An authentic Chanel's chain, combined with the leather strap, should feel substantial in weight and maintain flexibility, distinctive qualities not found in copyright versions.

Additional inclusions with Chanel bags like authenticity cards and care booklets can further aid in authentication.

Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.

Ah, the Chanel Classic Flap Bag. Every lover of fashion I've spoken to about this bag has a story. Whether it's how they came to love it, the painstaking process of acquiring it, or how they long to own it.

Counterfeits will lack uniformity in stitch length, spacing, and alignment and may appear sloppy or rushed. For more tips on spotting copyright, you might want to explore the specifics of designer logos on handbags.

The iconic Chanel flap bag is a wonderful addition to any fashion wardrobe. See more of our favorite Chanel treasures in our article about the pieces we are coveting from the new Chanel collection.

Other accompaniments like care booklets can also provide valuable insights into the authenticity. The inclusion of a white care booklet containing detailed care instructions is indicative of a genuine Chanel bag.

Chanel’s 2020 date code on their handbags is 30XXXXXX. If your handbag’s date code starts with 27XXXXXX, 28XXXXXX or 29XXXXXX, then it was made in mid/late 2019.  

Weighing in on the iconography of Chanel bags, sustainability expert, fashion commentator and author of 

A hallmark of an authentic Chanel lock is its smooth and consistent finish is gold or silver, which should not show signs of flaking or discoloration, on the silver or gold plated surface, over time.

Genuine Chanel's classic bags feature either flat head screws or proprietary star-shaped screws in their lock mechanism, never Phillips-head screws.

That is why we have come up with the ultimate guide to spotting a fake Chanel bag. Read on to find out how to authenticate a Chanel bag in 5 easy history of the Chanel flap bag ways. 

Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s on come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number (pictured on right). The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining.

If the tissue paper is too perfect, with all pleats exactly alike, this may be a super fake, with the tissue paper pleated by machine rather than by hand.