With the growing popularity of peer-to-peer selling platforms such as Vinted or Leboncoin, more and more of you are probably buying pre-owned designer bags.
Counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags are extremely common on the market, and some are even offered for sale as authentic items.
To help you avoid being misled when shopping, our experts will explain how to distinguish a genuine Louis Vuitton bag from a counterfeit!
In recent years, there have also been counterfeits that use genuine components on certain parts of the product, making them particularly difficult to identify.
It is therefore not enough to check just one detail: many elements need to be examined. Let us go through them together, step by step!
Feel free to compare this information with your own Louis Vuitton bag.
Manufacturing Number (Serial Number)
When determining whether a Louis Vuitton bag is authentic or counterfeit, one of the first things to check is the manufacturing number (serial number).
At Louis Vuitton, this number is engraved or printed on bags and wallets. In many cases, it makes it relatively easy to identify a counterfeit.
※ Some accessories, such as bracelets or key rings, may not have a manufacturing number even when they are genuine Louis Vuitton products. In addition, within the same model, some examples may have a manufacturing number while others do not.
Points to Check When Authenticating the Serial Number
1. Check the arrangement of the letters and numbers, as well as the number of digits
2. Check that the engraving depth is consistent
3. Check that the typeface is regular and properly formed
Characteristics of a Genuine Serial Number
The manufacturing numbers found on genuine Louis Vuitton items follow certain rules regarding the arrangement of letters and numbers and the number of digits.
The manufacturing number generally consists of "2 letters indicating the country of manufacture + 4 digits corresponding to the year and month of manufacture".
Examples: TH0021, OR3368, SD884
You should also pay attention to the shape of the letters and the typeface used.
As a general rule, the number consists of 2 letters followed by 4 digits. However, there are exceptions. For more details, see our article "Complete guide to understanding Louis Vuitton manufacturing numbers (serial numbers): how to read them and what do they mean?" .
The two letters "FO" indicate that the item was made in Italy, while the four digits "3029" indicate that it was made during the 32nd week of 2009.
The engraving depth is consistent, and the digits are perfectly clear and regular.
Here too, the two letters "SP" indicate that the item was made in France, while the four digits "5110" indicate that it was made during the 51st week of 2010.
Characteristics of a Fake Louis Vuitton Serial Number
Errors can vary from one counterfeit to another: an incorrect number of letters or digits, an inconsistent character order, and so on.
※ Depending on the material of the item, the serial number may also become worn away or difficult to read over time. In this case, authenticity must be assessed using elements other than the serial number.
References such as "N40579" or "M68152", which do not meet these criteria, should be considered non-compliant.
There is no manufacturing number consisting of a single letter followed by five digits.
※ Made-to-order Louis Vuitton items may, however, contain three letters in their manufacturing number.
The shapes of the digits "0" and "6" are distorted. Even the two "6" digits have different shapes.
An irregular or poorly executed typeface is another characteristic frequently seen on non-compliant items.
Brand Logo
The Louis Vuitton logo is also an essential element to check when determining the authenticity of an item.
The logo is, in a sense, the face of the brand. Therefore, when the logo printing, typeface or alignment appears poorly executed, there is a strong possibility that the item is counterfeit.
In addition, as shown in the blue circle, the "O" on an authentic item has a shape close to a circle.
By contrast, in the red circle, the "O" is noticeably more elongated vertically, creating an obvious difference. Make sure you examine the shape of the typeface carefully.
Points to Check When Authenticating the Brand Logo
4. Check that the logo is perfectly straight and neatly executed
5. Check the typeface used
6. Check that the letter "O" is close to a round shape and is not vertically elongated
7. Check that the engraving is not crushed or distorted
8. Check that the logo does not overlap the stitching or other construction elements
Characteristics of a Genuine Louis Vuitton Logo
Characteristics of a Fake Louis Vuitton Logo
Overall, the logo is very poorly executed and some letters are distorted or crushed.
Some letters are joined to the surrounding letters, while the space inside the "e" is completely crushed and has disappeared.
An authentic Louis Vuitton logo never displays this type of defect.
The marking is far too sharp and heavily stamped. The "L" and "N" in "LOUIS VUITTON" overlap the stitching.
On an authentic bag, it is extremely rare for the logo to overlap the stitching.
The typeface used for "made in France" is also irregular and heavily distorted.
Rivets and Metal Hardware
Metal hardware is one of the elements showing some of the most significant differences between an authentic bag and a counterfeit.
Let us examine these details more closely.
Points to Check When Authenticating Rivets
9. Check whether the rivet has a three-dimensional relief
10. Check whether the engraving is clear and neatly executed
11. Check the appearance and intensity of the rivet's shine
12. Check that the rivet does not overlap the stitching or other construction elements
Characteristics of Authentic Rivets
Louis Vuitton uses many types of rivets, but they generally have the following characteristics:
・A clearly defined relief
・A clear and carefully executed "LOUIS VUITTON" engraving
※ The appearance of the shine is also distinctive. Rivets on counterfeit bags tend to be very shiny and strongly reflect the light, whereas authentic rivets generally have a more subtle, slightly satin-like shine.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Rivets
Compared with an authentic model, the rivet lacks relief and appears flattened.
The "LOUIS VUITTON" typeface is also crushed and lacks clarity. The rivet overlaps the stitching.
The "LOUIS VUITTON" typeface is crushed and lacks clarity.
Although it is difficult to distinguish in the image, the colour of the metal hardware is much shinier than on an authentic model.
Unlike the appearance of cheap metal plating, Louis Vuitton hardware has a distinctive colour and finish.
The Louis Vuitton Metal Clasp
The clasp is another element that can make it relatively easy to distinguish an authentic bag from a counterfeit.
On the authentic model, the contact surfaces shown by the blue circle fit together perfectly. By contrast, on the non-compliant model, the parts indicated by the red circle clearly do not fit together properly.
Points to Check When Authenticating the Clasp
13. Check that the contact surfaces fit together perfectly
14. Check that the plating is carefully applied down to the smallest details
15. Check that the construction is sturdy and carefully finished
16. Check that the engraving does not appear too flat or lack relief
Characteristics of an Authentic Clasp
Because it is a component subjected to significant stress, an authentic clasp is carefully and robustly designed to ensure durability.
The contact surfaces are designed to fit together perfectly.
The plating is also carefully applied, down to the smallest details.
Characteristics of a Counterfeit Clasp
On counterfeits, the raised and recessed areas of the clasp's contact surfaces are often poorly made: some pieces show major irregularities, while others have no relief at all.
As with other metal components, the plating is often applied unevenly and has a very rough finish.
The contact surfaces are misaligned.
The engraving is also too flat and lacks relief, clearly distinguishing it from that of an authentic model.
The area circled in red is more square than that of an authentic clasp.
On a genuine Louis Vuitton clasp, the contact surface circled in blue has raised and recessed sections. By contrast, on this non-compliant clasp, the area circled in red has no relief at all.
Zipper Hardware
The metal zipper slider is a particularly important element for detecting sophisticated counterfeits, sometimes referred to as "super copies".
The plating on authentic Louis Vuitton metal components is applied evenly and carefully. By contrast, non-compliant items often show slight irregularities when examined closely.
You may also notice a recessed area around the "LOUIS VUITTON" engraving.
Points to Check When Authenticating Zipper Hardware
17. Check that the plating is even and free from irregularities
18. Check that there is no recessed area around the brand name engraving
19. Check that the thickness of the LV logo lines is clearly differentiated
20. Check the quality and precision of the engraving
Characteristics of Authentic Louis Vuitton Zipper Hardware
In the area circled in blue, the thickness of the logo lines is clearly differentiated.
The plating is also perfectly even, with no irregularities.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Zipper Hardware
The engraving is poorly executed and the surface around the letters is recessed.
The plating is poorly applied and has an uneven, inconsistent appearance.
Some parts of the logo should originally have different line thicknesses.
On closer inspection, you can also see that the plating has not been applied evenly and shows irregularities.
The plating on an authentic item is applied perfectly evenly: components showing this type of irregularity do not exist.
The quality and uniformity of the plating are therefore particularly important points to check.
Even when the plating is applied evenly, many items may still be considered non-compliant.
On the zipper hardware shown in the image above, the plating is clean and even. However, the "LOUIS VUITTON" engraving is rough and the surface around the engraving is recessed.
Authentic Louis Vuitton metal hardware does not feature engraving with this type of distortion or recessed plating around the letters.
Metal Snap Buttons
The buttons found on items such as card holders and key cases are relatively easy elements to examine when distinguishing an authentic item from a counterfeit.
Points to Check When Authenticating Metal Snap Buttons
21. Check the shape of the tip of the raised section
22. Check the position of the two prongs inside the recessed section
Characteristics of an Authentic Snap Button
On the raised part of the button, the tip has a triangular, mushroom-like shape.
Regarding the recessed section of the button, the two prongs inside are positioned so that they extend from the letters "O" and "I" in "LOUIS" to the letters "U" and "O" in "VUITTON".
Characteristics of a Counterfeit Snap Button
The shape differs from that of an authentic button.
On the most common non-compliant buttons, the raised section has a rounded tip instead of a triangular one.
The two prongs inside are positioned differently from those of an authentic button.
The "C"-Shaped Marking on Monogram Canvas
Points to Check When Authenticating the "C"-Shaped Marking on Monogram Canvas
23. Check for the presence of a small "C"-shaped raised mark on the surface of the canvas
Characteristics of the Genuine "C" Marking
When examining Monogram canvas carefully, you can see slight raised and recessed areas. Among them is a small "C"-shaped raised mark known as the "C marking".
This marking is very difficult to spot. Therefore, the absence of a "C" marking alone is not enough to conclude that an item is counterfeit: it should simply be considered one of the elements used when assessing authenticity.
In addition, the "C"-shaped markings are distributed at regular intervals across the Monogram canvas.
Dots on the Shape of the "S" in the Damier Pattern
Points to Check When Authenticating the "S"-Shaped Dots on Louis Vuitton Damier Bags
24. Check whether the end of the letter "S" in the word "PARIS" in the logo is interrupted and forms a small dot.
On authentic Damier bags, the end of the letter "S" in "PARIS" may sometimes have a break that creates a small dot.
※ Some non-compliant items may also feature this small dot.
Stitching
Stitching is another particularly important element when identifying a non-compliant item.
Points to Check When Authenticating the Stitching
25. The spacing between stitches
26. The thickness of the thread
27. Check that the stitching is not messy or irregular
28. The angle of each stitch
Characteristics of Authentic Stitching
The stitching on an authentic bag is strong and carefully executed.
Even though the section at the far right shows a few slight irregularities, this level of finishing remains perfectly acceptable.
When examining the stitching on an authentic item carefully, you can see that each stitch has a slight angle.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Stitching
On this counterfeit bag, the thread is thinner and the spacing between the stitches is much wider.
In addition, some stitches extend beyond the line and look messy and irregular.
This type of stitching is not found on an authentic Louis Vuitton bag.
The stitching on this counterfeit bag is also poorly executed.
You can clearly see loose threads and irregular spacing between the stitches.
Edge Paint Application
The finishing of the edges is another important element for distinguishing an authentic bag from a fake.
The two images above show the edge finishing on the handles of the Neverfull, a very popular iconic bag. By comparing them, you can clearly see certain differences.
Characteristics frequently seen on fake bags include:
- An edge finishing layer that is too thick
- An edge colour that is too red
Let us examine these two points in more detail.
Points to Check When Authenticating Edge Finishing
29. Check the thickness of the finish applied to the edges
30. Check the colour of the edge finish
31. Check that the finish is even and free from irregularities
Characteristics of the Edge Finishing on a Genuine Louis Vuitton Bag
Here is the handle of an authentic Damier bag: the edge finish is applied thinly, evenly and carefully, with no irregularities.
Here is part of the shoulder strap of an authentic Monogram bag. The edge finish is also applied thinly and evenly, with no irregularities. Its colour is dark brown.
Characteristics of the Edge Finishing on a Fake Bag
Here is the handle of an Idylle bag considered fake. Compared with the edge finishing of an authentic handle, the layer applied to the edges is clearly much thicker.
Here is part of the shoulder strap of a Monogram bag considered fake. Compared with an authentic bag, the edge finish has a redder colour, a thicker layer and an irregular, poorly finished appearance.
※ Some items, such as wallets and key cases, may nevertheless feature a thicker edge finish.
Natural Leather (Vachetta)
Natural leather is another element to examine when determining the authenticity of an item.
However, identifying it is particularly difficult because many counterfeits also use genuine natural leather.
- The colour may change with ageing and oxidation.
- Some items whose surface has been sanded or rubbed, particularly with an eraser, are found on the market.
- On older authentic items, the natural leather may have been manufactured differently from the leather used today.
Points to Check When Authenticating Natural Leather
32. Check that the leather surface does not look dry or dehydrated.
Characteristics of Authentic Natural Leather
Even after ageing and changing colour, authentic natural leather retains a supple, slightly satin-like surface.
Characteristics of Counterfeit Natural Leather
This counterfeit natural leather may look identical at first glance, but its surface appears drier and rougher than authentic leather.
The Padlock
The padlock can also help distinguish an authentic bag from a counterfeit. Let us examine the different points to check.
Points to Check When Authenticating the Padlock
33. Check that the logo engraving is clear and carefully executed
34. Check that the engraving depth is consistent
35. Check that the logo shows no distortion or crushing
Characteristics of an Authentic Padlock
The "LV" logo is engraved clearly, precisely and carefully.
On the back, the depth of the logo engraving is also consistent, with no distorted or crushed letters, and the marking is clear and carefully executed.
Characteristics of a Counterfeit Padlock
On this padlock considered non-compliant, close examination reveals that the part of the logo circled in red is distorted.
On the back, there are obvious differences in the depth of the engraving, and some letters in the "R" trademark symbol and the words "MADE IN FRANCE" are also crushed in places.
※ Even with gold-coloured padlocks, caution is required: some models are made not only from brass but also from stainless steel.
Materials Used Inside
Some counterfeits have an exterior that is made extremely carefully.
Even in such cases, the interior is often poorly made. It is therefore important to examine the inside carefully when determining a bag's authenticity!
Points to Check When Authenticating Interior Materials
36. The texture and quality of the material
37. Check that the leather is properly secured
38. Check for any deformation or peeling
39. Check that the fabric is not excessively soft
Characteristics of Interior Materials on an Authentic Bag
Here is the interior of a genuine Louis Vuitton bag.
The leather is securely attached, does not peel away and shows no deformation.
This is an interior material commonly found in Damier bags and denim bags.It is slightly flexible, but the area around the pocket remains sufficiently rigid and properly structured.
Characteristics of Interior Materials on a Counterfeit
Here is a bag considered counterfeit: the interior material is peeling away and the interior shows signs of deformation.Even on some authentic bags, the interior material may begin to peel away, but it is still a point that requires particular attention!
This is a material frequently found inside Damier bags and denim bags.
On an authentic bag, the material is rigid and sufficiently structured to prevent deformation.
On this bag considered fake, however, the material is extremely soft, almost like a towel, and can easily be turned inside out as shown in the image.
The area around the pocket is also very soft.
※ Even on an authentic bag, it may be possible to turn the interior material inside out, but it remains sufficiently rigid and does not turn over as easily as shown in the image.
Glue Marks and Excess Glue
Points to Check When Authenticating Glue Marks
40. Check that the glue does not overflow or show signs of seepage
Excess glue is particularly common on bags considered non-compliant.
Authentic bags are made with great care. It is therefore very rare for a bag to show glue that is seeping out or overflowing.
A bag showing excess glue should therefore be examined particularly carefully.
※ Depending on the model, particularly the Pochette Twin, some authentic bags may also show excess glue due to material deterioration over time.
Creases on Natural Leather (Vachetta) Handles
Points to Check When Authenticating Creases in the Natural Leather Handles
41. Check for the absence of creases on the inner side of the handle
Even over time, the natural leather handles of an authentic Louis Vuitton bag do not develop creases like those visible in the counterfeit photo.
Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are designed to withstand prolonged use. The natural leather therefore does not crease in this way, even after many years of use.
Screws
Points to Check When Authenticating Screws
42. The presence of Phillips-head screws is a sign of a counterfeit
Authentic Louis Vuitton items do not use Phillips-head screws.
If a bag contains Phillips-head screws, it should be considered counterfeit.
The Colour of Monogram Canvas
Points to Check When Authenticating the Colour of Monogram Canvas
43. Non-compliant items have a slightly greener tint than authentic models
44. The Monogram pattern on non-compliant items is slightly darker
The colour of the Monogram canvas on non-compliant items also has certain distinctive characteristics.
It can be difficult to judge from a photo alone, but compared with an authentic model, the canvas has a greener tint and the Monogram patterns appear darker.
Stitching at the Base of the Handles
Points to Check When Authenticating the Base of the Handles
45. Check for a raised, padded appearance at the base of the handle
The area at the base of a bag's handles also has certain distinctive characteristics.
On an authentic Louis Vuitton bag, this area is well padded on the inside and has a certain amount of volume.
By contrast, on a non-compliant bag, the base of the handle is often hollow and lacks this raised appearance.
Summary
As a general rule, authentic bags are made with great care down to the smallest detail, whereas counterfeits often have a more careless finish!
Therefore, by examining the details carefully, you can see that authentic bags are made with a strong focus on quality and great attention to even the smallest elements.
By contrast, counterfeits often have a careless finish. Even if the differences can be difficult to spot at first glance, careful examination generally makes it possible to distinguish them.
However, some authentic Louis Vuitton bags may appear suspicious because of their year of manufacture, wear, scratches or other signs of ageing, even when they are exactly the same model.
Some counterfeits are extremely well made and very close to authentic models. It is therefore often impossible to determine a bag's authenticity based on a single element.
Carefully examine all elements, including manufacturing quality, materials, metal hardware, engravings and more, then assess authenticity as a whole!
Frequently Asked Questions About Authenticating Louis Vuitton Items
After reading this article, is it possible to identify all Louis Vuitton counterfeits?
It is difficult to identify every counterfeit, but it is possible to recognise a large number of them.
New counterfeits appear constantly, making authentication increasingly difficult, which is why we recommend using our Secondement authentication service.
Can someone without specialist knowledge distinguish an authentic item from a counterfeit?
It can be difficult to identify all of them, but we believe it is possible to recognise a large number of counterfeits.
Can this article be used to determine whether bags listed on websites such as Vinted or Leboncoin are authentic or counterfeit?
For some bags, yes, while for others it may be more difficult.
It all depends on the photos uploaded by the seller.
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