How to Authenticate a Louis Vuitton Bag

For serious fashion collectors, there are a number of pieces that hold a special allure and a Louis Vuitton bag features high on that list. With its instantly recognizable chess board or LV logo with floral graphic designs, it is easy to spot. But with so many replicas doing the rounds, how can you be sure yours is real? For one, you can shop with ModeSens, since we only feature authenticated designs, but to take your research further, read on for all the reliable telltale signs to look out for: 

HOW TO SPOT A FAKE LOUIS VUITTON BAG 

It likely goes without saying that Louis Vuitton handbags only use the finest quality fabrics. So, if the one in front of you does not scream top notch luxury, it likely isn’t. Take note of your instincts (no matter how good the deal may seem) and walk away. That said, there are other specifics to look for. As you’d expect, the  proof is in the finer details, which we lay out below:

MATERIALS

Monogram canvas, Damier Ebene, and Damier Azur, are the ultimate canvas fabrics used in many Louis Vuitton bags. They’re waterproof, sturdy and easy to clean. In fact, it wasn’t until 2010 that Louis Vuitton Empreinte leather was introduced, and became an instant hit. Monogram Vernis Leather, Electric Leather and Damier Carbon soon followed, adding a host of desirable handbag options to their established classics. So, if you are buying from a retailer and want to know if the Louis Vuitton bag you’ve fallen for is legitimate merchandise, ask these questions. You’ll instantly know whether the bag is authenticated or not.

HARDWARE

When it comes to finding out whether your Louis Vuitton bag is real or not, check the hardware. The brand name is always stamped on it (and counterfeit versions skimp on this part). Is it made of plastic, or a lightweight metal? The D-rings on a Louis Vuitton bag fit like puzzle pieces with the interlocking leather pieces, so they sit perfectly in sync without much room for moving and clanging around. 

DATE CODE

Not to be confused with serial numbers, date codes feature on Louis Vuitton bags as an additional protective measure against fakes. But take note: they’re a pretty new idea, so you won’t find one on a vintage bag, no matter how genuine it is. This is how they work: You’ll see two capital letters, followed by four digits. The letters stand for the factory where the bag was made and the first and third numbers represent the week it was manufactured. The second and fourth numbers, meanwhile, represent the year it was made.

Before 2007, however, things were a little different. A bag from this time period will have a date code that works like this: two letters followed by the month of manufacturing and year it was made. 

Back in the early 80s, meanwhile, numbers came first, followed by the letters. There might be three or four numbers, followed by two letters on a Louis Vuitton handbag made at this time.

Since counterfeit pieces may try to replicate this information, be sure you know what else to look for to ensure all the elements are aligned.

STITCHING

As you’d expect, the stitches on any genuine item by Louis Vuitton are even and regular in size and sequence. It’s worth noting that the number of stitches on either side of a Louis Vuitton bag’s handle should also be even on both sides. 

FAKE VS REAL

There’s a whole catalog of badly displayed information to look out for, too. For instance, the following are all gleaming red flags: a short L in the LV logo, or a particularly round take on the O. The double Ts shouldn’t be too close together and your Louis Vuitton bag should never be on sale. That’s right, Louis Vuitton does not offer markdowns, no matter what time of year it is.

Louis Vuitton bags are made with one huge piece of canvas and so don’t have seams. There are some exceptions, though, and when there is a seam, those styles will feature upside down symbols on the inside. 

AN OVERVIEW

*Look for quality materials

*Louis Vuitton trims are made with Vachetta leather that ages beautifully over time

*The monogram is consistent and even

*Tags are never attached the bag, always placed in the box

*Hardware is imprinted with the brand logo

*Your bag will come in a soft dust bag with the LV logo in the center of it

*Many fake bags come with extra accessories

*There should be 5 mustard-yellow stitches at the base of the handle

*Stitching will not be sloppy or loose

*The lettering will be even. The ‘L’ shouldn’t be too short and ‘O’ shouldn’t be too round. 

*Real Louis Vuitton handbags do not come with authenticity cards

*Check for a date code

WHERE TO BUY LOUIS VUITTON BAGS

Call us biased, but your first port of call should always be ModeSens. Why? We only feature authenticated Louis Vuitton handbags and products on our site. If you are able to visit a store in person, however, going to a Louis Vuitton store will always ensure you find the genuine article. You may even be able to take a pre-purchased bag there with you and ask them to let you know if it’s real. Good luck!