Designer items are considered guilty pleasures by shoppers—both men and women. One of the most desirable brands that people go crazy about is Louis Vuitton. The brand is well-respected and well-known all over the world for its high-end quality, class, and luxury, which has made it a leader in the industry.
However, because the bags are so coveted and expensive, counterfeiters have produced many fake Louis Vuitton items. So, if you’re planning to purchase your first Louis Vuitton product, it’s best to do your own research prior to purchasing, considering that you’re acquiring more than just an object, rather an investment for your hard-earned money. Or if you already have one and want to verify its genuineness, here are some tips on how you can identify if the item is authentic or not.
1. Check the style, design, or model.
The first step involves determining the model of the bag, as each has its own set of characteristics in terms of size, material, type of lining, design, hardware, and logo placement.
For instance, in checking the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton Neverfull Tote, check if the size matches any of the model’s three available sizes—petite (PM), medium (MM), or grand (GM).
A Neverfull Tote has a monogram canvas striped textile lining in either red, brown, or white, and could be made of five different types of material (Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene Canvas, Damier Azur Canvas, Epi Leather, or Monogram Idylle). Only the genuine Louis Vuitton luggage has the LV Monogram Canvas, which is branded into the product at the factory.
Original brown striped canvas lining for Neverfull
Original red striped canvas lining for Neverfull
Original alcantara lining for Louis Vuitton
For Louis Vuitton Damier, have a close look at the square pattern of the leather. There should be no cutting or ruining in the pattern to have a perfect square pattern.
Left: Fake Louis Vuitton Damier leather; Right: Authentic Louis Vuitton Damier leather
An authentic piece has a Louis Vuitton mark that is detailed and finely embossed.
Well defined and finely embossed logo in the metal works
(Photo Source)
2. Check the sequence and symmetry of the monogram pattern.
The brand is very particular about the sequence and symmetry of its monogram pattern. It must always start and finish with the same symbol—following a mirror-like image, regardless if the area is horizontal, vertical, or crosswise.
Louis Vuitton is likewise known for using one continuous piece of leather that wraps around without a seam on the bottom, causing the backside of the bag to have upside down logos. This style applies to the Speedy, Keepalls, and Papillon models.
Symmetric pattern in all areas
Consistent pattern or logo in sliced design
3. Note the consistency of the stitching and seams.
Louis Vuitton is very meticulous with stitching, normally having seven or eight stitches per inch. Fake ones usually have lesser stitches per inch.
The brand measures the distance from one stitch to another—from end to end. The distance must be equal and even, without back and forth stitching.
Normal number of stitch per inch
4. Administer the Lotus LV Test.
The Lotus LV Test involves checking the lettering used in the Louis Vuitton logo and measuring the width of the letters L, O, and T.
The width of the letter O should be twice the width of the letter L, and these letters usually appear to overlap slightly or share a border.
After administering the LO test, proceed to evaluating the letters T or TT. First to thing to note is that the letters TT shouldn’t be touching, such that these shouldn’t be connected like sharing the letter T’s top line.
Breakdown of the LO letters in the Louis Vuitton stamp
Another set of LO measurement
Noticeable space between TT
(Photo Source)
5. Check for the presence of Date Coding.
All Louis Vuitton bags are coded. Those produced starting the 1990s have codes that consist of two letters followed by four numbers—representing the place and year of manufacture.
For example, a Louis Vuitton handbag made in the USA will have a code that can start with either FC, FH, LA, OS, or SD for Spain-manufactured items, CA, LO, LB, LM, and LW are the possible date codes.
Date code
6. Ask for authentication documents.
Documents prove an item’s authenticity, especially for designer bags.
The official receipt given during the time of purchase, as well as the original dust bag that are both included in the package are some excellent pieces of evidences.
Official receipt
Dustbags
Counterfeiters always try to copy Louis Vuitton’s luxury bags, but the trained eye will know the difference.
A Louis Vuitton piece can be an excellent investment. If you are sure that your Louis Vuitton accessory or bag is the real deal, consider using that investment by either selling it or pawning it in the most convenient way through PawnHero.
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