How to Spot Fake Marc Jacobs Handbags: 5 Ways to Tell Real Bags

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Many people know Marc Jacobs for his years as the creative director of Louis Vuitton. In 2013, Jacobs left Louis Vuitton to focus on his own eponymous brand, which is currently a subsidiary of LVMH.

With over 300 retail stores worldwide, the American fashion label is home to designer bags that you need to add to your collection.

Where to Buy Marc Jacobs Bags

As we mentioned, Marc Jacobs has hundreds of retail stores spread across 60 countries. If you live near one of their outlets, then you’re in luck – that’s the best place to get your hands on Marc Jacobs.

Buying from an authorized store is the best way to ensure that you are getting a genuine Marc Jacobs handbagBuying from an authorized store is the best way to ensure that you are getting a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag (Credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock)

You can always purchase from Marc Jacobs’ official website if you’d rather not go to one of their retail stores.

And let’s not forget resellers. Websites such as Nordstrom, Mytheresa, and Farfetch all guarantee authentic designer bags, Marc Jacobs bags included.

If you want to save money, these sites offer great alternatives to buying directly from Marc Jacobs stores.

Authorized retailers are only allowed to sell genuine Marc Jacobs products, so you can be sure that you are getting the real dealAuthorized retailers are only allowed to sell genuine Marc Jacobs products, so you can be sure that you are getting the real deal (Credit: WENN)

Don’t try your luck at flea markets, as they’re full of cheap knock-offs that look like the real thing. Should you decide to look for Marc Jacobs bags in one of these markets, we have a few tips to help you tell what’s real and what’s not.

1. Check if the Bag Comes With a Dust Bag

If you’re looking for a brand-new Marc Jacobs handbag, the first thing you should look for is the dust bag that comes with it.

Marc Jacobs’ dust bags are identifiable from their simple designs, with only the logo appearing on the front of the bag.

Their dustbags can come in different colors and styles, though they’re primarily found in white. They are usually made of a soft, lightweight fabric and have a drawstring closure.

Dianna Agron leaves a Marc Jacobs store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles in October 2014Dianna Agron leaves a Marc Jacobs store on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles in October 2014 (Credit: WENN)

Remember that this tip is only helpful if you want new bags. Pre-loved bags have a chance of not coming with their respective dust bag anymore.

Also, knockoffs can come with dustbags themselves, so evaluate other parts of the bag to confirm your suspicions.

2. Look for the Interior Brand Name in the Bag

Most Marc Jacobs handbags have the Marc Jacobs brand name printed on the inside lining of the bag.

The brand name is accompanied by a “Made in” stamp below it, indicating where it was made. You’ll need to take note of a few things from here.

To meet the demand for its products, Marc Jacobs has factories located in several countries, including ChinaTo meet the demand for its products, Marc Jacobs has factories located in several countries, including China (Credit: Sorbis / Shutterstock)

First, check if the “made in” stamp uses the same font as the Marc Jacobs logo. The fonts should be consistent across all authentic Marc Jacobs bags, meaning that if you come across a bag with different fonts, it’s guaranteed to be a fake.

While the leather may be from Italy, most, if not all, Marc Jacobs handbags are made in China. Although it’s an American brand, Marc Jacobs bags are manufactured in China and other countries with low manufacturing costs.

Small camera-style Marc Jacobs bag in airbrushed Saffiano leather with an adjustable crossbody strapSmall camera-style Marc Jacobs bag in airbrushed Saffiano leather with an adjustable crossbody strap

Secondly, please pay attention to the spacing between the letters in the name and stamp and its position relative to the handbag itself.

Many manufacturers of knock-off Marc Jacobs handbags don’t get the spacing and the positioning of the brand name, so compare the interior brand name with pictures you can find on the Internet.

3. Note the Stitching Used on the Leather of the Handbag

Designer brands spare no expense for their bags, so you should expect nothing less than perfection, or at least something close to it.

This is especially true for the stitching, which is often a good indicator of whether a handbag is authentic or fake.

The stitching on a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be neat and even and the stitches should be the same size and color throughout the bagThe stitching on a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be neat and even and the stitches should be the same size and color throughout the bag

Simply examine all the stitches used in the handbag to see if they’re consistent. Marc Jacobs handbags, like all designer handbags, have perfectly lined stitches throughout the bag.

They’re straight, even, and neat. If you notice any inconsistency or flaw in the stitching, then it’s not the real deal.

4. Check the Zipper of the Handbag

One of the easiest ways to check if a Marc Jacobs handbag is authentic is to look at the zippers used. Real Marc Jacobs handbags use RIRI or Lampo zippers, which have unique and distinct features that make them easy to recognize.

Just compare the zippers of the handbag you’re examining to RIRI and Lampo zipper images online, and you’ll get your answer quickly.

For RIRI zippers, look for the inscription behind the zipper. It isn’t hard to miss. Be sure also to compare the letters of the RIRI logo, too, as they might not match the real thing.

Camera-style bag in Saffiano leather with a top handle, two-zip sections, and an adjustable crossbody strapCamera-style bag in Saffiano leather with a top handle, two-zip sections, and an adjustable crossbody strap

In the case of Lampo zippers, you’ll typically find them in the bag’s side pockets. They usually don’t get used as the main zipper, as RIRI takes that spot.

A common trait of these zippers is that they both have Marc Jacobs on the front of each zipper. These logos should all be consistent, like with the other parts of the bag, so inspect them thoroughly.

The hardware on a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be made of high-quality materialsThe hardware on a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be made of high-quality materials (Credit: REPORT / Shutterstock)

One dead giveaway of a fake Marc Jacobs bag is if the bag uses YKK zippers. Sure, YKK is usually known for its use in designer bags, but Marc Jacobs hasn’t used these zippers in their bags, at least not yet.

5. Find the Serial Number of the Bag

While not all Marc Jacobs bags have serial numbers, some do. The serial number is usually located on a small tag inside the bag. It is a unique number that can be used to identify the bag.

The serial number contains a lot of information, such as the season and year it was made, as well as its model number. You can compare the serial number to authentic bags to see if they match.

Questions About Marc Jacobs

Who is Marc Jacobs?

Marc Jacobs is an American fashion designer once featured on Time Magazine’s list of the most influential people in the world.

Marc Jacobs and his husband Charly Defrancesco got married on April 7, 2019Marc Jacobs (R) and his husband Charly Defrancesco got married on April 7, 2019 (Credit: WENN)

He was once the creative director of Louis Vuitton and is now the head designer for his fashion label of the same name. He has a net worth of $200 million dollars and was born on April 9, 1963, in New York City.

Does Marc Jacobs have a warranty on bags?

Yes, Marc Jacobs offers a one-year warranty on all bags purchased from an authorized retailer. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship. If your bag is defective, you can return it to the retailer for a replacement or repair.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by misuse or neglect. For example, if your bag is scratched or torn, the warranty will not cover the repair costs.

The lining of a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be made of high-quality materials, such as silk or leatherThe lining of a genuine Marc Jacobs handbag should be made of high-quality materials, such as silk or leather

To make a warranty claim, you must provide proof of purchase. This can be a receipt, a credit card statement, or a shipping confirmation. You will also need to describe the defect.

You can make a warranty claim by contacting Marc Jacobs customer service. You can find the contact information on the Marc Jacobs website.

Is Marc Jacobs a luxury brand?

Yes, Marc Jacobs is considered to be a luxury brand. According to the Luxury Brand Ranking 2023, Marc Jacobs is ranked 15th among the best luxury brands in the world.

The ranking is based on several factors, including brand awareness, image, and value.

How much do Marc Jacobs bags typically cost?

Marc Jacobs bags typically range in price from $100 to $1,500. The cost of a Marc Jacobs bag can vary depending on the style, size, and materials used.

One of the most expensive Marc Jacobs handbags is a re-edition of its iconic Stam Bag that costs $1,495One of the most expensive Marc Jacobs handbags is a re-edition of its iconic Stam Bag that costs $1,495

More complex and intricate designs, larger bags, and bags made from high-quality leather or suede will typically cost more than simpler designs, smaller bags, and bags made from synthetic materials.

Are Marc Jacobs handbags made in China?

Yes, Marc Jacobs products are manufactured in various countries, including China. Marc Jacobs has been criticized for outsourcing its production to China.

Some believe this is unethical, contributing to China’s low wages and poor working conditions. Others argue that it is simply a business decision and that Marc Jacobs is no different from other brands that manufacture their products in China.

In 2018, workers at a Chinese factory that supplied designer brands, including Michael Kors, Coach, and Marc Jacobs, went on strike to protest alleged sub-standard and illegal working conditions. The factory, Guangzhou Panyu Shimen Handbag Ltd. Co., is owned by a South Korean company.

The workers demanded a monthly base salary of 3,500 renminbi ($553 at the time) during production-low seasons. They also demanded back pay, pensions, housing funds, hazard pay, sick pay, and compensated paternity leave. The workers claimed the company had not abided by state-mandated occupational health exams.