The tissue paper included in the Chanel box may be more convincing than the cards. Authentic Chanel bags come with soft, high-quality tissue paper that is hand-folded.

If you want to buy vintage designer goods, read our guide on what you should consider before taking the plunge.

Note that over time, serial number stickers may become detached from handbags. Authentication cards also often become lost. Therefore, Chanel handbags missing these items may still be authentic. Find out more about this iconic brand in our Chanel Information Guide.

There have been occurrences where people bought real Chanel bags in department stores and returned fakes in their place. Now, Chanel carefully trains its people in authenticating Chanel bags, and the return of bags is rigorously monitored. Let’s take a look at the features they examine.

 I talk about material versus cultural value and how over time (especially due to social media) we gravitate heavily towards the latter. Chanel straddles this line very well.

Technological developments and improved production have given rise to “super fakes” that can fool even experienced collectors.

Closure/Opening: Mademoiselle, as you may know, is a name traditionally used for an unmarried woman (Coco never married). Chanel designed the rectangular Mademoiselle Lock that twists at the center to open.

Eight digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.

 Caution: If you are authenticating a used Chanel bag that uses a chip technology instead of hologram (early year 2021 and newer) skip to authentication Chanel serial number guide step 2 and then follow detailed steps later in the article that describe how to authenticate newer Chanel bags with NFC chip technology.

Chanel’s first bags had all-chain straps, but during the war while material was scarce, Chanel created in a strap with chain interwoven with leather ribbon.

Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.

Since graduating in 2013 with a BA (Hons) in English and contemporary media, she’s worked as a feature writer for an independent publication and a contributor for Quill’s creator network. She now marries her passion for words and style, writing for some of the most esteemed fashion and lifestyle publications, Who What Wear UK and Stylist.

Seven digit serial number printed on white sticker covered with clear tape with two Chanel logos."X" cut-lines prevent sticker from being removed without damage. "CHANEL" appears on rightright side of the sticker. Dark line appears on left side of sticker. Gold speckles appear throughout sticker.

Another aspect of how to authenticate a Chanel bag is paying close attention to the design details. Authentic Chanel bags feature meticulous design elements such as the double C logo, chain straps, and iconic quilting patterns.