Top 10 Designer Bags That Hold Their Value

While I always say that you should only buy the bags that you absolutely love, certain designer handbags are particularly tempting to invest in for the reason of their high resale value. Quite frankly, I think we can all agree that in the current economy, this is a really appealing prospect, as not everyone can afford to risk losing money when reselling their bags. And if anything, by investing in pieces that historically maintain their value on the resale market, we can ensure our purchases remain a sound financial decision. Looking to make such a purchase? Here are the top 10 designer bags that I believe will always hold their value.

1. Hermès Birkin

Named after British actress Jane Birkin, Hermès Birkin debuted in the 1980s and quickly became the ultimate symbol of luxury. Seriously, who among us doesn’t want one? While the Birkin is notoriously difficult to get hold of, this only contributes to the bag’s high resale value. In fact, Birkin bags bought for around $10,000 can easily fetch double that on the resale market, with some rarer models auctioned for six figures. This value stems not only from its status as a coveted fashion icon and limited availability, but also the exceptional craftsmanship that you see instantly in each and every one of these bags.

2. Hermès Kelly

Another Hermes bag named after the iconic actress and the Princess of Monaco – Grace Kelly – Hermès Kelly, has been around a little longer than its famous sister, first going on sale in the 1920s under the name “Sac à dépêches”. Like the Birkin, the Kelly bag retains its value – and more – impressively well. A Kelly Bag purchased for $9,000 may resell for upwards of $12,000 depending on its condition and rarity. Hermès prestige and the design’s association with Hollywood royalty make it timeless and highly investable. Plus, this bag is absolutely beautiful. 

3. Chanel Classic Flap

Introduced by Coco Chanel and reinvented by Karl Lagerfeld, the Classic Flap is a hallmark of Chanel’s elegance and sophistication, available in a variety of sizes and colorways. The bag’s value has seen consistent increases over the years, partly because it has never gone out of fashion, and let’s face it, never will. Ten years ago, a medium Classic Flap was $4,900 and now sells for $10,800 retail. Chanel is never a poor investment anyway, and when it comes to the Classic Flap, resell prices continue to match or exceed the current retail prices, driven in part by Chanel’s strategic approach to price hikes.

4. Louis Vuitton Neverfull

Introduced in 2007, the Louis Vuitton Neverfull has since become one of the most popular designer bags, rivaling most of the other designs on the market. It’s no surprise; it’s stylish, it’s practical, and it oozes Vuitton’s signature style. It’s not as rare as some of the other bags on this list, but historically a pre-loved Neverfull will retain around 70% of its retail value.

5. Saint Laurent Loulou

Quilted leather, grosgrain lining, metal hardware and made in Italy, Saint Laurent’s LouLou is an homage to his muse, Loulou de le Falaise, and one of its most popular handbags. A great investment bag, its resale value hovers between 60-70% of its retail value due to its strong demand in the resale market.

6. Prada Nylon Bags

First appearing in the 1980s, Prada’s nylon bags were a marked shift towards practical luxury. Available in mixed sizes and colorways, and with sustainable re-nylon designs now available too, Prada’s nylon bag collection is actually known to hold their resale value better than their leather counterparts, often retaining as much as 80% of their retail value through the pre-loved market.

7. Fendi Baguette

Carrie Bradshaw has always loved a Fendi Baguette, and I truly see its appeal. Nearly 30 years since it was released, it’s as iconic now as it was when it launched. In fact, depending on the model and condition, Fendi Baguette bags consistently retain up to 100% of their value, while limited edition designs often even appreciate in value. But what’s really to say: the Baguette is a truly beautiful bag, and combined with its cultural significance, it’s not hard to see why it has become so collectible.

8. Telfar Shopping Tote

Is there anything that screams accessible luxury quite as much as Telfar’s Shopping Tote? Classic and edgy, the tote starts at a far more affordable price point of $150, which also means it’s almost always sold out. This leads to premium resale prices, often up to twice as much as their retail value.

9. Dior Book Tote

We can all agree that Lady Dior is a total icon, but it’s actually Dior’s Book Tote that has proven to hold its value better, especially in the classic oblique print. With a retail value around $3,500, resale prices consistently hold around 75% of the original investment. Like all the other bags on this list, there is a certain je ne sais quois found in a combination of distinctive design, practicality and universal appeal that makes them so incredibly investable.

10. The Row Margaux

Wrapping up the list of the best designer bags that hold their value with the viral Margaux Bag from The Row. Sure, some of you may say that this bag hasn’t proven its staying power yet, as it has only been around for about 6 years (The Row debuted Margaux bag in 2018). But I disagree, as the design of this bag is so classic that it’s poised to remain in style forever. From this also stems the high resale value of all The Row bags. Actually, as of now, the Margaux bag, specifically, resells for a premium. But that also has to do with the fact that it’s almost always sold out in stores.

P.S. The amount that you can return on your bag in the event of selling it will also come down to how you sell them; you’ll always make more on a private sale, though sometimes the commission from a reselling app or consignment store can be worth the cut they take for peace of mind. I’ll always advocate for choosing a designer bag that you will enjoy, but if we can make it retain – or appreciate – in value over time, well, there’s something timeless in that too.