4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (2024)

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1Inspecting the Logo

2Checking the Hardware

3Examining the Material

4Analyzing Additional Pieces

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Co-authored bywikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 25, 2022ReferencesApproved

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The devil might wear Prada... but is it real? Despite how popular counterfeiting has become, it doesn't take a professional to determine what's real and what's fake when it comes to purses. Whether you're buying a used Prada tote or simply want to know if your favorite blogger's bag is genuine, look at the logo, hardware, fabric, and other accessories.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Inspecting the Logo

  1. 1

    Look for the signature curve in the "R" in the Prada logo. This is the most defining characteristic of the Prada logo and the biggest giveaway that a bag is fake.The right leg ot the "R" curves slightly upwards. If the leg is straight like a regular "R," you have a counterfeit bag.[1]

    • Find anywhere the word Prada is printed or engraved on the bag to make sure the curved "R" is present in each spot. This includes extras like the dustbag if there is one or the authenticity card.

    Tip: There will be a slight gap between the "R" and the "A" on a real bag.

  2. 2

    Examine the triangle logo for the correct font, spacing, and color. The inverted triangle logo is easily recognizable. Ensure that the letters are evenly spaced on the plaque and that the font matches the font on all other uses of Prada on the rest of the bag. The background color of the plaque will match the color of the bag if it's genuine.[2]

    • The plaque should be fastened securely to the front of the bag and not falling off or skewed at all.
    • The logo on a real bag will be easily readable, no matter how small the font is.
    • While you're checking the font around the bag, check that all words are spelled properly.

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  3. 3

    Make sure the logo plaque on the inside matches the interior fabric. For example, if the bag is cream, the plaque will be either the exact same shade of cream or slightly darker. The logo will be ceramic on leather bags and may be leather on non-leather bags. A plastic or fabric tag is a sign of a counterfeit bag.[3]

    • The interior logo plaque should also be rectangular, which is different than the exterior triangle plaque.
    • A real Prada bag will have a plaque with 4 rounded corners that's securely attached to the bag.
    • If there is no interior logo plaque at all, it’s not a real Prada bag.
  4. 4

    Check that the interior logo plaque says “Prada Milano Made in Italy”. The phrase will be split between 3 lines on the plaque. "Prada" is on the first line, followed by "Milano" on the second line, and then "Made in Italy" on the third line.[4]

    • If it says “Milan” instead of “Milano” for example, it’s a fake.
    • Newer styles of genuine bags might say “Prada” on the first line and “Made in Italy” on the second line instead.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Checking the Hardware

  1. 1

    Compare all of the hardware to make sure it’s either all gold or all silver. Prada only uses high-quality gold and silver for its hardware. They will never mix colors on a bag so check that all of the hardware including zippers, clasps, and feet are all one color. Different colors or finishes mean the bag is fake.[5]

    Discoloration or chipped hardware shows that it’s low quality and therefore not a real bag.

  2. 2

    Open and close the zipper to see if it runs smoothly. On a real Prada bag, the zipper should work easily. There won’t be any snags, catches, or broken zipper pieces.[6]

    • An exception is if you’re buying a used bag where the zipper might have been damaged by the owner. Ask if this is the case.
  3. 3

    Read the zipper brand to see if it’s Lampo, Ykk, Riri, Opti, or Ipi. These are the only brands that Prada uses for its bags. Find the brand embossed on the back of the zipper.[7]

    Check the spelling of each brand on the zipper. Counterfeiters often change just one letter so it looks correct at first glance.

  4. 4

    See if all of the hardware says “Prada.” On Prada bags, every piece of hardware has the brand name engraved on it. This includes the zippers, buckles, metal feet at the bottom, locks, and any other decorative pieces.[8]

    • If any of the hardware is blank, it’s not a real bag.
    • On the zipper of a real bag, the Prada engraving will be on the front side while the zipper brand will be on the back.
    • Not all real Prada bags have metal feet on the bottom of the purse or special accents like locks. Check the Prada catalog online to see if your model is supposed to.[9]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Examining the Material

  1. 1

    Run your hand over a leather bag to see if it’s soft to the touch. Made from real calf leather, Prada leather bags should be supple and smooth. If the leather is stiff or unbending, it’s likely a fake.[10]

    Even styles of leather bags that are ruched or ruffled should feel soft.

  2. 2

    Check that the interior fabric is high quality and has the Prada pattern. The interior will either be embossed jacquard nylon fabric or nappa leather. The fabric will have a pattern that alternates a line printed with Prada and a line of rope motif.[11]

    • Every other line with the Prada logo will be printed upside down.
  3. 3

    Look for clean stitching along the seams. Real Prada bags should not have stitching that is crooked, uneven, or sloppy. The stitches will be small and sturdy. If they're frayed in any areas, that’s a sure sign the bag is a fake.[12]

    • On a leather bag, the stitches should match the color of the leather.
    • Designer bags almost never have seams that are glued.
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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Analyzing Additional Pieces

  1. 1

    Find a small white tag inside the bag with a number printed on it. Every real Prada bag will have this tiny square tag somewhere in the interior. The number is the purse factory number.[13]

    Just because there’s a number on the tag doesn’t mean it’s real. Some counterfeit bags now have fake factory numbers, too.

  2. 2

    Check for a white dustbag with the Prada logo printed in black on it. A dustbag is a cloth covering similar to a pillow sham that protects a purse from dirt, sun exposure, and moisture. The font that’s on the dustbag will match the font on the Prada bag itself (the logo or the interior fabric font) if it’s a real bag. It will also have a drawstring.[14]

    • There should be a label stitched in the dustbag that says "Prada" and "100% Cotton Made in Italy".
    • Not all Prada bags come with a dustbag. If there isn’t one, ask the seller.
    • Older purses may have a navy dustbag with Prada printed in gold.[15]
  3. 3

    Examine the authenticity card for the right information and good quality. Each Prada bag comes with a sealed authenticity card that contains the serial number and purse style information. Signs of a forged authenticity card include uneven spacing between the letters and numbers, slanted lines, or low-quality printing.[16]

    • The authenticity card should come in a black envelope embossed with the Prada logo. A printed logo signals it’s a fake.[17]
    • Contact Prada via their website if you want to check that a serial number is valid. Fill out the contact form, making the subject line something like, "Please verify the serial number of my Prada bag." Include the serial number in the body of the email form.[18]
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  • Question

    Do Prada bags come with authenticity cards?

    4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (17)

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    Yes, all genuine Prada bags have an authenticity card. This card will display the serial number and information about the style of purse. It will be contained within a black envelope that has the Prada logo embossed into it. You can check the serial number on Prada’s website or by contacting them directly by email or in-store.

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    Can you sell fake purses on eBay?

    4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (19)

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    No, you cannot sell fake or counterfeit purses on eBay. This is not only against eBay’s terms and conditions but it’s also illegal under the laws of many countries. For example, in the USA, it’s considered to be fraud. You risk being charged for committing an offense and having your eBay account suspended or removed. If in doubt, see your attorney for advice and you can also ask other sellers for guidance on the eBay forums.

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  • Question

    How do I know my Coach bag is authentic?

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    Staff Answer

    The main things you need to look for when assessing the authenticity of a luxury bag are quality, durability, logos/tags and patterns. For helpful advice on each of these things to help you determine whether or not your Coach bag is authentic, check out the wikiHow: How to Spot a Fake Coach Bag.

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      About This Article

      4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (35)

      Co-authored by:

      wikiHow Staff Writer

      This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 870,999 times.

      44 votes - 82%

      Co-authors: 17

      Updated: October 25, 2022

      Views:870,999

      Categories: Featured Articles | Bags

      Article SummaryX

      If you see a Prada bag that you suspect is fake, look for the slight upward curve in the right leg of the letter R of the logo. If the R isn't curved, it's a fake. Compare the logo on the outside of the bag to the plaque on the inside of the bag, and make sure the interior plaque is made of leather or ceramic, which are signs of a real bag. Then, check the hardware on the bag, including all of the rivets and zippers, to make sure they are all the same metal and are stamped with the word "Prada" to certify its authenticity. For tips on examining the material for quality and checking the serial number, read on!

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      • 4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (36)

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        Mar 25, 2017

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      4 Ways to Spot a Fake Prada Purse - wikiHow (2024)

      FAQs

      How do you tell if a Prada purse is real or fake? ›

      When purchased at retail, Prada purses come with a sealed Authenticity Card, a white card that contains the bag's serial number and style information. The Authenticity Card should feature the Prada logo, with "Authenticity certificate card" printed in English and Italian on the front.

      Do all Prada bags have a serial number? ›

      All Prada purses have a Quality Assurance Tag, also known as a Factory Tag, stitched into the seam of the interior purse pocket. It's a white tag with 2-3 numbers printed in black, which indicates the purses's factory number.

      Are all Prada bags made in Italy? ›

      A fun fact about Prada is that 20% of Prada's entire range is made in China while the other 80% is in Italy and other European countries.

      Does a real Prada bag have a made in China tag? ›

      Yes, Prada has outsourced some of their product lines to China. You can pay a small fortune for a Prada bag only to find a “Made In China” tag that's very well hidden inside. Unfortunately, Prada still demands “Made In Italy” pricing, even though producing bags in China costs far less.

      What is Prada authenticity number? ›

      Prada handbags will feature a small white tag, usually inside the interior pocket, that will display two or three numbers in black indicating the factory number. This tag is referred to as the Factory Tag or the Quality Assurance Tag.

      Do all authentic bags have serial numbers? ›

      Finally, an authentic used designer handbag should have a serial number or other date code that verifies its authenticity. This tag will be located in different places and have different sequencing depending on the brand and bag style, but any luxury handbag should have this detail somewhere on the bag.

      Do fake designer bags have serial numbers? ›

      In some cases, designers also include authenticity labels on the outside of the bag. Chanel actually comes with a physical card separate of the bag, which has a 6-number serial code. Some fake bags may have authenticity tags, but the text will be in a different font and size than the original.

      Is Prada made in France or Italy? ›

      Prada S.p.A. (/ˈprɑːdə/ ( listen), PRAH-də; Italian: [ˈpraːda]) is an Italian luxury fashion house founded in 1913 in Milan by Mario Prada. It specializes in leather handbags, travel accessories, shoes, ready-to-wear, and other fashion accessories.

      Why does Prada have different logos? ›

      That said, the Prada logo does change depending on the collection and the type of item it is placed on. Sometimes the logo includes the country of founding, “Milano”, and sometimes it is placed on their famous logo, an inverted triangle.

      How much cheaper is Prada in Italy? ›

      Yes, Prada bags and accessories are indeed cheaper in Europe, including Italy. On average, a Prada handbag is at least 15% cheaper in Europe and can be up to 40% cheaper. This is just taking into account the retail price, not the VAT refund, which means the prices in Italy would be even lower for an American tourist.

      Is real Prada made in Vietnam? ›

      Prada Questions and Answers

      Prada also manufactures products outside Italy in other cheaper countries such as Vietnam, Turkey, and Romania.

      Are some Prada bags made in India? ›

      Texas-based lifestyle blogger Mary Rambin stopped by her local Saks Fifth Avenue this week to check out the new Prada handbag collection—and get this, the new, more expensive, limited-edition Prada bags are no longer made in Italy. They're made in India—and they all sport labels to prove it.

      What materials does Prada use? ›

      Prada is known for using various couture fabrics in its products, including nylon. Prada's nylon is known for its durability and high quality and is used in a variety of products, including luxury handbags and luggage.

      How can I tell if my purse is real? ›

      How to spot a fake designer handbag
      1. Check the quality of the material the bag is made from. ...
      2. Take a close look at the hardware. ...
      3. The stitch work is another area to pay careful attention to. ...
      4. A cheap lining is another clue to look out for. ...
      5. The logo is another easy slip-up area for counterfeiters. ...
      6. Check the pockets.
      Sep 1, 2021

      Is there an app to identify fake purses? ›

      Entrupy is an advanced AI based authentication service designed to authenticate designer handbags and accessories anytime, anywhere. The app is to be used in conjunction with the Entrupy device available when you sign up for Entrupy Service.

      Is there an app to check fake bags? ›

      With the sale of knock-offs on the rise, brands and buyers are using tech to differentiate between a real bag and a fake one. The Entrupy app, which uses AI to detect counterfeit bags.

      Can you legally sell fake designer bags? ›

      In the U.S., it's illegal for a person to sell counterfeit merchandise. Both state and federal laws prohibit this type of conduct. If you knowingly sell or intend to sell a fake item, you could be sentenced to years in prison and/or be ordered to pay steep fines.

      How are designer bags authenticated? ›

      The authentication process is carried out by an expert at Royal Bag Spa, using the Entrupy's Authentication device to provide you with a double assurance. If applicable, manufacturer date codes and serial numbers are verified for consistency. Lastly, the item is also compared to on-hand authentic reference items.

      Is my Coach bag fake if it doesn t have a serial number? ›

      Not all real Coach purses have a serial number. Some examples of Coach purses that may not have a serial number include: the clutch, swingpack, and mini. However, most Coach purses will have a serial number, so if it's not one of the exceptions, then the bag should carry this identifier.

      Can a Louis Vuitton bag not have serial number? ›

      Contrary to popular belief, Louis Vuitton handbags (excluding luggage and rare limited edition pieces) do not have serial numbers. Rather, Louis Vuitton handbags have "date codes" stamped either on interior tags or directly on the interior linings.

      Do all Prada sunglasses have a serial number on the right lens? ›

      Do Prada sunglasses have serial numbers? For newer models, inside the top part of the right lens, you'll find the product's serial number etched into the lens. The serial number is very small, which makes it difficult for people to imitate on fake products. The Prada logo is also usually engraved on the left lens.

      What if my LV bag doesn't have a date code? ›

      At the same time, if your bag is missing a date code, don't panic; the absence of a date code does not necessarily mean that the bag is not authentic. As of March 1st, 2021, these have been removed, in favor of microchips embedded discreetly in your LV products.

      What is hot stamped Louis Vuitton? ›

      The trademark heat stamp is the embossed Louis Vuitton label that will be on the outside or inside of a Louis Vuitton bag or accessory. If inside, the stamp can be found on the lining or, in newer styles, on an interior leather or cloth tag; if outside, it can be found on the Vachetta trim, detailing, or strap.

      What does a Louis Vuitton date code look like? ›

      Three or four numbers followed by two letters. The first two numbers represent the year while the next number(s) represent the month. The last two letters represent the factory location. "8912 SL" would indicate a manufacturing date of December, 1989, and factory location in France.

      Does a camera lens have a serial number on it? ›

      Serial Number on Lens

      The serial number can be found stamped on the side of the lens barrel or stamped in black on either the plastic or metal area of the electronic mount.

      How to get Prada lenses replaced? ›

      Replace your Prada Lenses in 3 easy steps
      1. Request a free pack. Simply fill out our online form and we will send you out a prepaid Free post box to put your frames in.
      2. Post your glasses. ...
      3. Have new lenses fitted.

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