7 Ways to Spot a Fake Louis Vuitton Speedy

We specialize in selling pre-owned designer bags, shoes, clothing and accessories. We want all of our buyers to feel confident about every purchase they make inside Sabrina's Closet. This is why we always ensure that all of our products are authentic. 

When you think designer copies, Louis Vuitton handbags are probably one of the first to come to mind. There are tons out there. Some obvious, and some, well, a little trickier to catch. So, how can you tell if the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag that you are about to buy online is the real deal? We've put together a simple step-by-step guide to be sure.

Below, we have a photo of two monogram Louis Vuitton Speedy bags. One is authentic, one is a replica. Can you spot it?

The fake on is actually the one on the right. Hard to tell, right? Keep reading to find out the main differences we noticed between both bags when comparing them side by side.

1 | Heat stamp font on leather tab

One of the first things we always look at is the font of the heat stamp on the leather tab - specifically the 'O'. It's a quick giveaway. The 'O' must be a circle shape and not an oval shape. If this is not the case with a bag you are about to purchase, you can guarantee that it is not authentic. 

In the picture below, you will see the differences in the font with the authentic (left) and the fake (right). You will also notice other subtle differences on the leather tab. The stamped logo on the leather tab is positioned closer to the stitching on the authentic Speedy compared to the fake one.

2 | Color of leather handles

Louis Vuitton leather handles are made from Vachetta leather, which darkens as the bag ages. When comparing the two handbags bags side by side, you can see a clear difference between the authentic leather handles and the fake ones. You will notice the leather handles on the authentic Speedy are visibly darker compared to the replica. 

3 | Date Codes & Lining

Just because a Speedy bag has a date code, it does not necessarily mean it is authentic! Date codes on Louis Vuitton Speedy bags can be found behind the inner pocket on a leather tab.

The leather tab should be slightly oval, with the date code embossed and have brass hardware with 'Louis Vuitton' embossed. As seen in the photograph below, the fake Speedy leather tabs too long, is overlapping the stitching too much, and the positioning of the brass hardware is too high. Something we also noticed that cannot be seen in photographs is that the hardware on the authentic Speedy is convex (curving outward), whereas on the fake Speedy, it is flat. 

There is also a noticeable difference in the color of the lining on both bags. An authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy should have honey-brown cotton canvas lining. The lining on the replica below has a duller brown color to it. 

You should also not be able to pull the lining apart from the handbag - the lining should be one with the outside of the bag. In the fake handbag, you can pull it away from the outside of the bag at the base. 

4 | Hardware

Don't forget to inspect the hardware. The hardware on an authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy is made from brass metal. When compared to a replica, authentic Louis Vuitton hardware has more of a bronze color and the replicas usually have a golden color.

The brass studs on an authentic Louis Vuitton handbag also have 'Louis Vuitton' embossed. Contrary to the heat stamp, the 'O' on the hardware has a more oval shape.

It may be hard to tell in the photographs below, but there are two notable differences in the shape of the hardware. The brass studs on the authentic Speedy are convex (curving outwards) whereas the studs replica handbag is more flat. 

There is also a difference of the shape of the brass metal piece holding the leather handles and the leather tab together. On the authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy, it has a continuous round shape with no flat sides. On the replica, the edges of the brass piece are much flatter with distinct sides. 

5 | Zipper

In the photos below, you can see a clear difference on the zippers of both bags. The back-side of leather tab on the authentic Louis Vuitton speedy is made from real leather and is much more frayed whereas the replica zip is not. When holding the bags side by side, the "leather" handles and zipper pulls on the replica bag feel much more rigid and plastic. 

6 | Size Stamp

The size of the Speedy should be stamped under the leather tab of the bag. For example, if you have a Speedy 35, the number '35' should be stamped.  

7 | Overall Feel

The overall feel of an authentic Louis Vuitton Speedy feels soft, supple and light. The replica bag feel much more stiff and hard.  

We hope this guide will help you make safer and smarter shopping decisions. Check out the selection on authentic Louis Vuitton items we have for sale, below:

Louis Vuitton Trunks Monogram Silk Bandeau	Louis Vuitton Kaleido Bag Charm	Louis Vuitton LV Initiales Damier Belt
Louis Vuitton Damier Azur Galliera PM Shoulder Bag	Louis Vuitton Monogram Satin Nano Alma Bag	Louis Vuitton Multicolor Sharleen Tote