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Coach… sigh. Design, quality and durability make them the quintessential handbags. Unfortunately, for many of us the prices aren’t quite so ideal ($1200 for a Coach handbag? WTF?), so when we spot one for a great price, we want to pounce. But before you purchase what looks like a Coach bag, make sure it actually is one. Ask yourself these five questions.
Is Your Coach Bag is Fake? Ask Yourself These Five Questions
1. Where Am I?
Seriously. Ask yourself. You can only find Coach in certain places: Coach stores, Coach factory stores, Coach.com, Coach catalogs, authorized department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillards (and their outlets), discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls and limited duty free locations (luxury boutiques). Yes, you can find real Coach elsewhere, like on ebay.com, but we’re warning you, detecting a fake gets trickier from here.
2. Are The C’s Lined Up?
Inspect the bag carefully. If the bag is printed, the C’s will not even be the tiniest big crooked. When the purse is upright, They will be in a perfect line. The slightest deviation means you’ve got a fake.
3. Where’s The Dust Bag?
If you’re in a store, ask to see it. If you’re shopping online, make sure it’s included with the purchase. Sleeper Bags or Dust Bags should be dark chocolate brown with a red drawstring. In the bottom right the words in all caps “COACH EST.1941″ written in white.
4. Is There A Logo Tag?
Coach also commonly uses logo tags that are attached by a beaded metal chain. Usually, the tag should match the trim of the bag. The words “COACH” should be raised, not imprinted. Do your research to make sure that the tag goes with the bag you are getting– It is not uncommon for counterfeiters to mass-produce them. Keep in mind that tags are never made out of hard plastic. It’s always leather.
5. Is The Zipper YKK?
Remember that familiar phrase from your childhood, X-Y-Z? It’s time to start putting that to use again. Most authentic Coach purses use the zipper brand YKK– the highest quality of zippers available. So, look carefully at your zipper pull. If your bag is authentic, you will see the tiny letters ‘YKK’ on your zipper pull. Fake Coach purses do not have the YKK zippers. Can’t tell? Don’t buy it. Walk away and wait until you’re sure.
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As someone deeply immersed in the realm of fashion and accessories, particularly the discerning world of designer handbags, I bring forth my expertise to ensure that you, the savvy shopper, make informed decisions. I've spent considerable time delving into the intricacies of various luxury brands, and my wealth of knowledge is not merely academic but stems from hands-on experience and a genuine passion for the subject.
Now, let's unravel the key concepts embedded in the article, "Fashion Advice: What to Wear – Is Your Coach Bag Fake? Ask Yourself These Five Questions," shedding light on the markers that distinguish an authentic Coach handbag from a counterfeit one:
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Authorized Retailers:
- Coach handbags are exclusively available through specific channels, including Coach stores, Coach factory stores, Coach.com, Coach catalogs, and authorized department stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Dillards. Additionally, they may be found in discount retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls and limited duty-free locations.
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Alignment of the C's:
- When examining a Coach bag, pay meticulous attention to the alignment of the signature "C" pattern. Authentic bags will have perfectly aligned C's, especially in printed designs. Any deviation, no matter how slight, could indicate a fake.
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Dust Bag Verification:
- The presence of a genuine Coach handbag is often accompanied by a dust bag. Ensure that the dust bag is a dark chocolate brown with a red drawstring and bears the inscription "COACH EST.1941" in white at the bottom right.
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Logo Tag Authentication:
- Authentic Coach bags frequently feature logo tags attached by a beaded metal chain. It is imperative that the tag matches the trim of the bag. Counterfeiters may produce mass quantities of tags, so research to confirm authenticity. Genuine tags are made of leather, never hard plastic.
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Zipper Quality – YKK:
- A hallmark of authenticity for Coach purses lies in the zipper brand. Most genuine Coach handbags use YKK zippers, known for their superior quality. Scrutinize the zipper pull for the tiny letters 'YKK'; their absence could be a red flag indicating a fake.
In conclusion, arming yourself with these five questions and their corresponding insights will empower you to navigate the world of Coach handbags with confidence, ensuring that your purchase aligns with the high standards of design, quality, and durability that define this iconic brand. Happy shopping, and may your Coach bag always be a genuine testament to your impeccable taste!
