Authentic Chanel handbags from the mid 1980s on come with authenticity cards embossed with a serial number (pictured on right). The serial number matches the serial number appearing on a sticker placed somewhere within the handbag’s interior lining. How to Verify a Coach Serial Number By LeafTV. How to Check a Dooney & Bourke Registration. How to Spot Fake Prada. Fashion How to Spot Fake Armani.

1. Prada Bag Serial Number Check Online

There are certain traits to look for when determining the authenticity of a Prada, and tips you can use to help verify if it is real. This guide contains information and knowledge that I have built up over time through experience and researching articles from experts and peers. I'm happy to share what I've learned to help make your Prada buying experience safe and happy. I will update this guide from time to time as I come across new information or tips ..

I also have a Miu Miu buyers guide that will help if your are looking at Prada's other line.

Things That Come With The Bag

These items come with new bags, but not always with vintage ones as they may have been discarded or lost over time. If the cards are available it is important to check that they match the bag being offered. See the next section for tips on doing that.

• Authenticity card - a small plastic card about the size of a credit card, with magnetic strip and the article number, material name and color printed on. Sometimes there is an additional cardboard card with the same information and a bar code. If purchased from a Prada boutique it may have the store name and date written or stamped on the bottom. However bags can also be purchased from authorized stores who don't add this info, e.g. I have purchased new Prada bags from Neiman Marcus and Saks online and that information was not on the card.
  Tips:
• If there is no information printed on the card it cannot be considered proof of authenticity. It is probably a fake card.
• Check that the article number, material, and color match the bag, see the listings of each down below
• There are 2 types, sometimes both come together, sometimes one or the other. One is plastic like a credit card, with the Prada logo on the front and item information imprinted on the back. The other is cardboard with a decal on the back showing the item info. The card(s) typically come in a small black envelope with PRADA stamped on the front .. but again with vintage bags they may not always have both cards complete with envelope
  
• Care card - Often accompanies the authenticity card, this is a black folded card with care instructions for the particular material, in multiple languages.
  Tip:
• Check the material named in the care card against the list of exterior materials down below
  
• Dustbag
• Typically white cotton with a drawstring top and Prada logo in navy or black. Also out there but not as common are navy blue bags with the logo in gold or light blue. The Sport line has a grey vinyl bag with red stripe.

Is It The Right Card For The Bag?

Unfortunately the cards can be faked, or mismatched (taken from another bag or even another Prada item). Check the information on the authenticity and care cards against the reference lists below to ensure that they are, in fact, the ones that go with the bag.

• Article numbers - The first letter or two of the article number indicates the type of item. You may sometimes see a bag offered with a card that clearly is for a different item, for example a handbag with a card whose number starts with '1M'. Here's a list of article numbers that are commonly seen:
• 'B' is a handbag
• 'V' is a briefcase, portfolio, messenger bag, or waist pouch
• '1M' is a small accessory (e.g. wallet, cosmetic pouch)
• '1N' or 'MV' is a small bag commonly called 'pouchette'
  
• Tip: Another thing you can do is google the article number, e.g. 'prada br2375 bag'. You may/not get hits, if you do it can help to confirm the style of bag. You could get hits for valid internet sellers of overstock or older designs, and if so can compare what you could get the bag for new. You may even get hits for sites that manufacture and sell replicas - unfortunately there are lots out there that make convincing ones. Usually these are pretty blatantly advertised as replicas. All this will help increase your awareness if nothing else.
  
• Exterior materials - check that the material name on the authenticity card is the same as the description, e.g. if it is advertised as a leather bag but the card says Tessuto it is not the correct card for the bag.:
• Bufalo - Buffalo Leather
• Camoscio - Chamois (suede)
• Canapa - Canvas (hemp)
• Cinghiale - Wild Boarskin
• Coccodrillo - Crocodile
• Daino - Deerskin
• Feltro - Felt (wool)
• Lucertola - Lizard
• Nappa - Lambskin
• Neoprene - Cloth Vinyl
• Paglia - Straw
• Pelliccia - Fur
• Raso - Silk/Satin
• Saffiano - Textured Leather
• Scamosciato - Suede
• Spazzolato - Polished Leather
• Struzzo - Ostrich
• Tessuto - Woven Nylon/Microfiber
• Vela Sport - Nylon
• Vernice - Patent Leather
• Vitello - Calf Leather
  
• Color names - check the COLORE name on the card. Some are not intuitive. If you see a bag with a card saying COLORE SABBIA but it is red for example, it is not the right card for the bag. I've started compiling the ones I know below .. but there are others of course. I'll add to the list as I confirm additional ones.
• White - BIANCO
• Beige or Tan - SABBIA
• Camel (medium brown) - CAMELLO, CUOIO, RAME, SUGHERO
• Dark brown - ORO
• Black - NERO
• Red - ROSSO
• Pink - ROSA
• Light Blue - PERVINCA
• Burgundy or Wine - BORDEAUX
  

MUST HAVE Characteristics

All Prada and Miu Miu bags will have these characteristics, with no exception.

• Quality Workmanship - no open edges, small even stitching, straight seams with consistent space from edges, logo plates mounted perfectly straight.
  
• Logo - The Prada logo is always displayed on the inside and outside of the bag.
• Commonly on the outside there is a triangle plate with the words PRADA MILANO DAL 1913. Some bags have the Prada logo or name embossed in the leather instead of a metal plate on the outside. On the inside there is a rectangular plate on the inner pocket that says PRADA MADE IN ITALY or PRADA MILANO MADE IN ITALY. The inner pocket plate is usually metal or with newer designs may be leather.
  Tips:
• Metal plates will have a background color matching the material, and border / lettering matching the hardware color
• If stitched on, the stitches must be small, even and evenly spaced from the edges
  
• Lining -
• Most common is the silky canvas lining with the Prada monogram woven throughout, one line right side up, the next upside down. Some designs have smooth leather or satin lining with no pattern, in a matching or contrasting color to the exterior.
  

Other Common Characteristics

The characteristics below are often found on authentic bags, but not all of them are typically on all bags. The Prada line varies extensively in design, and some characteristics differ depending on the original country of purchase and of course the age. Designs do vary over time. So, lack of any particular characteristic below doesn't mean the bag is not authentic, but the more of these it has the more proof and comfort you will have.

• 'R' curve - The 'R' in PRADA has a partly open curve between the round part of the R and the right leg. Where the rounded part indents to meet the leg, there should be a small slit which curves partway through underneath the rounded part separating the two. Please note that older vintage styles may not have this curve, don't worry about it as long as it has other important characteristics noted in this guide.
  
• Numbered tag - sewn into the inner pocket - usually but not always
  
• Hardware - Prada stamped on metal buckles and hardware - usually but not always
• Miu Miu bags tend to have the logo on the zipper pulls and other hardware and trim, sometimes the zipper pulls or other hardware is in hard rubber rather than metal . rubber is typical Miu Miu (not Prada)
  
• Zippers - back of the sliders often have Lampo, IPI, ykk, riri, or Opti on them - usually but not always
  

Additional Buyer Resources

Listed below are additional things you can do to help verify the authenticity of an item you are considering.

• Always check the seller's feedback
  
• Check other buyer's guides and take advantage of free authentication services. Quirky-Princess is a highly respected eBay seller who offers both: Quirky-Princess FREE authentication service & pictorial guides
  
• Use eBay's Clothing and Accessories Board to ask the opinion of other experienced eBayers. Include a link to the listing of the item you are considering so they can check it out first hand and offer advice.

I'd really appreciate knowing if you find this guide useful after reading it. Please do select one of the buttons below to let me know - thanks!!

• Bellatory»
• Fashion Accessories»

Authentic Prada handbags are a luxury not afforded by everyone.

For those who seek the opportunity to purchase a designer item, knowing how to spot a 'good' fake from a genuine product is not going to be easy.

As an eBay trading assistant I have bought and sold many expensive products over the years and I have seen my fair share of really bad replicas and some quite good ones. The point being made is that the illegal producers of products are very good at polluting our online markets with counterfeit items, masking them to be the original.

It is time to put an end to this; if we cannot ourselves stop the manufacture, at least let's educate ourselves on how to spot a fake Prada handbag, or wallet or pair of shoes for that matter, so we no longer financially support these businesses.

Never get fooled again. Sure it's tempting to take advantage of an incredibly low-priced, genuine 'looking' designer handbag like Prada. If you cannot afford to by brand new from a Prada flagship store, and you are searching for a preloved item that is 100% the real deal, equip yourself knowledge.

Here you will be able to learn to tell the very subtle differences between the real genuine article and a really good, or sometimes terrible fake. It could ultimately save you thousands of dollars and lots of heartache.

Certificate of Authenticity

All genuine, brand new, Prada handbags come with two authenticity cards. One will be paper and the other a plastic credit card-like card, typically in a small black envelope. The latter not only holds details of the bag style, but also its serial number.

Dust Bag

Look out for a white dust bag to house your new addition in. This will be white and has a soft felt like feel.

The front of the bag will have a black Prada logo on it and it will have a drawstring closure.

The tag inside the bag itself should be labeled with 'Prada' and will also state 100% Cotton, and Made In Italy.

Be aware that older style dust bags were navy blue with Prada printed in gold. If someone tries to sell you a brand new handbag with a dust bag of this description then it is fake.

If the dustbag looks different to any of the above descriptions, or is not present with a new bag, the bag is not genuine.

Remember though if the bag is preloved, the cards and dust bag may not have been kept by the original owner. You can try asking for a receipt too.

Lining

Not only are the external materials of a Prada handbag of the utmost quality, but so too is the lining.

Authentic Prada bags have lining that can come in one of three materials:

• Prada signature fabric
• Smooth calf leather, or
• Satin

Regardless of the material used, the word ‘Prada’ and a symbol that looks like a sideways letter “S”, or figure 8, will always appear. This will be repeated horizontally over the lining.

Watch out for misspellings of the word Prada also.

Stitching

If any stitching appears to be loose, misaligned, messy or just all over the place it will definitely not be the real deal.

A genuine Prada product has perfect stitching, very neat, always aligned and nice and small.

Hardware

Hardware, or buckles and external additions typically come in three colours

• Silver-toned
• Gold-toned, or
• Rose- toned.

If you see a bag with a combination of any of these colors, or something different it is not genuine.

Materials

Prada handbags are manufactured using the highest of quality materials and can include:

• Canvas
• Crocodile
• Lizard
• Buffalo Leather
• Deer Skin
• Wild Boar Skin
• Suede, Satin or Nylon
• Leather - patent, polished, textured, full grain
• and even Ostrich.

Logo Outside of the Bag

A signature identifier of a Prada handbag is its triangle logo. This is usually placed in the middle of a bag in the front or on the side.

Pay close attention to the placement and spacing of the letters of the word Prada. They will always be evenly spaced on a genuine article, and if the logo is a plaque it will be engraved, not printed on.

Furthermore, the letter R in the word Prada will have its right leg curved a little. If it is a straight R is will be fake. If it has a little curve on the R just before it meets with the letter A, then it is authentic.

Logo Inside the Bag

There will always be a plaque on the inside of the bag, attached to the lining.

It will always state 'Prada Made in Italy' and it will be metal.

• It will be firmly attached to the lining on all sides
• It will have 4 round corners
• There will be a piece backing material underneath the plaque which you will be able to feel
• The wording will be raised
• The color will match or be very close to the color of the lining

A plastic or fabric tag is a sign of a fake Prada. Also, it the tag says anything other than the phrase mentioned above, it is fake.

Prada Bag Serial Number Check Online

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As always, the best way to ensure you are buying a genuine Prada product is to purchase it from a genuine flagship store, or a department store. And buy brand new. If you are looking for a preloved product and you are buying online try to follow the above-mentioned guide to ensure you are not buying a fake.

There is no doubt that Prada handbags are popular because they are made from quality materials and carry quality features.

Authenticity card, stitching quality, logos, matching colors throughout, engraved Prada name with a curved R and overall quality materials are all good signs that your product is genuine.

Remember also that if the bag is being advertised as new and has a ridiculously low price, ask a lot of questions before even considering buying this. No one, no matter who they are will 'give away' a genuine Prada bag for peanuts.

If you prefer to feel and inspect a Prada item before buying, scour local opp shops, or thrift shops. Some ladies who are fortunate enough to afford these kinds of designer bags often like to regularly donate their items as they buy new ones so you may just spot the bargain of the century in your local donation shop today. It will have more chance of being genuine than the stand at the local market that has a sign up advertising '50 brand new Prada bags all for $20'.

All Hubs are Original Material by 'Work At Home Mums' ©

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• I bought a red Prada bag in Bicester , London last month on our vacation. While reading the original and fake Prada..it says that authentic Prada bag must have dust bag but unluckily no dust bag inside ..any comment please.thanks

• My bag says Prada with Milano under prada and that is inside. But everything else is Right. The outer Triangle has the curve in the R. There is a tag with a D on one side and 7 on the other.

• I found a red leather wallet with Prada logo on it at a charity resale shop with the bulk of items donated by very affluent ladies. The R is curved, but the inside lining of the wallet doesn't have any pattern or the name Prada on it. Does anyone know if wallets have a 'watermark' style red fabric, or do authentic Pradas have the words printed on the fabric. Anyone know how to authenticate, or is there a company that will do a paid authentication via photos? Thanks!

• $500 less? Wow, sounds dodgy to me, hehe. No, it's aywals good to buy designer handbags that are on sale. Me, I only dream to have at least 1 in each signature handbag. So, looks like I have to work hard all my life to be able to make this dream come true.

• i bought an 80's nylon quilted bag in a thrift shop in our country so it doest have the authenticity card and all the cards that should go with it.plus the the letter R of the prada don't have curve,and no serial nos.also.My bag have excellent stitching,excellent hardwares and zippers but the zippers don't have name except the letter T and 1 on it.it has a horizontal lining with prada all over with the S or 8 things too. But ive search around and i saw a bag just like mine and someone said its real despite.The comment said its like that because it is vintage and prada back then is not consistent with their fonts so the newer items this days bore serial nos. to combat counterfeiters.What do you think?

• Well the one comment of quality leather is accurate, as for the authenticity card I couldn't say. BUT! I was in my prada store looking at everything, from bags, shoes, belts, wallets, etc.. Also had a lengthy conversation with 2 SA's. The bags, shoes, and wallets had NO serial numbers. Also it was explained that only some items remained made in italy. Other countries of manufacturer were explained was Romania, Spain, and even China. Also examination of these items, including Gucci, Hermes, Louis Vuitton as well all seemed imperfect. The stitching was NOT perfect on most. It was explained that anything handmade will have flaws in leather and stitch. Just a little FYI from someone who shops, handles, and has good relationships with all these brand in my city. Too much misleading info is floating around these types of items and its just silly.

• This is such a great hub. So many people could benefit from reading this. Thanks for sharing your information. There is also an article here: http://wholesale-australia.com/wholesale-bags/ which some of your readers might be interested in. Thanks again.

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• Thank you for this informative hub. Now I know how to spot a fake Prada and I have inspected my Prada bag which I have received from my friend. It´s fake I should say but I don´t mind. I did not buy it anyway. Thanks for sharing.