Authenticating a Chanel garment: the ultimate guide

How to recognize an authentic Chanel garment thanks to our expert tips: label, fabric, stitching, buttons and price.

Authenticating a Chanel garment: the ultimate guide

When it comes to Chanel, the name alone evokes luxury, heritage, and craftsmanship. But in a world flooded with counterfeits, how can you be sure that vintage Chanel jacket or tweed dress you've been eyeing is the real deal? At Reench, we help our customers find rare treasures, and part of that mission is ensuring every piece is authentic. Here's our guide to recognizing a genuine Chanel garment.


1. The label: Your first checkpoint

Chanel labels have evolved over time, but each authentic piece bears a label that testifies to meticulous attention to detail.

  • Brand name:

    The label must bear the word CHANEL in capital letters, with a perfectly centered double C.

  • Font and stitching:

    The font is consistent, evenly spaced, and never misaligned. Uneven stitching or loose threads? Forget it.

  • Season and collection codes:

    Modern Chanel clothing features a white inner label with a series of letters and numbers indicating the year and collection (e.g., P for Spring, A for Autumn).

🚨 Red flag:

If the label looks cheap, is misaligned, or has incorrect spacing, it is probably a counterfeit.


2. The fabric: Chanel's uncompromising quality

Chanel is synonymous with quality. The fabric must be luxurious, dense and high-end, whether it be wool tweed, silk or cashmere.

  • Tweed:

    A true Chanel tweed is often woven with different fibers to give it texture and depth. It should never feel stiff or synthetic.

  • Lining:

    Authentic Chanel jackets are lined with 100% silk (often with a subtle CC logo or camellia print).

  • Buttons and accessories:

    Authentic Chanel buttons are made of metal, mother-of-pearl or engraved with the CC logo - never fragile plastic.

🚨 Red flag:

If the fabric looks too light, cheap or synthetic, it's a sign of a counterfeit.


3. Seams and construction: Handcrafted precision

Every Chanel garment is crafted with precision.

  • Mademoiselle chain:

    Many Chanel jackets feature a gold or silver chain sewn into the hem for a perfect drape.

  • Seams and lining:

    The inner lining is often quilted, with neat and even stitching. The fabric must be perfectly aligned at the seams.

  • Hand-sewn:

    Many details are hand-sewn, rather than machine-sewn.

🚨 Red flag:

Messy stitching, uneven seams, or cheap construction methods indicate that it is a counterfeit.


4. Authentication labels and serial numbers

Unlike Chanel handbags, Chanel clothing does not carry serial numbers. However, modern pieces feature interior care labels with important details:

  • Fabric composition and country of manufacture
  • collection codes (for example, 22P for the spring 2022 collection)
  • A unique reference number for tracking
  • Authentic Chanel items are made in France, Italy, or sometimes the United Kingdom. If you see "Made in China" or "Made in Turkey," it's a counterfeit.

🚨 Red flag:

Incorrect collection codes, missing care labels, or questionable country of manufacture.


5. The price: If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Chanel clothing is an investment, and authentic pieces retain their value. A classic tweed jacket will never be sold at an unreasonably low price. If the price seems "too good to be true," trust your instincts.

Final thoughts: Trust and authentication at Reench

At Reench, we understand the thrill of finding a Chanel piece that seems to have been made just for you. But that excitement comes with a responsibility: guaranteeing authenticity is non-negotiable. Every Chanel item we sell is meticulously inspected by our experts, so you can buy with complete confidence.


Whether you're searching for a vintage Chanel jacket or a rare runway piece, Reench is your trusted destination for luxury treasures. Because true luxury isn't just about ownership—it's about trust.


Looking for an authentic Chanel piece? Discover our latest finds at Reench. #Chanel #Authentication #Luxury #Preloved #Paris #CircularEconomy #Reench

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