Everything About Louis Vuitton Canvas Cracks
While uncommon, cracks on Louis Vuitton canvas are horrifying. Here's how to possibly prevent this damage, why these cracks may appear, and which monogram and damier bags are more likely to get cracks.
To start off, it's important to mention that cracks on Louis Vuitton canvas are uncommon. Even the majority of 35+ year-old vintage Louis Vuitton do not have any cracks on the canvas. Louis Vuitton canvas, whether it be monogram, damier azur, or damier ebene, is typically very durable and low-maintenance.
But, we wanted to dedicate an entire post to canvas cracks, because this type of damage, unlike most damage, cannot really be fixed, and Louis Vuitton stores will refuse to service any bags with any canvas cracks. So, while uncommon, when cracks do happen, it's horrific!
How Do Cracks Happen?
Cracks can happen for a number of reasons.
First, certain bags seem to be more prone to cracks than others. Any bags with openings that are not lined with vachetta leather or a zipper will flex and fold more often. This seems to result in a higher likelihood of canvas cracking.
The care of a bag can also contribute to the likelihood of this dreaded damage. Prolonged exposure to sun and dryness, folding of the bag, overloading a bag, and any sharp jabs at the bag can contribute to cracking.
How to Avoid Canvas Cracks?
-Don't fold the bag, especially during storage. While canvas is very strong, this greatly increases the chances of cracking.
-Store the bag properly in a dark cool place. For unstructured bags that tend to flop over, place some tissue or clothing inside the bag.
-Care for the bag reasonably. Obviously, do not jab at it, but more related, do not over-stuff the bag or carry extremely heavy items inside the bag.
-Most bags don't need this. But, if you feel that your bag has gotten really dry because it has not been used for a long time or because of where it has been stored, apply a little conditioner to the canvas every half a year or so. We recommend Cadillac boot & shoe care leather conditioner.
Cracking is uncommon. For those that are terrified of cracking, certain bags seem to be much more resistant to cracking. While it can occur on the main body, bottom, or corners of the bag, it is most common at the opening of the bag.
The bags that are least likely to crack are structured handbags with a lining at the edges. Rigid bags, like the Nolita and Alma resist bending and folding, and bags with a zipper or vachetta leather on the edges have additional support when they are being flexed.
The above picture shows the opening of 3 different bags. The top-most bag, the Nolita, has a very low possibility of cracking, because it is both a rigid structured bag, and the opening is lined. In this case, the lining is the zipper. The bottom-most bag, the Artsy, is more likely to experience cracking than the Nolita and Neverfull, because the opening is not lined and the bag's shape also bends a lot.
I've Already Got Cracks, so What Now? 🙁
If you got to this page from a google search, because your Louis Vuitton bag already has cracks, our sincere sympathies are with you!
The consolation is that with reasonable care, the cracks will not spread much, and most cracks are very very minor and probably more noticeable to the owner than anyone else.
Similar to how one would go about avoiding cracks, condition the canvas every once in a while to ensure that the canvas has some moisture and is pliable rather than brittle. And, avoid improper care like over-loading the bag, or folding the bag. And, be sure to store that bag in a cool dark place!