Which Designer Purses Are The Best Investments

Whether you’re investing in a purse that appreciates in value or looking to rebrand your image, names like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada often come to mind. But which brands and SKU’s rank highest and retain their value over time?

Our guide will help you identify which handbags offer the best return on investment versus those that remain the most expensive years later. We cut through the clutter of costs, scarcity, and demand to give you clear insights based on return on investment. Keep in mind these recommendations are not based on stylistic preferences but public research on which retain their value.

Hermès Birkin & Kelly

Due to excellence in craftsmanship and timeless designs - the Hermès brand retains its value overtime time. Hermès intentionally produces limited quantities of their iconic items (like the Birkin or Kelly bags). This scarcity creates high demand, which helps maintain or increase value

• Birkin: The ultimate investment bag — resale can reach 110 %–150 % of retail, rare editions much higher. Historically, returns average ~14 % per year.

  
  

• Kelly: Nearly as strong as the Birkin, with resale values around 100 %–140 % of original price.

Chanel 2.55 & Classic Flap

The 2.55 (created by Coco Chanel in February 1955) and the Classic Flap (reinterpreted by Karl Lagerfeld in the 1980s with the interlocking CC clasp) are not trend-driven — their aesthetic is consistent, elegant, and universally recognized.

Timeless designs don’t go out of fashion, making them perennial favorites in both personal collections and the resale market.

• Classic Flap (2.55 style): Resale values hover between 85 %–115 % according to Fashionista, often exceeding retail thanks to price hikes and limited supply

• Chanel 2.55 variant: Prices have roughly doubled over the last decade—from about $5,600 in 2019 to ~$10,000 today

Louis Vuitton Speedy & Neverfull

Louis Vuitton is one of the most recognized and respected luxury fashion houses in the world. Its products are associated with timeless elegance, exceptional craftsmanship, and exclusivity—factors that help retain value on the resale market.

The Speedy: First introduced in the 1930s (famously customized for Audrey Hepburn), is a classic city bag with decades of cultural relevance.

• Speedy: Classic canvas and limited editions stretch to 70 %–95 % resale, with limited editions appreciating ~8–11 % annually

The Neverfull was a more recent design, launched in 2007, quickly became a staple tote due to its practicality as a work and leisure bag.

• Neverfull: Practical and widely loved, resales hover near 85 % and top out around 136 % in high-demand configurations

  
  

Dior Saddle Bag & Lady Dior

Introduced in 1999 by John Galliano, the Saddle Bag became a fashion icon, especially after being featured in Sex and the City. In 2018, it saw a major revival under Maria Grazia Chiuri, aligning with the Y2K nostalgia trend and streetwear-luxury crossover.

• Dior Saddle: A cult classic with resales of 70 %–95 %, thanks to Y2K nostalgia

• Lady Dior: Timeless and tied to Princess Diana, resale value ranges from 65 %–130%, especially for exotic or limited editions

Louis Vuitton Capucines

Unlike some other Louis Vuitton lines, the Capucines are not mass-produced or widely stocked in every store. There are also seasonal editions and limited runs, which creates a sense of scarcity and elevates resale interest.

Gucci Jackie:

Originally introduced in the 1950s, the bag gained iconic status when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was photographed wearing it in the '60s.

Renamed the “Jackie” in her honor, the bag has strong cultural and fashion significance, which boosts its desirability and resale value.

• Gucci Jackie 1961: Resale between 70 %–85 %, gaining popularity due to heritage revival

Which bag surprised you and which is your favorite? Let us know at @Wealth_Elf on Instagram. Xox