How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

I have one from so long ago I don't even remember where it came from. I do I tell if it's real or a knockoff?

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

The hardware (those little mushroom top pins) says Luis Vuitton on them.

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

I've also heard that if the LV's are cut off on the seams that it's fake. The letters shouldn't be cut at the edges and each LV should be complete (not an L and half a V). Don't own one though so not sure if that's definitely fact.

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

i dont really know where to begin, there are so many ways but i'll start off with a few tips on the really bad fakes and i'd suggest googling authentication websites because there are a lot out there

crappy fakes dont use real leather (which starts off almost white, oxidizes to a honey color and then can end up brown or almost black from the oil on your hands or dirt if not taken care of well) and instead use plastic that is an unnatural shade of beige.

the stitching on real bags is always even and almost never unravels -- lots of fake bags have bad stitching and if you look it's obvious that it's crappily made

on the multicolore line (white or black with rainbow color symbols) there are 33 colors, no red LV symbols and the LV symbol is never the same color as the symbol diagonal from it

authentic speedy bags have upside down LVs on one side because they are made from one piece of canvas that wraps around. only the vintage ones have a bottom seam and are right side up on both.

authentic pochettes have brown insides, not fake suede, unless they are from the cherry blossom line

the font is LOUIS VUITTON not L0UIS VUITT0N on the leather stamp.

i can go on and on, but if you're looking at a particular bag on ebay or something FM me and I'll take a look. If you're looking to be able to tell when you're out and about, look at the purse forum (google it, forgot the link) or ebay pages from MPRS sellers, and you'll get really good in time.

Even my DH can spot really bad fakes now

Message edited 10/16/2008 6:05:32 PM.

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

example 1

This bag is fake, but actually pretty good for a fake bag in some respects. However, these should tip you off:

1. it's $49 on ioffer, a site known for selling fake merchandise.

2. the multicolore line doesnt have bows on their pochettes, the cherry blossom line does.

3. that weird hang tag is a dead giveaway that the bag is fake -- common in chinatown, never ever ever on the real deal.

The first bag below is a really bad fake. Again a bow, but a crappy one that looks nothing like the bows LV puts on other styles. Also, shows what I mean about the repeating colors. Yuck. that hangtag with the little plastic circle is another giveaway -- LV doesnt put anything on their bags like that. its added onto fakes to make people feel like they must be real bc they come with tags

The last pic is an authentic pochette. Look how there is no bow, and how many different colors there are and how they dont repeat like that

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Message edited 10/16/2008 6:14:45 PM.

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

i just bought one and the LVs are upside down on the style that i have but only on one side b/c they use one piece of leather. i think if you have been to the store enough times you can spot a fake

Message edited 10/16/2008 9:10:20 PM.

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

You buy it straight from Louis Vuitton

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

Posted by SerraMaMa

You buy it straight from Louis Vuitton

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

what everyone else posted and you can usually tell with the color of the bag.

However I have to say as much as I love my speedy 30 and it has taken a beating since I use it everyday, the stitching on one of the handles has come apart, its my fault though I didnt take care of it like I sohlud have so now part of it is off I need to bring it in so that one handle can be replaced but I know I'l have to part with it then for couple of weeks

but as PP said you can usually tell by the stitching. and funny additional tags like in the pic posted is a giveaway

Re: How do you tell if a LV bag is real?

Real LV bags do not have cut off logos-the seams are perfect. The handles also change colors with use. In addition, many are made in USA