How to Spot a Fake Hermès Birkin Bag: Top 5 Giveaways in 2025

With some models priced higher than a nice, used car, it’s no wonder counterfeiters are working overtime trying to replicate the legendary Birkin bag.

But here’s the thing: even the best fakes can’t quite nail the details. And if you know what to look for, spotting a fake Birkin becomes a whole lot easier. Whether you’re shopping secondhand, browsing online, or just curious, here are the top 5 ways to spot a fake Hermès Birkin bag in 2025—plus one bonus tip that might surprise you.

1. The Smell (yeah, that’s right!)

It may sound odd, but your nose might be your best tool when authenticating the Birkin. Authentic Birkins are made from the highest-quality leathers, and they smell rich and natural—like leather should. It’s a subtle scent for sure, but one that anyone who’s been around luxury bags will recognize instantly.

Fakes, on the other hand? They often smell like glue, plastic, or chemicals. So, if you get a whiff of anything synthetic or strong, walk away immediately. A real Birkin should never smell like it came from a factory floor!

2. Size

Hermès Birkins come in four main sizes: 25, 30, 35, and 40 cm. Sure, there are some exceptions—like special editions or the taller HAC version—but those four sizes are the standard lineup. So if you stumble upon a so-called “Birkin” in, say, 27 cm or 33 cm… that’s a red flag.

Funny enough, counterfeiters love to get creative and invent in-between sizes that Hermès never actually made. And it’s not just Birkins—they do this with other styles too. Guess they think adding a random number makes it sound more exclusive!

3. The Stitching

Another great way to spot a fake Birkin bag is by examining the stitching. Almost every Hermès Birkin bag is hand-stitched with a saddle stitch technique. The result is slightly angled, evenly spaced, and very strong stitches that are extremely difficult to replicate with a machine.

Fakes, on the other hand, tend to have straight, machine-made stitches—often uneven, too tight, or with visible flaws. The best place to inspect? Look around the handles and flap edges. These are the spots that counterfeiters often neglect.

4. The Stamping

The Hermès logo on a Birkin should read: “HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE”. This stamp is heat-pressed into the leather—not printed or painted on—and should look crisp, even, and clean.

Furthermore, an authentic Birkin is going to have a blind stamp embedded into the leather that includes the year that the handbag was manufactured and the unique code for the artisan that worked on the bag. From 2015, this stamp is located on the left gusset inside the handbag, and it will look like a date code (production year), followed by a series of numbers and letters.

As you may have already guessed, counterfeiters typically neglect the little details like stamps. Thus, in fake bags, the stamps will usually be either too deep, too faint, crooked, or, most commonly, poorly spaced. The font may also be off.

5. Hardware

On a genuine Hermès Birkin, the hardware isn’t just shiny decoration—it’s plated with real precious metals like gold or palladium. Some limited-edition or exotic models may even feature rose gold, brushed gold, or ruthenium finishes. Therefore, an easy way to spot a fake is by examining the hardware, which on authentic bags should feel solid and heavy, while the fakes will typically use cheaper, lightweight alternatives.

Also worth noting: the screws used on real Birkins are flathead, which is a signature Hermès detail. If you spot Phillips-head screws (you know, the ones with the little X?), that’s a dead giveaway you are looking at a fake.

Bonus tip: The Fake “Authenticity Card”

And now to the tip that only professional authenticators usually know. You know how many designer bags often come with authenticity cards? Well, Birkins don’t. In fact, Hermès does not issue authenticity cards with any of their handbags. Thus, if the seller of the bag says it is accompanied by an authenticity card, it is definitely a fake. Run from such a seller as soon as you can! And keep in mind that authentic Birkins have specific date stamps and maker’s marks, but no separate card.

Still worried that your Birkin may be fake?

When spending thousands (or tens of thousands) on a Birkin, it’s always smart to get it authenticated—and especially when buying pre-loved. My personal top spot to get pre-loved Hermès bags authenticated is Bababebi. They specialize in Hermès and are known for their deep knowledge and reliable certifications.

I mean, I think we can all agree that peace of mind is worth it. Always.