Louis Vuitton is a luxury brand that is highly sought after, but unfortunately, there are many fake bags on the market. It is important to know how to spot a fake so that you don’t end up wasting your money. While some fakes are easy to spot, others are more difficult to distinguish from the real deal. Here are some characteristics of real vs. fake Louis Vuitton bags to help you identify the difference.
Firstly, authentic Louis Vuitton bags are made from high-quality materials such as top-quality leather, boa, crocodile, lambskin, and camel skin. Fakes, on the other hand, are made from pleather and vinyl, which may feel rough and stiff. A real Louis Vuitton bag is smooth and feels soft. The trim on a real bag is done in Vachetta leather and tans naturally as the bag ages. Most fakes are done in a light tan trim or a fake aged trim that will not change with age.
The monogram placement on an authentic Louis Vuitton bag is done carefully and is consistent on all pieces. It will not be crooked or cut off, and it will look the same on each style of bag. The leather is one solid piece that continues to the front from the back, and you will never see a seam in the middle of a bag. Tags are never attached to a Louis Vuitton bag, and if they do come with tags, they are simply placed in the purse or dust bag. Hardware used on the bag is also an indicator of authenticity. Fake bags will often have painted gold plastic, whereas an authentic bag will have gold or brass metal hardware imprinted with the trademark LV logo.
When checking the details of the bag against the original style, there are some other obvious indicators to look out for. For example, if you are looking for a Speedy bag and find one that has gold feet on the bottom, steer clear. This style never features feet. The Speedy is smooth from front to back and does not have extra hardware such as feet. Many LV fakes come with extra accessories, but authentic Louis Vuitton bags do not. The Neverfull has the option to add a shoulder strap, but that is not a standard accessory. The Neverfull comes with two straps that can be carried over the arm. Fake versions may have a shoulder strap attached or as an accessory.
Examine the workmanship carefully. All Louis Vuitton bags have precise stitching that is durable and will not show any loose threads. The handles of each bag are seamed together with a special glue that bonds the leather. You will not see any sloppy craftsmanship or loose stitching. If you do, this is an indicator that the bag in question is not real.
Check the lettering on your bag. The lettering is another factor in authenticating your bag. Wherever you see Louis Vuitton spelled out, you can check to see that the O is round, not oval shaped. Many fake versions will use oval shaped O’s instead of round ones. Another mistake that fakes often make is with the letter L immediately before the O. This L is positioned very close to the O and does not fully extend on the bottom. The horizontal line that makes the L is short. The name Louis Vuitton is almost always spelled out in all capital letters. When it is not, it is done in a distinctive script that is very difficult to replicate.
Finally, beware of authenticity certificates. Real Louis Vuitton bags do not come with a certificate of authenticity. You may find a cream-colored card with the style name of the bag and a bar code inside, but never a certificate. Many fake bags come with a certificate, leading consumers to believe that they are real. Every Louis Vuitton bag comes with a date code. An authentic bag does not have a serial number but has a date code to identify where the bag was made and when it was made. These codes are typically stamped on a leather tag inside the bag or on the actual lining. Louis Vuitton date codes consist of both numbers and letters, and depending on when the bag was made, this can vary.
In conclusion, it is essential to learn how to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag so that you don’t end up wasting your money. Paying attention to specific details is critical when determining if a bag is authentic. Remember to check the quality of materials, trim, monogram placement, tags, hardware, dust bags, handles and stitching, lettering, and authenticity certificates. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are purchasing a genuine Louis Vuitton bag.