Since the first Louis Vuitton shop opened in Paris in 1854, the brand has been synonymous with excellence in quality. Louis Vuitton products are made with only the finest quality materials -- a key factor to keep in mind when attempting to spot a fake. To determine a purse's authenticity, first examine the overall craftsmanship. If the material, hardware or construction appears cheap, it is probably a counterfeit. More information addressing counterfeit production, as well as a list of exclusive Louis Vuitton distributors, can be found on the company's official website.
Packaging
Packaging found on counterfeit Louis Vuitton purses can look either tacky or sophisticated but almost always consists of inexpensive materials. Common examples seen on fakes include clear plastic wrapped around the straps and round, plastic logo tags attached with string. Be aware that the authentic handbags never use these or any variations of these cheap packaging materials. Louis Vuitton purses do come with dust bags, simple cotton bags used to protect the purse when being stored. True Louis Vuitton dust bags are well-made, free of loose threads and feature an inside tag that reads, "100% Cotton, Made in India." The printing on the outside of the dust bag is always perfectly straight, never crooked.
Patterns
The Louis Vuitton brand is widely recognized by the LV logo featured in its popular Monogram Canvas pattern, though the company offers multiple other patterns. Many fakes are stamped with altered versions of the LV logo. In the authentic design, the L and V overlap, with the V slightly higher than the L. The print is always perfectly straight and even across the bag, never uneven, and often appears upside-down on one side due to the manner in which the fabric is wrapped. To spot a fake, look for a seam where two pieces of fabric meet up. If the pattern does not continue evenly despite the seam, the bag is a counterfeit.
Hardware
Hardware pieces on Louis Vuitton purses, including zippers, studs, rings and clasps, are heavier than those on most fakes. These items should be solid metal. If the hardware on a purse feels inexpensive like plastic or makes a hollow sound when tapped with your fingernail, it is a fake. If possible, research the bag style to determine which hardware it actually is supposed to include. Fakes often feature extra studs not seen on the original, or are made with hardware that is the wrong shape or size.
Lining
The inner lining of a Louis Vuitton purse features the same high-quality craftsmanship as the exterior. Only fakes are made with inexpensive materials. Authentic purse linings include leather, suede and canvas -- never cotton, plastic or cheap suede. Look inside the purse to ensure that all stitching is straight and professionally done. Loose threads or untidy stitching will never be seen in a real Louis Vuitton, whether inside or out.