There is a reason that luxury handbags are referred to as investment pieces. Many of them hold or even increase in value over time. The care with which each bag is made, the timeless designs, and the quality materials of many luxury brands allow their pieces to remain in style and demand. While not all handbags are made the same, here are some that truly do get better with age.
The Hermes Kelly 28
Truly a staple piece from a staple fashion house, the Hermes Kelly bag is an iconic piece that is always in style. Brought to life by legendary designer Robert Dumas in the 1930s, the piece has been an it-girl in handbag fashion for nearly a century longer than her sister, the Birkin.
Part of a Kelly bag's allure is that it truly brings together the best of Hermes. The supple leather and precision stitching, combined with unmatched artisanship and timeless design, make the Kelly a perennial star in the world of fashion and one that you should want to get your hands on.
The Kelly holds its value well due to the limited availability of new bags and the high price tag it carries. These pieces are regularly resold for double or even triple the amount paid in a brick-and-mortar Hermes store, making them a great investment. While all Kelly styles hold their value very well, the 28-centimeter design has found the most success among used Hermes bags for sale.
The Louis Vuitton Neverfull
One of the most recognizable pieces from one of the most recognizable brands, the Neverfull, can always be seen on the arms of the rich and famous. A truly versatile accessory, the tote can be used by the professional woman, the busy new mom, and the marathon shopper alike. This bag will always have a use and always be in style.
Typically, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull holds most of its value. Among previously owned Louis Vuitton handbags, Neverfull resells them for around the asking price. Current Neverfull totes range in price from upwards of $2,000, and since resell hovers around the same price, it’s free once you sell it, right?
The Chanel Flap Bag
With such a classic design, it is no wonder that the Chanel Flap Bag can always be seen on the streets of the most fashionable cities. New York, London, Paris, and Milan are never without this Chanel Icon; your closet shouldn’t be either.
Classic bags like this Chanel piece hold their value exceptionally well because they aren’t beholden to the trend cycle. A timeless piece like the Flap Bag will always be in style, which means it will always be in demand. The bag retailed for around $1,000 when it was released in 1983, and today, it holds a price tag over ten times that, with a medium Flap Bag costing $10,800. Chanel raises prices partly because pieces are in demand, and this bag is always in demand. When it comes to the Chanel bag resale market, value is high because demand is always high.
The Bottega Veneta Adiamo
With Bottega's commitment to releasing classy and timeless bags, it is no wonder that one of their bags made our list. The Adiamo bag is one of the most versatile and highly coveted pieces Bottega has to offer, so it always does well on sites that sell pre-owned designer bags, typically fetching over the retail price.
The Hermes Birkin
Would this be an article about luxury handbag resale if we didn’t mention the all-powerful Birkin bag? Perhaps the most sought-after and well-known luxury handbag, this Hermes staple has the story, quality, and fame to back the sky-high price tag.
Designed after a run-in between Hermes executive Jean-Louis Dumas and A-list actress Jane Birkin, the Birkin bag was made to be used and loved. A tote bag made of the highest-quality leather, it is the meticulous craftsmanship of these pieces that allows them to retain their value and carry such hefty price tags. Hermes artisans must train for at least five years before they are ever allowed to touch a Birkin in production to ensure the craftsman responsible for each bag is an expert in their craft.
In 2020, the Birkin held the highest return rate of any luxury designer handbag. These pieces are the queens of the luxury market for both first-time buys and resells, and everyone wants to get one on their arm. With a classic look and a major statement of luxury, the Birkin is the bag you want in your closet.
The Gucci Jackie
This handbag icon, named after a fashion icon, is a piece of luxury that everyone is looking for. Loved by fashion legend and first lady Jackie Kennedy, this classic bag was renamed in her honor and held true to her enduring style. A versatile handbag that can be dressed up or down, with the smooth leather and tasteful horse-bit accent, this bag is one of the most popular pieces from the house to date. With such versatility in its styling, quality in its construction, and timeless design, there is a reason that the Jackie bag is always in demand and a hit in luxury resale markets.
If you are looking for somewhere to sell your luxury handbag or find the next investment piece for your wardrobe, working with a company you can trust is essential. Here at The Purse Ladies, we authenticate each and every piece on our site and in our store so that you can be confident that the piece you are purchasing is a genuine piece of fashion history.
Infographic
Luxury handbags are considered investment pieces because they often maintain or increase in value over time. Their craftsmanship, timeless designs, and quality materials keep them stylish and desirable. This infographic highlights some handbags that truly improve with age.
