Even a poor quality photo of the care label can tell you straight away if the item you are looking at is genuine or FAKE.  

They have changed styles over the years but all follow these simple rules:

1) Only English and French languages used.  If the label says SETA, REINE or SEIDE, then it is a FAKE.

  FAKE!   FAKE! 

The label should only ever say: FABRIQUE EN FRANCE 100% SOIE, MADE IN FRANCE 100% SILK, DRY CLEAN ONLY.  Vintage folded labels may just say: 100% SOIE.

2) Labels are always in the corner of the scarf.  Modern labels are only sewn in by three of their corners, older vintage labels may be folded and only held in by two of their corners.  If the label is sewn into the body of the scarf, on the front or away from the corner then it is FAKE.

3) Labels on genuine scarves are only black on white or since 2002 may be white or gold on black... and NEVER any other colours.

4) Genuine labels on Hermes silk twill scarves NEVER show the the word HERMES, PARIS or have the Hermes groom and calache logo.

 FAKE!   FAKE!  FAKE!

Sometimes FAKES do follow these rules but you can be sure that if you see a label with Italian on it,  half way down the side then it is FAKE.

All these labels and scarves below are GENUINE.................................................................................................................................

GENUINE...........................................    GENUINE..................................     GENUINE

Older 3 line care label, may have letters on ends, later 4 line care label with white on black version on some scarves after 2002.

Note how the genuine scarves have labels sewn on with matching colour thread to the background.

Scarves exported for sale in America required the country of origin on them so you will see some vintage scarves including a store label, with MADE IN FRANCE on them.  These are most commonly from the Neiman Marcus stores.

 GENUINE.   GENUINE vintage folded care label and US store tag.

PLEASE BE AWARE THAT THE PHOTO-ACCURATE FAKES DO ALSO HAVE GENUINE LOOKING LABELS. 

There are more examples of genuine and FAKE labels in my care labels on FAKE silk scarves guide.

Do look at all the other indicators as well.  It is worth remembering that many purchasers of genuine scarves often snip out the care label because they find them ugly.  Having no label tells you nothing. But a fake label in the wrong place means that the scarf is FAKE.  And just occasionally genuine labels have been found sewn onto fake scarves.

Do have a look at my other guides to see other ways to detect fake items and avoid paying designer prices for cheap fakes. 

Please click on the YES button below if you found this guide helpful.   How to avoid buying FAKE Hermes

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UPDATE:  Very occasionally since 2007 Hermes have used a dark brown care label with white writing on appropriate dark coloured scarves...BUT most care labels that you see on genuine scarves will be black on white or white on black.