10 Ways on How to Spot a Fake LV Louis Vuitton (with Photos)

Louis Vuitton does not discount.

Louis Vuitton does not have outlets, or seconds or irregulars.

Louis Vuitton does not wholesale.

What does knowing this information on the company tell you?

What is it “supposed” to be lined in?  Should it have feet?  What does the base look like?  Should it have a d-ring inside?  Where?  Does it have a date code? Should it? Where?You can check the Vuitton website or your local boutique for this information… you can also purchase more detailed guides here on eBay that include such details…  For example:  If it is supposed to be lined in brown cotton canvas, it needs to be lined in brown cotton canvas.  There have never been brown suede linings- even in the vintage pieces.  Alcantara kind of looks like a suede-y material, but it isn’t suede and although is found in a greyish mushroomy color, it isn’t found in dark brown.  A Speedy of any age should have brown cotton canvas lining, so if you see any other lining- you know it isn’t authentic.

Louis Vuitton has been in production since 1854!  Their style is classic, and quality- phenomenal! The traditional Monogram Toile canvas that is so popular today- had its beginnings in 1896.  The monogram itself can give clues as to authenticity.  Louis Vuitton is very careful about the way that the monogram is placed on any piece.  Most of its styles are the same today as they were when they first came out- with a few exceptions.  The actual LV monogram is usually (with the exception of some vintage pieces) symetrical from side to side in all monogram styles (traditional, Multicolore, Cerises, Mini mono, Vernis etc.)

Louis Vuitton is very careful with it’s stitching.  Stitching should be very even and regular.  The same number of stitches will be found in similar locations on similar bags… for example the leather tab that the handle attaches onto on any size monogram Speedy bag will always have 5 regular, even stitches across the top

While vintage pieces follow most of the rules that I discuss in this guide, there are definite differences in vintage pieces.  For example, all French Company pieces vary slightly… so if you are looking at a French Company Vintage Vuitton piece, it may differ a bit.  For instance, the FC Speedy 30 does NOT always have 5 stitches across the top, does NOT have upside down LVs on one side, and does NOT have Louis Vuitton embossed in the hardware.  I’m currently writing a guide to help with these vintage gems- so watch out for it.

Made in Spain?  Yes, while it is true that authentic Louis Vuitton is made in France, for over 25 years, Louis Vuitton has also produced bags in the USA, Spain, Germany and Italy.  It is not true that a Louis Vuitton bag has to be marked “Made in France” to be authentic.  Here is the embossed markings of an authentic Louis Vuitton bucket bag, Made in the USA:

People email me all the time about this one… Some styles of authentic Louis Vuitton WILL have “upside down” LVs on the backside.  The reason for this is that Louis Vuitton uses one continuous piece of leather that wraps around from the front to back, without a seam on the bottom- and so, the backside has upside down logos.  This is true on the Speedy styles (except French Company Speedys), the Keepalls, Papillons, and some similar styles.  Most monogram pieces (any piece with a separate piece of canvas or leather on the bottom) will have the LVs rightside up on both sides.

It is true that many older fake bags had patches on the interior and exterior that simply were never there on authentic versions.

Louis Vuitton uses a very specific font.  I’ve noticed that a few counterfieters have begun to do a better job at knocking it off…Notice the VERY round “O”s.

They have done an incredible job at keeping their brand’s value at a prestigious level.  One of the reasons that they have been able to do this is by not discounting.

There is no such thing as a Louis Vuitton sale- even at a boutique or Neiman Marcus (or Saks, Nordstrom etc.)   They just don’t do it… ever!  There are no end of the year sales, no sample sales… no sales period.

Never.  If you return a purse that is irregular for any reason, they’ll usually take it back, but they will not discount it and then resell it.  They will simply destroy the bag.  There are no outlet stores for “last year’s models.”

Ever.  Period.  End of story.  The only places where you can buy brand new authentic Louis Vuitton are in a Louis Vuitton boutique, on eluxury, or from one of a limited number of highend department stores that have mini boutiques inside (ie: Saks or Neimans) that are under the exclusive control of LV.  There is NO wholesale distribution of Louis Vuitton at all.

Many sellers of authentic LV here on eBay DO sell bran new, never used, tags included etc. Louis Vuitton items, but these are often limited edition, wait list only pieces, that usually sell for MORE than retail.  Occasionally, a seller will sacrifice a bag like this for just under retail, but that is clearly the exception to the rule.  You simply will not find a brand new authentic Louis Vuitton bag on eBay for much less than 15% off retail (and even that is rare).

Here are several photos that can help guide you on spotting an authentic LV Louis Vuitton from a fake one.

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