How to Spot a Fake Hermès Bag: A Guide for Australian Shoppers

Hermès is the pinnacle of luxury fashion, known for its craftsmanship, heritage, and timeless designs. With bags like the Birkin and Kelly commanding waitlists and resale values that rival real estate, it’s no surprise that Hermès is one of the most counterfeited designer brands in the world.

If you’re investing in a pre-loved Hermès bag in Australia—whether through a consignment store, online thrift shop, or peer-to-peer marketplace—it’s crucial to know how to distinguish the real deal from an imitation. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to spot a fake Hermès bag, whether Hermès bags come with authenticity cards, and how to authenticate Hermès items like a pro.

Do Hermès Bags Come With Authenticity Cards?

Unlike many other luxury brands, Hermès does not include authenticity cards with its bags. This is a key point of difference and a common source of confusion for buyers.

If you’re purchasing an Hermès Birkin, Kelly, or Constance and it comes with a branded card claiming to certify its authenticity—it’s a red flag. Some counterfeiters include fake cards to boost perceived legitimacy. Hermès relies on craftsmanship, blind stamps, and professional verification—not authenticity cards—to prove the bag's origins.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Bag: Key Features to Check

Authenticating an Hermès bag is not simple. It requires a close eye for detail, knowledge of leather types, hardware, stitching techniques, and the history of Hermès date codes. Here’s what professional authenticators look for:

1. Craftsmanship and Stitching

Hermès bags are entirely handmade by skilled artisans. Each bag takes up to 48 hours to construct. The stitching is done using the saddle stitch technique, a strong, symmetrical style that is nearly impossible to replicate by machine.

Look for even, slanted stitches. Hermès bags never have crooked or machine-like stitching.
No loose threads. If you see any irregularities, the bag is likely fake.

2. Blind Stamp and Date Codes

Each Hermès bag includes a blind stamp with a letter indicating the year it was made. This code is discreetly located, usually on the inside of the bag near the stitching.

From 1971–1996, Hermès used letters inside a circle.
From 1997–2014, letters were stamped in a square.
From 2015 onwards, Hermès moved to a simplified coding system without geometric shapes.

Check the stamp format and compare it with Hermès' known date code charts. If the format or location seems off, it could be counterfeit.

3. Leather Quality

Hermès uses only premium, ethically sourced leathers, including Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, and exotic skins like crocodile and ostrich. Each type has a distinct texture and feel.

Togo leather is grained but holds shape well.
Clemence leather is softer with a slouchier feel.
Epsom leather has a fine, pressed grain and a more rigid structure.

Fake bags often use plastic-coated leather or poor-quality materials that lack the rich scent and texture of genuine Hermès leather.

4. Hardware Engraving and Weight

Hermès uses solid palladium or gold-plated hardware, which feels weighty and luxurious. Check the following:

Zippers are usually from Hermès-branded sources like Éclair.
Engraving on buckles, locks, and keys should be precise, sharp, and deep.
Hardware should never feel lightweight or tinny.

The “Hermès Paris Made in France” stamp on the bag’s front should be clean and centred, not blurry or misaligned.

5. Hermès Dust Bag and Packaging

An authentic Hermès dust bag is made of high-quality herringbone cotton with a dark brown Hermès logo stamped at the centre.

Be wary of:

Dust bags made from low-quality materials.
Incorrect fonts or logo placement.
Packaging that seems overly flashy or inconsistent with Hermès’ understated elegance.

6. Provenance and Receipt

While Hermès does not provide authenticity cards, a bag may come with:

The original receipt from an Hermès boutique (though this can also be faked).
Entrupy or third-party authentication reports.
CITES certificates for exotic leathers, which are required for international travel and resale.

These documents can help, but they should never replace professional verification.

Common Signs of a Fake Hermès Bag

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in an authentic Hermès, let’s break down the common indicators of a fake:

Fake Bag Sign	Why It’s a Red Flag
Authenticity card included	Hermès never issues these
Misspelled logo or sloppy stamp	Indicates poor replication
Lightweight hardware	Real hardware is solid and heavy
Uneven, machine-like stitching	Hermès uses hand saddle stitching only
Incorrect blind stamp format	May not match Hermès date coding
Plastic on hardware	Hermès ships bags with protective felt, not plastic film
Strong chemical smell	Genuine leather has a natural scent

Where to Authenticate Hermès Bags in Australia

If you’re purchasing a second-hand Hermès bag in Australia—especially from an online marketplace like Facebook, Gumtree, or eBay—it’s worth paying for third-party authentication. Trusted services include:

Entrupy: AI-powered device-based authentication used by some resellers.
Real Authentication: Photo-based authentication by experts.
Official Hermès: According to Hermès, the only way to fully guarantee a bag’s authenticity is through their official channels—either via the Hermès website, in-store consultations, or authorised boutiques.

Alternatively, buy from trusted platforms that pre-authenticate every item, such as:

SwapUp – A reputable online thrift store based in Australia that curates and verifies second-hand designer bags.
Luxe.It.Fwd

Final Tips Before You Buy a Pre-Loved Hermès

Buying a second-hand Hermès bag is a big investment. To avoid getting scammed, follow these guidelines:

Research the seller – Look for verified accounts, reviews, and business information.
Ask for detailed photos – Especially of stamps, hardware, stitching, and serial numbers.
Avoid deals that seem too good to be true – A Birkin under $5,000 is almost always a fake.
Use secure payment methods – Platforms with buyer protection like PayPal or credit cards.
Get a second opinion – Especially for high-ticket items.

Conclusion

Hermès bags are exquisite pieces of wearable art, and their value makes them a prime target for counterfeiters. While it’s tempting to hunt for a bargain, protecting your investment means knowing how to spot a fake Hermès bag—and steering clear of red flags like authenticity cards or inconsistent stitching.

When in doubt, consult an expert. And if you're shopping in Australia, stick with trusted resellers like SwapUp who specialise in second-hand luxury fashion and offer peace of mind through curation and authentication.

Want to browse pre-loved Hermès bags or sell your own with confidence? Explore our luxury collection at SwapUp and experience second-hand shopping done right.