Posted by Ursula Wagner
The world of luxury fashion is captivating – and unfortunately, where there’s value, counterfeits often follow. Especially for iconic pieces like Chanel, Louis Vuitton or Dior bags, the market for replicas is huge. Many of these fakes look nearly identical but are poorly made and have zero resale value.
If you’re looking to invest in designer fashion – whether new or second hand – it’s essential to know what to look for. At Designer Second Hand Vienna, we inspect every single piece with care. But you can develop an eye for fakes, too. Here’s your guide to the most important indicators and how to shop safely.
1. Material & Craftsmanship: You Can Feel the Difference
Authentic designer items feel different – and for a reason. High-end bags are made from premium materials like genuine leather, structured canvas or finely woven fabrics.
✔ Real: Materials feel soft yet firm. Stitching is straight, clean and durable. Finishing is sharp – nothing is loose or fraying.
✖ Fake: Faux leather, shiny plastics and poor stitching are red flags. If it feels cheap to the touch, it probably is.
2. Logos & Lettering: The Brand Speaks – Literally
Logos and brand names are strictly controlled by designer labels. Every detail, from font to spacing, is carefully defined.
✔ Real: Crisp engravings, embroidery or embossing. Metal parts are heavy and the logo placement is flawless.
✖ Fake: Blurry or oversized logos, incorrect fonts or misspellings are telltale signs of replicas.
3. Serial Numbers & Labels: Silent Signatures of Authenticity
Many luxury brands include serial codes inside their products – found on small labels, leather tags or even holograms.
✔ Real: The number is neatly placed and follows a specific format depending on the brand and model.
✖ Fake: Missing, poorly printed or misplaced numbers. Some fakes include random codes that look real at first glance but fail upon closer inspection.
4. Interior & Details: The Secret’s on the Inside
It’s worth looking inside the bag. Many brands use signature linings, branded zippers (like YKK or RiRi), and detailed inner logos.
✔ Real: Clean stitching, quality lining with logo print or patterns, and smooth, sturdy zippers.
✖ Fake: Cheap lining, chemical smells, poorly functioning zippers and a generally messy look inside.
5. The Price: If It Sounds Too Good to Be True…
Sure, second hand means savings – but real designer items still hold their value.
✔ Real: Even pre-owned pieces from Gucci or Louis Vuitton aren’t dirt cheap. Discounts are realistic, depending on condition and rarity.
✖ Fake: Offers like “Authentic Chanel Bag – Only €150” should raise an eyebrow. If in doubt, don’t.
6. Where You Buy Matters Just as Much as What You Buy
The best protection against fakes? A reputable shop. Whether online or offline, trusted sellers focus on authenticity.
✔ Safe: Buy from verified second hand stores with expertise, return policies and transparent communication – like Designer Second Hand Vienna.
✖ Risky: Be careful with private listings, suspicious online shops or social media accounts without contact details or return options.
Real Designer Fashion Is Worth It
Authentic designer pieces are about more than style – they stand for craftsmanship, quality and longevity. Choosing second hand is not only sustainable, it’s a conscious decision rooted in appreciation and individuality.
At Designer Second Hand Vienna, every item is thoroughly inspected for authenticity. And we want you to shop with confidence – knowing what to look for and why it matters. Because second hand should feel exciting, not stressful.