How to spot a fake Kipling bag

Whether you’ve bought your Kipling bag online or at a store, on closer inspection you’ve noticed that something’s not quite right. Unfortunately, there are many non reputable sellers of Kipling bags, backpacks and purses out there, so if you did not purchase from a trusted retailer or stockist, then you may have been sold a fake bag.

Luckily, there are a few key ways to spot a fake Kipling bag before you buy or to try and get a refund from your seller.

What’s the difference between authentic Kipling bags and fake ones?

There are several different features that set apart an authentic Kipling bag from a fake one.

  • The quality of the manufacturing: whether it’s unravelling stitching or panels that don’t quite match up correctly, if the quality of your bag isn’t up to standard, then this could be a sign that your bag is fake. Or, if you brought your bag from a Kipling store or trusted stockist, then you need to go and get a replacement as soon as possible.
  • The hardware or pockets are broken or missing: check your bag against images of the same model from the official Kipling website - does yours have the same number of pockets? Are any zips, clasps and chains in the correct place and made of solid metal rather than hollow? All of these are signs that you could have a fake Kipling bag.
  • The outer fabric and inner lining: all of the material within your Kipling bag should be of good quality and durability. They should also be of a consistent color or pattern which cannot be easily rubbed off or stained.

These are the first signs that your Kipling bag may not be an original. However, there are also some elements specific to Kipling bags that you can check to see if yours is authentic.

How will you know if a Kipling bag is an original?

There are some elements that are specific to fake Kipling bags and offer signs that you could have purchased one.

A fake Kipling monkey

The Kipling monkey keychain is the unique signature accessory to our bags. Therefore, if there’s no monkey keychain attached to a bag, or if there’s a fault in it, this is a key sign that your bag isn’t authentic.

Your Kipling monkey keychain should be attached to the side of your bag and have a white name tag sewn onto its left arm. Each of our monkeys are named, so this tag is an authenticating feature on each of our keychains.

A discolored logo

Our circular logo is a unique feature that makes our bags stand out. Made in an embossed style, the logo should be attached to the front of the bag and be in a color that’s complementary to the rest of the bag. If this logo isn’t secured properly, isn’t in a complementary color, is discolored, or is printed onto the bag, then this could be a sign that the bag is a fake.

No inside label

When you look on the inside of the bag, you should find a label that includes details of the bag model and any care instructions. If there’s no label or if the information on it isn’t clear, then this could be a sign that the bag is a fake.

How to avoid buying a fake Kipling bag

Whether you’re looking at bags in-store or online, here are some tips on how to tell if a fake Kipling bag is being sold to you:

  • Check that the details of the model, color and origin are correct in any description you see online.
  • If there are pictures, make sure they capture the details and are taken from a variety of angles so you can see the entirety of the bag.
  • If you’re shopping for a bag in a store, then don’t be afraid to take a good look at it. Test the seams, check the lining and look for interior labels.
  • Before you buy online or in a store, check the price of your bag on our official website, this might help you to confirm if you’re being sold a fake or not.

To be certain that you’re buying an authentic Kipling bag, make sure you always purchase from a trusted stockist, Kipling store or on our website.