Louis Vuitton Bags Authentication Guide
The Louis Vuitton handbags use multiple patterns in their styles, which also vary in their color. This Louis Vuitton authentication guide will cover three of the most popular styles used in the vintage and modern handbags.
The Damier Pattern
This ‘checkerboard’ pattern is widely used in the LV handbag designs, and loved by the bagaholics across the world. There are also several colours, and the example below shows the ‘Damier Ebene’ version.
In order to authenticate a Damier Ebene pattern you need to pay attention to the texture of canvas. Notice how the authentic canvas has a very defined texture, while the fake handbag does not have the grains looking as clear.
Another detail to notice would be the text printing and its quality. In the comparison below, you may notice how the authentic Louis Vuitton logo has its characters looking bulkier, and rather yellow. While the counterfeit LV logo has an orange shade, and the letters are slim.
The Monogram Pattern
This LV monogram canvas is probably one of the most classic and recognisable patterns out there. The replica LV producers have been trying to perfect this pattern for years, yet there are still some flaws that are often present in the counterfeits.
Firstly, the texture, similarly to the previous method, is often gotten wrong. The real Louis Vuitton canvas has a very defined grained texture, as mentioned before.
Secondly, the colors; again, mentioned in the previous method. Make sure that the printing has the right shade, and that the shapes are respected. The replicas are often stopped due to the details of the pattern looking too small or too large.
Another thing to keep in mind is the placement of the details and the spacing between them. Make sure that the pattern is consistent with the model and the size of your handbag.
The Engraved Pattern
When it comes to the monogram pattern that is engraved, the engravings become our direct focus. In the real vs fake Louis Vuitton monogram comparison below, notice how much the quality of the engravings varies. The authentic details look much more pronounced, as those are engraved much deeper into the leather. On the other hand, the replica pattern seems much flatter.
You may also notice that the real leather is much more tumbled compared to that of the counterfeit handbag. Please refer to the comparison below.
The Outer Logo Tag
The outer logo label is another important aspect in the LV bag legit check process, as it offers several details to be verified. Here we will cover four types of outer logo labels and share some tips on how to spot a fake one.
The Ring Logo Tag
This type of the Louis Vuitton logo label is found in the most popular Pochette handbags. Here you must verify the overall look of the label, and make sure that its aspects check out.
Firstly, make sure that the shape of the tab is correct. The replica Louis Vuitton bags often have these tabs looking much slimmer and triangular than they should. Remember that the colors of those tabs may vary depending on the condition of the purse, and the year of its release.
Then, authenticate the stitching and make sure that the right threads are used. An authentic Louis Vuitton purse would use high-quality, thick threads that have the same shade as the tab itself. When it comes to the counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags, the thread used is often too thin.
Additionally, focus on the text found in the tab and see whether the fonts used are correct. One of the most common mistakes made by the counterfeit manufacturers is the incorrect fonts used in the ® symbol, which also makes it look too large.
The Triangular Logo Tag
These triangular logo tags are found in the larger Pochettes, such as the Louis Vuitton Multi Pochette Accessoires. Here, besides the fonts and the overall look of the tag, we should focus on the stitching and the overall look of the tag.
The top yellow stitching found in this tag often looks messy even in the retail Louis Vuitton handbags. However, there is an acceptable level of messiness, which is shown in the authentic example below, and the unacceptable fake flaws. The real Louis Vuitton logo tags often have a double-stitched top, while the replicas tend to miss out on this detail.
Another aspect worth mentioning is the overall look of the tab: its shape and the outline engravings. The authentic tab has an obvious triangular shape, while the rep looks rather round. You should also note the engraved line, which outlines the tag: make sure it is wide enough.
The Base Logo Tag
This method comes in handy when authenticating the Louis Vuitton Alma bag, and other models, which utilise the base logo tab. Again, remember all the key features that must be verified in the logo tabs, which are described above (the stitching, etc.). However, here you must focus on the placement of the text, and the tab’s dimensions.
The replica producers tend to get the size and the dimensions of the tab wrong, resulting in the text being misplaced. In the real vs fake Louis Vuitton bag comparison below, notice how close to the edge the replica text is placed!
The Belt Logo Tag
Here, we are looking at a very rare type of the outer logo tag, which can be found in the Louis Vuitton Montsouris Backpack. Here you must consider all the methods mentioned above: the shape, the fonts, the stitching, and engravings. However, this particular type of a tag allows us to have another helper when trying to figure out whether the item is real or fake.
Notice how the authentic tab below has a rather flat and smooth look to it. Meanwhile, the counterfeit Louis Vuitton backpack has its tab looking inflated. Keep this in mind when utilising the tag method.
Louis Vuitton Bag Authentication
The Inner Logo Label
Another segment of tabs worth verifying are the inner logo labels, that also come in different shapes and sizes. Here, we are focusing on the most widely used type, which is found in most of the medium-sized Louis Vuitton handbags.
Looking at the inner label, firstly, focus on its stitching, and make sure you verify both the pattern and the placement. The authentic stitching is often placed rather close to the edge of the tag, and its corners are sharp. The replica reference below shows how inconsistent the fake stitching may look.
Another important aspect, which applies to all of the text details, is the fonts. Notice how narrow the characters of the replica label are, and now bulky the real letters look.
When the text of the inner label is printed on, our focus remains on the text, as we want to make sure the printing is of the standard quality. A typical giveaway of a fake label is the text looking too thick, which is the case with the ® symbol found in the comparison below.
Similarly, to the ‘Base Logo Tab’ method above, the counterfeit LV bags’ inner labels may have the wrong dimensions, resulting in the misplaced text.
Louis Vuitton Bags
The Date Code
This method is crucial in any Louis Vuitton handbag authentication process, as it involves the date stamp label found inside the item. First, you must understand the meaning of the text found in this label. For the bags released after the 1980s, the first two letters signify the production location, while the numbers specify the date.
The 1st and the 3rd numbers show the week in which the handbag was produced, and the 2nd and the 4th correspond to the year of production. Refer to the list below to understand the meaning of the letters; yet be cautious as some of the letters refer to several locations. The production location is correct when it corresponds to the country specified in one of the logo labels (Spain, Italy, etc.).
When you make sure the date stamp seems to check out, it’s time to verify its design. The replica tags often have their engravings not looking dense enough, which is a definite red flag. What you should also point out is the thickness of this label, as the replicas tend to be thinner.
Louis Vuitton Bags Legitimacy Check
The Lining
The last but not the least method in the Louis Vuitton authentication process is the inner lining verification. Different models use a different kind of lining, yet the team Lexzington has decided to focus on the suede and the canvas types.
The Suede Lining
This material is used in several LV handbags, such as the Louis Vuitton OnTheGo Tote bag. Here you must make sure that the quality of the suede is high, meaning that it is thick and long enough.
The colors are also crucial, as the authentic ones tend to have deeper shades.
The Canvas Lining
This type of lining is used in the LV Neverfull Pochettes, which are one of the most rolled out counterfeit purses out there. Here you must verify the texture of the canvas, as the replicas tend to be much denser. Additionally, make sure that the text is aligned.
So, how do I know if my Louis Vuitton bag is real?
We think, this guide might help you to self authenticate your LV bag. Additionally, the quickest and most reliable way to authenticate your Louis Vuitton bag is to inspect the inner labels. Also, the famous Louis Vuitton pattern may give out a lot of replica models.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
