FASHION
There was a time when investing in a luxury handbag meant choosing between a Chanel flap, a Hermès Birkin, or a Louis Vuitton Neverfull. But thankfully (maybe) the market has grown, bringing us more style options, new brands and far mote trends to keep up with. While classic designer bags still hold value, the rise of quiet luxury brands, like The Row, Khaite, and Loewe, is changing where you look for your investment. So, which handbags are truly worth your money? Are you better off splurging on a timeless classic or opting for the new wave of understated luxury? Let’s break down the handbag hierarchy, looking at price increases, wear and tear, and the real investment potential of both old-money classics and new-age minimalism.
The Price Surge: How Much Are You Really Paying?
If you feel like designer bags are getting insanely expensive, you’re not imagining it. Over the last decade, luxury handbag prices have increased at a rate far beyond inflation. Particularly if you've been eyeing a Chanel bag, you may want to sit down for this one. Over the last five years, prices for classic luxury handbags have skyrocketed—some by over 70%.
- Chanel Classic Flap: In 2010, this bag retailed for $2,850. In 2020, it was $5,800. Today? A medium Chanel Classic Flap costs $10,200, making it one of the most dramatic price hikes in luxury fashion history.
- Hermès Birkin 25: In 2019, a Birkin 25 in Togo leather was around $9,000. In 2024, the price jumped to $11,400, and that’s if you can even get one at retail. The resale market drives prices even higher, often $20,000+ for sought-after colors.
- Louis Vuitton Neverfull: Once considered the ultimate entry-level designer tote, the Neverfull went from $1,260 in 2019 to $2,030 in 2024—a 61% increase in just five years.
While resale value has traditionally justified these price hikes, the market is shifting. Certain iconic bags, like the Chanel Classic Flap, are now losing resale momentum due to oversaturation, while others, like Hermès, remain strong investments thanks to their exclusivity.
Wear and Tear: What Actually Holds Up?
Not all luxury bags are created equal. Some hold their shape for years, while others show signs of wear within months. Here’s what you need to know before you invest:
Most Durable Luxury Bags
- Hermès Birkin & Kelly – Made from premium leathers like Togo and Epsom, Hermès bags are built to last decades with proper care. Many collectors still use Birkins from the ‘90s with minimal wear.
- Loewe Puzzle Bag – The structured design and high-quality leather make this one of the most durable “quiet luxury” bags available today.
- Goyard Saint Louis Tote – The coated canvas is nearly indestructible, making it a better long-term buy than Louis Vuitton’s monogram canvas, which is known for cracking.
Most Prone to Wear
- Chanel Classic Flap (Lambskin) – While undeniably stunning, Chanel’s lambskin leather scratches easily, losing resale value quickly if not stored and handled with extreme care.
- Bottega Veneta Pouch – The buttery soft leather creases over time, and the shape can lose structure if not properly stored.
- Louis Vuitton Empreinte Leather Bags – While LV’s monogram canvas holds up well, its Empreinte leather is prone to color transfer and peeling after heavy use.
The Rise of Quiet Luxury: The New Investment Pieces?
The loud luxury era, monogram-heavy, status-symbol bags is fading in favor of discreet, ultra-luxurious pieces. The “if you know, you know” aesthetic is now the new status symbol. With the rise of brands like The Row, Khaite, and Savette, the ultra-minimalist, logo-free bag is redefining what it means to invest in luxury.
- The Row: Known for its minimalist aesthetic and exquisite craftsmanship, The Row’s Margaux bag (starting at $4,000) has become the new “if you know, you know” investment piece. Made from buttery-soft leather, it's not just timeless—it’s understated wealth in a bag.
- Loewe: While Loewe has been around for years, its Puzzle and Squeeze bags have become modern classics, offering superior craftsmanship at a lower price point than a Chanel or Hermès bag.
- Khaite: The ultimate in stealth wealth, Khaite’s handbags are quietly elegant but never boring. The Lotus Tote ($2,800) has been spotted on fashion insiders, proving that investment-worthy bags don’t need a logo to be iconic.
The Verdict: What’s Actually Worth Your Money in 2025?
So, should you splurge on a timeless icon or invest in the new wave of stealth-wealth handbags? Here’s our take:
- For long-term resale value: Stick to the Hermès Birkin, Kelly, and Constance. Their controlled supply and elite status mean they’ll always hold or increase in value.
- For everyday luxury that lasts: The Loewe Puzzle, The Row Margaux, and Goyard Saint Louis are worth considering if you want a chic, durable investment without the overexposure of big logos.
- For trend-driven buys: If you love a good seasonal update, brands like Khaite, Bottega Veneta, and Totême offer fresh, modern designs, but resale potential is still a question mark.
- For practicality: Avoid delicate leathers (Chanel lambskin, Bottega soft leather) if you actually plan on using the bag daily. Opt for Epsom leather (Hermès), textured calfskin (Loewe), or coated canvas (Goyard) instead.
If you love a timeless, iconic bag and don’t mind the investment, Hermès, Loewe, and The Row are your best bet. But if you prefer the status-symbol effect of a Chanel flap, just know you’re paying a premium—one that may not pay off in the long run.
Ultimately, the best handbag investment? The one you actually love, use, and cherish. Whether that’s a whispered luxury piece or a classic statement bag, what matters most is that it fits your lifestyle, wardrobe, and personal style.