Luxury is forever, but authenticity is essential. Here’s how to vet your Dior before you invest.

In a world where vintage is the new new, preloved Dior bags are having a moment. From Lady Dior’s regal elegance to the Saddle Bag’s street-style swagger, buying secondhand lets you own a piece of fashion history, often at a fraction of the original price. But with great glamour comes great responsibility: ensuring authenticity. Below, we spotlight the five key elements to examine before committing to that coveted Dior classic.

         

Every genuine Dior bag features a leather label tag stitched into the interior, with a heat stamp reading “Christian Dior” and “Made in Italy” or “Made in Spain.” The font should be clean, symmetrical, and delicately embossed. Flip the tag, and you’ll find a date code stitched on the back—a unique combination of numbers and letters that signals production details.

Dior craftsmanship is synonymous with perfection. Whether it’s the iconic Cannage quilting on a Lady Dior or the structured seams of a Dior Caro, each stitch should be even, tight, and perfectly aligned. Frayed threads, crooked lines, or glue residue are major no-nos. Authentic Dior bags are hand-assembled with finesse—and it shows.

         

One of Dior’s signature flourishes is its hardware. The handles of a Lady Dior, for example, should feel firm and high-quality, with no creaking or peeling. The “D.I.O.R.” charms are especially telling: authentic ones are weighty, smooth, and engraved—not hollow or brassy. They should dangle effortlessly with a refined clink, not a cheap jangle.

Christian Dior Leather Lady Dior Shoulder Bag in Silver Limited Edition

When it comes to preloved luxury, provenance matters. Trusted platforms often use third-party authentication services like Entrupy, which scans materials using AI for legitimacy. Some sellers may provide a Dior authenticity card, but be wary—cards can be faked, too. Always request detailed photos, serial codes, and, if possible, an official verification from a reputable authenticator.

         

Christian Dior Lady Dior Bag Cannage Medium Handbag in Lambskin Leather Red White

Dior bags have a specific feel—luxurious yet firm, supple but structured. If the bag feels floppy, too light, or plasticky, it may not be the real deal. Pay close attention to proportions: a real Saddle bag hugs the curve of your body just right, while a genuine Lady Dior stands tall and proud, never slouchy. If something feels off, it probably is.

When in doubt, cross-reference with official images from Dior’s website or trusted retailers. A small difference in font spacing, stitching count, or zipper pulls can distinguish couture from counterfeit.

Buying a preloved Dior bag is a thrilling treasure hunt—and the right due diligence ensures your prize is authentic, elegant, and truly timeless. Because in the world of luxury, the past isn’t secondhand—it’s storied.