Buying one of the best designer bags is a big moment. Maybe you're marking a milestone or celebrating an achievement. Just like jewellery, a bag is an investment piece that you'll wear every day for years to come, or it might even become a future heirloom. While there are new trends every season, the best designer bags are the ones that are timeless and hold their value.
Certainly some of the biggest names can set you back thousands, so doing your research is essential. The spring/summer handbag trends 2024 have produced some beautiful new styles, some of which may eventually reach cult status, but the smartest investments are the huge fashion house designs that have been around for years. From the best Chanel bags to the best Gucci bags, they are simply never going to go out of style.
A new season brings new colours, shapes and embellishments, but if you're purchasing for investment or longevity, opt for neutral hues and classic silhouettes, as these are often the most popular and savviest style choice. From the retro Dior Saddle bag to the eternally chic Hermes Kelly, we've whittled down the best Quiet Luxury handbags to help you make a decision. Prepare to meet your new handbag hero: here's everything you need to know about the best designer bags to invest in.
The quick list
If you're in a hurry, here are the 6 designs that tick all our boxes. Styles with heritage behind them, many of these arm candy bags are instantly recognisable, making them sound investments.
Best British designer bag
RRP: £1,195 | One of the best Mulberry bags, this tote in classic tan leather will go with absolutely everything in your spring capsule wardrobe. A timeless designer bag for work, you can fit all those daily essentials in.
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Best small crossbody designer bag
RRP: £1,340 | Crafted by one of the best Italian clothing brands, this Gucci bag is instantly identifiable by the interlocking GG metal logo. Although small in stature it fits plenty in.
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The best for a more conscious designer bag
RRP: £920 | A re-worked classic, this designer bag heavily leans into the 90s fashion trends that have made a comeback in recent seasons. Available in a range of colourways, black is of course timeless.
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Best day to evening designer bag
RRP: £1385 | One of the best Saint Laurent bags, this nifty design will take you from AM to PM with ease. The quilted frontage alongside the gold hardware pack this bag full of top quality detail. Stick to classic minks, black or tan for a handbag that won't go out of style.
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The best for directional design
RRP: £2150 |The Jodie bag is a favourite of both Adele and Reese Witherspoon. Demonstrating the staying power of the distinctive woven design and knot detail, this one is available in numerous colours and sizes.
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The best for iconic design
Resale price: £4,742.65 | Perhaps the most recognisable bag in the world, the allure of the 2.55 is powerful. The diamond quilt design has often been replicated on the high street, but nothing can replace the real thing. We love the classic black and gold design.
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The best designer bags to buy now
This edit of the best designer bags is packed full of beautiful, solid investment pieces that won't go out of style. A mixture of new hero pieces that have excited fashion experts and staples that have remained some of the most sought-after styles on the market, these designer bags are ones that will stand the test of time and are synonymous with luxury and sartorial elegance. They are bags you can wear year in year out, and many are seasonless too, allowing your designer bag purchase to have a better cost per wear potential.
While we have not rigorously tested each bag, our selection of the best designer bags does take into account the most popular styles from leading and well regarded accessory and fashion brands. Furthermore we have spoken to fashion editors who own a number of the bags in the list to get their honest opinion on their purchases, and we've kept our eyes on market forces, seeing which bags increase in value and which bags are popular on rental and resale websites.
When selecting the best designer bags we're focused on pieces that utilise high quality fabrications and hardware as well as taking into account the designer brand's reputation and the styles longevity and notoriety.
If you're debating whether to invest in a designer bag or not, it's important to remember that designer bag prices, particularly of classic styles tend to go up every season, meaning that the most staple of designer bags naturally increase in price and value year on year. This means you'll want to invest in the best designer bags sooner rather than later, but the good news is that the constant increase in price year on year will help your original purchase hold its value.
What to look for when buying a designer bag
The first thing to think about when buying a designer bag is what style of bag would be best for you and your lifestyle. If you spend your days commuting to an office and don't tend to frequent many evening events, then a tote bag, backpack or shoulder bag is likely to suit you best. Or if your days are spent out and about zipping from one place to the other, then a roomy crossbody bag could be your best option, as it allows you to travel around hands-free. When trying to select the best designer bag for you, try and think about the rest of your wardrobe when making your purchase as you'll want to pick a colour and style that goes with the rest of your closet.
It's also good to look at practical aspects like whether the bag will be safe in the rain, how durable it feels and looks and how much you can fit in it. Pay attention to the quality of the material too. Look for equidistant and precise stitching around the corners, and neat and polished hardware.
1. Prada Re-Nylon
Y2K trends are back with a bang and with that comes plenty of nostalgic designs reinvented for the modern-day, including this iconic silhouette from Italian clothing brand Prada. Brought to fame in the early '00s, this updated design is made from Re-Nylon, produced from recycled, purified plastic trash collected from the oceans, fishing nets, and textile waste fibers. It's a great choice if you're not keen on buying leather, and it also means it's considerably more affordable than most Prada handbags, making it one of the best designer bags under £1000.
This re-worked silhouette shows no sign of slowing down in terms of popularity and has all the hallmarks of becoming a future classic. Available in eight different colourways, from timeless neutrals to trend-led yellow, we can see this becoming a bag that will hold its value in years to come.
Decorated with the signature enamelled metal triangle logo there are plenty of dreamy shades to choose from and for this season there's a real emphasis on neutral and pastel shades - which will go with pretty much any outfit. Due to the re-nylon fabric it might not have the most polished of finishes, but its mini stature does make it ideal for those days when you just want the absolute essentials to hand.
2. Mulberry Bayswater
British clothing brand Mulberry creates high quality, leather goods at its factory in Somerset. The iconic Bayswater launched in 2003 and since then has become one of the brand's bestselling and most-loved designs. One of the best designer tote bags, the silhouette itself has been tweaked and altered over the years but it has always remained a chic and stylish, classic, everyday bag that will polish off any outfit. A cross between a satchel and a tote, this bag has been spotted on the arms of Alexa Chung and Kate Moss.
Available in 13 hues, tan is a great investment choice thanks to its neutral, go-with-everything colour that works all year round. It will fit a small laptop or tablet, alongside other daily essential - making it ideal as part of your work outfits. With a secure postman's lock - a signature design of the brand - it also has two slip pockets, a main compartment and an inner zipped pocket too. The four base feet will stop the bottom from getting too worn or scratched. A shoulder bag design, this isn't one for those who demand a totally hands-free finish, but it is one of the most practical and hardwearing designer bags around.
"I'm a big fan of Mulberry handbags in general as I find them really hardwearing. The softer leather iterations in particular can take everything my day throws at it and wear well. There are so many iconic Mulberry bags, that it's hard to pick just one. However if you want a smaller crossbody, I love my Darley for everyday, on-the-go ease and style in one," says woman&home fashion editor, Rivkie Baum
3. Dior Saddle
If you want to learn how to dress like Carrie Bradshaw, then you should note that the Dior Saddle Bag was one of Carrie's favourites. Although it was the ‘It’ bag for years, the brand eventually ceased production of the shape causing resale demand to rise.
Fast-forward to 2018 when Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri sent a re-imagined version of this classic down the runway, and the Saddle Bag 2.0 was born. The beautifully curved shape might have remained the same, but this time it’s not just about canvas and embroidery, but shiny goat leather too, all complete with the iconic stirrup ‘D’ closure.
With a top grab handle and a shoulder strap, this bag has a highly elegant finish, particularly in black leather and will of course be wearable with almost anything. This design is available in seven colourways, covering everything from yellow and khaki to neutral white, black and navy tones. One of the best French clothing brands, Dior is iconic and this timeless piece is a designer bag that can certainly be filed under investment piece.
The best designer card wallets and purses from Dior offer a more accessible price point if you're looking for a place to start. It's also worth checking out resale sites, many of who will carry the original Saddle Bag designs for dedicated collectors.
4. Bottega Veneta Jodie
The Jodie has been everywhere since its launch in 2020, and the instantly recognisable bag has triggered many a replica from straight to market brands.
Deserving a spot on the list - because you know a bag is a cult item when it inspires so many other bags - it uses the distinctive woven leather that Bottega Veneta is famous for. With an oversized knot to one side, it's more of a grab top handle bag or to be worn on the crook of your elbow rather than a shoulder bag.
Available in a rainbow of hues and fabrications, when it comes to the Jodie mini there are at least 57 interpretations of the design, including woven (with 30 colour options) and directional faux fur iterations. We highly rate the mini silhouette for the perfect evening bag that still packs a punch. With a single compartment (with zip closure) - it's ideal for essentials only.
5. Saint Laurent Loulou
One of the best YSL bags, the Loulou Toy Leather Crossbody Bag is named after Yves Saint Laurent’s muse Loulou de la Falaise. A design staple, this simple but impressive designer crossbody bag is universally loved and a favourite amongst the fashion crowd for its directional quilting, but equally timeless design. While the bag comes in numerous colours, it's the black with statement gold YSL monogram that really stands out for us and makes this bag suitable for all occasions, AM-PM.
With Saint Laurent's natural rock and roll appeal, this bag is guaranteed to add sartorial elegance with an edge to everything from your favourite LBD to a casual jeans, tee and leather jacket combo. Made from buttery-soft, 100% calfskin leather, the gold front metal hardware ensures everyone knows what excellent taste you have.
Despite its relatively small footprint this crossbody bag is packed full of practicality. Featuring two compartments, a zip pocket, three slip pockets and two card pockets, it might be small, but it's not to be underestimated.
A long-term investment, this practical purchase promises to never go out of date and is still very much a sought-after piece, should you ever choose to part ways.
6. Chanel 2.55
"The best things in life are free. The second-best things are very, very expensive." - is one of our favourite Coco Chanel quotes and feels very apt indeed when talking about Chanel's infamous 2.55 Flap Bag. The bag that spurned a thousand copies, it's easily one of the best designer bags ever made and one of the most instantly identifiable too.
Created by Gabrielle Chanel in February 1955, it stands out thanks to its simple yet effective rectangle shape and signature quilting. Black leather is the classic choice, while seasonal tweed or colour-pop options offer a more fashion-forward take. You can browse online via Chanel’s website, but for the widest choice of sizes, colours, and fabrications, it’s best to visit one of its boutiques - as Chanel does not retail online. Prices start at around £3,650 for a mini version and rise to in excess of £7,550 for a maxi version.
One of the most iconic designer bags in existence, the Chanel 2.55, well maintained will always have a good resale value, and with prices expected to continue to rise, the resell market is incredibly lucrative. If your dream is to own a Chanel 2.55, investing as soon as you can is our advice.
A luxury design house, Chanel doesn't take part in any of the best designer outlets either, so there is no opportunity for a discounted version we're afraid, if you're investing in a Chanel handbag, you'll have to go all in. And if you're thinking about a second-hand variety, its bags tend to hold their value or increase. If you are looking to purchase a vintage or second-hand design, make sure to purchase it from a reputable source.
7. Hermes Kelly
It’s almost impossible to put together a round-up of the best designer bags without including Hermés. The Birkin might be the A-list-approved bag that first springs to mind, but for real glamour, Kelly has our vote. First created by Robert Dumas, the son-in-law of Emile Hermés, the grandson of founder Thierry Hermés, it gained real notoriety when worn by Hollywood legend Grace Kelly. Rumour has it that the actress, and Princess of Monaco, used the bag to conceal her pregnancy in the late 1950s, and as a result, it was renamed in her honour. Nowadays, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham are both fans.
Effortlessly elegant, the real beauty of Kelly is in its simplicity. It won’t date with trends, so you can rest assured this is a bag you’ll love to use for years to come. Unfortunately, getting your hands on a Hermés bag is not as easy as heading to the store. Not everyone who wants one is approved to buy one, and even if you do make it onto the coveted shortlist, you can still face a long wait. As a result, the resale market is booming, so buying second-hand might just be your best bet (make sure the bag has been authenticated by an expert). Exact prices are hard to come by, but depending on the leather you choose, a Kelly bag bought directly from Hermés will set you back upwards of £6,000.
8. Gucci GG Marmont
Gucci handbags have seen an increased demand over the past couple of years with a rise in sales and searches, and the classic GG Marmont is one of the most sought-after styles.
Small but mighty, this compact crossbody camera bag is incredibly versatile. With a quilted finish, it features a chain and leather strap, as well as the brand's distinctive gold-tone logo plaque, making it instantly recognisable. It comes in 8 variations, including pillar box red and a floral print, but we think simple black is the way to go if you’re looking for longevity.
One of the best crossbody bags on the market, the classic GG Marmont is a great style for everyday. Leaving you hands free, it has just enough space for the essentials and if you opt for a neutral hue it will pair effortlessly with work and evening outfits. The unmistakable double GG logo has been the source of design inspiration for numerous straight to market brands, but nothing comes close to the real deal.
Loved by style experts, fashion editor Antonia Kraskowski is rarely spotted without her trusty Marmont: "My Gucci GG Marmont matelassé mini bag is one of my most loved and used crossbody bags. Although tiny, it's surprisingly mighty when it comes to what you can fit in it plus it's essentially two bags in one. One side has the GG gold metal emblem and chevron design while the other has a more subtle stitched logo, perfect for those days when I want something a little more low key. While it might be an investment, it hasn't fallen apart despite my best efforts of wearing it daily and the price has only gone up, meaning that if I dare to part with it, the resale value will be around what it cost new a few years ago."
9. Louis Vuitton Speedy
Originally created for travellers in the 1930s, Louis Vuitton Speedy is one of the best Louis Vuitton bags and remains a sought-after purchase for all those after a timeless design from the French clothing brand.
Elegant yet sporty, the almost bowling bag shape means it’s roomy enough for all your essentials, while the signature rolled leather handles ensure maximum comfort. The little details count, too, like the luxe engraved padlock, adding that finishing touch. If you're not one for traveling light, opt for a larger size, such as the Louis Vuitton Speedy 40 which will make one of the best weekend bags.
Take advantage of the ergonomic design, as the Speedy comes with a crossbody strap for easy wear - making it a great bag when deciding what to wear on a plane too. While the best designer bags still have a level of exclusivity, the Speedy benefits from the fact that a number of styles can be personalised with coluored stripes and your initials via Louis Vuitton’s online store or in its boutiques. This means that your designer bag can be unique to you. Prices for the Speedy collection - which is constantly being refreshed with new colours each season, range from £1,470 for the Speedy 30 Bag to £1,510 for the 35.
A sportier feel, this is definitely a day bag, wearable for both work and casual occasions. Instantly recognisable by the LV monogram, it's a great piece if you like to make a statement. Consider looking at pre-loved if you want discounted Louis Vuitton bags.
10. Balenciaga City
The Balenciaga Classic City bag was a must-have in the early Noughties, and it's back for 2024. It has come in many variations over the years, from hot pink to graffiti print for a real statement-maker but the simple black still remains top of its game.
Featuring two top handles as well as a crossbody strap, buckle-embellished trims, front zip-fastening compartment and stud hardware with the brand's logo, this classic black iteration taps into Balenciaga's rock and roll aesthetic - it's high fashion with an edge. No wonder Kate Moss is bringing back the City bag.
A great everyday bag, this might not take you to a black tie event, but it will take you basically anywhere else. It's only downside is its relatively small size, as its design makes it appear chunkier and more robust.
11. Fendi Baguette
Another iconic '90s and '00s bag that’s enjoyed a recent renaissance, is the Fendi Baguette Bag, which made a welcome return to the fashion scene, bigger and more loved than every before. While the term baguette previously meant one specific style of bag, the term ‘Baguette’ now encompasses a whole family of luxury bags, with the iconic shape reimagined in a range of different sizes, strap options, and colorways.
The rectangular original remains instantly recognisable, the perfect shape to sit prettily and comfortably beneath your arm. And, never one to scrimp on branding, all bags in the Baguette family carry Fendi’s gold logo hardware too - iconic of the nineties brand obsessed era.
Prices start at £610 for the Nano Baguette Charm, seemingly a too good to be true price, but it’s only big enough to hold a single lipstick. However, if you're looking to start your collection and just need something small for a wedding or evening event - it's a great choice - there are some pretty special leather and sequin iterations available for the festive season ahead, that will add some powerful sparkle to your look.
The average Fendi Baguette bag is upwards and around the £2,000 mark, with a crocodile skin version ringing in at £19,000. This is a cult bag, recognisable and loved by a generation and currently garnering a new fan base too. One that is sure to stick around, if you invested the first time round, your bag will likely carry a great resale value if in a good condition, but if you're longing for it now, you've been gifted a second chance.
12. Dior Book tote
A roomy tote bag is a sartorial saviour when we’re struggling to cram all our belongings into a neat little crossbody. But if you thought a tote bag wasn’t glamorous, be prepared to be proved wrong with this sought-after design from Dior. Putting a luxurious spin on the carry-all, the Dior Book Tote holds all the daily essentials and makes a serious style statement.
Loved by fashion editors, woman&home's fashion director, Paula Moore is a big fan of the Dior Book Tote,
"They offer free personalisation for an extra unique touch. It’s really sturdy and I love the classic navy and off-white colourway as it goes with my summer wardrobe (and doesn’t show the dirt!) I don’t have to be too precious with it and I use it every day to get my money's worth with the price per wear. From a supermarket shop to a day on the beach, it’s my plus one all year round."
Adorned with the Christian Dior Paris signature on the front, it comes in an array of different prints and colourways and it’s available in three sizes-small, medium, and large - to suit you and your lifestyle. It’s time to replace the flimsy cotton tote with something a little more indulgent.
Why are designer bags so expensive?
With one of the best designer bags to invest in, you’re not just paying for the logo, it's about the time it’s taken to piece your new purchase together and the quality of the materials involved in the construction too.
Take Loewe’s Puzzle Bag, for example. Epitomising the level of craftsmanship that goes into making designer bags, this design takes an eye-watering 524 steps to complete. And of course, it's crafted from soft and buttery, high-quality leather - meaning the components are costly too.
And flying the flag for full supply-chain transparency, Mulberry has been a member of the Leather Working Group since 2012. This first ensures that all of its leathers are a by-product of food production and livestock are properly treated. If you’re looking to make more ethical fashion choices, you can’t put a price on that level of commitment.
In addition to this, the bags aren't as mass market as the ones from straight to market retailers and there's often more handcrafted detailing involved. This is highly skilled manufacture and that has to be factored into the retail value.
Can you rent a designer bag?
Yes! Renting one of the best designer bags has become increasingly popular. Some of the best designer dress rentals also loan accessories and it’s a good option if you want to either test the waters with a particular bag you’re looking to invest in, or you are looking to shop more sustainably. You can rent a bag for a week or so from companies such as BagButler, and then return it when you’re done. It’s cheaper than buying and perfect if you’re looking for a some beautiful arm candy for a party, wedding, or job interview. When you rent a designer bag, you can be a bit bolder with your choices too.
“The most popular brand across our selection is Chanel. People are willing to invest in a classic black designer bag but fancy renting something more statement and colourful," says Tina Lipfriend, founder of BagButler.
“Chanel made the bold move of raising their prices by up to 17% during the first lockdown. This hasn’t dented the popularity but has definitely made renting a great option for many people."
As well as Chanel, Dior is also one of the most popular designers when it comes to borrowing a bag. “The other piece that customers absolutely love is the Lady Dior. The black Saddlebag tends to appeal to a younger audience (fashion students) whereas the lady Dior tends to be rented by professionals," adds Lipfriend.
Do the best designer bags go on sale?
Yes and no. The most exclusive luxury designer handbags and labels, like Hermés and Louis Vuitton, never go on sale. To grab yourself discounted Louis Vuitton bags or equivalent, it's often a case of buying them secondhand from a reputable reseller (but be warned: they hold their resale value, so you won't save much).
However, many of the other luxury labels do tend to have seasonal discounts on their best designer bags. And some brands have sample sales or even have designer outlets, such as the Mulberry factory shop, where you can save hundreds of pounds/dollars.
Designer bags that hold their value
The best designer bags have the potential to become a beloved, hand-me-down piece. But, if you want to find yours a new home outside of your circle, there’s plenty of money to be made on resale websites if you have a classic bag that will hold its value. When it comes to designer resale sites, Farfetch and Vestiaire Collective are our top picks. So, what sells well on the sites?
"The best investments tend to be timeless pieces that will never go out of fashion," says Sophie Hersan, co-founder of Vestiaire Collective. "Hermes is still widely considered a good investment and continues to be one of our bestselling brands. Several styles are highly coveted, and the history of the company adds to the exclusivity. There’s a mystery around the bags which makes them even more sought after."
Some classic bag designs may increase over time simply due to inflation. Just this past year, luxury brands including Louis Vuitton and Chanel have bumped up prices due to lost spending caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. We also noticed when updating this piece that the majority of bags have increased in price anywhere from £40 to £100. Bags with restricted supply, like the Chanel 2.55 Flap Bag, or limited edition collections and colorways also go up in value simply because they are harder to get.
"Limited edition pieces are also something to consider when buying a handbag. Rarity drives up the price. A special colourway or limited edition collection for example increases demand," adds Sophie.
