Mastering Hermès Authentication: A Trusted Eye for Detail

Authenticating Hermès handbags is both an art and a science, rooted in precision, patience, and hands-on expertise. Over the years, our senior authenticators have examined thousands of Hermès bags, sharpening their ability to detect even the most nuanced details. With over 12 years of dedicated experience, our team brings unparalleled confidence, accuracy, and insight to the authentication process.

Whether you’re an industry professional, a collector, or an informed buyer, understanding the hallmarks of genuine Hermès craftsmanship is essential to identifying authenticity.

How to Authenticate a Hermès Handbag: A Clear, Expert-Backed Guide

Key Indicators of Authentic Hermès Bags

• Date stamp (blind stamp) and year code verification
• Saddle stitching quality and thread consistency
• Precision of hardware engraving and finishing
• Leather type, grain uniformity, and texture
• Original receipts, invoices, and provenance (when available)

1. Leather Quality & Texture

Hermès selects only premium-grade leathers, each with a distinct texture and luxurious hand feel. Whether it’s Togo, Epsom, Clemence, or Swift, authentic Hermès leather maintains a natural finish, never overly glossy, plastic-like, or stiff.

Common red flags: Shiny or rigid materials, unnaturally uniform grain patterns, or an artificial appearance.

2. The Signature Leather Aroma

A genuine Hermès bag emits a subtle, earthy leather scent – stemming from traditional tanning methods.

Warning sign: Sharp chemical odors or synthetic smells that linger unnaturally.

3. The Hermès Heat Stamp

Most Hermès bags include a heat-stamp under the interior flap, reading:
“HERMÈS PARIS MADE IN FRANCE”

This stamp is carefully pressed by hand using a heated tool, with optional silver or gold foil (matching the hardware). The font is elegant, uniform, and precisely aligned, including the accented “È” in “Hermès.”

Watch for: Misaligned text, incorrect fonts, missing accents, or overly deep impressions.

4. Stitching & Craftsmanship

Every Hermès bag is hand-stitched using the saddle stitch technique, which creates a slightly angled, durable seam. Each stitch is unique, with minor natural variations, signs of authentic craftsmanship.

Beware: Machine-perfect stitches, puckering, and visible knots.

5. Blind Stamp (Date Code & Additional Codes)

Discreetly placed inside the bag, often near a strap or inner panel, the blind stamp indicates the year of manufacture and additional codes. Older vintage models may only have a date letter or no stamp at all.

Pro tip: Ensure the stamp format aligns with the claimed production year and leather type. Hermès does not issue authenticity cards.

6. Edge Creasing

Hermès uses a precise edge creasing technique, applying a fine, heat-set line near the leather’s edge to enhance both structure and design.

Note: Edge creasing is never painted or stamped by machine, it is always delicately hand-applied.

Final Thoughts: Authenticating Hermès with Confidence

True Hermès authentication goes beyond a checklist, it’s about understanding the artistry behind every detail. From leather quality to stitching, heat stamps to blind codes, the subtle signs of authenticity become second nature with the right training.

While a single inconsistency may not be cause for alarm, multiple red flags should raise concern. When in doubt, consult a recognised expert or authentication service, especially when dealing with rare or high-value pieces.

Buyer Tips: Protect Your Investment

• Always buy from reputable sellers with established expertise in Hermès resale.
• Confirm whether the platform or store offers verified, in-house authentication.
• For vintage or limited-edition items, consider a second opinion from an experienced Hermès authenticator.

Authentication Workshops

Elevate your business with authentication workshops.

We offer tailored workshops for companies in the luxury resale market, designed to enhance credibility, reduce risk, and sharpen product knowledge.

• Led by a senior authenticator with over 12 years of experience
• Courses available for all levels, from beginner to advanced
• Ideal for resale teams, boutique owners, and online platforms

Contact us today to learn more.