A Beginner's Guide To Investing In Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbags (2024)

Here at Open for Vintage, supporting circular fashion is at our core, and we think that investing smartly intimeless, well made vintage items is a great way to play your part in growing the circular economy. A vintage designer handbag in particular can be an amazing investment that can be loved for a lifetime, passed down for generations, or even sold on to another handbag lover if you choose.When looking to invest in a designer handbag, you want to know your investment is safe, and that you can achieve a good resale value if you ever decide to sell on.

Louis Vuitton, a French heritage brand born in 1854, is known for their impeccable craftsmanship, innovative designs, and instantly recognisable monogram print. Since their beginning, they have created a variety of ground-breaking luggage items and handbags which have stood the test of time and are constantly in high demand years after their creation. Being a part of the “big three” (consisting of Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Hermes), it is no surprise the demand for Louis Vuitton never dies down. Many of Louis Vuitton’s classic handbags have remained as their most loved and most popular styles over the years, and all of these styles have their own story of creation. When investing in a Louis Vuitton handbag, you are not only investing in a well-made, sturdy, and durable bag, but also a piece of history.

A classic Louis Vuitton handbag is a staple item that lives on the wishlists of bag collectors around the globe, due to the brand's rich heritage and the bag's consistently high resale value. Louis Vuitton has also released a variety of collaboration lines, and limited edition products, which are also well in demand among handbag collectors and can fetch a great return of investment, sometimes much more than the original price, if you manage to get your hands on one. Louis Vuitton truly is a safe bet.

When looking to invest in a designer handbag, you want to know your investment is safe and the majority can be returned if you decide to resell. With Louis Vuitton, many of their bags return a high percentage of the original price, if not more, so they have proved to be a safe and savvy brand to invest in.

These are our most recommended Louis Vuitton styles to invest in, in consideration of style, popularity and resale value:

Keepall

Louis Vuitton’s monogram printed luggage became synonymous with the globe-trotters of the 20th century Hollywood elite. The Louis Vuitton Keepall, first released in 1930, suited these jet setters perfectly, as they are a cabin friendly, carry-on companion. Able to fit everything you need, but also light enough to carry by hand, the Keepall is the perfect travel buddy for a short getaway.

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Speedy

After the success of the Keepall, the house decided to create a mini version of the bag for everyday use, and in 1932 – the Speedy was born. Although it wasn’t until the 1960s when Audrey Hepburn was seen wearing one that the Speedy became a true ‘It-bag’.

The Speedy is a classic Louis Vuitton style with a great value preservation in the second-hand market if you ever decide to resell. The monogram Speedy 30 is the most popular size, but it also comes in sizes 25, 35 and 40, and in different materials and designs.

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Neverfull

Introduced in 2007, Louis Vuitton’s everyday tote, the Neverfull, is one of their most successful bags that comes in a range of materials, limited editions, and special collaborations. Due to this, and the continuous price increases, this bag constantly stays in high demand and normally retains at least 85% of its resale value, making it a smart choice to invest in. A rare or limited edition version can see upward of double the resale value!

The Neverfull comes in 3 sizes, PM (the smallest size), MM (best for everyday) and GM (best for travelling or work).

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Noe

Dating back to 1932, the Noe is the second oldest Louis Vuitton handbag. Originally created to carry champagne, the Noe became known as the world's first bucket bag. The monogram printed Noe is the most popular and most common, but the bag has been made in a variety of variations. It comes in 4 different sizes, so whether you’re looking for a mini everyday companion, or a bag fitting for your weekend travels, the Noe is a suitable solution.

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Alma

Originally introduced in 1934 as the Louis Vuitton Squire bag, this classic was renamed the Alma in 1955. Featuring double zips with a padlock, a leather key tag, two inside compartments, an additional shoulder strap, and protective bottom studs, the Alma is an instantly recognisable shape and a more modern design for an everyday Louis Vuitton handbag. The monogram printed Alma was introduced in 1992, but it comes in many different fabrics, colours and special editions, and is the most frequently revisited Louis Vuitton bag – so you’re spoilt for choice!

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Pochette Accessoires

Louis Vuitton’s Pochette Accessoires has been seen by many over the years as an ‘entry level’ designer handbag – a starting point bag before growing your collection. A simple pouch, with a detachable strap, the Pochette Accessoires is practical and stylish. It has become one of Louis Vuitton’s most-loved styles, being released in multiple variations and collaborations.

Louis Vuitton’s Pochette Accessoires shoulder bag is becoming more in demand as of late, and is reselling for 75% more than its original retail price – making it a no brainer investment piece.

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Shop Pochette Accessoires'

Browse our full collection of vintage Louis Vuitton handbags now and find your next investment piece, built to last.

Not sure how to care for your Louis Vuitton handbag? Read our care guide.

A Beginner's Guide To Investing In Vintage Louis Vuitton Handbags (2024)

FAQs

Is vintage Louis Vuitton worth it? ›

Vintage Louis Vuitton handbags are considered collectables. You're not just investing in a handbag but also in the history and the art of the piece too. This is because they have a rich history and are extremely rare, making them incredibly unique.

Is Louis Vuitton handbag a good investment? ›

Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton are top-performing brands in terms of average resale value, with pieces like the Hermès Constance, Hermès Picotin, Chanel Deauville Tote, and Louis Neverfull retaining an average 127%, 120%, 114%, and 136% value in 2023, respectively.”

Do Louis Vuitton bags gain value over time? ›

According to research data from The RealReal, Louis Vuitton and Chanel are among brands that hold their value best over time. LV's Neverfull, launched in 2007, is perhaps one of the brand's most iconic bags. The Neverfull holds a 91 per cent resale value on average, according to The RealReal.

Which Louis Vuitton bag to invest in? ›

So if you want to invest in a Louis Vuitton bag, it is advisable to go for timeless classics that will remain in demand over the years. Models like the Speedy Bag , the Neverfull and the Alma have proven to be solid investments.

What qualifies as vintage Louis Vuitton? ›

To be considered a vintage, an item needs to be at least 25-30 years old, consequently the best way to tell if your Louis Vuitton is vintage, is to establish its' age. Louis Vuitton trunks have their own identification/serial numbers, which thanks to archive records, can provide the year and month of manufacture.

Which Louis Vuitton bag has the highest resale value? ›

Louis Vuitton Neverfull Bag

The Resale Stats: The ever-iconic Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag holds an astonishing 91% resale value on average. The Story Behind The Style: Marc Jacobs is the mind behind the must-have Neverfull, which has quickly become a classic — it has only been in production since 2007.

What is the most iconic LV bag? ›

The Louis Vuitton Speedy was first introduced in the 1930s but remains one of the most recognizable and popular styles of all LV bags.

Are discontinued Louis Vuitton bags worth more? ›

When certain bag styles are discontinued and thus supply becomes limited, yet customer demand still remains high, the resale value skyrockets. Finally, some Louis Vuitton bags actually increase in investment potential and monetary worth over decades, especially exceptionally rare limited editions or collaborations.

Which Louis Vuitton goes up in value? ›

Take for example the LV Speedy - this handbag has increased over 900% since the 1970's. Personally, when purchasing a new handbag first and foremost I must absolutely love it and envision myself using it lots - or for a particular occasion!

Is a Louis Vuitton bag an asset? ›

Investing in Fashion Collectibles

Top handbag brands such as Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton have proven to hold their value over time, making them a reliable investment choice.

What does Louis Vuitton do with old bags? ›

Yes, Louis Vuitton does burn some of their unsold bags. This is a method that many luxury brands practice to prevent stock malpractices and theft. According to Fashion Coached, it is a way to maintain the exclusivity of the brand and prevent the bags from being sold in the secondary market at a discounted price.

Is it worth to buy a LV bag? ›

Is a Louis Vuitton Bag Worth It? Louis Vuitton bags can be a great investment as they are one of a few luxury brands that hold their value well over time. Especially if you care for and store it correctly. Also, if you manage to get a rarer, more unique model, it can either hold or increase its value.

Is buying an LV bag an investment? ›

Investment-Worthy Louis Vuitton Handbags

Given the newfound degree of scarcity, the already-popular Neverfull climbed 8 percentage points to an impressive 136% average value retention, far surpassing the Pochette Accessoires, the second most valuable style in terms of resale value.

How long do Louis Vuitton bags last? ›

Coated with a layer of polyvinylchloride, a Louis Vuitton canvas bag is durable and resistant to heat, water, and most chemicals. Generally tougher than all-leather bags, Louis Vuitton's canvas bags can last up to many years with proper care and delicate treatment.

How old does a designer bag have to be to be considered vintage? ›

A bag is considered vintage at 10, 20, or 25+ years, and designer provenance is important here (Hermes, Chanel, Gucci are always valuable on the vintage market).

Is my vintage Louis Vuitton real? ›

Watermarks, scuffs, and a darker color at the top of the handles are actually good signs, signaling the bag might be authentic. If a Louis Vuitton, especially a pre-loved, vintage bag, has an even and light patina, it is a strong indicator that the Vachetta is imitation and the bag is a counterfeit.

Does LV fix vintage bags? ›

Because Louis Vuitton does not require a sales receipt, it is just as easy to request a repair on a pre-loved piece. Again, as long as it is authentic, it does not matter if you were its first owner or not.

Are old designer bags worth anything? ›

The most valuable purse brands are Chanel, Goyard, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton. These brands hold their value and have a high resale value. If you are planning to invest in a vintage purse, make sure it is a classic style that was created with longevity in mind, not a trendy one made for the “novelty” factor.

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