Investing in a Louis Vuitton bag can be a significant expense, so it’s essential to ensure that you’re buying an authentic product. Unfortunately, counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags are prevalent, and it can be challenging to spot a fake unless you’re an expert. However, there are several ways to identify a real Louis Vuitton bag.
Firstly, Louis Vuitton uses Vachetta leather to craft the trimming, handles, and pipping for its bags. This natural cowhide leather ages gracefully and develops a patina over time. If you’re buying a second-hand bag from the early 1980s, and the leather is still light brown, it’s likely a replica.
The monogram pattern is another way to identify a real Louis Vuitton bag. The encircled rounded flowers and interlaced initials are precisely designed and challenging to copy. Check the quality of the lettering, as a fake bag will have messy finishes on its monograms.
Louis Vuitton uses high-quality golden brass for its handles, locks, zippers, and studs. Counterfeit bags use plastic coated in a gold finish to deceive buyers. Check the hardware for authentic Louis Vuitton logos, and if it doesn’t feel solid and heavy, it’s likely a fake.
Louis Vuitton uses expert craftsmanship to make its bags, and a real designer bag should never slouch, crease, or have strange proportions. Check the side seam to ensure that the stitching is symmetrical, and the thread should be coated in a special resin that turns it yellow.
A modern and real Louis Vuitton bag does not have a serial number. The date codes used to identify manufacturing locations and production dates are no longer used. Instead, technological chips have been placed inside the lining of the bag.
Neverfull bags only come with two shoulder straps, while a fake Louis Vuitton neverfull bag comes with many accessories. This includes a shoulder strap, a crossbody strap, and a wristlet strap.
Finally, a genuine Louis Vuitton bag does not come with authenticity cards. If you find this card inside the bag, it’s not the real thing. A real LV dust bag only has the LV logo or lettering on it, while a fake bag may have too much information on it.
Shopping for a real Louis Vuitton bag can be challenging, but with these tips, you can spot a Louis Vuitton knockoff vs real Louis Vuitton bags with ease.