Official Guide: Spot FAKE Louis Vuitton Bags (2025)

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Last Updated on janvier 6, 2025 by Ch David

When shopping for a Louis Vuitton bag, it’s so important to authenticate first.

Fortunately, spotting a fake Louis Vuitton purse can be straightforward if you’re aware of key aspects.

How to spot a fake Louis Vuitton bag

The #1 way to spot a fake bag is to check the label stitched inside the bag. It is never correctly replicated, according to our Expert LV Bag Authenticators.

1. Interior label

Authentique : Thicker text, with all letters placed at the same level.
Faux : Text is too thin and the letters are misplaced.

See how the “P” in “PARIS” is too far away from the rest of the letters on the fake bag.

Also, the fake “S” is too thick at the bottom.

Is it too hard? Reach out to our expert LV bag authenticators:

2. Date code

Louis Vuitton Bag Fake Vs Real Date Code

Date Code Verification:
- Before 1980: No date codes.
- 1982 – Mid 1980s: 3- or 4-digit codes representing the year and month (year first).
- Mid – Late 1980s: Introduction of letters for the factory, with the year first, followed by the month.
- 1990 – 2006: Country code letters at the front, with the first and third numbers indicating the month, and the second and fourth the year.
- 2007 – Present (as of 2021): Country code letters, followed by a week-based system (first and third numbers for the week, second and fourth for the year).
Matching the Date Code and ‘Made In’ Stamp:
- Ensure the country indicated by the letters in the date code aligns with the “made in” stamp. If there’s a discrepancy, the bag could be a counterfeit.
Country Codes for Different Regions:
- France: Codes like A0, A1, AA, AR, AS, BA, MI, VI, etc.
- Germany: LP.
- Italy: BC, BO, CE, MA, RC, RE, etc.
- Spain: BC (2015 onwards), CA, LO, LB, GI, etc.
- Switzerland: DI, FA.
- USA: FC, FH, LA, OS, SD, TX, etc.

Remember, if the bag is vintage (pre-1980), it won’t have a date code.

For more recent bags, matching the date code with the “made in” stamp is crucial. Also, familiarize yourself with the specific letter codes for various countries.

3. Handler

Authentique : Thicker, smaller, and generally boxier threads.
Faux : Thinner and longer stitches.

Une mention rapide :

Les étapes que nous avons écrites jusqu'à présent sont les suivantes BEST les moyens d'authentifier cet article
Les étapes suivantes restent des méthodes fiables...
... mais elles s'appliquent aux versions non supérieures des répliques disponibles pour cet article

En cas de doute, nous vous recommandons de revérifier les étapes expliquées ci-dessus.

4. Flap

Louis Vuitton Croisette bag Real vs Fake Stitching

Authentique : Slimmer, more subtle stitching.
Faux : Very thick and boxy threads.

5. Leather

Authentique : Textured, highly-detailed leather.
Faux : Smooth leather with no texture.

We’ve pointed out at this tab since it’s easier to spot this flaw on smaller tabs instead of the entire bag.

6. Bottom

Authentique : Bulkier stitching, with thicker and smaller stitches.
Faux : Thin and long threads.

7. Zipper

Authentique : Thick logo that comes out of the metal.
Faux : The “LV” logo is too thin — it doesn’t come out of the metal as much as the real one.

8. Strap

Authentique : Somewhat slimmer stitches than the fake.
Faux : The stitches are too thick.

On a side note, see how the real stitches are “curlier” and how they curve more than the fake.

9. Lock

Authentique : All letters have the same thickness.
Faux : The right side of the “V” is too thin.

10. Belt

Authentique : All letters are perfectly readable.
Faux : The “N” in “VUITTON” is missing — it should be visible.

11. Keychain

Louis Vuitton Croisette bag Real vs Fake label

Authentique : Thinner letters — all with the same thickness.
Faux : The “LOUIS VUITTON” text is too thick.

12. Chains

Authentique : Powerful golden shine.
Faux : Dull, less shiny color.

13. Buttons

Louis Vuitton Metis Bag Fake Vs Real label

Authentique : Smaller “LOUIS VUITTON” engraving.
Faux : Bigger and wider characters.

14. Initials

You’ll find these on smaller bags like the LV Twist.

Authentique : Shiny and powerful reflection of light.
Faux : Doesn’t reflect light as much as the original.

Online Listings: How to spot fake Louis Vuitton bags

1. Research the Bag

Understand the specific model you’re interested in.
Look for its typical features, including the design, color, hardware, and dimensions.

2. Choose Reputable Sellers

Prefer official Louis Vuitton stores or authorized retailers.
If considering third-party platforms, opt for well-known luxury resale sites with authentication services.

3. Seller Reviews & History

Read customer reviews and check the seller’s history for authenticity and service quality.

4. Verify Authenticity

Look for detailed images of the bag, including the date code, stitching, hardware, and monogram pattern.
Be cautious of sellers who refuse to provide additional photos upon request.