Louis Vuitton Guides

Step 1

Low-Quality Materials and Finishes

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are made from premium materials like Monogram Canvas, Damier Ebene, Epi Leather, and Vachetta leather. These materials are durable, with a high-end texture and finish.

Red flags for fakes:

• Plastic-feeling canvas or overly shiny leather

• Rigid or uneven surfaces

• Strong chemical smell

Tip: Real Louis Vuitton canvas has a soft, supple feel with a light leather scent — never rubbery or stiff.

Step 2

Misaligned Monogram Pattern

Louis Vuitton’s iconic monogram pattern is perfectly aligned on authentic bags — even across seams, zippers, and flaps.

What to watch for:

• Cut-off or misaligned LV logos

• Asymmetrical placement

• Upside-down logos on models where they shouldn't be (e.g. Speedy 30)

Remember: Louis Vuitton uses a single canvas piece on some bags, so upside-down logos are expected on some models like the Speedy — but not others.

Step 3

Inaccurate Date Codes or Missing Heat Stamps

Genuine LV bags feature:

• A heat stamp that reads “LOUIS VUITTON Paris” (with “Made in France”, “Spain”, “USA”, or “Italy”)

• A date code (not a serial number) that reflects the bag’s manufacturing week and year

Fake LV bags often:

• Use the wrong date code format

• Misplace the code or make it unreadable

• Have poorly stamped or misspelled logos (e.g. “LOIUS VUITTON”)

Step 4

Cheap Hardware and Zippers

Authentic Louis Vuitton hardware is made of high-quality brass or gold-toned metal, engraved cleanly and polished to a shine.

Counterfeit signs:

• Lightweight or plastic hardware

• Tarnished or peeling finish

• Engraving looks etched, too shallow or uneven

LV zippers are smooth, sturdy, and often engraved with “Louis Vuitton.” Fakes may have generic or off-brand zipper pulls.

Step 5

Poor Stitching Quality

Louis Vuitton bags have impeccable stitching — even, tight, and symmetrical. Authentic models often have:

• A specific number of stitches per handle tab

• Color-accurate thread (often mustard-yellow)

• Zero loose threads or uneven lines

Fake bags often have:

• Sloppy or crooked stitches

• Loose threads

• Wrong thread color

Step 6

Wrong Interior Materials and Tag Details

The inside of a real Louis Vuitton bag is cleanly finished with suede-like Alcantara, canvas, or high-end microfiber.

Warning signs:

• Shiny, plastic-feeling lining

• Incorrect font or alignment on the interior tag

• Missing, blurry, or off-center heat stamps