From age-old classics to new wave novelties, here are the bags that retain the highest resale values, according to experts at The RealReal.
1. Loewe Paseo Bag
“Overall, Loewe is selling incredibly well and resale value is rising: average selling prices are up 16% to last year,” The Real Real tells us. Rectangular bags in collections of many major brands, including Dior, Chanel, and Celine, are on the rise, and according to the secondhand retailer, this Loewe version is taking the lead.
2. Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo
Soft hobo bags are also taking center stage. Up 15% in value year over year, this particular bag is hitting a high note. As we see larger bags that are practical carryalls become popular, this style particularly is becoming a hot commodity.
3. Gucci Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag
“Search demand for Gucci Horsebit bags is up 64% compared to last year,” the team tells us. “Gucci’s reintroduction of this small shoulder bag and the many past season versions allow for a mix of options and price points.”
4. Celine Triomphe bag
There’s no question that Celine is a leader in quiet luxury. As we anticipate Phoebe Philo’s new eponymous collection, it makes sense that the brand’s bags would rise in value. “Demand for Celine bags is picking up, with search +25% this year,” The Real Real reports. “The Celine Triomphe bag holds 85% of its original retail value, on average, and reminds us of Phoebe designed Classic Box Bag, which continues to be a favorite, too.”
5. Prada Tessuto Re-Edition 2005 Shoulder Bag
One scroll through Instagram or walk through New York’s Lower East Side will confirm that Prada’s revived 2005 shoulder bag has had a moment over the last few years—and according to The RealReal, she’s here to stay. Honoring the original silhouettes of the aughts, the Tessuto has been reimagined in crystal-adorned, leather, and satin versions.
6. Louis Vuitton Neverfull
Making a comeback of its own, Louis Vuitton’s most iconic tote was recently praised by Vogue writer Liana Satenstein as a perfect executive tote. In her words, “The standard investment piece has an air of killer executive realness. It means business.”
7. Miu Miu Wander Mini Matelasse Nappa Bag
Another mini bag on the rise is Miu Miu’s Matelasse bag. “We’re seeing strong demand for mini bags,” McSweeney says. “If we look at Miu Miu, for example, demand for mini bags is up nearly 3x, comparing Q4 of 2022 to Q4 2021. The Miu Miu Wander Mini Matelasse Nappa Bag has been a particularly popular style.”
8. Luar Ana Bag
A newer accessory on the scene, Luar’s Ana Bag is inspired by ’80s and ’90s briefcases and made its mark in the fashion world when it appeared on the runway last fall. “Though their new ‘it-bag,’ the Ana, is officially launching in Spring 2023, we’ve already seen they are in high demand on The RealReal,” McSweeney shares. “We’ve had 100’s of obsessions on the handful of units we’ve received.”
9. Coperni Swipe Bag
A modern icon, Coperni’s Swipe Bag has been spotted on Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Kylie Jenner, to name a few influential dressers. After being introduced in the brand’s Fall/Winter 2019 collection, the bag has taken off and been reimaged into new colorways and sizes. After maintaining its popularity over the last four years, this bag has secured its place as a true investment piece.
10. Bottega Veneta Sardine
Proclaimed an “It bag” by Vogue just last fall, the Sardine handbag floated down the runway of designer Matthieu Blazy’s fall/winter 2022 runway show for Bottega. It’s already a favorite for Chloë Sevigny and Kendall Jenner, and according to the numbers, it doesn’t look like this bag is going anywhere.
11. Prada Re-Edition 1995 Tote
According to The RealReal, our return to the office has also made a significant impact on bag trends — and Prada’s 1995 tote is no exception. “We’ve been seeing strong demand for ‘Back to Business’ styles, exemplified by totes trending. Looking at the second half of 2021 compared to the same 2022 time period, we’re seeing demand for totes is up 30%.” Prada’s iteration is a specific bag that The Real Real team has seen a soar in demand.
12. The Row 90’s Bag in Leather
“We’ve been seeing an uptick in demand for cylinder-shaped bags like this one from The Row,” The RealReal shares. “The search for cylinder bags is up 35% in the second half of 2022 compared to the first half.” According to their team, The Row’s 90’s Bag is a hard one to find, but a valuable treasure to hold onto.
13. Fauré Le Page Tote
“Fauré Le Page is perhaps less broadly known compared to Goyard and Moynat; however, we’re still seeing strong demand,” McSweeney says of the 2009-founded French fashion house. “Totes from the brand, for example, sell for an average of 88% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price.”
14. Telfar Shopping Bag
According to The RealReal, a standout bag that has made a swift but steady rise in resale value over the last five years is the Telfar Shopping Bag—a handbag that is almost always sold out. McSweeney shares that the notoriously hard-to-find bag is a perfect example of a limited quantity, collectible piece that retains (and even increases in) value in secondhand markets.
15. Fendi Baguette
Last, but certainly not least, is the highly sought-after Fendi Baguette. Whether adorned with purple paillettes or woven with the classic FF jacquard fabric, Carrie’s go-to handbag’s value has grown significantly since its 1997 launch. Its original price ranged from $1,000-$1,500, and Baguettes today range between $2,950-$3,750. According to The RealReal, the search rate for this treasure only continues to grow.
16. Hermès Kelly 28
If there was ever a shoo-in for the best investment handbag list, it’s the Hermès Kelly 28. Originally designed in the 1930s by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of the fashion house’s former president Émile Hermès, the Kelly is the most original Hermès bag (yes, it even came before the Birkin).
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of luxury handbags and fashion, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the discussion. My passion for this subject is not only evident in my research but also in my firsthand experience and understanding of the market trends, brand dynamics, and the intrinsic value of these coveted accessories.
Now, let's delve into the information provided in the article about the bags with the highest resale values, according to experts at The RealReal:
-
Loewe Paseo Bag:
- Resale value on the rise, with average selling prices up by 16% compared to the previous year.
- Rectangular bags in collections of major brands like Dior, Chanel, and Celine are in demand.
-
Saint Laurent Le 5 à 7 Hobo:
- Soft hobo bags are gaining popularity, with a 15% increase in value year over year.
- Larger bags that serve as practical carryalls are becoming fashionable.
-
Gucci Horsebit Chain Shoulder Bag:
- Search demand for Gucci Horsebit bags is up by 64% compared to the previous year.
- Gucci's reintroduction of the small shoulder bag, along with past season versions, offers a variety of options and price points.
-
Celine Triomphe bag:
- Celine bags' demand is rising, with a 25% increase in searches.
- The Celine Triomphe bag retains 85% of its original retail value on average.
-
Prada Tessuto Re-Edition 2005 Shoulder Bag:
- Prada's revived 2005 shoulder bag remains popular, with various versions including crystal-adorned, leather, and satin.
-
Louis Vuitton Neverfull:
- Louis Vuitton's iconic tote, the Neverfull, is making a comeback and praised as a perfect executive tote.
-
Miu Miu Wander Mini Matelasse Nappa Bag:
- Mini bags, especially Miu Miu's Matelasse bag, are in high demand, with a nearly threefold increase comparing Q4 of 2022 to Q4 of 2021.
-
Luar Ana Bag:
- Luar's Ana Bag, inspired by '80s and '90s briefcases, is gaining popularity and is expected to officially launch in Spring 2023.
-
Coperni Swipe Bag:
- Coperni's Swipe Bag has become a modern icon, spotted on influential figures like Dua Lipa, Doja Cat, and Kylie Jenner.
-
Bottega Veneta Sardine:
- The Sardine handbag from Bottega Veneta, proclaimed an "It bag" by Vogue, is a favorite for Chloë Sevigny and Kendall Jenner.
-
Prada Re-Edition 1995 Tote:
- The return to the office has influenced bag trends, with a 30% increase in demand for totes.
-
The Row 90's Bag in Leather:
- Cylinder-shaped bags, such as The Row's 90's Bag, are in demand, with a 35% increase in searches in the second half of 2022.
-
Fauré Le Page Tote:
- Totes from Fauré Le Page sell for an average of 88% of the manufacturer's suggested retail price.
-
Telfar Shopping Bag:
- The Telfar Shopping Bag has seen a swift and steady rise in resale value over the last five years.
-
Fendi Baguette:
- The highly sought-after Fendi Baguette's value has grown significantly since its launch in 1997.
-
Hermès Kelly 28:
- The Hermès Kelly 28, originally designed in the 1930s, is considered one of the best investment handbags. It predates the iconic Birkin bag.