How to Tell a Real Louis Vuitton Bag From a Fake: A Stylish Woman’s Guide
Wondering how to tell a real Louis Vuitton bag from a fake? Discover 7 expert tips from a designer who works with authentic LV canvas every day.
Hi friends—Meredith here!
If you’ve ever fallen in love with a Louis Vuitton bag at a vintage shop, online boutique, or estate sale but found yourself wondering, “Is this real?”—you’re not alone. As the founder of Beaudin, I work with authentic upcycled LV canvas every single day, and I’ve become a bit of a detective when it comes to spotting the real deal.
So whether you’re investing in a designer piece or planning to upcycle your old LV into something new (like our Boujee Belt Bags), here’s my go-to guide for how to tell a real Louis Vuitton bag from a fake.
1. Check the Canvas: Feel Over Flash
Authentic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas is made from coated cotton, not leather. It has a firm, structured feel—not floppy or soft like many dupes. The print should be rich in color, never faded or pixelated, and the monogram should be perfectly aligned and symmetrical across seams and panels.
Pro tip: On classic Speedy bags, the monogram will be upside down on one side—that’s a sign of authenticity! (Lux Second Chance)
2. Inspect the Stitching
Louis Vuitton bags are known for impeccable craftsmanship. You should see evenly spaced stitching using a yellow-mustard colored thread. For example, handles often have exactly five stitches across the tab. Uneven, loose, or inconsistent stitching is a red flag. (Purse Bling)
3. Examine the Heat Stamp Inside
Inside every real Louis Vuitton bag is a small leather tag or lining stamp that reads:
“LOUIS VUITTON / Paris / Made in (country)”
Check the font: the O’s should be round, the T’s nearly touching, and the stamp should be deeply embossed—not just printed. If the country says China, it’s a fake—LV does not manufacture there. (Purse Bling)
4. Look for a Date Code or Microchip
Most LV bags made between the 1980s–2021 include a date code like “FL0064,” which means it was made in France (FL) in the 6th week of 2004. As of 2021, Louis Vuitton has started using microchips instead of codes—so the absence of a code on newer bags isn’t automatically a red flag. (Love That Bag, Real Authentication)
5. Feel the Hardware
Louis Vuitton uses heavy, high-quality brass or gold-tone metal for hardware. Real hardware feels substantial and solid—never light or hollow. The engravings like “LV” or “Louis Vuitton” should be clean and sharp, not blurry or misspelled. Zippers should glide smoothly without catching. (Madison Avenue Couture)
6. Don’t Trust Packaging Alone
Just because a bag comes with a box, receipt, or dust bag doesn’t make it real. Counterfeiters have gotten good at faking accessories too. Always focus on the quality of the bag itself—especially the canvas, stamp, stitching, and hardware. (Lux Second Chance)
7. Use a Professional Authentication Service
If you're unsure, it's worth getting a second opinion. Services like Real Authentication or Pro Authenticators offer expert verification from photos. I’ve used them myself—especially before upcycling vintage pieces into something brand new and beautiful.
Why This Matters
At Beaudin, we believe luxury should be authentic, ethical, and timeless. Every upcycled LV bag in our studio begins with verified authentic canvas. Our mission is to give these designer pieces a second life—while doing good in the world.
Whether you're shopping pre-loved or want to give your LV a second life through our Upcycle My Bag service, now you can confidently spot the real from the rest.
✨ Shop Our Upcycled Louis Vuitton Collection
✨ Want to Upcycle Your Own Bag?
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