There is a misconception among some shoppers that the more you spend on a handbag, the better quality it is. While it is certainly not unreasonable to expect a big ticket handbag to be of a higher quality than its lesser-priced peers, the reality is that in the current retail environment, price does not necessarily denote quality.
However, that disappointing bit of news also has a positive side; it is not necessary to spend a lot of money to find a handbag that is of good quality. Not sure how to tell the difference between a well-crafted bag and one that's merely mediocre? These three tips will help you be able to spot an exemplary specimen.
Perfect Stitching
And by perfect, we mean perfect. A well-made bag will have stitching on it that is completely uniform; each stitch should look exactly like the last, and there will never, ever be any visible backstitching or stitches that appear to veer off course.
There's No Hiding the Hardware
Hardware on a well-made handbag should have a good weight to it, yet feel smooth to the touch and not catch or snag any part of the handbag or your clothing. Some high end brands such as Louis Vuitton and Prada even have their logos or brand names engraved in the hardware they use on their handbags. The important point here is that if hardware feels overly light, hollow, or like plastic, it's probably not a well-made bag.
Don't Bend the Binding
The binding of a handbag is the trim that runs along its edge, either in a matching or contrasting color. On a high end handbag, the binding should always sit flush with the surface of the bag, especially in the corners. Any sign of lifting or puckering is a sign that your bag is probably not well made.
