When you buy a bag, especially a high-quality counterfeit one, how can you tell the quality of the bag? Perhaps you often hear about 7A, 10A, and 12A quality bags. So, what do these terms mean? Would you be very curious? These terms are typically used in wholesale and manufacturing, especially for canvas handbags, drawstring bags and other practical styles, and to a certain extent represent specific thickness and durability grades.
This guide will explore the methods for classifying bags by grade, enabling you to know how to select a high-quality bag when purchasing counterfeit ones.
What is 12A?
12A represents the fabric quality, mainly indicating the weight of the canvas.
The meaning of “12A”
In textile terminology, “12A” usually refers to 12 ounces (12 ounces) of canvas per square yard. “A” can represent A specific grade or fabric quality (for example, “Grade A”). 12A represents the density and durability of the fabric. A higher ounce value indicates that the fabric is thicker, denser and more durable.
It is important to understand that “12A Quality” does not represent an official quality standard recognized by Chinese national regulations or international institutions, but merely a concept within the complex ecosystem of the Guangzhou leather bag wholesale market.
Fabrics of various grades
- 6-8 ounce canvas: Light in weight and not very durable, it is usually used for promotional bags.
- 12-ounce canvas: Medium weight, balancing durability and cost. Suitable for daily use (such as handbags, shopping bags).
- 14-16 ounce canvas: Heavy-duty, used for high-end bags, but more expensive.
- Performance: The 12-ounce canvas has excellent tear resistance and wear resistance, making it an ideal choice for reusable shopping bags, work handbags and custom promotional items.
Common Quality Grading (Unofficial Replica Market Terms):
| Grade | Description |
| 5A | Basic replica — noticeable flaws, low-quality materials |
| 7A | Mid-range — better stitching, closer design, but still obvious |
| 10A | High-end replica — very close to authentic in look and feel |
| 12A / AAAA / Super Copy | Ultra-high quality — sometimes indistinguishable from the original to the untrained eye |
| 1:1 / Mirror Copy | Exact replica, same materials and build, often made in the same factories as originals |
12A Specifications:
- Thickness: ～0.15 mm (moderate thickness).
- Weight: ～407 g/m² (heavier than 6-10A but lighter than 16A+).
- Texture: Slightly grainy with good stiffness, offering a balance between durability and flexibility.
What is 12A quality bags?
12A quality bag is used to imply the quality of a “top-notch replica” – usually very close to the designer’s handbag. This type of bag is often used in high-quality imitation luxury bags. It is made of high-quality artificial leather or genuine leather, with precise stitching. It uses logos and designs very similar to those of the original luxury brands, and its quality is also close to that of the original bags.
12A quality bag is a way to describe a bag that is superior to lower-grade ones like 5A or 7A in terms of craftsmanship, materials and appearance.
The term “12A” is mainly used in leather bag wholesale markets in China, especially in places like Baiyun Leather City in Guangzhou, referring to very high-quality replicas or high-end fashionable bags.
Common types and uses of 12A quality bags
- Drawstring bag: Usually made of 12A canvas, it is used for fitness equipment, storage or retail packaging.
- Handbag: Due to its sturdiness, it is used for customizing logos, grocery shopping or casual use.
- Practical/Work bags: Used for tools, outdoor activities or industrial applications, durability is key.
- Promotional bags: Used for company events, meetings or brand gifts (for example, the company logo is printed on the handbag).
- Daily carrying: student bags, market shopping bags or light backpacks.
- Customized design: Due to its affordable price and clear printing, it is very popular in custom-printed handbags
The features of 12A quality bags
The high-quality OEM bags described by “12A” usually have the following features:
- Durability: Wear-resistant, suitable for daily use and medium-weight carrying (such as books and groceries).
- Cost performance: More affordable than 16A+ thick canvas while maintaining good quality.
- Printability: Suitable for screen printing, UV printing or heat transfer printing of logos and designs.
- Material selection: It is usually made of cotton-polyester blend (durable and waterproof) or pure cotton (soft but not wrinkle-resistant).
The material characteristics of 12A quality bags
- Full-grain or top-grain leather
- Sturdy linings and zippers (such as YKK
- Durable handles and hardware
Precautions
When encountering the “12A quality” requirement in the Guangzhou leather bag wholesale market, please consider the following important factors:
- Lack of consistency: Definitions vary greatly among different suppliers. A 12A rating from one manufacturer may not be equivalent to the same quality standard of another manufacturer.
- Marketing function: Higher digital scores are often used as marketing tools to justify a premium, especially in the absence of standardized quality markings.
- Verify the necessity: Always ask each supplier about the specific details that constitute the 12A quality. Transform vague requirements into verifiable specifications:
Leather durability (requiring wear test results)
Corrosion resistance of hardware (refer to QB/T 3826 standard)
Suture density and strength
Quality control procedure
- Comparative shopping: Use samples to compare the so-called 12A product with other products of different grade claims, as in the Guangzhou market, physical inspection is still more reliable than digital labels.
How to identify a genuine 12A quality bag?
Material quality
- Genuine leather: Many 12A bags use top-quality leather, such as sheepskin or calfskin, which is soft, durable and will develop a natural luster over time. For instance, a replica of the Chanel flap bag 12A might be made of sheepskin leather with quilted design, reflecting the texture and grain of the original.
- High-quality hardware: Metal components (such as zippers, chains, and trademarks) are usually made of stainless steel or brass, with gold or silver plating on the surface to ensure a long service life and a luxurious appearance. Some bags even use all-steel gold-plated hardware to match the original components.
- The genuine lining: The inner lining can use high-end materials such as suede, silk or brand fabrics, enhancing the overall high-end feel.
Inspect the process
- Precise stitching: The stitching of the 12A bag is even and tight, almost imperceptible, very close to the fine workmanship of luxury brands. For instance, the edges of the 12A bag can be double-sewn to enhance durability.
- Attention to detail: From the alignment of patterns to the placement of logos, every aspect has been meticulously executed to ensure that the appearance and feel of the bag are genuine. Some 12A packages even include serial numbers or genuine cards, imitating the packaging of the original brand.
- Structural integrity: Due to high-quality internal frames or fillers, bags can maintain their shape even when empty. This is particularly important for structured designs such as handbags or shoulder bags.
Verify the weight of the fabric
Ask the supplier about the fabric specifications (for example, “12-ounce canvas” or GSM grams per square meter). Please note that “12A” may sometimes be misused, so please be careful to distinguish it.
Require compliance documents
Reputable factories provide quality certifications (such as ISO standards) and detailed inspection reports.
Customization options
Many suppliers offer logo printing, customized sizes and color variations for bulk orders.
A comparison between a 12A quality bag and bags of other grades
Low-end (such as 5A, 7A) : These bags may use synthetic materials or low-quality leather, have obvious stitching, and pay less attention to details. The hardware might be plastic-coated or prone to losing its luster, and the overall completion might lack refinement.
Higher Grades (e.g., 1:1, Mirror Quality) : Although the 12A package is of high quality, some sellers may offer replicas of “1:1” or “mirror quality”, which claim to be closer to the original in terms of materials and craftsmanship. However, the differences between these grades may be subjective and vary from seller to seller.
Why choose a 12A quality bag?
High cost performance:
Compared with lighter bags (prone to tearing) or high-end heavyweight options, it strikes a balance between affordability and service life. The 12A bag is positioned as a more accessible alternative to true luxury handbags, offering similar aesthetics and quality at a fraction of the price.
Environmental protection:
Canvas is biodegradable and reusable, in line with the trend of sustainable development.
Versatility:
Suitable for various industries such as retail, promotion, sports, and daily use.
The target audience:
These bags attract fashion-conscious consumers who want the appearance of designer bags but not the high prices. They are also very popular among those who appreciate craftsmanship but are unwilling to support the high prices of luxury brands.
Moral and legal considerations of 12A quality bag
Copyright issue:
The 12A bag is a counterfeit. Its production and sale may infringe upon the intellectual property rights of luxury brands. This has sparked legal challenges in some regions, and authorities have begun to crack down on counterfeit goods.
Consumer awareness:
Buyers should be aware that purchasing replicas supports an industry that often operates beyond legal boundaries and may involve unethical practices such as poor working conditions or the use of counterfeit materials.
FAQs of 7A/10A/12A quality bags
What is 7A quality bags?
The “7A Quality Bag” is a self-proclaimed high-end category, mainly used in the luxury rebranding market, to describe bags with superior craftsmanship and materials. Although this is not an industry-recognized standard, 7A quality bags mean that merchants position them as high-end counterfeits or high-fidelity products, highly replicating the genuine ones in terms of appearance, leather, hardware and workmanship, reaching a level close to the original.
What is 10A quality bags?
“10A quality bags” is a non-standard marketing term, often used to describe the high-grade quality of counterfeit luxury bags. This claim originated from some unofficial markets (such as counterfeit sellers), who subjectively distinguish the grades of counterfeits by the number of “A” s. “10A” is usually declared to be top-quality replicas, meaning that they are extremely close to the genuine products in terms of leather, hardware, stitching and details.
However, this term has no industry standard or official certification, and the actual quality may vary from seller to seller.
What is 12A quality bags?
“12A quality bags” are of better quality than “7A or 10A quality bags”. The stitching is uniform and tight, the hardware (such as zippers and locks) is smooth and durable, and the overall workmanship is more fine. Its design details are highly faithful to the original version, striving for consistency from shape to internal structure, and it has undergone strict quality inspection, combining both fashionable aesthetics and practical value.
What is “A” quality bags?
Generally, the more “A” s there are, the higher the quality of the bag claimed by the merchant. This claim originated from some counterfeit product sellers. For instance, a 10A bag is of higher quality than a 7A bag. However, this classification lacks a unified standard, and the quality varies greatly. It is completely dependent on the definition of merchants, making it difficult for consumers to verify. Genuine authentic bags never use ‘A-grade’ labeling.
Conclusion of 12A quality bag
The 12A quality bag is a high-end category of replicas or designer inspired handbags, and it offers excellent value for money. The 12A quality bag is characterized by the use of high-quality materials and outstanding craftsmanship, aiming to closely replicate the appearance and feel of the original luxury items.
If you are running your own bag business and looking for a high-quality leather bag manufacturer, please feel free to contact us. We have our own large factory in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, which can meet the customization needs of a large number of leather handbags.
