Signs of a Poorly Made Gucci Purse

After humble beginnings as a small leather shop in 1921 in Florence, Italy, Gucci has since blossomed into one of the world’s most prominent and respected brands in the fashion industry. For many chic women, owning a Gucci purse or wallet is the ultimate representation of prestige and style.

As is the case with any high-demand item, Gucci’s stellar reputation has spurred a wave of purse knock-off sellers who try to simulate the features of the real thing. Buying a replica Gucci purse can be a great way to enjoy the brand’s timeless style without spending an arm and a leg -- as long as you make sure you’re getting a high-quality imitation. Some replica purse companies use sub-par materials and cheap methods of construction, resulting in shoddy bags that won’t stand up to everyday use.

What’s the best way to tell if a Gucci handbag or replica is worth your money? Below are some of the most important things to watch out for:

• An inferior Gucci replica may have an inaccurate logo with spacing, spelling, or lettering that is somehow amiss. With monogrammed Gucci purses, the “G’s” should be crisp and evenly spaced.

• Poorly made Gucci bags may have large, uneven stitches that indicate a rushed construction process. Authentic Gucci purses are hand-stitched with tight, even stitches.

• A common sign of a bad knock-off is dull, tarnished, or improperly attached hardware. Be sure to inspect all snaps, zippers, and buckles.

• With a sub-par Gucci purse, the liner may be loosely or carelessly sewn in. A high-quality bag will have a smooth, tightly sewn liner made from a heavy-duty fabric.

• Beware of seams running down the handbag -- these signify that several smaller pieces of leather were stitched together to make the purse. Real Gucci purses use one large piece of leather.

• If a purse has muted or inconsistent coloring, it’s probably of a lesser quality. Well-made Gucci purses and replicas will have vibrant shades that are consistent throughout the entire bag.

• If a Gucci wallet is red-and-green striped instead of blue-and-red striped, it’s a knock-off.

• When evaluating a Gucci purse or replica, check the straps of the bag. A sub-par bag will often have longer, skinnier straps, while a high-quality bag will have thicker, shorter handles.

• If you don’t see the words “Gucci Made in Italy” or “Gucci Parfums” embossed in gold somewhere on the strap or the body of the purse, it will be easily distinguished as a fake.

• When selecting a bag from a particular collection, know what to look for. With Gucci satchel bags, the vinyl monogrammed fabric should be brown and blue with a twill racing stripe and matching leather accents. When shopping for a Gucci Accessory Collection bag, look for a red and green stripe. An authentic or high-quality navy blue doctor bag from the G.A. collection will have a red and blue stripe.

You don’t have to be an expert to spot a poorly made Gucci purse or replica. As long as you know what to look for, the signs are simple to spot. If a Gucci handbag seems insubstantial, muted, or otherwise “off”, don’t waste your money. Real Gucci purses are made from premier leather, durable metals, and heavy-duty fabrics. Make sure yours will provide you with years of handsome service!