Is your Louis Vuitton Handbag Genuine Or Fake?

It is time to recognize brands like Louis Vuitton for their legendary pieces and for the effort they put into ratifying their merchandise. Ironically, LV is the most counterfeited brand in the world. Counterfeiting is also so rampant because most of us (read #louisvuittonlovers and #louisvuittondreamers) cannot distinguish between a fake and an original. We also fail to notice that LVs are never sold and that certain details (like damaged or stolen products cannot be resold locally), are meant to make a product a Louis Vuitton. This is just a small part of what you need to know in order to ensure that your Louis Vuitton purchase is authentic. But how do you go about it? Continue reading to learn more.

How to tell if you have an authentic Louis Vuitton

To avoid embarrassment and save money, there are some basic brand concepts that we should know. This information is not necessarily for authenticating agencies. These are the four easiest ways to determine if your Louis Vuitton is authentic.

• Material

Louis Vuitton only uses the highest quality materials. This is evident. If you see a bag that isn’t right, it means something is wrong. Trust your gut. It’s a complicated situation to buy online. Don’t pay full price unless you have the bag. Ask for additional photos. Damier Ebene, Monogram canvas and Damier Azur are the signature materials. They are all great for handbags as they are durable, waterproof and easy to clean. Louis Vuitton Empreinte Leather was first introduced in 2010. It was a huge success. The classics are also available in Monogram Vernis Leather and Electric Leather. These are questions to ask if you’re buying merchandise from a retailer. You will find the answer.

• Hardware

The best way to determine if a product you are buying is by inspecting its hardware. You will be able to tell if the zippers, etc., have been made from plastic, other fiber materials, or coated with gold. The brand name is also embossed on the product, which counterfeits cannot duplicate as they can’t achieve the same precision with the materials they use and don’t have technology to do so. Louis Vuitton only uses the finest quality hardware, which is always strong, heavy and sturdy. The brand’s unique features include the D-rings cut to match the hardware. They sit perfectly on the leather interlocks and allow for maximum movement.

• Date code

Louis Vuitton’s merchandise also features dare codes, which are a unique feature. They are not the same as most brands’ serial number categorizing. Date codes are an innovative invention. Vintage bags manufactured before 1980 won’t have date codes.

Its newest collection is made up of two letters followed by four numbers. FL2079 is an example of the American factory where it was made. The week it was made (25th week), while the 3rd and 4th numbers are the year.

It used to be two letters, followed by the year and month. The month was represented by the first and third letters, while the year is represented by the second and fourth letters. FA1102 would indicate that it was manufactured in Switzerland in October 2012.

In the 1980s, numbers preceded letters. There were anywhere from three to four numbers followed closely by two letters. If the code is 8211CA, it means it was manufactured in Spain in November 1982.

There are many knockoffs that might attempt to replicate this information. Double-check that the condition of the bag, its design, model, series and hardware are all correct. It might seem like too much work but it is worth it if you’re going to invest in these bags and not just walking into an LV dealer or store.

• Stitches

The stitching on LV bags is consistent, even, and regular. The number of stitches on LV bags is exact on both sides, even at the crevices between the handle tabs. If you are unsure about the stitch finish, count them on each side. This will help to give you a clearer picture.

Another interesting trivia: If you pay attention, you will easily spot a fake.

• The tail of letter ‘L” is very short.
• The letter “O” is quite round.
• The letters of “Ts” should be placed so close together that it looks like they are touching one another.
• Rumours have it that LV bags are made from vinyl. However, they are not. It must be leather.
• Louis Vuitton original merchandise is never sold. You should not buy them unless they are used or part of an older series that is being sold by a seller. You must authenticate the bag before you buy it.
• Louis Vuitton is known for burning all merchandise that has been rejected, so be aware of this too.
• Your handbag will have the interior Louis Vuitton logo embossed. It is concise, clear, and almost perfect. Here are many fake sellers.
• Contrary to popular belief LV bags include upside-down symbols in some models – such as Speedy styles and Papillons.
• Louis Vuitton bags have a single large canvas with no seams, even at the bottom. There are however, some pieces made from a separate canvas and these have the upside-down symbols.
• Louis Vuitton bags and suitcases, as well as any other merchandise, do not come with tags. These tags can be slipped into small pockets within the bag.
• Louis Vuitton bags can be made in France, USA, Spain and Germany.
• Don’t trust sellers who promise to sell you the latest collection if it hasn’t been released. This is a red flag.