Louis Vuitton Bags: Authenticity Check, Origin and Materials

Louis Vuitton handbags are symbols of timeless elegance and unparalleled craftsmanship that have been a target for counterfeit reproductions, replicas, and superfakes for as long as they have existed. It’s therefore paramount to ensure that what you are getting is the real deal and as valuable as it appears to be.

In this article, we explore whether Louis Vuitton authenticates its handbags and the available options for verifying their authenticity. We go into detail about self-assessment methods, shedding light on what is and is not an indicator of a genuine Louis Vuitton bag.

We’ll discuss where these iconic bags are made, what materials they’re made of, and their methods of construction to help you know what to expect in a real Louis Vuitton bag.

Where can I check if my Louis Vuitton bag is authentic?

If you want certainty about whether or not your Louis Vuitton bag is authentic, it is best to consult professional authentication services in your local area or an LV leather goods expert. These professionals have in-depth knowledge of the brand’s authentic design elements, production techniques, and security features.

They can conduct a thorough examination of designer bags, taking into account various design details like stitching, hardware, date codes, and overall craftsmanship, to accurately determine a bag’s authenticity. However, be wary of any authentication services that request that you send your bag to them without researching their reputation.

How much does it cost to authenticate a Louis Vuitton bag?

For a basic email evaluation or online authentication service, the average cost is around $15 to $30. Some services may offer more comprehensive authentication reports or written statements, which can cost around $35 to $50. Be aware of any additional shipping or handling costs that may apply.

It’s important to note that the costs may vary based on the level of detail and expertise required for authentication as well as the brand being authenticated. Research the service providers and compare their fees, expertise, and reputation before making a decision.

If you do not want to pay for a professional authentication service, there are some checks that you can perform yourself to give you a good idea of whether your Louis Vuitton bag is fake or real.

Does Louis Vuitton authenticate handbags?

No, Louis Vuitton does not provide an authentication service to verify its handbags. The brand only authenticates handbags that are brought in for repair to assess whether it is a genuine item, but otherwise, they don’t offer a dedicated authentication service, regardless of where or when you purchased it.

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How can you tell if a Louis Vuitton bag is real?

With the rise of counterfeit bags in the market, determining the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton handbag has become essential. If you want to assess the authenticity of a Louis Vuitton bag by yourself, there are some important indicators that must be taken into consideration.

These days, designer handbags have numerous ways to tell if they are real or not, including serial numbers, various codes, authenticity cards, microchips, and aesthetic details. So let’s find out which of these will actually help you authenticate your LV and which of them are a waste of time.

How do I check my Louis Vuitton serial number?

Louis Vuitton does not use and has never used serial numbers to authenticate their bags; instead, LV handbags have used date codes stamped onto the bag’s interior since the 1980s. This date-code system was used until March 1st, 2021. After that, Louis Vuitton switched to an NFC-scannable microchip system.

There is no Louis Vuitton serial number checker, app, tool, or database that can verify an LV bag because there are no serial numbers to check. With the new scannable microchip system, third-party NFC reader applications may be able to display some information about the bag, but most of the information is encrypted and can only be cross-checked and verified by Louis Vuitton.

Do Louis Vuitton vintage bags have serial numbers?

No, vintage Louis Vuitton bags do not have serial numbers. Vintage bags that were made after 1982 have date codes that are normally stamped onto the interior of the bag. If your bag was made prior to 1982, it may not necessarily have a date code; other authentication methods are needed to verify its authenticity.

What if my LV doesn’t have a serial number?

It does not automatically mean that your Louis Vuitton handbag is fake if it does not have a serial number. Louis Vuitton does not give serial numbers to each bag they produce or keep a public database to verify their authenticity. This means you will need to use other methods to verify the authenticity of your LV bag.

What is the code inside a Louis Vuitton bag?

The codes you see can in a Louis Vuitton bag are either date codes, country codes, QR codes or barcodes. While some codes of these codes can be taken into consideration when assessing a bag’s authenticity overall they are not unique to any specific bag and shouldn’t be relied as the only factor to determine is an LV bag is real or not.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have date codes?

Some Louis Vuitton bags have date codes, particularly bags made between 1982 and 2021. Before 1982, date codes were not typically printed on Louis Vuitton bags, and after March 2021, Louis Vuitton discontinued its date code system and replaced it with a microchip verification system instead.

Where do I find the date code on an LV bag?

The most common locations to find a date code in an LV bag include the handle tabs on the inside of the bag, a small leather tab underneath the inside pocket, stamped directly into the lining of the bag or the leather trim, or stamped onto a small leather tag sewn into the side seam of the interior or exterior pockets.

How are Louis Vuitton date codes written?

The date code format for Louis Vuitton handbags has evolved numerous times since their introduction in 1982. The most common written forms include:

• For bags made from 1982 to mid 1980s: Date codes consisted of 3- or 4-digit combinations indicating the year and month of production.
• For bags made from mid-1980s to 1990: Letters representing the factory location were introduced as a separate code, with the first two numbers showing the year and the last 1-2 numbers indicating the month.
• For bags made from 1990 to 2006: Letters representing the country code were moved to the front of the date code. The first and third numbers indicated the month, while the second and fourth numbers represented the year.
• For bags made from 2007 to 2021: The week of manufacturing is represented instead of the month. After the country code letters, the first and third numbers indicate the week, and the second and fourth numbers indicate the year.

It’s essential to be cautious when checking date codes to determine a bag’s authenticity because they are not unique to each bag, and counterfeit bags can easily recreate date codes that seem valid. Seeking the opinion of a professional authentication service can provide more reliable results.

What if my LV bag does not have a date code?

It does not automatically mean that your Louis Vuitton handbag is fake if it does not have a date code. Louis Vuitton date codes were introduced in 1982 and were used until 2021; therefore, if an authentic LV bag was manufactured outside of this date range, it may not contain any date codes at all.

There are no QR codes printed inside or on an authentic Louis Vuitton bag. QR codes may appear on the documentation that comes with the bag, but they are mainly used for internal purposes or can be associated with a particular advertising or promotional campaign. They are not a direct indication of an authentic LV bag.

What if my LV bag does not have a QR code?

It does not automatically mean that your Louis Vuitton handbag is fake if it does not have a QR code. Louis Vuitton does not use QR codes as a method of authentication for the bags it produces. This means you will need to check the bag for other indicators to verify its authenticity.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have barcodes?

There are no barcodes printed inside or on an authentic Louis Vuitton bag. A new Louis Vuitton bag bought at a store may contain a barcode on the product tags, receipts, or packaging that come with it. Therefore, second-hand LV bags may or may not come with a barcode, depending on whether the previous owner has kept it.

Louis Vuitton barcodes are not a reliable method to fully authenticate a handbag. While they can be encoded with data related to the product, they are usually used for internal purposes like managing inventory or tracking sales. The barcode is not unique to each bag but may be used as an indicator of a bag’s authenticity alongside other verification methods.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have price tags?

No, authentic Louis Vuitton bags never have price tags, brand tags or product tags physically attached to the bag. Any product details or codes that relate to the bag’s price or model are either printed on a separate tags or not at all.

Do Louis Vuitton bags come with authenticity cards?

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags do not come with authenticity cards or certificates, whether they are new or old. You may find a cream-colored card with the LV logo, a barcode, and the style number of the bag, but this is not an authenticity card, and if a seller claims to have one, it is likely fake.

What if my LV bag doesn’t have an authenticity card?

It does not automatically mean that your Louis Vuitton handbag is fake if it does not have an authenticity card. Louis Vuitton does not provide authenticity cards with unique information for each bag it produces. This means you will need to check the bag for other indicators to verify its authenticity.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have microchips?

Yes, all Louis Vuitton bags made after March 1st, 2021, contain a Near-Field Communication (NFC) microchip that stores data about the bag. It is now the primary method for authenticating Louis Vuitton bags and can only be fully read by Louis Vuitton sales assistants in-store. 

The chip is so small that it is virtually undetectable to the naked eye unless you know where to find it or if you have an app that can detect it. If you cannot find your chip at all, you may be able to ask a sales assistant at the store to help you locate it.

Where do I find microchips in an LV bag?

The most common locations where you can find the microchip in an LV bag include the inside patch or stamp on the back wall of the bag, the front lining of the bag, or the side seams. Using an NFC app such as NFC Tools on a smartphone to quickly scan the bag may help you locate it more easily.

It’s important to note that the mere presence of a microchip in a Louis Vuitton bag does not automatically guarantee its authenticity. Counterfeiters have started incorporating chips into their fake bags, making them appear legitimate. Louis Vuitton implements a unique digital ID system that is securely stored on a private blockchain, so it’s important to only trust microchip scanning from official Louis Vuitton stores.

What if my LV bag does not have a microchip?

It does not automatically mean that your Louis Vuitton handbag is fake if it does not have a microchip. Louis Vuitton bags made before March 1st, 2021, do not contain microchips, which are used to verify bags made after this date. If your bag does not have a microchip, it may have simply been made before March 2021.

Real Vs Fake Louis Vuitton bags

Assessing the aesthetic details of a Louis Vuitton bag can help you spot the difference between an original and a fake. While it is a good idea to be aware of the signature details that are specific to Louis Vuitton, it is important to note that counterfeit bags are constantly evolving to replicate authentic details and may be hard to detect if you are not a Louis Vuitton expert.

The main differences between real and fake Louis Vuitton bags include the following:

1. Real Louis Vuitton bags are well structured and hold their shape even with nothing inside them. Canvas bags are pliable but stiffer than their fake counterparts.
2. All real Louis Vuitton bags will have good pattern alignment in all corners and seams. Fake bags are often cut or sewn at the wrong angle or are not correctly measured.
3. Authentic LV bags contain high-quality and solid hardware with a smooth zipper closure that does not snag. Fake bags contain hardware that is lightweight and feels like plastic.
4. Genuine Louis Vuitton bags have stitching that is smooth, secure, and executed perfectly, with no fraying threads or loose ends. Fake bags usually have wide stitches with larger perforations and poor alignment.

How can I tell which Louis Vuitton bag I have?

The best way to check which Louis Vuitton bag you have is by checking the model or style number. Use the number to search online, and the corresponding bag should appear in the search or image results. If your bag has a date code, it can help narrow down your search for models that were made around that time.

How do I find the model number of my Louis Vuitton bag?

The model number is printed on the tags, receipts, or packaging that comes with the bag. They are not printed or stamped on the bags themselves.

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Where are real Louis Vuitton bags made?

Authentic Louis Vuitton leather goods collections, including women’s and men’s bags, are exclusively produced in workshops located in France, Spain, Italy, and the United States. As of September 2019, the brand had 24 workshops, 16 of which were in France, making it the primary origin of manufacture.

The French town of Asnières-sur-Seine is home to Louis Vuitton’s historic workshop and atelier, established in 1859. It is considered Louis Vuitton’s best-known manufacturing hub and birthplace, where the brand’s most exclusive and iconic creations have been handcrafted for over a century. Below is a list of the most common Louis Vuitton factory locations and their corresponding codes.

Louis Vuitton Factory Location	Codes
France	A0, A1, A2, AA, AH, AN, AR, AS, BA, BJ, BU, CT, CV, DR, DU, ET, FL, GR, MB, MI, BS, NO, RA, RI, SA, SD, SF, SL, SN, SP, SR, TA; TH, TJ, TN, TR, TS, VI, VX, WL
Germany	LP, OL
Italy	CE, FL, FO, NZ, PL, RC
Spain	AC, BC, CA, CR, GI, LB, LM, LO, LW, UB
Switzerland	DI, FA
USA	FC, FL, FH, LA, OS, FD
Re-lined Items	DK

Are Louis Vuitton bags made in France better?

Louis Vuitton bags that are made in France are not necessarily more authentic or of higher quality than LV bags made in Spain, Italy, or the US. The perception that Louis Vuitton bags made in France are better usually comes from the fact that LV bags were first made in France’s capital, Paris, and are therefore more authentic.

However, it’s important to note that while the original French manufacturing site at Asnières-sur-Seine has historical significance and produces exceptional pieces, Louis Vuitton uses the same materials and manufacturing processes and maintains the same quality standards across all of its workshops.

If a bag shows signs of defective manufacturing, regardless of where it says it was made, it is important to address your concerns directly to the brand to have it authenticated, repaired, or replaced if needed.

Are some LV bags made in China?

Louis Vuitton bags are not manufactured in China. While Louis Vuitton has expanded its production facilities to different countries to meet global demand, China is not one of their manufacturing locations. If you purchase an LV bag with a stamp that says it was made in China, then it is highly likely to be fake.

Do Louis Vuitton bags have a stamp inside?

Yes, authentic Louis Vuitton bags have a stamp inside, but it may or may not indicate the bag’s origin of manufacture. The stamp is typically stitched onto the interior lining of the bag. All stamps will contain the “Louis Vuitton Paris” logo, even if they are not made in France. The country of origin is printed underneath the logo, but not always.

Are Louis Vuitton bags made of real leather?

Yes, Louis Vuitton leather bags are made from real leather. They use both treated and untreated high-quality grained cowhide leather and smooth calfskin leather with various finishes in crafting their luxury handbags, such as epi, taurillon, vachetta, and vernis leather.

However, there is a common misconception that the iconic Louis Vuitton monogram canvas bags are made of real leather due to their brown color and textured, grainy appearance. However, this is not the case. The monogram canvas used by Louis Vuitton is not made of leather; instead, it is a specially treated coated canvas.

Coated canvas is a combination of fabric, typically cotton, that is coated with a protective layer of Polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. This treatment gives the canvas its distinctive glossy and water-resistant surface, making it more durable and suitable for everyday use.

The coating process allows Louis Vuitton to create its signature monogram and Damier patterns, which are first printed onto raw canvas and then coated multiple times in the resin, creating their authentic signature material.

Some of the other primary materials used in Louis Vuitton bags include bovine leather, coated canvas, cotton, microfiber suede, gold-plated brass, and exotic animal skins such as python, crocodile, and ostrich.

Are all Louis Vuitton bags made with one piece of leather?

Some, but not all, Louis Vuitton bags are made with one piece of leather or material, depending on the style of bag. The Monogram and Damier Ebene Speedy, for example, use one seamless piece of canvas to form the sides of the bag, resulting in one side appearing upside-down.

This means that it’s common for Louis Vuitton bags to have upside down LV logos as they have one continuous piece of material that runs from the front to the bag. This kind of handbag is seamless at the bottom meaning the pattern that appears upright on one side, appears upside-down on the other side of the bag.

What color stitching do Louis Vuitton bags have?

Authentic Louis Vuitton bags with the iconic monogram canvas typically have yellow-mustard colour stitching. Other bag models of different colors usually use the same color stitching as the leather for the exterior and the same color stitching as the lining for the interior.

What is the inside of a Louis Vuitton bag made of?

The inside of a Louis Vuitton bag is typically lined microfiber suede, alcantara, canvas, and textile linings. . The specific lining can vary depending on the bag’s design, style, and collection.

The most common colors used for Louis Vuitton bag linings include cerise (cherry red), beige, pivoine (hot pink), and dark brown. However, the lining of Louis Vuitton bags can come in a wide variety of colors depending on the style of bag and some bag models offer multiple lining color options to choose from.

Many Louis Vuitton bags come with zippers inside as part of their design and functionality to provide secure closures for pockets and compartments. The placement and number of zippers inside a Louis Vuitton bag can vary depending on the bag’s style and design.

Do LV bags smell like leather?

Yes, authentic Louis Vuitton leather bags have a distinctive leather scent. This leather scent can vary in intensity depending on factors such as the type of leather used, the age of the bag, and the storage conditions.

Louis Vuitton’s coated canvas bags have a slight synthetic odor due to their PVC coating, depending on how recently the bag was produced. However, this scent is generally mild and tends to dissipate over time with use and exposure to the air.

Does Louis Vuitton have non-leather bags?

All LV handbags contain leather in some form, whether it is in the handle, the lining, or the trim. Generally, Louis Vuitton does not make non-leather or vegan-friendly bags as part of their permanent collection.

Even while their monogram canvas bags are made from coated canvas, which does not contain animal skin, the straps, buckles or accessories are usually always made of real leather.

It’s worth noting that there are some LV bags that use a relatively small amount of leather compared to their full-leather handbags. For example, the Pochette Métis in monogram canvas has a textile lining and a canvas strap, leaving only the leather trim and top handle. To check what material is used in a Louis Vuitton bag, it is best to check the full product description on their website.

Louis Vuitton bags are made with leather sourced from certified tanneries in Europe that have been audited by the Leather Working Group (LWG).

It is the highest environmental standard for leather tanning in the world, requiring tanneries to minimize water and energy consumption and reduce the use of potentially harmful substances.

Louis Vuitton bags are not advertised as cruelty-free and they have never explicitly stated that they do not test on animals, which may raise ethical concerns for some customers.

Are Louis Vuitton bags handmade?

Yes, authentic Louis Vuitton bags are handmade, and although the parts of a bag may be made in separate workshops that specialize in a certain component of the bag, they are always assembled and stitched together by hand.

Louis Vuitton has preserved its original tradition of producing each bag by hand using techniques that can only be achieved by artisans and craftsmen that have already completed around 18 months to two years of training.

In an interview, Louis Vuitton’s owner M. Bernard Arnault stated that they even fell behind in their production output in order to maintain the right level of quality that their bags require showing that the brand values quality over quantity.

This results in an impeccably executed and durable finish, ensuring LV bags are more robust and less prone to structural issues or premature wear from daily use compared to machine-produced alternatives.

Can I use my Louis Vuitton bag every day?

Yes, Louis Vuitton bags are durable and they’re many models are designed to be  practical enough for daily use. They are well constructed using high-quality materials known for their sturdiness and ability to handle regular wear and tear.

However, it is important to note that the more you wear your LV bag, the more maintenance and care are required to preserve its condition. While Louis Vuitton bags are designed to be durable and withstand regular use, the wear and tear from daily use can accumulate over time, particularly if worn frequently during adverse weather conditions.

Can you wear a Louis Vuitton bag in the rain?

Louis Vuitton coated canvas bags are made of waterproof PVC and can be worn even in rainy conditions. LV bags that are made with leather, however, are not waterproof, and it is advisable not to wear them in the rain. They should be dried with a gentle, absorbent cloth as soon as possible if they get wet.

Do Louis Vuitton bags age well?

Louis Vuitton bags do age well, but their longevity and appearance depend on how they are cared for and handled. While they can potentially crack, fade, change color, and soften over time if exposed to certain conditions, with proper care, Louis Vuitton bags age gracefully.

and maintain their value for many years.

Do Louis Vuitton bags crack?

Louis Vuitton bags can potentially crack for several reasons:

1. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures, whether excessively hot or cold, can cause the materials to expand and contract, leading to cracking over time.
2. Improper care and maintenance of the bag, such as not moisturizing or conditioning the leather regularly, can cause it to dry out and become more susceptible to cracking.
3. Continuous exposure to direct sunlight can lead to fading and drying out of the bag’s materials, increasing the risk of cracking.
4. Rough handling and excessive bending or folding of the bag can put stress on the materials, leading to cracks, especially in coated canvas or leather.
5. As bags age, they might become more prone to wear, tear, and cracking.

Do Louis Vuitton bags fade?

Louis Vuitton bags can fade if they are exposed to strong or direct sunlight for too long. Sun exposure can cause colors to fade gradually, especially in bags made from coated canvas or other fabrics. To minimize fading, it’s advisable to store your Louis Vuitton bag away from direct sunlight when not in use.

Do Louis Vuitton bags change color?

Some Louis Vuitton bags, particularly those made from natural leather, may undergo a patina process, which means their color can change or darken over time. This is a natural and desirable characteristic of high-quality leather and adds to the bag’s unique charm and character.

Do Louis Vuitton bags tarnish?

Louis Vuitton bags are not typically prone to tarnishing since they do not include metal components like hardware or clasps made from materials that tarnish easily (e.g., silver or certain metals). However, some limited-edition or special collections might have metal accents that need special care to avoid tarnishing.

Are real Louis Vuitton bags stiff?

Louis Vuitton bags feel stiff initially, especially when they are brand new. The stiffness can be more noticeable in bags made from structured or coated canvas materials. However, over time and with regular use, Louis Vuitton bags tend to soften and become more supple. 

The natural wear and tear, along with the oils from your hands and exposure to the environment, can lead to the leather and canvas materials becoming more flexible and comfortable. If you find that your Louis Vuitton bag is too stiff for your liking, you can try gently using it and allowing it to break in naturally.

The degree of softening can vary depending on the specific bag model, the type of leather used, and how frequently the bag is used. Some bags might soften significantly over time, while others might maintain some level of structure.

How long do Louis Vuitton bags last?

Louis Vuitton bags can last for many years, even decades, with proper care. Vintage Louis Vuitton bags, especially those from the mid- to late-20th century, are sought after and still valuable because of their enduring quality. Many vintage bags have withstood the test of time and are still in excellent condition today.

Ultimately, the lifespan of a Louis Vuitton bag will depend on various factors, including the bag’s specific model, the materials used, how well it is cared for, and how frequently it is used. With proper care and maintenance, a Louis Vuitton bag can remain in excellent condition for many years and become a cherished piece of fashion history.

Are Louis Vuitton bags still in style?

Louis bags are iconic because of their ability to stay in style for years. For example, the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, first introduced in the 1930s, remains popular and highly sought after among collectors today. Many vintage Speedy bags from the mid-20th century are still in circulation and can be found in good condition.

Similarly, vintage Louis Vuitton Keepall bags, originally introduced in the 1930s as a travel bag, are also known still worn and even used in modern runway shows. Many well-preserved vintage Keepall bags are still in use today, showing that the iconic LV bag designs have the power to be a lasting fashion investment.