guide, this is what you need.

Use this shortlist whenever you’re authenticating a Kelly bag on the go.

Let our Expert Team handle it

If you require assistance with authenticating your Hermès Kelly bag, our team is here to assist:

• Simply provide us with high-quality photographs of your bag.
• We will promptly assess its authenticity within 24 to 48 hours.
• Our findings will be accompanied by a detailed report explaining the basis for our determination.

That’s it for now.

Thank you for using our real vs fake Hermès Kelly bag guide!

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Merci d'avoir lu ce document,

Ch Daniel et Ch David