How to recognize real or fake MCM belts

If you’re hoping to get a bargain MCM belt, do a little research before you buy. These luxury belts are known for their high quality and signature M buckles and usually sell for around $300. Since a heavily discounted belt may not be genuine, read our tips to avoid buying a fake.

Table of Contents

Recognizing the quality of leather MCM belts

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Examine the belt to see if its material is canvas and leather with diamond patterns. Don’t be surprised if you see a belt up to 130 cm long! The manufacturer encourages customers to cut back to adjust the belt for a perfect fit. ^{[1] X Research Source}

Take a close look at the perfect seams with regular stitches on a real MCM belt. Swipe along the belt to detect rips and look for uneven color along the edge of the belt indicating poor quality.
You can purchase genuine MCM belts at MCM stores, on their website, and at retailers such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, and Saks Fifth Avenue. The belt will be stored in a small white bag to prevent damage.

Find the serial number on the belt

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Look at the underside near the buckle of the belt to find the serial number. If your belt doesn’t have a number or it’s on the end of your belt, it probably isn’t real. If you receive a receipt for the purchase of the belt, check that the serial numbers match. ^{[2] X Research Source}

The serial number will start with 103 and the second row will start with the letter MX.
Read manufacturer information. MCM belts over the past 20 years are made in Korea (Korea). If your belt is made elsewhere, keep checking to see if it’s genuine.

Find the rhombus on the leather surface of the belt

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The interlaced rhombuses on real MCM belts have a slightly curved inward edge. If the rhombuses on your belt have straight edges, it is most likely a fake. The rhombuses interspersed with the MCM logo is the identity motif, an iconic feature of MCM products. ^{[3] X Research Sources}

Many MCM belts come in a traditional cognac color, although you can also find belts in black, white or olive green.

Count 17 leaves on the logo

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Real belt with logo with 9 leaves on the left and 8 leaves on the right. The belt you are looking at could be a fake if it has the same number of leaves on both sides. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Check out the logo located in the lower right corner of the buckle face and the logos on the waistband.

Identify the MCM logos interspersed on the belt

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You will see the forward logos appear alternately with the reverse logos. These logos will be interspersed with curved rhombuses. If the logos all have the same dimension, it is a sign that the belt is not genuine. ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Look at the end of the belt – a real belt will end in a logo, not a curved diamond.

Turn the belt buckle to turn the inside of the belt out

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If your belt is genuine, you can turn the belt inside out while the buckle base stays flat. One of the great things about the MCM belt is that it can be used on both sides! Some fake belts can also flip out, but the movement won’t be smooth and the buckle base will stick out. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

If you can’t turn the buckle to flip the belt, it’s probably a fake.

Look for the curved and serrated hinge on the underside of the belt buckle

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Check the underside of the metal ring next to the M for jagged edges. If it is a real MCM belt, the belt will be held in place by the serrations as you slide the belt through the hoop. If you can’t see or feel the serration, and the belt slides through the buckle easily, it’s probably a fake. You’ll also see a hinge with two screws next to the belt buckle. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Fake belt buckles usually have square hinges and only have 1 screw. It also seems bulkier.
This feature will help the belt to fix better. Without the serrations, the belt could slide back and forth.

Check if the lower points of the letter M on the lock face are even

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Look at the letter on the lock face to see if the midpoint of the M touches the bottom. The center point should be level with the legs of the letter M on either side. If it’s not pointed or only pulls down halfway, the belt you’re looking at is probably fake. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Most fake buckles are also slightly larger than real MCM belt buckles. If that belt buckle looks too big, it’s probably not the real thing.

Advice

If you suspect the belt you just purchased is a fake, contact the seller again. Ask the seller for the original receipt with the serial number or ask if you can return the item.
If you buy belts on MCM’s website, you can rest assured that you are buying genuine products. ^{[9] X Research Source}
In general, fake MCM belts have larger lines – such as a larger buckle with larger, rougher logos on the belt.

Steps