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ALthough this is an old post, the information it contains might lead buyers to think an authentic bag is fake or that a fake bag is authentic.

The first “rule” to remember about Coach is that there really aren’t any “rules” because every rule about a Coach item has exceptions.

I need comment on several of CritterCreekRanch’s statements because most are untrue.

1. In general, the C pattern will be centered and if there’s a center seam, the pattern is generally matched. But as with every generalization, there are exceptions. Some of the exceptions are the optic pattern and the scarf pattern. Those patterns do not match and aren’t centered just because of the nature of the pattern.

And another exception concerns a signature hobo where the front of the bag has a perfectly centered and matched C pattern and the back is unmatched, uncentered and the pattern is cut off.

The statement about the C pattern never being severed or cut, that’s untrue. Depending on the size of the bag, the repeat of the pattern and the way the fabric was cut in prep for construction, the sides and bottoms frequently have cut C patterns.

2. All styles of bags are constructed differently and each has it’s own stitching patterns. There are different thread colors, thicknesses and/or a combination in any given bag.

Again, there aren’t any cut and dried rules.

3. Signature linings are USUALLY not in signature or patterned bags, but there are several exceptions to the rule. The (older) wave bags have signature lining on the inside and signature patchwork on the exterior. There are several dot bags and patchwork bags that have signature lining.

This is yet another exception to the “rules.”

4. There are many styles of unlined Coach bags, not just one style. And lining certainly isn’t an accurate indicator of authenticity. 99% of the fake Coach bags are lined.

5. The following statement is 100% [URL removed] “It is not uncommon to find Coach bags from different lines with the exact same number.” You will NEVER see AUTHENTIC Coach bags of different styles with the same serial number.

The only time you’ll find different style bags with the same serial number as another different style bag is if they are fakes. There are many serial numbers that are commonly seen on fakes.

On an authentic Coach bag, the ONLY bags that will have the same serial number will be an identical style that was made in the same month and in the same factory.

The most consistent thing about Coach is its inconsistency. They live by the motto that every rule is meant to be broken and they live up to that creed!

I think I will put it in my booth but not for sale just so ppl can look and tell me if it is real?

All the real Coach bags that I have seen have blown me away with their quality. I guess that is one way to tell that they are authentic.

Hi, MOst of the time you can get some good info by searching coach and the numbers. coach j3j 6613 in a google seach. Then see what others are like yours and if they are authentic or replica. Also Thepurseforum Gals are great at letting you know if they are real or not.
Hope that helps.

I had a Fossil purse and was unsure if it was original. Fortunately, we have a Fossil shop here in our local shopping mall and their verified for me that it was original. Hope you have a Coach shop nearby or just maybe a saleslady in the local department store could help you.

I am no expert. However, all of the C’s are sideways or upside-down. The very few Coach items I have purchased were of very top quality. Oopsie we made it sideways or upside down, but we will sell it anywayz doesn’t fit with my impressions.

If you like the bag, by all means carry it and enjoy it.

~Colleen

Step 1
Look closely at the Coach “C” logos on the outside of the bag. They should all be symmetrical, especially at the seams. Notice whether any of the “C” logos are cut off at any of the bag’s edges or seams. An authentic Coach bag does not display a logo that has been severed or partially sewn into a seam. No matter how slight the compromise may be, the “C” should be completely in tact.

Step 2
Verify that all of the stitching is a uniform double-thickness. Any thin, single-thread or inconsistent stitching indicates a fake Coach handbag.

Step 3
Check the lining on signature Coach bags. Signature bags do not have signature linings. Signature linings are used by Coach, but only in bags with solid-colored exteriors.

Step 4
Check the bag for a lining. Leaving the lining out of a bag is an easy way to cut costs when manufacturing a fake bag. All authentic Coach handbags are lined, with only one exception. The Coach Classic is sold without a lining.

Step 5
Look beyond the serial number or authentication code. Many designers use such codes and Coach is no exception. The difference is that Coach is very inconsistent with the use and application of these numbers. It is not uncommon to find Coach bags from different lines with the exact same number. Because of this, these codes are not a reliable means for determining authenticity.
good luck