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The Bolsino Editorial Team Updated On November 01, 2025
17 min read
For a long time, investment portfolios only included stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and real estate. But over the past decade, things have changed significantly. Today, luxury handbags—like the Hermès Birkin and Chanel Classic Flap—are seen by financial experts and collectors as real investment options.
Here's what makes this particularly interesting: A Hermès Birkin has outperformed both gold and the S&P 500 over the past 35 years. Specifically, it delivers steady returns of 14.2% per year. When compared to gold's -1.5% and the S&P 500's 8.7% average, the Birkin stands out significantly. Even better, some luxury handbags keep 100% or more of their original retail value. Notably, that's something most traditional investments simply cannot do.
This guide explains the facts about luxury handbag investments. Throughout this article, we'll look at historical data, market trends, and investment strategies. For a comprehensive overview of the entire luxury handbag investment landscape, see our Complete Guide to Luxury Handbag Investing 2026.
The luxury handbag market is growing very fast. Let's consider these numbers:
2022 Market Value: $72 billion
2025 Market Value: $100+ billion (expected by 2027)
Why It's Growing: 40% of Americans have bought or plan to buy a luxury handbag
This growth is much faster than other luxury goods. In addition to steady demand, people's thinking has changed dramatically. Luxury handbags are no longer just fashion items. Instead, they are now seen as real investments that make money. Consequently, the market has shifted from viewing bags as consumables to seeing them as assets.
The used luxury handbag market is getting better and smarter every year. In particular, websites like The RealReal, Rebag, and Vestiaire Collective make it easy to buy and sell. Thanks to these platforms, buyers and sellers can now see real prices and get bags checked for authenticity. Here's what the data shows:
Designer bag prices went up 26% in 2022 (RealReal report)
Used luxury handbag market hit $59 billion in 2025
Second-hand bags grew 439% year-over-year
Gucci
Louis Vuitton
Chanel
Prada
Dior
Saint Laurent
Hermès
Fendi
Burberry
Balenciaga
Market Ups and Downs: In 2023, luxury bag prices dropped a bit. For example, Gucci fell 17%, and Louis Vuitton dropped 20% because people were worried about money. However, the market then recovered quickly. Similarly, this mirrors what happened in 2020 during the pandemic (down 25.6%). This demonstrates that the luxury handbag market is strong and bounces back. What's more, if you buy when prices are low, you can make good money when the market recovers. Investors who understood this pattern profited significantly.
Luxury handbags are an example of something called "Veblen goods." The term comes from an American economist named Thorstein Veblen. He studied how wealthy people shop and spend money. To understand this concept better, it helps to compare it to regular things we buy. Let's look at the differences:
| Factor | Regular Goods | Veblen Goods (Luxury Handbags) |
|---|---|---|
| What Happens When Price Goes Up | People buy less | People buy more |
| Main Purpose | Usefulness | Shows status and wealth |
| Why People Buy | Practical reasons | Shows prestige, shows wealth, rare items |
| Price Change Effect | Goes down with demand | Goes up with demand |
| Common Brands | Various | Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel |
When people think of luxury, certain brand names come to mind immediately:
Luxury Handbags: Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga
Luxury Watches: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet
Luxury Cars: Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche
Luxury Jewelry: Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston
These brands all share four key things: they are rare, they have history, they are made very well, and everyone wants them. In consequence, the more people want a handbag, the higher the price goes. This is quite different from normal shopping rules. Unlike regular products that become cheaper when less popular, luxury handbags increase in value as demand grows.
How Hermès Makes the Birkin Special: The Birkin has a waiting list of 5-7 years for new bags. Due to this constraint, there aren't many bags available. Subsequently, when something is hard to get, people want it more. As a result, the Birkin went from $2,000 in 1984 to $20,000+ today. This dramatic jump is not just because of normal price increases. Rather, it's because Hermès carefully planned to make it rare and special. Consequently, their strategy has worked brilliantly.
A study by Baghunter in 2016 looked at how luxury goods perform over 35 years. The results clearly show why Hermès is the best choice for investment:
Birkin Returns Per Year: 14.2%
Gold Returns Per Year: -1.5%
S&P 500 Returns Per Year: 8.7%
Real Estate Returns Per Year: 4.3% - 7.7%
Bonds Returns Per Year: 6.1%
Stocks Returns Per Year: 10%
What This Means: The Hermès Birkin has made more money than almost all other ways to invest for over 30 years. Notably, this is especially good because the stock market tends to go up and down a lot. Meanwhile, the Birkin maintains steady value increases year after year.
New data shows that Hermès keeps its value better than other luxury brands:
Hermès Value Retention: 103% of what you paid
Louis Vuitton Value Retention: 92% of what you paid
Chanel Value Retention: 87% of what you paid
Simple Example: If you buy a $10,000 Hermès Kelly today, you could potentially sell it for $10,300+ in 3-5 years. In other words, that means you make 3% per year plus you got to use and wear a beautiful bag. Most investments, by contrast, can't offer that dual benefit. Furthermore, you get daily enjoyment while building wealth.
Hermès Birkin (any leather): Makes 14.2% per year, very expensive at auctions
Hermès Kelly: Makes 12.8% per year, keeps value well
Hermès Constance: Makes 11.5% per year, increasingly getting more popular with collectors
Hermès Birkins regularly sell for $200,000+ at big auction houses like Christie's and Sotheby's
In 2025, a rare Hermès Birkin in crocodile leather sold for $380,000
Furthermore, a Hermès Birkin made significantly more money than a Banksy artwork (42% vs. 23% gain from 2019-2020)
These auction results demonstrate real market demand and investor confidence
Why This Matters: Forbes says that four Hermès bags helped the company make 21% more money in the US. This clearly demonstrates that big companies see handbags as real money-makers. Moreover, institutional investors now track luxury handbag performance seriously.
Most people think real estate is the safest investment. However, when we examine the actual numbers, we see some problems:
1991-2000: 4.3% per year
2000-2012: 4.7% per year
2012-2021: 7.7% per year
2021-2022 (special year): 18.8% per year
Average Long-Term: 5-7% per year
Comparing to Birkin: From 1984-2024 (40 years), the Birkin made 500% in value. That equals roughly about 14% per year. So the Birkin made about double what real estate makes. Additionally, real estate needs lots of money to take care of. You must pay for repairs, taxes, and interest on loans. In sharp contrast, a Birkin only needs a cool, dry place to store it. Clearly, the maintenance burden is much lighter for handbags.
Stocks (30-year average): 10% per year
Bonds (30-year average): 6.1% per year
S&P 500 (35-year average, 1980-2015): 8.7% per year
The Problem With Stocks and Bonds: Their value changes a lot based on many things. For instance, interest rates change frequently. Companies make more or less money depending on their performance. World events happen unexpectedly. These things make stock prices go up and down. For example, a $10,000 stock investment might be worth $8,000 or $12,000 next year. On the other hand, luxury handbags keep a steady value that doesn't depend on the stock market. Consequently, this is good for your money. Moreover, bags provide emotional satisfaction alongside financial returns.
One Example That Broke the Rules: Telfar Bags (2022 Rebag Report)
Resale price: 195% of what was paid
Better than S&P 500: 2X more money back
This clearly shows that some bags can do much better than stocks
To build a good handbag investment collection, you need to know about different types of bags. Therefore, here's how to divide them up:
Tier 1: Safe, Proven Bags (Main Holdings)
Brands: Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton
Expected Yearly Return: 10-14%
Value Kept: 85-103%
Easy to Sell: Yes (2-4 weeks)
Price Range: $5,000 - $25,000
Tier 2: Growing Brands (Growth Holdings)
Brands: Bottega Veneta, Prada, Saint Laurent
Expected Yearly Return: 8-12%
Value Kept: 75-90%
Easy to Sell: Medium (4-8 weeks)
Price Range: $2,000 - $8,000
Tier 3: Trendy Bags (Quick Gains)
Brands: Balenciaga, Gucci, Dior
Expected Yearly Return: 5-10%
Value Kept: 65-85%
Easy to Sell: Harder when trends change
Price Range: $1,500 - $5,000
If you have $50,000 to invest in bags, here's a good way to split it:
Suggested Split:
50% ($25,000): Hermès & Chanel must-haves (Birkin, Kelly, Classic Flap)
30% ($15,000): Louis Vuitton special bags & Prada special bags
15% ($7,500): Growing brands with good potential
5% ($2,500): Trendy bags for quick gains
Check Your Bags Every Three Months: Look at what you own four times a year. Once a year, rebalance. In other words, buy or sell to keep your plan on track. Most importantly, consistency matters more than timing.
When you choose individual bags, you should look for these five things:
1. Will It Still Be Cool Later?
Pick bags that will not go out of style (don't pick "it bags" that fade fast)
Good examples include: Chanel 2.55 (since 1955), Birkin (1984), Kelly (1956)
These timeless designs have proved they maintain appeal across decades
2. What Is It Made From?
Premium leathers (like Hermès crocodile or Chanel lamb leather) go up in value faster
Therefore, avoid plastic or cheap materials altogether
Best materials: Crocodile, Alligator, Hermès Clemence, Chanel caviar leather
Material quality directly correlates with appreciation rates
3. Is It Limited or Special?
Special colors and artist versions cost more than regular versions
For instance: Louis Vuitton x Supreme, Hermès seasonal colors, artist designs
These limited editions become increasingly rare over time
4. Is It Real and In Good Shape?
Only buy real bags (blockchain checking is becoming normal)
Additionally, what shape it's in matters significantly: Excellent (+15% more money), Good (+5%), Fair (normal price)
Also important to note: 62% of luxury brands now use blockchain checking (2025)
Condition directly affects resale value and buyer interest
5. Is It Too Common?
Don't pick bags that are made in huge numbers from big brands
Specifically, Hermès makes fewer Birkins per year than Gucci makes of any one style
Therefore, less made = harder to find = worth more money
Rarity is a key driver of luxury handbag appreciation
Why Pick Hermès: 103% value kept, 14.2% per year, gets more rare each year
Top Models:
Birkin (25-35cm): Best choice, $15,000-$35,000
Kelly (25-32cm): Second best, $12,000-$28,000
Constance (23cm): Getting better, $10,000-$18,000
2025 Update: Hermès prices went up 8-12% per year in 2024-2025. That's much more than regular inflation. Furthermore, the waiting list for new bags now goes over 7 years at the store. This clearly indicates that lots of people want Hermès bags. Indeed, demand continues to outpace supply dramatically.
Why Pick Chanel: 87% value kept, 9.8% per year, popular with celebrities
Top Models:
Classic Flap Bag (Medium): $8,000-$15,000, went up 24% from 2021-2023
2.55 Reissue (Medium): $7,000-$13,000, steady 8-10% gain per year
Boy Bag (Medium): $6,000-$11,000, up 15% with younger buyers
2025 Update: Chanel raises prices about 5-7% per year in 2025. This means your money will keep up with inflation effectively. Moreover, special hardware and seasonal colors cost more than regular versions. These premium variants offer better appreciation potential.
Why Pick Louis Vuitton: 92% value kept, steady 8-11% per year, easy to sell
Top Models:
Neverfull MM (Limited Versions): $2,500-$6,000, special team-up versions cost 40-60% more
Capucines BB (Special Order): $8,500-$15,000, the #1 Most Wanted Bag in 2025
Twist (Special Colors): $4,000-$8,000, getting more popular with buyers
2025 Update: LV has lots of stores around the world, so it's easy to buy and sell compared to smaller brands. Additionally, special order bags and team-ups with artists (like Takashi Murakami and Stephen Sprouse) make more money than regular bags. Such collaborations generate significant collector interest.
Jodie Bag: Up 12% per year, keeps 78% of value
Intrecciato Weave: Costs 20% more than regular leather
For Men: Up 12% with male buyers
Re-Edition 2005: Like old styles, up 15% per year
Cahier Bag: Made in small amounts, keeps 85% of value
Special Leather: Costs 10-15% more than regular versions
City Bag: Famous people use it (Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian), up 8% in demand
First Bag: Old model, up 439% per year in sales
Social Media Power: Online trends can quickly change how much people want these bags
Knowing where to sell your bags is absolutely crucial to making the most money. Furthermore, each website has distinct good and bad points for your situation:
The RealReal (Top Choice for Luxury)
Takes: 50% of sale price
Time to Sell: 2-3 weeks
Buyers: Wealthy people who want checked bags
Good At: Strict checking, good buyers
Vestiaire Collective (Global Trading)
Takes: 13-17% of sale price
Time to Sell: 1-4 weeks
Buyers: International buyers, younger people
Good At: Huge selection, many price options
Rebag (Fast Sales)
Takes: 40% of sale price (or they buy it right away)
Time to Sell: 3-5 days (fast buy option)
Buyers: People who want fast sales
Good At: Quick turnaround, fair prices
Sotheby's & Christie's (Auction Houses)
Takes: 15-25% of final price
Time to Sell: 8-12 weeks (auction schedule)
Buyers: Collectors, very expensive bags
Good At: Famous name, sets records
To sell your bags for the best price possible, follow these helpful tips:
Keep Your Bags In Good Shape
Store bags in dust bags away from sun and water carefully
Don't wear them every day; instead, save them for special occasions
A professional cleaner can add 5-10% to the selling price
Also, be sure to keep receipts, proof it's real, and model numbers
Documentation strengthens buyer confidence significantly
Pick the Best Time to Sell
Sell when stores put out new styles (usually July and December)
Don't sell during hard times for the economy; instead, wait for better times
Also, watch closely for famous people wearing these bags; trending bags sell for 15-25% more
Celebrity endorsements can spike demand suddenly
Sell It Well
Take good photos (adds 10-15% to the price)
Write a clear description, and be sure to note any wear or damage
Say if it's rare: "No longer made," "Rare color," "Limited production"
Finally, show what similar bags recently sold for to justify prices
Transparency builds trust with potential buyers
To understand future opportunities, let's examine what big research firms predict:
Data Bridge Market Research
Countries Studied: Japan, Southeast Asia, India, China, Europe
Expected Growth Per Year: 8.20% (2025-2030)
Market Size Growth: $22.61 billion → $42.4 billion
Allied Market Research
Expected Size By 2026: $89.9 billion
Growth Per Year: 5.6% (2019-2026)
Why: More middle-class people in developing countries buying luxury
Fortune Business Insights
Expected Size By 2028: $78.46 billion
Growth Per Year: 6.7%
Why: Younger people are starting to see bags as investments
What All This Means: The luxury handbag market will grow 5.6-8.2% per year through 2030. In other words, that's faster than regular inflation and closely matches what the stock market usually does. Clearly, the fundamentals support strong growth.
Besides the big established markets, some new areas are just starting to buy luxury bags:
New Places to Watch:
India: Luxury is growing rapidly, young professionals want designer bags
Southeast Asia: People in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia have more money and increasingly want bags
Middle East: Very rich people will gladly pay a lot for rare bags
China: Old bags are becoming increasingly popular as younger people get richer
These emerging markets represent significant untapped potential
The Problem: Fake luxury goods are a $500+ billion market each year. Specifically, handbags make up 45% of all fake items. Therefore, checking if a bag is real is very important now. Counterfeit bags threaten the entire investment market.
New Solutions in 2025:
1. Blockchain Checking
LVMH's AURA blockchain: Tracks Dior, Celine, Fendi from factory to owner
Hermès test program: Digital papers for Birkin and Kelly bags (2024-2025)
Helps: No more questions if a bag is real, bags worth more money
Used by: 62% of luxury brands now
This technology transforms authentication completely
2. AI & Computer Checking
Vestiaire Collective AI: Checks 200+ things about a bag in seconds
Rebag computer vision: Spots fake materials through photos
Results: 31% fewer fakes in the used market since 2023
Machine learning continues to improve daily
3. Digital Ownership Records
NFT papers (optional): Digital proof you own it
Resale recording: Computer keeps track of who owns it
Future use: Can split super expensive bags with other people
These innovations open new investment possibilities
Why This Helps You: Real bags are worth 8-12% more than bags without proof. Therefore, keeping papers and getting bags checked is smart money. Moreover, verified bags attract serious investors.
To invest well, you need to understand risks carefully. However, each risk can be managed with smart planning:
1. Too Many Bags Made
Problem: Not all luxury bags go up in value. Some brands make tons of them
How to Fix It: Only buy Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton (they make fewer bags)
Risk Level: Medium (managed by picking the right brand)
2. Trends Can Change Fast
Problem: When famous people stop wearing a bag, fewer people want it
Example: Balenciaga lost 40% value after issues in 2023
How to Fix It: Buy many different brands; don't put all money in trendy bags
Risk Level: Medium (managed by spreading your bags around)
3. Bags Can Get Damaged
Problem: Humidity, light, and temperature can hurt bags
How to Fix It: Good storage costs $200-500 per year
Risk Level: Low (easy to fix with the right care)
Prevention is always better than restoration
4. Hard to Sell Quickly
Problem: Super rare bags might take 8-12 weeks to sell through auctions
How to Fix It: Keep 70% in easy-to-sell brands (Hermès, Chanel, LV)
Risk Level: Low-Medium (managed by planning what to buy)
5. Economy Getting Worse
Problem: During bad times, people spend less on luxury; 2020 saw prices drop 25.6%
How to Fix It: Luxury bags bounce back faster than stocks (happened 2020-2021)
Risk Level: Medium (strong market but it goes up and down)
What Happens: When the economy is bad, used luxury bag prices drop significantly. But they are still real quality. As a result, smart investors can buy good bags cheap. Then when the economy gets better, they make a lot of money. Patience truly pays off.
2020 Example: In 2020, prices dropped 25.6% due to pandemic fears. However, in 2021-2022, patient people who bought then made 35-45% profit. This clearly demonstrates the market is strong and comes back. Historical patterns suggest future downturns will create similar opportunities.
What's Changing: Fashion is becoming less about just men or women. Rather, now both wear similar bags. Gender boundaries in luxury goods are blurring fast.
2025 Numbers:
Men buying luxury bags: Up 45% year-over-year (2024-2025)
Bottega Veneta men's bags: Up 12%
Brands making bags for everyone: Now 2X more than in 2020
Bags Guys Buy:
Hermès Evelyne Bag (girls and guys)
Louis Vuitton men's Damier Graphite bags
Bottega Veneta Arco Bag (for guys since 2023)
Prada Nylon Backpacks
Why This Helps Investors: More people can buy bags means more buyers want them overall. Specifically, bags that both men and women like are worth 10-15% more. This is because more people can buy them when you want to sell. Broader appeal equals greater liquidity.
Why: Young people care about the environment and want to be green. Environmental consciousness now drives purchasing decisions significantly.
2025 Numbers:
Vintage luxury bag sales: Up 439% year-over-year
Geometric vintage bags: Up 325% in sales
People who like green options: 58% of luxury buyers
Old Bags Worth Buying:
1990s Hermès bags (Clemence leather): Up 8-15% per year
Early 2000s Chanel bags: Up 12-18% among collectors
Limited old runs (before 2010): Up 20-35% for rare colors
Why Vintage Is Good: Buying old bags is green because you're not making new ones. Furthermore, the used market is now $59 billion in 2025. That's 37% of all luxury bag money. As a result, old bags are rare, good for the environment, and worth more. That's three good things together. Sustainability creates real financial value.
Start by learning the basics first:
Study Your Brand: Learn about the bags (materials, years made, rare colors)
Watch the Market: Look at Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and auctions for one month
See What Works: Notice which bags keep value; which lose value
Plan Your Money: Decide how much you'll spend and what to buy
Now it's time to start building your collection properly:
Buy Main Bags First: Get 2-3 Hermès or Chanel bags ($5,000-$10,000 each)
Keep Records: Take photos, save receipts, get authenticity papers
Check for Real: Use blockchain (AURA) or hire someone to verify
Track Value: Write down starting prices using Vestiaire, Rebag, auction info
As your collection grows, make it better strategically:
Watch Prices: Check what your bags are worth every three months
Add More Brands: Buy Tier 2 bags after your main bags go up 8-12%
Balance It: Buy or sell to keep your plan on track
Stay Updated: Read Robb Report, Baghunter, and Bolsino news
Keep your collection working toward your goals:
Sell at Right Times: Pick when to sell (when trends peak, when stores clear out old stock)
Clean Your Bags: Get professional care every 18-24 months
Follow News: Watch for famous people wearing bags, brand problems
Plan to Sell: Wait 5-7 years before selling (more money + better taxes)
Official Shops & Big Stores
Hermès: Real Hermès stores for authentic Birkins and Kellys; expect 7-year waits
Chanel: Chanel shops and big stores (Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods)
Louis Vuitton: LV stores and fancy retailers everywhere
Good Points: You know it's real; you get a receipt to prove it
Premium Used Bags
The RealReal: Best for Hermès and Chanel; customers have lots of money
Vestiaire Collective: Biggest selection; buyers from all over the world
Rebag: Fastest sales; good prices
Auction Houses
Sotheby's: Hermès, rare bags, record prices
Christie's: Global reach; lots of luxury handbag sales
Bonhams: New options with fair pricing
Used Luxury Stores
Fashionphile: Only sells designer bags; checks for real
Luxury Garage Sale: Professional quality bags
Grailed (men's focus): Bags for everyone, men-focused
Why Bolsino Is Different:
30,000+ Bags: From top retailers around the world
Price Comparison: See the same bag from 50+ stores to find the best deal
Checked & Real: All bags verified; blockchain integration
Market News: Get reports, resale data, and growth predictions
One Place: Find Hermès, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, new brands all in one spot
Why This Helps You: Instead of visiting many stores online, Bolsino shows you bags from everywhere. As a result, you find the best price quickly. Efficiency matters in investment decisions.
See All Bags: Browse 30,000+ checked bags from Hermès, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Prada, Dior, Saint Laurent, and new designers.
The facts are really good overall. Over 35+ years, Hermès Birkin bags made 14.2% per year. That beats gold, the S&P 500, real estate, bonds, and regular stocks. In 2025, this keeps happening across many luxury brands. Additionally, there are new chances with old bags, bags for everyone, and bags with computer proof they're real. Market fundamentals have never been stronger.
Better Returns: 10-14% per year for good bags, as good as stocks
Safer in Bad Times: Prices stay steady when markets drop; bounce back faster than stocks
Makes Your Money Safer: Doesn't follow stock market ups and downs
You Can Use It: Unlike stocks or bonds, you own something real you can wear
Green Investing: Used market ($59B in 2025) is good for the environment
Market Growing: 8.2% per year through 2030, driven by developing countries getting richer
Put 5-15% of your investment money into bags
Start with Hermès and Chanel (proven winners, best value kept)
Buy 5-8 different bags to spread risk
Plan to hold bags 5-7 years (more money + better taxes)
Use Bolsino to find the best prices worldwide
The luxury handbag investment market has grown up significantly. Furthermore, with computer checking, clear prices online, and proven results, bags are no longer just fun purchases. Rather, they are real investments like stocks and bonds. Successful investors already recognize this shift.
The real question now is not if luxury bags are investments. Instead, the better question is: How should you invest in luxury bags in 2025?
Baghunter Luxury Handbag Research Study (2016): How bags did over 35 years
Robb Report Luxury Investment Guide: Best alternative investments each year
The RealReal Annual Luxury Consignment Report (2023-2025): Market news and trends
Borro Luxury Finance Research: How Hermès does vs. gold
Bolsino Q1 2025 Luxury Handbag Market Report: What's happening now with prices
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and not financial advice. Luxury handbag investments can go up and down, bags can get damaged, fake bags exist, and they can be hard to sell quickly. Talk to a money expert before you invest. What happened before might not happen again in the future.
by Manuel Peters November 01, 2025 9 min read
Thinking about investing in luxury handbags? Learn which brands, materials, and features drive the biggest price increases. Discover how rarity, condition, and demand affect resale value—plus simple steps to choose investment-worthy bags and keep them in top shape for maximum return.

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