First things first, let’s talk about the *vibe*. I mean, when you first see it, does it just *feel* expensive? I know that sounds kinda woo-woo, but trust me, real LV’s have a certain *je ne sais quoi*. They just *do*. But yeah, let’s move on to more solid things.
Okay, so, packaging is a biggie. Did it come in a cheap-o dust bag that feels like sandpaper? That’s a major red flag, like, *red alert* kind of red flag. Real LV dust bags are usually a nice, soft material. And the box? Shouldn’t feel like it’s about to disintegrate. But hey, even if the packaging looks good, don’t let your guard down! Fakers are getting *really* good these days.
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The monogram. This is where the rubber meets the road, folks. Are the LV’s consistent? Like, *really* consistent? Check the pattern, yo. Are they symmetrical? Pay attention to where the monogram is cut off, especially around the seams. A real LV will usually have a very deliberate cut. Also, sometimes the size number on fake ones isn’t centered. Like, come on, seriously!
And speaking of seams… Stitching is *key*. Is it even? Are the stitches the same length? Is the thread a consistent color? Cheap fakes often skimp on the stitching, and it shows. It’ll look sloppy, uneven, and just…off. Plus, check the stitching on things like sneakers, too! (Yep, even LV sneaks get faked).
Okay, now for the inside. Let’s raid that interior! The interior can be a real giveaway. If it’s a Neverfull, pay extra attention. What’s the lining like? Does it feel cheap and plastic-y? Real LV linings will be a higher quality material, feel good to the touch. Look for date code stamps! These are like a secret decoder ring for LV authenticity. Look ’em up online to see if they match the year/place of manufacture of your bag. And speaking of leather, feel it! Real LV leather (especially the vachetta leather, the light-colored leather) will age and darken over time. It feels, you know, *real*. A fake one will often look and feel like plastic.
Oh, and one more thing, this is important- don’t just rely on ONE of these things. Use like, a bunch. If the packaging is great but the stitching is crap, you know somethings up.
