Guide
How to spot fake clothes, shoes and bags
Fakes have become hard to tell apart in photos. These checks won’t make you an expert, but they catch most of them before you pay.
By Style Finder · Updated 26 October 2026
AI illustrationIn short
- A price far below the usual is the biggest warning sign.
- Buy from the brand or its authorised shops whenever you can.
- Check stitching, labels, materials and hardware against the brand’s own photos.
- For valuable pieces, use a professional authentication service.
On this page
Before you buy
- The price. A new designer piece at a fraction of its usual price is the most common sign of a fake.
- The seller. Buy from the brand or shops it lists as stockists. On marketplaces, check the seller’s history and reviews.
- The photos. Stock photos only, or photos that hide the labels and details, are a reason to ask for more.
- The stock. Every size and colour of a hard-to-get piece, in large quantities, is unlikely to be genuine.
Check the piece itself
| Look at | Genuine pieces usually have | Warning signs |
|---|---|---|
| Stitching | Even, straight, the same length all over | Loose threads, wavy lines, uneven spacing |
| Labels | Clear, even printing; consistent fonts | Spelling mistakes, blurry print, odd spacing |
| Materials | The feel and weight the brand describes | Thin, stiff or plasticky materials; a chemical smell |
| Hardware | Heavy, smooth zips and buttons, often marked | Light metal, rough edges, flaking plating |
| Logos | The exact shape, size and position | Slightly wrong proportions or placement |
Compare with the real thing
The brand’s own website is the best reference: zoom in on the official photos of the same model and compare every detail. A clothing search app can help you find the official product page quickly from a photo of the piece.
For valuable pieces
For expensive bags, watches or trainers, consider a professional authentication service, or buy from a marketplace that checks items before sending them on. Keep receipts and original packaging: they matter when you sell, too.
Questions
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