Official Guide: How To Spot Fake Gucci Bags (2024)

Written by
Ch David
Gucci Bag
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Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Ch David

If you’re a fan of Gucci, then it’s essential to get an authentic bag. In this guide, we’ll provide the following:

  • Real vs fake comparisons of Gucci bags[1]
  • Guidance on how to buy Gucci bags safely
  • An expert Gucci bag authentication service[2]

A. How to authenticate a Gucci bag

Various experts confirmed that the interior label is the #1 authenticity teller for Gucci bags. Look at the text and the serial number on the back!

1. Interior label

Gucci Bag Interior Label
  • Authentic:
    1. Stitching is thicker and shorter than the fake.
    2. The text is also thicker.
  • Fake:
    1. Stitching is too thin and long.
    2. Text is too thin — it isn’t fit deep enough into the leather.

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

2. Serial number

Flip the “GUCCI” tag over and you’ll reveal the serial number.

Gucci Bag Serial Number
  • Authentic: Thinner numbers.
  • Fake: The numbers are way too thick.

This is due to the fake character being engraved too deep into the leather.

3. Handler

Gucci Bag Handler
  • Authentic: Very dense and short threads.
  • Fake: The stitchers are too long — this means they’re less dense.

Gucci is a high-end luxury brand[3] which puts lots of work and attention into every bag coming out of their factories.

Hence, such flaws shouldn’t ever occur on the original bags.

A quick mention:

  • The steps we’ve written so far are the BEST ways to authenticate this item
  • The next few steps are still reliable methods…
  • … but they apply to non-top-versions of replicas available for this item

If in doubt, we recommend double-checking the steps we’ve explained above this line.

4. GG Logo

Almost every Gucci bag has this exterior “GG” metal logo.

Gucci Bag GG Logo
  • Authentic: Naturally shinier look.
  • Fake: Not as shiny — it doesn’t reflect enough light.

See how the authentic is also more “chrome” compared to the fake.

5. Stitching

Gucci Bag Stitching
  • Authentic: Every thread is consisent and has the same shape.
  • Fake: Some stitches are crooked and have different thicknesses.

6. Carbine

Gucci Bag Carbine
  • Authentic: Thinner inscription.
  • Fake: The “GUCCI” text is too thick.

7. Pocket

Gucci Bag Pocket
  • Authentic: Thinner and longer threads.
  • Fake: Stitching is thicker and boxier.

Generally, the fake threads have a smaller appearance compared to the original.

8. Handler base

At the bottom of every handler is a pointy patch.

Very common with Gucci Totes.

Gucci Bag Handler Base
  • Authentic: Solid, thick stitches.
  • Fake: Very thin stitches.

9. Zipper

There are two types of Gucci zippers: metal and leather.

We’ll look at each, beginning with the metal zipper.

9.1. Metal

Gucci Bag Metal Zipper
  • Authentic: Thinner, lighter letters. They reflect any light landing on top.
  • Fake: Thicker, darker letters — they don’t reflect light.

9.2. Leather

Gucci Bag Leather Zipper
  • Authentic: Thicker and solid stitches.
  • Fake: Stitching is thinner.

Due to the high presence of fake Gucci items[4], even the little details like this stitching has to be analyzed.

Otherwise, it would be impossible to prove authenticity.

11. Flap

Open the bag and look at the flap on the interior side — a unique Gucci design[5] seen on any of their bags with flaps.

Gucci Bag Flap
  • Authentic: The stitches are shorter and also thicker.
  • Fake: Longer and thinner stitching.

The authentic stitching look must be “boxier” compared to the fake.

12. Chainlinks

Gucci Bag Chain
  • Authentic: The color is more pronounced, more golden.
  • Fake: Lighter, and also less light-reflective color.

13. Strap

Gucci Bag Strap
  • Authentic: Thinner threads.
  • Fake: Thicker compared to the real stitches.

14. Dust bag

When it comes down to real vs fake Gucci dust bags, there are two types.

The vintage (blue) and the modern (white). We’ll look at both.

14.1. Vintage

Gucci Bag Vintage Dust Bag
  • Authentic: Thicker in any aspect compared to the fake.
  • Fake: Thinner symbols and letters.

14.2. Modern

Gucci Soho Bag Real vs Fake Tag
  • Authentic: All letters have the same shape and height.
  • Fake: Bigger letters in height.

B. How to buy Gucci bags safely

To safely purchase a Gucci bag, buy only from authorized Gucci stores or reputable retailers, and verify the authenticity of the product and the reliability of the seller.

Below is our list on how to buy Gucci bags online, the safe way.

Make sure you read our guide on how to buy high-end designer online safely[6].

1. Official Gucci Website

Why It’s Safe: Buying directly from Gucci’s official website ensures the authenticity of the product.

Official Gucci Website - gucci.com

Tip: Bookmark the official site to avoid fake websites mimicking the original.

2. Authorized Retailers

Trusted Retailers: Consider well-known authorized retailers like Farfetch, Net-A-Porter, and Nordstrom.

Browsing Gucci bags on Farfetch.com

Why It’s Safe: These retailers guarantee genuine products and have reliable return policies.

3. Signs of Authenticity

Key Features: Authentic Gucci bags have precise stitching, distinct logo designs, high-quality hardware, and superior material quality.

Gucci Bag with a Verified Checkmark

Refer to Gucci’s official guides or Legit Check for details on authenticity.

4. Avoid Weird Websites

Red Flags: Unrealistic discounts and unknown sellers.

Tip: Conduct background checks on unfamiliar websites before purchasing.

5. Secure Payment Methods

Recommended Options: Use credit cards or services like PayPal for added buyer protection.

These methods often provide dispute resolution and fraud protection.

Homepage of the PayPal.com website

If you got scammed with a fake bag, you can always get Legit Check’s Certificate[7] which helps you get your money back.

6. Read Reviews

Importance: Customer feedback and clear return policies are indicators of a reputable seller.

Reviews of Farfetch.com on Trustpilot

Action: Check the website for user reviews and read the return policy thoroughly.

7. Customer Service

When to Do This: If you have any doubts about a product’s authenticity.

A quick query to customer service can clarify product details.

8. Keep Records

What to Keep: Save all receipts, confirmation emails, and transaction details.

Illustration of a woman keeping conversation records

This is useful for verifying authenticity and essential if you need to make a return or dispute a charge.

C. Expert Gucci Bag Authentication Service

If you’re looking to get your Gucci bag verified by actual experts:

  1. Send us pictures of the bag
  2. Wait for our teams to asses the pictures
  3. Get the detailed authenticity report.

It’s that easy!

D. References

  1. gucci.com/uk/en_gb/ca/women/handbags-c-women-handbags
  2. legitcheck.app/product/gucci-bag-authentication-service
  3. legitcheck.app/stats/gucci
  4. ojs.journals.cz/index.php/CBUIC/article/view/1160
  5. koreascience.kr/article/JAKO200809906442086.page
  6. legitcheck.app/information/how-to-buy-streetwear-high-end-designer-safely-online
  7. legitcheck.app/certificate-of-authenticity

Need our opinion on your item’s authenticity? It’s a service we provide.

Get a fully-detailed report for why you have a real or fake item. Takes less than 48 hours!

Alternatively, use our free resources: written guides and video tutorials.

Thank you for reading this,

Ch Daniel and Ch David

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About the Author

David is the co-founder and co-CEO of Legit Check By Ch. David's experience: 5+ years of creating educational content in the fashion industry. 6+ years of authenticating luxury items. Currently, David is the Head Editor of the LCBC Library, where 1,000,000+ words have been published, in free guides, for over 1,000 items.
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