Luxury fashion may seem like a realm of indulgence, but when chosen wisely, it can be as strategic as any financial investment. Much like fine art or vintage cars, certain designer pieces not only retain their worth but rise in value. With a limited production and an increasingly sophisticated resale market, the right handbag can offer long-term return whilst making the perfect addition to any wardrobe.
While fashion trends shift seasonally, handbag value hinges on recognisability and controlled scarcity. Models from houses such as Hermès, Chanel and Gucci consistently resell for over 100% of their original price and in some cases climb as high as 250%.
In this guide, we take a closer look at the best handbags to invest in this year.
Hermès Birkin
First introduced in 1983 by Hermès designer Jean-Louis Dumas and inspired by actress Jane Birkin, the Birkin has since ascended to the gold standard of handbags. More asset than accessory, it’s famously difficult to buy directly from boutiques, with demand far exceeding supply.
Some Birkins have achieved resale retention rates of up to 250%, which have placed them in a league of their own and a figure rarely seen in the world of fashion investments. Its exceptional design and handcrafted production ensure longevity, while its scarcity continues to drive staggering resale prices and for those with the budget and the patience, there is arguably no more powerful investment in fashion.
Chanel Classic Flap
Among Chanel’s many designs, none carries the legacy or influence of the Classic Flap, which is one of the most recognisable silhouettes in luxury fashion. Its demand on the resale market remains exceptionally strong, with average returns reaching around 135% of the original retail price.
Its quilted leather, chain strap and double-C clasp have become symbols of timeless refinement, whilst regular price increases by the brand have kept secondary value high. Available to be purchased in caviar leather or classic lambskin, the Chanel Flap remains a firm choice for anyone looking to build a long-term luxury collection.
Gucci Jackie 1961
Revived for a new generation, the Gucci Jackie 1961 has been a favourite since the 1960s. The bag takes its name from Jacqueline Kennedy, whose effortless style helped cement its appeal and it has now returned stronger than ever to the luxury fashion world.
Its curved shape and piston-lock clasp bring instant character to any outfit, hence the bag holds the title as one of the most searched-for Gucci designs. Its resurgence has been matched by increasing demand in the resale space, channelling an incredibly vintage feel while still feeling effortlessly current.
Bottega Veneta Andiamo
Quiet luxury at its peak, the Bottega Veneta Andiamo is an ode to understatement. Defined by its intrecciato leather and soft structure, its name translates to “Let’s go”, which is a fitting nod to its go-anywhere attitude.
The bag is designed to move seamlessly from daytime errands to evening plans, helped by its adjustable chain strap. In smoother leather versions, the weave is replaced with sleek calfskin, which allows the material itself to take the spotlight. While somewhat subtle in appearance, it performs boldly in the resale market, regularly selling for around 90% of its original price, with demand steadily growing since its launch.
Loewe Puzzle
Artistic, architectural and endlessly versatile, the Loewe Puzzle has become a cult favourite among fashion insiders. Its geometric panels allow it to fold flat, making it a practical companion for travel.
It has been listed among the most future-proof handbags thanks to its unique design and cross-generational appeal and has been reported to hold over 90% of its retail value in the resale market. Available in mini to oversized versions, it’s one of the most appealing investment buys.
Toteme T-Lock
Clean, minimal and instantly recognisable to those in the know, the Toteme T-Lock is one of the most talked-about contemporary bags on the market. It is designed for everyday wear, with a softly curved top that sits comfortably in the hand or on the arm. Made in Italy from durable and pebble-grain leather, it features a metal T-Lock, contrasting stitching and protective feet, while a microsuede interior houses two leather slip pockets.
A strong contender for the next future classic, its resale value has soared, with some models selling for over 80% above retail, making it a smart entry point for those seeking investment potential.
Balenciaga Le City
Once the poster bag of the early 2000s, the Balenciaga Le City has returned in force. Initially, only 25 pieces were produced until Kate Moss requested one, after which it became a hallmark of Ghesquière’s tenure at the brand house. With its slouchy structure, whipstitched handles and antique hardware, it brings a sense of attitude to any wardrobe.
Resale prices have risen by over 40% in the past year, fuelled by renewed nostalgia and celebrity wear.
The Row Margaux
Since its debut in 2018, The Row’s Margaux bag has achieved what many high-end fashion houses can only hope for with their most coveted designs.
Lauded as the “next Birkin,” it has inspired waiting lists that rival even Hermès and played a key role in shaping the quiet luxury movement, with a structured silhouette and impeccable leather quality. It’s reported that some sizes have sold for nearly double their original price, which places it among the most profitable bags in the market.
Fendi Baguette
Immortalised by the famous American TV series Sex and the City, the Fendi Baguette is more than a shoulder bag, it’s pop culture history. True to its name, the style was inspired by French bread, that is traditionally carried under the arm and has seen countless reinterpretations, ranging from a fragrant leather version crafted in collaboration with perfumer Francis Kurkdjian to the playful “Monster” edition, adorned with fur and cartoonish eyes.
Its compact size and playful range of materials make it endlessly collectable. Strong resale rates of over 110% prove that its appeal extends, however, far beyond nostalgia. In particular, special editions and vintage models continue to attract serious interest from collectors.
Dior Lady Dior
Synonymous with grace and femininity, the Lady Dior, a bag beloved by Princess Diana, remains one of the most regal handbags in fashion, with a structured frame, cannage stitching and Dior charms that make it instantly recognisable.
With its elegant silhouette and subtle branding, this bag is a timeless piece that can remain a staple in any wardrobe for decades. Limited editions and exotic versions perform especially well on the resale market and make it ideal for those who wish to start or add to their handbag collection.
Celine Nimo
Sleek, structured and reassuringly minimal, the Celine Nimo (from the Triomphe line) offers a timeless silhouette without overt branding. The Nino is crafted as a top-handle bag, exuding a level of French sophistication that is hard to match. Its performance on resale platforms averages over 90% value retention and proves that minimalism sells just as well as logos.
Recent years have proven just how valuable handbags have become. Sotheby’s luxury handbag auctions have seen record-breaking sales, including the sale of the original 1985 Birkin bag, which was the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction at £7.4m. In an age where fashion and finance are more intertwined than ever, it is a reminder that in the right hands, style can truly become an investment.
