How to Spot a Fake Hermes Scarf: 6 Expert Tips

Wondering how to spot a fake Hermes scarf? We asked the experts!

By Chere Di Boscio

We’ve all become a bit spoiled these days.

Digital technology has allowed for the mass-printing of intricate designs that were once the reserve of highly trained artisans. Prints that used to be silk screened by hand are now printed by computers, and only the well trained eye can tell the difference. Though this is certainly a more democratic approach to apparel, it seems to be a bit of a shame to be losing the art of silk screening.

Some companies, such as Hermès, insist on maintaining the ancient technique for their scarves. Each silk square boasts hand finished edges, double ply Mulberry silk and dozens of colours applied by hand.

After an artwork has been designed, pencils, paintbrushes, pens, sponges and even toothbrushes are all used by master artisans to break the picture down into its composite colours, then reproducing each layer on its own acetate sheet.

It can take up to 1700 hours to complete one gorgeous scarf. That’s why such scarves are so expensive. But the precision drawn, vividly colourful result is worth it. Even worn vintage pieces are still very much in demand, and no wonder! Each could be considered a reproduced piece of art much in the same way etchings or photographs are. And as with fine art, the value of some prints only increases with age.

Sadly, because of their value, there is another quality Hermès scarves share with art: there are many Hermès fakes to watch out for. Here’s what you need to know.

How to spot a fake Hermès scarf

how to spot a fake hermes scarf

According to Paris-based vintage Chanel and Hermès expert Catherine B, there are six key signs of a fake Hermes scarf. They are:

1. Language

One of the first tips for how to spot a fake Hermès scarf is found on the tag. A fabric tag written in any other language besides French and English will indicate a fake. All Hermès scarves are made in France, but often carry a bilingual tag. English is the only other language you may see.

2. Hems

A real, original Hermès scarf will have a hand rolled hem, rolling towards the front (the more vibrant side of the print). The thread for the hem should perfectly match the main colour of the scarf.

3. Signatures (maybe)

Whilst some vintage scarves may not carry it, most (but not all) scarves today (and from the 80s onwards) will have the artist’s signature somewhere in the print.

4. Size

Another way to spot a fake Hermès scarf is related to its size. There are three sizes of Hermes scarves: 90 cm x 90 cm, 35” x by 35”,  60 x 60cm 24″ x 24″, and  40cm x 40cm  17″ x 17″. That is it! Anything outside this range is likely to be fake.

5.  Jacquard

One of the easiest way to spot an authentic Hermes scarf is the incorporation of Jacquard silk. This is a material that’s slightly 3D compared to the rest of the scarf. This is difficult to replicate; no fake scarf will use Jacquard silk.

6. Copyright

There should be a copyright ©HERMES mark with the “C” in a circle with the word Hermès–NOT “Hermes-Paris’. Again the second ‘e’ must have a French accent mark. The copyright is usually located on the upper left hand corner of the scarf.

However, this is an exception to this rule.

Hermès launched its first scarf in 1937, Jeu des Omnibus et Dames Blanches. The original issue wasn’t signed, and wasn’t copyrighted. Nor did it have a care tag. All that changed over the years. Today, the scarves come with a care tag as well as a copyright mark, as mentioned above.

how to spot a fake hermes scarf

Where to buy authentic vintage Hermès scarves

Knowing where to buy authentic vintage Hermès scarves can assure you that you’re not buying a fake.

There are a few options.

  1. 1stDibs also offers a wide selection of not only Hermès scarves, but also shawls, bags and much more. Prices start at around $250, too. Bargain!
  2. Catherine B is a world-leading expert in vintage Hermes and Chanel items.
  3. Finally, the Real Real is a respected online site that checks for the authenticity of all their designer items. Here, you’ll find stunning scarves for around half their retail value.

Do you have any further tips on how to spot a fake Hermès scarf? Let us know in the comments, below!

Chere Di Boscio

31 thoughts on “How to Spot a Fake Hermes Scarf: 6 Expert Tips”

  1. I have inherited a Hermes scarf which appears authentic on all points except the care tag. The care tag is a small white folded label but the words are printed on it “100% SOIE” on the front and symbols on the back. Were tags ever printed or only sewn? Also this tag is sewn into the rolled hem.

  2. Vanessa Castelain

    Hello,
    You shouldn’t promote Vestiaire Collective. The site is not so professional anymore like 10 years ago. I used to buy a lot for 9 years without a problem and lately I got a fake bag at home and they didn’t want to take it back although the brand itself told me it was fake!!
    And concerning Hermès scarfs: yes, you can have Hermès Paris and the copyright together.

    1. I have to agree about Vestiaire I’ve purchased an Hermes scarf and it’s absolutely not authentic and they won’t do anything about it .

  3. I am confused! You say an authentic scarf should not say “Hermes – Paris” . However every photo of the Fetes de Cheval scarf on all the Hermes websites and throughout the internet do indeed say “ Hermes – Paris” . So are they all fake?

  4. Available in many designs, materials and patterns, pajamas can be selected in accordance with your requirements.
    Silk used to be highly regarded being a lush material that merely the wealthiest should wear.
    Typically, men will buy flowers something like that,
    that’s good, but it might be much better.

  5. Brand new Hermes scarf absolutely authentic bought in Hermes boutique has 72 g of weight. The older ones which were worn and several times dry-cleaned weigh between 63-68 gr depending of the condition. The older is a scarf the lighter it will be (again if it was worn and clean a lot. Tip: do not dry clean your silk scarves)))

    1. Hello!
      I purchased Hermes scarf “Les Cles” in pink…it weighs 63 g, but there is written on the lower right “label ” HERMÈS -PARIS with “c” in a circle. In no other place on the scarf there is no Hermes with C. Does it mean that it is a fake?

  6. 90x90cm Hermes scarf should always weight 63 gramm. If it’s heaviet – fake. If little lighter – it may still be authentic, but poorly maintained (no dry cleaned).

  7. Karan Abercrombie

    I have a long 140cm Hermès sheer silk scarf with scribbled beautiful French ladies drawn in black dressed in red, blue and yellow with hats on it. It also has black words and signatures all over it and I have not been able to find any information about it or another one like it. It is so sheer and delicate in a pale grey with matching stitching and red and blue dots around the border of it. It has it’s tag as well as a large signature in one corner.

  8. Vivien Rosenthal

    Thanks very much for tips. Am just off to auction preview, so will use your tips. How much should an Hermes scarf weigh?

  9. Hi,
    sorry to disturb you but I would like to share some experience
    I ‘ve just bought a scarf from an English buy-and -sell site. (It is Cheval Fusion by Hermes, designer – Dmitrii Rybaltchenko)
    According to the photographs presented on the site everything was perfect. But when it arrived I realised that it is much lighter than an authentic one even before I opened the packaging. I put the scarf on the scales and the weight was 52 gr.
    I think we are talking about so called photo-accurate copy.
    I am collecting Hermes scarves since 2008 and eventually I was caught.
    So if you are going to buy a scarf from a not – known – recognized seller please think 10 times befor you send the money.
    Kind regards
    Anna

  10. Have a shawl 35×35 with rolled edges thread perfectly arched but name says Hermes-Paris with mark over the second e. Name is at bottom of kachina shawl. Can this be real?

  11. Excellent information! Thank you. I have inherited a scarf and was wondering how I could determine it’s value. Is there a web site for this?

      1. I tried to find Catherine Bernier on Facebook but I was unable to distinguish which one was her … I too have several scarves that I would like to inquire about … any help here?

    1. Yes, we know that Michal–please see point 6, which clearly states: Look for the name. There should be a copyright “ ©HERMÈS” mark with the “C” in a circle with the word Hermès–NOT “Hermes-Paris’. Again the second ‘e’ must have a French accent mark. The copyright is usually located on the upper left hand corner of the scarf.

      In addition, one of the scarves we show as an example of an authentic Hermes scarf has the brand name clearly visible in two places.

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