The Coach brand is known for its luxurious versatility in all of its product lines. From high-end chic to everyday looks, there’s a handbag, pair of sneakers, or set of sunglasses for everyone.
It goes without saying that Coach is one of the most favored premium brands around the world. Unfortunately, counterfeiters are aware of this, too. And many fraudulent designs are sold at lower prices, taking away from the genuine quality of the brand. The Coach eyewear line is no exception to this sad truth.
However, there are some steps you can take to ensure you are getting genuine Coach quality and craftsmanship before you make a purchase. Here’s how to tell if Coach glasses are real based on their frames, logo, price tag, and more.
Verify the Logo
You should be able to recognize the Coach logo right away, anywhere it is located on your package or frames. The signature logo has a horse and carriage next to the brand name, which has been the standard to include with Coach products since the 1950s.
The word “Coach” in the logo should also look consistent across the rest of the packaging and product. Check for misprints and misspellings in any logos and fonts.
Tip: You can use the Coach website to compare the brand logos and fonts to the product and packaging you’re inspecting.
Authentic Coach packaging will also have the “CC” logo, which features two branded “Cs” back-to-back. This design is often printed in an all-over pattern on items, such as eyewear cases and cleaning cloths.
Check the Packaging (And What’s Inside)
Once you’re comfortable identifying the logo, you should make sure it’s consistent
Some of the initial things you should examine when you get a new pair of Coach glasses include the packaging, what’s inside your box, and the overall look and feel.
Inside the box, you should find:
- An information booklet or pamphlet (with consistent fonts and correct spelling and grammar)
- A microfiber cloth printed with the Coach logo
- A hard case that features the Coach logo (may have the standalone logo or the repeated “CC” print)
- A high-quality pair of Coach eyewear
The box containing your eyewear should also feel sturdy and well-made. And everything inside the box (eyewear, case, etc.) should have the quality you’d expect from a high-end brand. If anything feels off, you should inspect it further.
Inspect the Lenses
Each pair of Coach sunglasses includes a small version of the “Coach” logo etched in one of the lens’s corners. This etching should match the official Coach logo, have even spacing, and read clearly. The logo should be imprinted and not painted on the lens.
Aside from the logo, your lenses should have exceptional Coach quality. If they feel or look cheap, or if something is wrong with the logo, there’s a possibility that they are counterfeit.
Examine the Frame
The frame on your Coach sunglasses is another way to determine whether or not you have an authentic product. Start by ensuring that the temples, lenses, screws, and other hardware fit seamlessly together.
Next, check for the following characteristics:
- A smooth finish on the frames
- High-quality construction of frame materials and hardware (screws and hinges)
- A reasonable weight and feel of the frame (they shouldn’t feel cheap)
- A series of numbers and characters on the temples
The Coach logo should appear inside the right temple. Some models feature the horse and carriage logo, and some feature “Coach” or a “C” on the outside of the temples to represent the brand. But not all frames display these markings.
Look for the Model Number
Coach sunglasses and glasses have a series of numbers and symbols on the inside of the temples to identify the frame style, color, and measurements. These numbers also help prove authenticity.
The inside of the left temple includes:
- The dimensions of the frame and lenses
- The frame color
Newer Coach sunglasses also display the nose frame measurements on the nose bud. If this applies to your frames, make sure the measurements on the nose pad and the left temple match.
The inside of the right temple includes:
- The Coach logo
- The frame model name and numbers
- The initials “CE” (European Conformity)
Each of the specifications above should match your frame’s online description.
Tip: If you have trouble seeing the numbers on your frames, try looking at them through a magnifying glass.
Additional Tips for Checking the Authenticity of Your Coach Glasses or Sunglasses
If you’ve inspected your glasses or sunglasses and still have questions about their legitimacy, there are a few other steps you can take. Here are some additional tips:
Consider the Price Tag
Coach sunglasses start around $100 before customizations. Anything less than that should raise a red flag. (This may not apply if you have a discount or are buying secondhand, lower-priced sunglasses.)
Buy From an Authorized Retailer
Eyebuydirect is an authorized retailer of Coach and many other eyewear brands so that you can purchase your favorite frames with confidence. Some retailers don’t offer the same guarantee. Always check the product details section to confirm a statement of authenticity.
Real Coach Sunglasses vs Fake
It’s no secret that there are knockoffs of luxury items out there. This includes everything from handbags to footwear, to eyewear. Coach and other well-known sunglass brands are no exception. The tools we’ve provided above can help guide you to authentic products, and away from fraud.
If you already own a pair of sunglasses and find yourself questioning their authenticity, an optician can help you inspect them.
As a consumer, you’re in charge of deciding where and when to purchase your eyewear. Buying from Eyebuydirect or another approved Coach retailer is one of the greatest methods to guarantee that you receive authentic merchandise.
