The Debate Over Vintage vs New Louis Vuitton Bags: Which Is Right For You? - Luxe Front (2024)

This page contains affiliate links – we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using links on this page. This has no extra cost for you.

The pros and cons of buying vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags.

About Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton is a world-renowned luxury fashion house that was founded in Paris in 1854. Over the years, the brand has become synonymous with high-quality craftsmanship and timeless style.

In the 1950s, the brand introduced their first line of leather handbags. These bags were made from high-quality materials and featured elegant designs. In the decades that followed, LV continued to expand their product line to include a wide range of handbags, wallets, and other accessories.

Today, Louis Vuitton is known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Their handbags are sought after by fashion-conscious consumers around the world and are considered a symbol of luxury and sophistication. From their humble beginnings as a luggage maker, Louis Vuitton has evolved into a global fashion powerhouse, with their iconic handbags at the heart of their success.

Since the French fashion house has such a rich history behind, there’s no surprise people are debating between getting vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags. As we’ll soon uncover, both have unique advantages.

Which are better: vintage vs new Louis Vuitton Bags?

When it comes to buying a Louis Vuitton bag, many people wonder whether they should opt for a vintage piece or a brand new one. Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately the right choice will depend on your personal style and preferences.

Pros for buying a vintage or second hand Louis Vuitton handbag

1 .They are more affordable

Vintage LV bags are more affordable. One of the biggest advantages of buying a vintage Louis Vuitton bag is that they are often more affordable than their brand new counterparts. Vintage LV bags can be a more budget-friendly option, especially for collectors or those on a tighter budget.

When debating between vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags, the price should definitely be a main consideration.

2. You can find more unique pieces

Another advantage of vintage Louis Vuitton bags is that they are often more unique and collectible. Vintage LV bags have a rich history and patina that only comes with age, which can add charm and character to your collection. Not to mention, that you can find many pieces that have been discontinued from production. If you love Louis Vuitton, but you prefer having pieces that not many people own, buying a pre-loved LV bag can be the better option.

3. Vintage LV bags are often better made.

In the past, Louis Vuitton was known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many vintage Louis Vuitton bags were made with higher-quality materials and construction, which can make them more durable and long-lasting. Of course, LV still has a high standard of quality. However, as the demand increased, there has been reports of the company cutting corners in terms of quality.

4. Vintage Louis Vuitton bags have a rich history.

When you buy a vintage LV bag, you’re not just buying a piece of fashion, you’re buying a piece of history. Vintage Louis Vuitton bags have a rich backstory and can be fascinating to collect and learn about. This is definitely a personal point, as some people prefer that they are the first owner of the bag.

5. Vintage Vuitton bags are a smart investment.

Vintage Louis Vuitton bags can be a smart investment, as they can retain or even increase in value over time. If you choose a rare or highly-sought-after vintage Vuitton bag, it can be a worthwhile addition to your collection.

6. It’s better for the planet to buy second hand

Last but not least in our list of pros is the fact that it is more eco friendly to buy a vintage Vuitton bag. You’d be giving a new life to the bag instead of buying a brand new one.

Where to buy vintage Louis Vuitton bags?

We recommend you choose a reseller that have authenticity guarantee such as Fashionphile. Check these Louis Vuitton bags, some at a much lower price compared to retail.

Pros for buying a new Louis Vuitton bag

1. They are in pristine condition

New LV bags are obviously in pristine condition. One of the biggest advantages of buying a brand new Louis Vuitton bag is that it will be in new condition. New Louis Vuitton bags are free of any wear and tear, and they will look and feel like new. This is great for those of us that cannot deal with bags that don't look brand new.

2. It's easier to stay on trend

If being on trend is important to you, but you might not have the time to follow all the trends - buying a new Louis Vuitton might be the better option. New, fresh-from-the-boutique bags will automatically feel current. They will be up to date with the latest trends, or they'll be classic bags (like the Neverfull), but they won't be dated.

3. Warranty

New Louis Vuitton bags are covered by the brand's warranty. When you buy a brand new LV bag, it will be covered by the brand's warranty. This means that if there are any issues with your bag, you can have it repaired or replaced without any additional cost. This is an important point in the "vintage vs. new Louis Vuitton" debate, as most people like the peace of mind of just having their bag repaired.

4. A more reliable investment

New Louis Vuitton bags are a more reliable investment. While vintage LV bags can be a smart investment, brand new Louis Vuitton bags are a more reliable investment. You have all the control on the wear and tear of the bag as well as storage condition. Furthermore, you can choose to keep things like the box and LV bag that can increase the value of your bag. Louis Vuitton keeps increasing their prices, so you can be relatively sure that your bag will keep its value.

If you're looking for a full guide on Louis Vuitton current prices - check out this article.

5. Guaranteed authenticity

Unfortunately, due to the high rates of counterfeit Louis Vuitton bags, it's possible to buy a fake bag on the secondary market. When you buy directly from Louis Vuitton you can have the peace of mind that your new bag is authentic.

If you're thinking about buying pre-loved, we recommend you choose a trusted reseller and that you authenticate your bag after receiving it - one cannot be too careful. Definitely an important point if you're debating between vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags.

6. It's hassle-free

For most people is easier to just go to Louis Vuitton's website or local boutique and buy the bag you want instead of hunting it on the pre-loved market. You don't have to worry about the condition of the bag or the smell, you can just add it to cart and wait for your delivery.

Conclusion: vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags

One of the main advantages of buying a vintage Louis Vuitton bag is that they are often more affordable than their brand new counterparts. Vintage LV bags can also be more unique and collectible, with a rich history and patina that only comes with age. However, vintage bags may not be in the best condition, and they may not have the latest features or designs.

On the other hand, buying a brand new Louis Vuitton bag ensures that you're getting a bag that is in pristine condition, is authentic and has the latest features and designs. New LV bags are also covered by the brand's warranty, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. However, brand new LV bags can be quite expensive, and they may not have the same charm and character as a vintage piece.

When it comes to the vintage vs. new Louis Vuitton debate, the best option will depend on your personal style and budget. If you're looking for a unique and affordable bag with a rich history, a vintage LV bag may be the right choice for you. If you want a bag that is in pristine condition and has the latest features and designs, a brand new LV bag may be the better option. Whatever you choose, make sure to do your research and buy from a reputable seller to ensure that you're getting a high-quality LV bag.

Frequently asked questions

Is vintage Louis Vuitton better quality?

Yes, it is generally believed that vintage Louis Vuitton bags are better quality than their newer counterparts. This is because in the past, Louis Vuitton was known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. Many vintage Vuitton bags were made with higher-quality materials and construction, which can make them more durable and long-lasting. Additionally, older LV bags may have been made before the brand started mass-producing their products, which can also contribute to their higher quality.

However, it's important to note that not all vintage LV bags are of higher quality than new ones. The quality of a vintage LV bag will depend on its age, condition, and how well it has been cared for over the years. It's always a good idea to carefully inspect a vintage LV bag before purchasing it, and to buy from a reputable seller who can provide information on the bag's history and condition. We recommend that you pay special attention to things like mold and smell of the bag. Many Louis Vuitton bags that were improperly stored, especially in hot, humid climates will have an unpleasant smell and can have mold damage.

What does vintage mean in Louis Vuitton?

In the context of Louis Vuitton, "vintage" refers to a bag that was made by the brand in the past. This could be a few years ago or several decades ago. Vintage Louis Vuitton bags are typically considered to be at least ten years old, so, for example a bag manufactured in the early 2000 can be considered vintage. A bag that is from the 1990's or prior to the 90's is definitely considered a vintage bag.

How can you tell if a vintage Louis Vuitton is real?

1. Check the materials. Authentic Louis Vuitton bags are made from high-quality materials like leather and canvas. The materials should be durable and feel substantial. Fake Vuitton bags may be made from cheap or low-quality materials that feel flimsy or fake.
2. Look at the stitching. Authentic, especially vintage Louis Vuitton bags are known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. The stitching on an authentic LV bag should be even, straight, and tight. Replica Louis Vuitton bags may have crooked or uneven stitching, or loose threads.
3. Inspect the hardware. Authentic LV bags will have hardware (like zippers and clasps) that is made from high-quality materials like brass or gold-tone metal. The hardware should be durable and feel substantial. Fake Louis Vuitton bags may have hardware that is made from cheap or low-quality materials that feel flimsy
4. Check the date code. Authentic LV bags will have a date code stamped on the inside of the bag. The date code can be used to determine the date and place of manufacture of the bag. Fake Louis Vuitton bags may not have a date code, or the date code may be incorrect .
5. Buy from a reputable seller. Finally, the best way to ensure that you're getting a real vintage LV bag is to buy from a reputable seller. Avoid buying from unknown or untrustworthy sellers, and do your research to ensure that you're dealing with a reputable seller who can provide information about the bag's history and authenticity.
6. Use an authentication service after you've purchased the bag. You have to pay for such a service, but it's so worth it for peace of mind. Furthermore, if you ever decide to resell your bag the authenticity certificate can be a nice bonus for your buyer.

Overall, there is no foolproof way to determine the authenticity of a vintage Louis Vuitton bag yourself. If authenticity is holding you back in your debate between vintage vs new Louis Vuitton bags we recommend to inspect the bag carefully, and buy from a reputable seller. This will give you the best chance of getting a real and authentic vintage LV bag.

Does Louis Vuitton repair vintage bags?

Yes, Louis Vuitton offers repair services for vintage bags. However, it's important to note that the availability and cost of repair services for vintage LV bags may vary depending on the age, condition, and rarity of the bag. In some cases, Louis Vuitton may not be able to repair a vintage LV bag, or the repair may be prohibitively expensive.

If you have a vintage LV bag that needs repairs, the best thing to do is to contact Louis Vuitton directly to inquire about their repair services. They will be able to provide more specific information about the availability and cost of repairs for your particular bag. It's always a good idea to carefully consider the cost and feasibility of repairs before deciding whether to have your vintage LV bag repaired.

Check out the following Louis Vuitton Articles:

Best Louis Vuitton Crossbody Bags

Louis Vuitton - Does it ever go on sale?

Is the Speedy 20 worth buying?

Related