Michael Kors, one of the most renowned American handbag brands, was established and is still owned by the famous and very successful designer, Michael Kors himself. Their clothes, shoes, bags, and watches stand out for their unique American-style design. They're known for their high-quality materials and the perfect mix of comfort, functionality, and flair. This unique combination has made the brand a favorite not just for style enthusiasts but also for a lot of celebrities.
Celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, and Michelle Obama are among the brand’s fans. Politicians and showbiz stars can't get enough of their bright, unique watches, bags, and sunglasses because they appeal to just about everyone.
The brand’s popularity, however, has led to a rise in counterfeit versions of their most successful items. Michael Kors bags often top the list of the most knocked-off designer goods. If you’re looking to buy something beautiful and iconic from Michael Kors, make sure you know how to spot a fake. That way, you won’t end up with a knockoff instead of the real deal.
How to Authenticate a Michael Kors Bag: Real vs Fake
The hottest items from this designer are the women's handbags and watches. Sure, there are a lot of knockoffs out there that you can spot from a mile away, but every now and then, you'll come across some fakes that almost look like the real deal. It's super important to know how to spot these because nobody wants to drop a bunch of cash on a "masterpiece" made by some random knockoff artist. You can tell a real-deal designer bag from a fake by a few key signs:
Brand Logo and Name
The easiest way to know you've got a genuine bag is by checking out the logo and brand name. But, that only works if you're familiar with what the real logo looks like. It's a good idea to check out the logo on a bag you're thinking of buying and compare it.
If you can, compare it directly with an authentic bag, but if not, a clear photo or a high-quality print can also do the trick. On the real bag, the logo and name will show up like this:
- Pressed into the leather – On a real bag, this looks neat and clean without messing up the leather. On fakes, the letters are usually just glued on and tend to look messy and not precise. You might even spot spelling mistakes or issues with the size and font of the letters.
- As a keychain or charm hanging on a string – On a counterfeit, the metal of the logo might not even match the rest of the bag's metal parts. Plus, it usually doesn't look as refined.
- Engraved on parts like buckles, clasps, or any metal bits – Fake bags can only copy the shape but can't get the detailed metalwork right.
So, keep these tips in mind when you're out hunting for that next awesome designer bag!
Inner Labels
We’ve already checked the company’s name placement everywhere possible; now it’s time for the labels and booklets:
- The bag's handle carries a light brown label.
- The brand name is on the colorful front side of the label. The back lists the material, color, dimensions, item number, barcode, and price in USD. Note that replica bags often have incomplete or imitation tag information.
- Premium line bags include booklets placed in small boxes inside the bags – a detail typically missing in fakes.
- A small, neatly sewn tag inside shows the country of origin and manufacturing date. Budget lines are made in Indonesia, Vietnam, or China, while luxury items are made in Italy and the USA. Replicas usually don't have this tag.
Hardware and Straps
The unique, branded hardware is consistently colored and of high quality. Examining these elements closely can tell you how to spot a fake Michael Kors bag from the real deal.
- Features like zippers from the reputable Japanese brand YKK feature elongated sliders with clearly readable logos on the external lock, an engraving inside the bag's pocket with the hardware brand — fakes usually lack these details.
- Look for large, sturdy, and reliable buckles, buttons, and fasteners. The hardware's robust and squared design is a hallmark of the brand.
- All hardware elements, like clasps, carabiners, and base pegs are branded with engravings.
- The strap should be soft, flexible, and sleek, lying flat along the bag without bulging or crumpling the leather.
Materials and Workmanship
The bags are made of strong, high-quality Italian leather that sometimes has a cool texture. This type of leather keeps the bags looking good and holding their shape even when they're empty—they don't collapse or get floppy. The knock-offs just can't compare.
Inside these high-end accessories, you'll find linings made with plush materials like velvet, leather, and suede. But even the affordable styles have sturdy, soft fabric that's easy to dust off. And you won't find any tacky, shiny fake stuff inside — the brand doesn't use that.
With fakes, you often find the stitching and the parts that hold the bag together aren't great. So, it's definitely worth taking a close look at those details.
Packaging
The American brand really knows how to pack its products. The way they wrap and present items is a giveaway that you've got the real deal—not a fake. They wrap the handles and the metal bits in delicate bamboo paper. Plus, there's always a light-colored dust bag included, which you can wash if needed.
Price Points
Michael Kors has different accessory lines for different budgets:
The top-of-the-line stuff is made in limited batches with fancy and sometimes exotic leathers. These can set you back a few thousand dollars.
The MICHAEL Michael Kors collection goes for around $300 to $400, with the smaller cross-bodies and clutches being a bit more wallet-friendly.
Just a heads up—you won't find genuine brand items at knockoff prices, even at outlet stores. Don't fall for that. Always check out the store's rep before you buy and steer clear of online marketplaces where some sly sellers might peddle fakes just a tad cheaper than the real brand's prices.
Spotting Fake Michael Kors Watches
Michael Kors watches are pretty popular and stylish—they're made for both dudes and ladies. Even though they're not too pricey, there's a ton of knock-offs out there because they're just that in-demand. If you're gonna buy one, you wanna make sure you're not getting ripped off with some cheap copy. Here's how to tell:
The Box
Usually, you get a nice neat box with a spot inside to hold the watch. There's also supposed to be a little booklet with instructions in a bunch of languages. If you get a supposed Michael Kors watch without this stuff, that's a red flag.
Materials
Real Michael Kors watches are made with solid materials like quality steel, plastic, or ceramic, and they come in leather boxes. They feel heavy. Fakes? They're often made from lighter, low-quality metals, feel rough and just don't have that same weight.
Labels and Logos
The real deal's got a tag with details like a barcode, a serial number (that's also on the back of the watch), price, and info about where the watch's parts come from. The real parts are from Japan, noted as "Japan movement," and the case is made in China, noted as "strap China."
You should see the MK logo engraved on the crown (that's the little knob you use to set the time), and there's info about the watch being water-resistant on the back. The brand name should also be on the bracelet's clasp.
Even though there's a bunch of signs to look for, the quickest way to spot a fake is by the price. If it's way cheaper than what it should be, chances are it's too good to be true. And really, you don't want to waste your cash on something that's gonna fall apart—it's like literally throwing your money into a fireplace.
