In the market for a Louis Vuitton bag? These gorgeous bags are in such high demand and esteem that there are plenty of companies trying to make money off of them. While you know the ones from the street vendors are fakes, some rather reputable shops may be selling them, as well.
The truth is, they may not even know the bags they have are not authentic. Because of the demand for these bags, forgeries are really good. If you are not buying directly from a Louis Vuitton store or their website, there are several ways to verify a real Louie Vuitton purse.
What You'll Learn...
Tip #1: Spelling
Of course, they know how to spell their own name. Unfortunately, many forgeries look so good, that people don’t notice one letter that is different.
Aside from the spelling, the genuine bags have an L with a short tail, a perfectly round O and the Ts are almost touching. They use a specific font, as well.
Tip #2: Logos
While the logo is very distinct, counterfeiters may be able to duplicate it but never perfectly. Often, the color will be slightly off, the edges can be blurred and in cases where the material is made in a long continuum, the logos will appear upside down.
If you are wondering how to authenticate a Louis Vuitton purse, check to see if any of the logos are tilted. There may be smearing at the edges or even an off green tint to the logo that tells you it’s a fake.
Tip #3: Stamp
The stamp on the bag is another way if you are wondering how to identify a genuine Louis Vuitton bag. This will be apparent by the unfinished edges of the leather label. It may not be stitched all the way around or the stitching is sloppy.
Remember the fonts and look for those in the stamp. While forgeries are good, this is a place where they tend to mess up.
Tip #4: Stitching
Looking at the stitching of the bag is another method in how to verify a real Louis Vuitton purse. Look for straight stitching and they should be completely even.
There is also a certain number of stitching where the handles are attached. The number of stitches matches the location of where the bag was made and this will never vary.
Tip #5: Lining
Authenticating a Louis Vuitton by its lining can be a bit tricky. You will find different linings used for different collections. The Monogram canvas bags are usually lined in brown cotton and the Damier Ebiene Canvas bags are most often lined in red microfiber.
You can find out what type of lining was used for a particular year, style and occasion. It’s often not considered with fake bags.
Tip #6: Hardware
Thin, flimsy, tinny, plastic or rough edges and even rust will be a great way to authenticate a Louis Vuitton. The real hardware will be brass, gold or silver brass and there are some with a matte finish.
Also, check the zipper pull. The stamp in the metal should be extremely clear. If the LV is blurry or sloppy, it is not a real bag.
Tip #7: Louis Vuitton Fake Tags
If you can actually check the bag out in person, look inside for a tag attached to a seam. You can find a lot of information about the bag with those coeds, like when and where it was made.
Forgeries can have a matching code, though, so don’t let that be the deciding factor when you are trying to identify a genuine Louis Vuitton bag. You can check all the numbers and letters to verify the purse.
Tip #8: Attachments
First, if there is paper or plastic wrapped around the handles, it’s not an authentic Louis Vuitton. Nor will there be covers on the corners or other bits of hardware.
There will never be a tag attached to the bag and if there is a dust cover, it will be very simple and made of light pure cotton. The dust cover will also be perfectly made.
If the bag comes with a receipt, keep in mind what printers can do these days. They can make anything, so don’t assume an authentic-looking receipt means the bag is real.
Wrapping it Up
If you are buying a bag online, you need to do your research. Make sure you get a picture of the bag and try to examine it as closely as you can. You can find out what to look for and what not to look for.
Ask for pictures from all angles, side, bottom, labels, date code, hardware, and stamp. All of the items mentions are how to verify the authenticity of Louis Vuitton. Ask for pictures of all of them to check.
Counterfeiters will cut corners where they think it doesn’t matter. Often times, factories making fake bags can’t get the luxury materials needed, and that will be very obvious.