How can I tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine?
The stamp, the leather, the stitching... With these simple tips, you can quickly tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine, which is one of the most important questions when buying a luxury bag.
When we think of luxury fashion, one of the first brands that comes to mind is the French house of Louis Vuitton. Their pieces are true works of art, and let's be honest, who hasn't dreamed of owning a bag from this brand? If it's time for you to get your hands on such a treasure, but you're afraid of being ripped off, you've come to the right place. We'll tell you how to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine.
As it is such a coveted and valuable brand, counterfeits are commonplace. The replicas are becoming increasingly elaborate, often making us hesitate. And if you want to buy one from another private individual, we'll tell you how to verify the authenticity of your Louis Vuitton bag. Don't get carried away by the desire to have one at all costs, but examine the bag carefully before making a decision. There are a few details to look out for, so don't hesitate to take your time. Let's talk about how you can recognize an original Louis Vuitton bag for women that is second-hand. Even if the bag looks authentic at first glance, it's always the details that give it away.
How to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine: 7 details
Look out for these 7 details to tell if the Louis Vuitton bag you have in front of you is fake or genuine:
1. The Louis Vuitton seal
All bags from this brand bear their stamp. To find out whether your Louis Vuitton bag is genuine, the first thing you should look for is a small leather rectangle engraved with the brand name. Make sure that “Louis Vuitton” is spelled correctly and that all the letters are in the right order. The letters must be clearly legible and free of spelling mistakes. The “O”s are always very rounded, and there should be a small gap between the upper lines of the two “T”s; they never touch. Keep in mind that everything on this stamp appears in capital letters except for “Made in France.” The latter is not always the case, as some bags are imported, but that does not mean they are counterfeit.
2. Check Louis Vuitton authenticity with the code
Models manufactured from 1980 onwards always bear the date of manufacture, whereas earlier models do not. The date of manufacture is usually located on one of the sides of the bag, next to the seam. It is a small piece of leather with a combination of codes and letters indicating the date and place of manufacture. If you still have doubts despite the date on your bag, you can search for the place of manufacture on the internet to check whether the Louis Vuitton bag has a date code list.
3. Metal accessories
Zippers and metal parts are proof that a Louis Vuitton bag is fake or original. They are always gold-plated, and the zippers and some other metal elements are stamped with the brand name. It should clearly say “Louis Vuitton” or, in some cases, the “LV” logo, but always in a clear form. The metal must be flawless and immaculate. It goes without saying that plastic is a sign of a fake.
4. The seams
The workmanship is important. Details like these can help you tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is genuine. The seams must be perfect: straight, without excess threads or irregularities. Never accept a bag that has glue on the edges or irregular seams. Keep in mind that these tips will help you if you are wondering how to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is fake or not.
5. The inside of the bag
If you are still unsure whether a Louis Vuitton bag is fake or genuine, take a close look at the inner lining. This detail is often neglected in fake Louis Vuitton bags. In an authentic bag, the inside of the bag is always lined with fabric that should be as perfect as the outside. The quality of the fabric reveals its authenticity. There should be no interrupted prints, lines, or other inappropriate patterns. In addition, the prints should always be straight and symmetrical.
6. The microchip
Starting in March 2021, bags from the French brand will be equipped with a microchip for authenticity verification. However, Louis Vuitton is not the first brand to use microchips to prevent counterfeiting. This system contains all the information about the bag: date of manufacture, place of manufacture, exporter (if applicable), model, price, and the store where it was sold. Even the name of the person who bought it is included. These microchips can be read by a mobile app that only Louis Vuitton employees have access to. So if you have serious doubts, you will need to go to one of their stores and have it checked.
7. In the case of vintage bags
Bags that are many years old can have different characteristics. Keep in mind that bags manufactured before 1980 do not have a date of manufacture and, of course, no microchip. But they do have the brand stamp, so don't hesitate to look for it. The fabric, lining, seams, and metal elements should also look perfect despite their age. If the bag is original, it will not be damaged. The only thing that may change over the years is the appearance of the leather handles. Leather ages and usually turns dark brown or even reddish. This is very common, and if the leather has not aged or looks too “new,” this is a reason to be suspicious of antique or vintage bags.
How to tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is fake
First and foremost, it is important to remember that these bags are handmade by artisans. That is why they are so expensive and of such high quality. We have to be realistic: this work has to be paid for. That's why you shouldn't rely on exorbitantly low prices, unless the store offers a guarantee. The only way to buy an original Louis Vuitton bag at a reasonable price is to buy it second-hand. You won't find any other way to get a handbag from this brand at a reasonable price.
At Micolet, you will find affordable bags for women, including original ones. Micolet is a second-hand online store where you can find real gems like these. You can find discounts of up to 90%, which is unthinkable in other stores. The best thing about Micolet is that all garments are checked by hand by a team of experts. That's why it offers a guarantee of authenticity for bags like these. You can buy with complete confidence.
But apart from the price, let's talk about quality. Always throw away any bags where you see plastic, poorly sewn seams, irregular lines, discolored metal, or glue anywhere. Everything should be perfect, and the high quality of the materials should be obvious. Even the smallest details, such as the seams, can give away a fake. Even if they seem insignificant, don't hesitate to check these details very carefully.
Above all, if you want to buy such a masterpiece, you should always choose trustworthy websites. With all this information, you now know how to recognize an original Louis Vuitton product. Enjoy your purchase!
