When it comes to designer bags, authenticity is everything — and at Passport Closet, we bring years of hands-on expertise to every piece we offer. Our in-house authentication process is led by Jennifer, who owned and operated a luxury consignment boutique for over 15 years, gaining deep knowledge of designer craftsmanship, materials, and brand-specific details. Along the way, Skylar worked closely by her side, learning the business and the intricacies of authenticating high-end bags. Together, we’ve seen it all — and we’ve built Passport Closet on the foundation of trust, experience, and a sharp eye for the real thing.

Whether you're investing in your first designer bag or adding to your collection, here’s how to tell what’s authentic — and exactly what we do to guarantee it.

 Key Signs of an Authentic Designer Bag

1. Quality Craftsmanship

Authentic designer bags are known for their flawless construction. Look closely at:

• Stitching: Even, clean, and aligned perfectly

• Hardware: Weighty, engraved, and never flimsy

• Structure: The bag should hold its shape and feel substantial

Luxury brands don’t cut corners — poor construction is one of the easiest giveaways of a counterfeit.

2. Material

Luxury brands use only premium, durable materials. An authentic designer bag should feel solid, supple, and well-made — never flimsy or plastic-like.

For Louis Vuitton specifically, pay attention to the Vachetta leather trim:

• This untreated leather will darken over time with exposure to air, light, and oils from your skin — a process called patina.

• A brand new bag will have pale beige leather, while pre-loved bags may show honey-brown handles or trim — this is a good sign and not a flaw.

• Fake bags often try to mimic the look by dyeing the leather artificially, which can appear uneven, orange-toned, or plastic-like.

3. Logos & Fonts

Font consistency, spacing, and logo placement are major tells. Counterfeit items often have:

• Slightly off font shapes

• Uneven logo alignment

• Misspelled brand names

When in doubt, compare the logo with official product photos from the brand.

4. Brand-Specific Details

Every designer has their own unique identifiers:

• Chanel: Serial number stickers inside the bag and matching authenticity cards

• Louis Vuitton: Heat-stamped date codes and monogram alignment

• Gucci: Heat-embossed tags with style numbers

• Hermès: Blind stamps, impeccable saddle stitching

💬 Want Extra Peace of Mind? You’re Welcome to Verify

While we stand behind our authentication process 100%, we understand that some clients prefer an added layer of reassurance. If you’d like to verify your purchase through a third-party authentication service, we fully support that and will provide clear photos or videos upon request.

Here are some trusted third-party authentication services you can use:

• Entrupy – Offers AI-powered authentication with high-resolution imaging

• Real Authentication – App-based service with expert authenticators, great for Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton

• AuthenticateFirst – Manual authentication by brand experts with optional certificate

• Zeko Authentication – Known for fast turnarounds and accurate results

• ProAuthenticators – Specializes in luxury handbags and accessories

• LegitGrails – Offers online authentication for a wide range of luxury brands

✨ Buy with Confidence

Authenticity is not just a feature — it’s the foundation of trust. At Passport Closet, we take that responsibility seriously. Every bag is carefully inspected, verified, and documented so you can shop confidently, knowing your purchase is the real deal.

Looking for your next luxury piece?
Browse our collection — where quality, authenticity, and peace of mind come standard.