It's important to know that you're getting the real deal when you buy a purse like a Louis Vuitton.The pattern on a Louis Vuitton bag is indicative of its authenticity.Minor details, such as the hardware and stitching, can help you spot a fake or real bag.Before buying a bag, make sure to research the seller to see if they are trustworthy.
Step 1: There is a stamp on the bag.
There is a stamp that says "Louis Vuitton" and "made in France" underneath the bag.If you misplace this stamp, it is likely a fake.The leather of your bag has a stamp pressed into it.Features on the stamp will indicate its authenticity.There is a short leg at the bottom of the Ls.They are larger than the L. Ts and appear to be touching.Lettering is very thin and crisp.
Step 2: Check the bag's date code to see if it matches the stamp.
The date code is located on the top edge of the bag.There should be 2 letters and a 4 digit number in the date code.The week of the year is indicated by the first two numbers in the 4 digit number.There are letters that indicate where the bag was made.The bag is likely a fake if the letters in the date code indicate a different country than the "made in" stamp.If you're looking for a vintage bag, be aware that bags made prior to 1980 don't have a date code.There are many different letter codes to indicate the region of a country that the bag was made in, so you might have to look up the code to figure out if it matches the "made" in stamp.There are different letter codes for different regions of France.
Step 3: The pattern needs to be even throughout the bag.
The bag should have a mirror image of itself going across the bag.If a circle design is cut off on one side, it should be the same point on the other side of the bag.The pattern shouldn't look crooked or at an angle.If the logo is hidden or cut off, it is likely a fake.There are other designs on a Louis Vuitton bag, but the logo will not be cut off on an authentic bag.
Step 4: The back of the bag has upside down LV's.
The logo on the back of the bag should be upside down since Louis Vuitton uses one continuous strip of leather.If the bag was not made from 1 continuous strip or if the LV logos are on both sides, then it is a fake.This only applies to Louis Vuitton bags with the logo on them.It won't be a reliable way to verify your bag if it lacks this.
Step 5: The quality of the bag's hardware is examined.
There should be a gold coating on the hardware.There should be no tarnish on the metal.It should be bright.If the hardware is plastic, it is likely a fake.Clean, precise printing on the hardware is one of the features to look for.You should be able to see the words Louis Vuitton on the bag's hardware features.If the bag has snaps, the logos are printed on them.It is likely a fake if the bag has snaps but no logo.
Step 6: If the bag is vintage, look for a pattern on the handles.
Louis Vuitton's handles will change from a bright white color to a brown or brownish red over time.The leather oxidizes and absorbs oils from the owner as they handle the bag.The change in color is called a patina.It is part of the leather aging process.If you find a bag that is marketed as vintage, it is probably a fake.If the bag was made in the 1990s, the handles should be brown.The bag is a fake if they are still a light tan or white.
Step 7: There are 5 mustard-yellow stitches on each handle.
If the bag has more than 5 stitches or a different color of thread, it's probably a fake.The thread may be a fake if it is brown or black.The stitching should look good.The bag is likely to be a fake if the stitching is sloppy.
Step 8: If it is brown canvas, inspect the interior lining.
Knock-offs line their bags with cheap plastic.An authentic Louis Vuitton is lined with brown canvas.A real Louis Vuitton bag may be lined with other textiles, such as cross-grain leather or microfiber suede.
Step 9: You should research the seller before buying.
If you are buying a bag from an online auction or similar venue, this is important.To find out how other customers have rated their products, check the seller's feedback.Look for sellers who have a lot of positive feedback.Don't sell if you have negative feedback, zero feedback or private feedback.The no return policy indicates that the seller doesn't guarantee the quality of their products.
Step 10: Beware of sellers who offer a bag at a discounted price.
A bag that retails in the hundreds wouldn't sell for less than $100.If the bag you find is new and selling for a low price, it is probably a fake.You can find used Louis Vuitton bags for less than new ones, but they may be more expensive if they are rare.
Step 11: Don't buy bags that are "wholesale" or "closeout" bags.
A seller who claims to have bags from a "wholesale list" is likely to be selling fakes.Louis Vuitton has outlets and sells wholesale.Any seller who says otherwise should not be trusted.The bags that the seller claims to have are likely to be fake.Since the company does not allow street vendors to carry their merchandise, don't buy a Louis Vuitton purse from a street vendor.These bags are not real.