3 of the Quickest Ways to Authenticate LV

So, you're strolling though your local thrift store when you come upon a bag that looks like Louis Vuitton.  Could it be real?  Could you really have found a bag worth hundreds or even thousands for only a few bucks?

Beginner's Guide to Authenticating Louis Vuitton

Here are 3 quick things you can look for to rule out the obvious Louis Vuitton fakes. 

Please keep in mind that there are always exceptions to every rule and getting your bag professionally authenticated is always best.

Is my Louis Vuitton Real or Fake?

1) QUALITY

First look at the overall quality. While there may be imperfections here and there depending on where and when it was made - the overall quality of authentic LV should be good and should be reflective of a luxury brand.  

So, plastic looking parts and sloppy paint jobs should not be present. Good quality also includes proper alignment of the monogram pattern. Louis Vuitton artisans will line up the monogram pattern as cleanly as possible on their items.
Pics below are examples of how bad the quality of some LV fakes can be.

2) HEAT STAMP

The second thing to look at is the heat stamp (where it says Louis Vuitton made in...). 

The O’s in Louis Vuitton should be quite round.  If it looks like L0UIS VUITT0N (as opposed to LOUIS VUITTON) it’s probably fake.

Also, look at the registered trademark symbol - the circle with the R in it above LOUIS VUITTON.  The general rule is - the circle should be smaller than the O’s in Louis and Vuitton.

Below are some examples of fake heat stamps that stand out.

3) PAPER CARDS

Third is the dreaded yellow card.  These 'authenticity cards' don't come with real Louis Vuitton.  If you see one of these cards included with the sale then the item is most likely fake. 

Below are examples of these fake LV cards.

You've checked all these things and you are still curious if you have a fake bag? Check out part 2 of quick authentication and/or have your bag professionally authenticated by Authentic Street.

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