First off, and this is kinda obvious but still needs to be said: LOOK AT THE LOGO. The round logo thingy, the MK circle. Seriously, examine it. Is it wonky? Like, does it look kinda off-center or the lines are all jaggedy? That’s a HUGE red flag. The real ones are crisp and clean, no question. And speaking of logos, check the “Michael Kors” lettering itself. Is the spacing weird? Is the font even remotely different? Because if it is, buddy, you’re probably looking at a fake.
Now, this is where it gets a little more in-depth. Metallic buckles, zippers, and other hardware. Real MK uses quality stuff. The metal should feel solid, not like cheap tin. And it should be consistently colored. If you see discoloration or if the metal feels flimsy and light, RUN. Don’t walk, RUN! Plus, check how the zipper works. Does it zip smoothly, or does it snag? A snagging zipper is a HUGE tell. They just ain’t gonna use cheap zippers on a real bag.
Okay, so here’s my personal opinion, and this is just me, but I always look at the stitching. Sloppy stitching is a dead giveaway. Real MK bags have even, tight stitching. If you see loose threads, uneven seams, or just general messiness, it’s probably a fake. I mean, come on, quality control, people!
And, um, this might sound weird, but sometimes the *smell* can tell you something. Real leather has a distinct smell. Fake leather smells…well, like plastic. But honestly, this is not the most reliable way, ’cause the fakes have gotten better at covering that up.
Now, where was I? Oh yeah! The lining. Check the inside lining. Is it the right material? Does it feel cheap? Is the pattern correct? I saw one time, a fake bag that had a lining that was totally off from the real thing, like the pattern was completely wrong. It was a dead giveaway, even to someone who’s not a pro.
