From age-old classics to new wave novelties, here are the bags that retain the highest resale values, according to experts at The RealReal.
“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.
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.
“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.”
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.”
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
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).