How To Spot A Fake Hermes Birkin

Hermes Birkin bags are renowned for their timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and status symbol status. However, their popularity has also led to an influx of counterfeit versions flooding the market.

If you're an admirer of these luxury bags or are considering investing in one, it's essential to know how to distinguish an authentic Hermes Birkin from a fake. Here’s what to look out for:

Beneath the front flap of a Birkin you’ll find the label stamp “Hermès Paris Made in France”. Label stamps are pressed into the leather in gold, silver or as a colourless imprint. You find that the metallics generally match the hardware colour. A key sign of a c counterfeit Birkin is the e, check that the accent is correct and displayed as è. You should also check that the stamp is perfectly centred and is the correct distance from the top. The label should not look engraved, painted on or irregular.

The lock and accompanying keys are vital indicators of authenticity. Genuine Hermes Birkin bags have locks that are custom-made and unique to each bag. The lock should be solid, with a clean stamp of “Hermès, and the keys should be heavy and sturdy. The numbers on the lock and key should match too.

Keys are held in a leather clochette that loops through the bag’s handle. The key should be attached directly to the leather band, not via a key ring. The clochette itself can also be a sign of authenticity, real Birkins use one piece of leather folded and sewn at the sides; whereas counterfeits tend to use two pieces of leather, sewn together.

The iconic silhouette of a Birkin bag is another aspect to consider. Authentic Birkins have a well-defined, structured shape that holds even when the bag is empty. Counterfeit bags may appear misshapen, relaxed, with bulges or uneven proportions. Look for symmetrical and balanced dimensions, paying attention to the bag's height, width, and depth.

The quality of the leather used in a Hermes Birkin bag is unparalleled, and changes over seasons. Authentic Birkins are made from high-quality, supple leather that develops a unique patina over time. Some of the most common leathers used include: box calf, togo, clemence, epsom, swift and chamonix.

Counterfeit bags often employ inferior materials that lack the rich texture and natural ageing process. Touch and inspect the leather carefully, ensuring it feels luxurious and exhibits the characteristic scent of genuine leather. Note that not every colour of Birkin is made in every leather style.

The stitching on an authentic Hermes Birkin bag is a testament to the brand's meticulous craftsmanship. Genuine Birkins boast precise, even, and tight stitches that are virtually flawless. Look closely, as you’ll see that the stitching on authentic Birkins is actually slightly angled. Counterfeit bags often have sloppy or inconsistent stitching, with loose threads and irregular spacing. Examine the stitching along the edges, handles, and any visible seams.

Authentic Hermes Birkin bags feature high-quality zippers with smooth functionality. Genuine zippers bear “Hermès”on the metal pull with its lower half directing toward the leather pull. On the other hand, counterfeit bags may have zippers that feel flimsy, get stuck, or lack proper branding. Ensure the zipper pull and teeth are of superior quality and exhibit a consistent finish.

Since 1945, Hermes have dated their Birkins on the underside of the tab strap. Vintage 1945-1970 Birkins will include a letter from A to Z to denote the year (A being 1945, Z being 1970). The cycle began again in 1971 to 1996 with the letters surrounded by a circle. From 1997 until 2014 the letter was surrounded by a square.

In recent years Hermes have changed their dating system, making it harder to counterfeit. The markings are now on the inside of the bag and don’t follow the alphabet in order: 2022’s date stamp is U, whilst 2023’s is B.

Checking the base of your Birkin is often where the counterfeiters get caught out. The feet on an authentic Birkin should not twist or be easily removed; but the real tell-tale sign is in the leather pattern. On authentic Birkins the leather pattern should run side to side, not top to bottom.

When purchasing your pre-owned Hermes Birkin via Hardly Ever Worn It, you have confidence in its authenticity. All items are pre-screened for authenticity before being permitted onto the Hewi platform. All 'Managed by Hewi’ items have been physically authenticated in house by our team of trained experts.