One of the most attractive aspects of Coach handbags is their ability to make quality goods transcend the exclusivity of luxury goods by making them classic and playful enough for true everyday use. But this amazingly broad appeal of Coach is what makes the designer so readily desirable to the replica industry. Here are some general guidelines how you can spot fake Coach items.

C Logo Monogram
Look closely at the Coach "C" logos on the outside of the bag. On some Coach bags you will find that the logo does not line up at the side seams.
What is most important is that on all signature Coach bags the logo will always be symmetrical across the front and back of the bag. When looking at the front or back of the bag the "C's" will touch at the exact center of the panel. If there is a seam down the center of the front or back panel the pattern will match exactly across the seam. If there is a stripe then the pattern will be symmetrical on either side of the stripe, basically a mirror image.
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 intact.

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

Lining
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.

Lining On Signature Coach Handbags
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.

Serial Number
Look for 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. There are some Coach items, like demi or other small bags that do not have serial numbers but all the larger ones do.