A Brief Guide to Authenticating Your Chloé Bag

Just got your hands on your first Chloé bag? Or perhaps you want to more closely examine a bag you've owned for years? Here are a few things to check out.

THE DATE CODE

Take a look inside the bag and search for a sequence of numbers. These numbers form the bag's date code. In most cases (though there are many exceptions!), the first two digits indicate the bag's creation month or season, the next two digits represent the creation year, and the final group of digits refer to the style.

Remember that date codes and serial numbers are not the same. Serial numbers are unique to each bag, serving as its distinct identifier. On the other hand, date codes reveal crucial details about the bag's origin. While date codes often differ significantly, it's possible for two bags of the same style to have the same date code, especially if they were produced at the same time and factory.

A Chloé date code stamped onto an interior leather tag.

A Chloé date code stamped onto an interior suede tag.

For smaller items like wallets, there might not be a tag. Instead, the date code may be directly dembossed onto the leather.

A Chloé date code stamped directly onto the interior leather.

THE LEATHER

Next, examine the leather the bag is made from. Genuine Chloé bags have soft, supple leather that moves easily, with no irregularities in the stitching. If the leather feels low-quality, it's probably not authentic.

Another clue is the smell. Authentic Chloé bags always use premium-quality leather, so be wary of any chemical or synthetic odors, as these are common in counterfeit bags.

THE HARDWARE

Check that the hardware is strong, tough, and durable. While it may fade or dull with use, it should still give you the impression that it can last a lifetime. Chloé's hardware is typically made of brass, giving it a matte appearance. Be cautious of hardware that looks overly reflective.

A well-worn but still sturdy anchor on a Chloé Faye backpack.

THE LOGO

Keep an eye out for misspellings, as they're a clear red flag. Additionally, check for an accent above the letter "e" in the Chloé wordmark. Whether the wordmark is on leather or suede, it should always include the accent.

The Chloé logo stamped on a leather tag inside a bag.

The Chloé logo printed on a leather tag inside a bag.

The Chloé logo stamped directly onto the interior suede.