It is general knowledge that Louis Vuitton products come with a luxury price tag.
Any fashion-forward individual looking to get a luxury piece made by the French brand has to first know how long these pricey pieces may last to determine whether the purchase is a good investment or not.
How long an authentic luxurious handbag or purse will last depends on the quality of material used in producing that item, and then how well the owner can maintain them.
Generally speaking, Louis Vuitton bags are designed to last at least two decades of usage. Some LV bags have, however, been seen to stand the test of time beyond 20 years.
What makes LV bags last so long?
The longevity of original LV bags and purses is due to the material and meticulous process of craftmanship that have been put in place during production.
For example, each LV branded bags also go through a series of durability tests before they are pushed into the market for sales. These tests include:
- They are dropped repeatedly from a height of about one-and-a-feet with an almost 8-pound weight inside for consecutive four days
- An ultra-violet ray light is beamed on the bag to make sure it doesn’t fade.
- The zippers on the LV bags are open and closed about 5,000 times to make sure they won’t break or wear when purchased and used.
Another reason why LV bags stand the test of time is that the designers have integrated both waterproof and fireproof features in these items such that they remain indestructible even when exposed to certain atmospheric conditions.
Any brand that boasts longevity in their bag must be ready to test-proof the wear and tear of their materials. Louis Vuitton uses real leather, which ordinarily is expected to last for about 100 years before it begins to disintegrate.
Even if you are getting a new LV bag with the intention of using it for as many years as possible, you can expect it to hold up upwards of 30 years, provided you purchased an original item and store it properly.
Does LV canvas scratch?
Generally, the canvas material is known to experience marks and scratches over an extensive period of constant usage. However, the integration of canvas in every canvas-themed LV bag is with the mind to ensure it is indestructible.
If you are going to get any LV bag that has been designed with canvas material, you can pay more attention to how LV canvas can be maintained to remain in top condition.
As you use your Louis Vuitton canvas, you can expect it to appear faded over time due to dirt build-up, but it does not actually ‘Fade’
Does Louis Vuitton have a lifetime warranty?
Unfortunately, Louis Vuitton does not have a lifetime warranty over the purchase of their bags, purses, or items.
While some other sources will give a contrary opinion, there is currently no written warranty when it comes to Louis Vuitton wallets and handbags.
Nevertheless, customers are offered a complimentary repair or alternate resolutions, according to the brand.
Do Louis Vuitton straps change colour?
Original Louis Vuitton bag straps do not change colour, except as a result of dirt build-up which you can revive with a proper wash.
There are photos online and on popular forums that preach otherwise. These are mostly replica or fake LV bags which after some wear and a few weeks, the colour changes to a dark brown.
Most knock-off LV bags will start to change colour not only in the straps but as soon as they’re exposed to air, they start to change colour. It happens to authentic ones too, but not in the same way.
Does the Louis Vuitton monogram fade?
Louis Vuitton uses high-quality coated canvas to make the Monogrammed Louis Vuitton bags and is expected to experience colour variation as time goes by. But, no authentic monogrammed LV bag will fade.
In other words, LV bags are known for quality and their design details are known for standing the test of time. The evidence of ageing will show, but they do not deteriorate. Again, a huge determinant of how long your LV bag will last lies in how well you take care of it.
Tips for taking care of Louis Vuitton bags
As mentioned earlier, how you store your LV bags, and how you clean and maintain it can contribute to how long you should expect them to last.
No abrasives chemicals
The first tip is to avoid the use of abrasive chemicals or cleaning products on Louis Vuitton bags so that the materials do not end up damaged.
The safest way to clean your LV bag, the ones designed with Canvas and Vachetta leather, is to use baby wipes – one that is alcohol-free and unscented – lean on the canvas and then leave to dry.
Use waterproofing spray and leather creams
Another way to take good care of your LV bag is to invest in a waterproofing spray. Applying this to the leather bag will further help it to hold up stronger when it comes in contact with materials that can likely transfer colours.
You may also want to leather cream that will serve as a moisturizer to further prevent cracking on the material. Not all leather creams are ideal for LV bags, you want to make sure the one you are buying is suitable for Vachetta leather just like this Cadillac Select Leather Lotion Cleaner and Conditioner.
Meanwhile, materials used in making Louis Vuitton bags can be damaged if consistently exposed to intense sunlight. Also, the leather darkens quickly at this exposure. So be conscious not to expose your bag to direct sunlight or direct heat sources.
Proper storage
When you get a new LV bag, it comes with a dust bag which should be the ideal place to store the bag whenever it is not in use. The purpose of this is to prevent dirt and dust from covering up the bag.
The dust bag will also help the leather of the bag to dry up because it promotes breathability, unlike sealed plastic bags.
Keep the shape of your bag
It is often advised to insert tissue paper into your Louis Vuitton bag when not in use to maintain the shape and prevent creasing in the materials. Without this, the shaped bag, over time, will be determined by what you put in it which is not appealing.
Louis Vuitton bags go through a lot of testing processes before they are released into the market for customers to buy. These processes are to guarantee that they are the best among competitors.
Note that all authentic LV bags are handmade in Europe and the U.S. by extensively trained craftspeople, so you can be sure of getting what you pay for when you get a new LV bag in the market.
Authentic Louis Vuitton bags last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contribute to the longevity of Louis Vuitton products?
The longevity of Louis Vuitton products can be attributed to the brand’s meticulous manufacturing process, the use of premium materials such as coated canvas, leather, and metal hardware, and the timeless design that transcends fashion trends.
Does the type of Louis Vuitton material affect its durability?
Yes, the material used in Louis Vuitton products does play a role in their durability. Canvas and leather are among the most durable materials, and they tend to age gracefully with proper care.
How should I care for my Louis Vuitton item to ensure its longevity?
To ensure your Louis Vuitton item lasts, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid contact with water and keep it away from sharp objects. Regularly clean and condition leather parts, and avoid overstuffing the bag to maintain its shape.
Do Louis Vuitton products come with a warranty?
Yes, Louis Vuitton offers a limited warranty on its products for a specific period from the date of purchase. However, this warranty covers only manufacturing defects and not damages caused by wear and tear or misuse.
Can I repair my Louis Vuitton item if it gets damaged?
Louis Vuitton offers repair services for their products. You can contact a Louis Vuitton store or authorized retailer to inquire about repair options, costs, and the availability of spare parts.
Are vintage Louis Vuitton items durable and long-lasting?
Yes, vintage Louis Vuitton items can still be durable and long-lasting if they have been well-maintained and cared for by their previous owners. However, it’s essential to verify the authenticity of vintage items before purchasing.
Do Louis Vuitton products go out of style quickly?
Louis Vuitton designs are renowned for their timeless appeal, and they generally do not go out of style quickly. The brand’s classic monogram and iconic patterns have maintained their popularity for decades, making them a safe fashion investment.