The best designer bags to invest in, according to 3 editors
Frugality may be having a cultural moment, but the pull of the best designer bags hasn’t faded. In fact, with certain styles now outperforming stocks and shares, the case for upgrading your arm candy has never felt more compelling.
Rather than opting for a quick high-street fix, there’s something quietly powerful about investing in a piece that will outlast trends — and potentially reward you in the long run. “Designer bags are one of those rare things that are both beautiful to own and smart to invest in,” says Hanushka Toni, founder of Sellier. “The most iconic styles sit outside the usual fashion cycles, quietly holding their value.”
She has the numbers to back it up. Vintage and pre-loved luxury handbags have risen in value by an average of 8% per year over the past decade, even outpacing gold. The Chanel Classic Flap, for example, has nearly doubled in retail price, rising roughly 93% between 2020 and 2025. As Toni puts it, some bags now trade “like little luxury commodities in their own right.”
Meet the expert
| Hanushka Toni | Founder of Sellier. |
Glamour editor's favourite designer bags:
Wondering which designer bags our editors can't stop thinking about? Londie Ncube, Glamour's European Fashion Editor, is all about Jimmy Choo's Cinch M. It comes in five different colours and, thanks to its slouchy nature, fits a variety of belongings. Chloé's small Bracelet Hobo is Social Media Manager Robyn Eugene's pick, and Mulberry's Soft Bayswater bag is Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd's go-to work bag.
So, where to look first? “Bags with strong heritage and iconic shapes always hold their ground,” says Toni, pointing to the Hermès Birkin and Kelly, Dior’s Lady Dior, and Louis Vuitton’s Capucines. These recognisable silhouettes remain collector favourites, season after season. Although if you're more focused on turning towards trends, it's early-2000s icons like Chloé’s Paddington and Balenciaga’s Le City that are back in rotation, she adds.
And, if you're looking for your bag to last — which we all are — Toni tells us to turn to darker neutrals, such as black, navy, chocolate and deep burgundy. Plus, if you're hoping to actually make an investment out of it, then remember condition is everything. Keep dust bags, boxes and receipts, rotate your collection, and avoid heat, moisture and rogue lipsticks at the bottom of your tote. “You don’t need to fuss,” says Toni, “just respect the craftsmanship".
Ahead: The Glamour edit of the best designer handbags.
For more from Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. Looking for something other than top handle bags and messenger bags for the office? Check out our laptop backpacks round up.
Why it's worth the investment: Beloved by and then named after Jackie Kennedy Onassis, Gucci's Jackie bag features a half-moon, hobo-style silhouette and piston-shaped closure. The most recent edition by the new creative director, Demna, is certainly a collector's piece, especially in the monogram print.
Why it's worth the investment: East-west bags are having a moment, and this style in particular seems to be proving itself as everyone's favourite. Crafted in just-as-on-trend suede, it doesn't fit much, but it'll hold the essentials.
Why it's worth the investment: This wouldn't be an edit of the best ‘it’ bags unless we included Bottega Veneta's Andiamo. Crafted in Italy and formed from the brand's iconic Intrecciato weave, if you're looking for a new everyday bag, this is it.
Save when you shop for designer bags with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Why it's worth the investment: Do not underestimate the Ferragamo Hug. First launched in 2023 for the AW collection, it has been on the lust-list of every influencer since and you can see exactly why; it's practical, spacious, compartmentalised and, most importantly, stylish.
Why it's worth the investment: You can pretty much write off walking into Hermès and walking back out with a Birkin, but you can invest in one on pre-owned and resale sites such as Sellier. This rare version is in excellent condition with minimal wear to its corners and hardware.
Why it's worth the investment: Somewhere between a work bag and a daily shopper, the Soft Bayswater from Mulberry is an even more relaxed update on their bestselling tote. The flap closure makes it safer to wear as it's less open to the elements, and the long strap permits you to sling it over your shoulder and carry it with ease.
Why it's worth the investment: Fendi's Baguette needs no introduction. Popular in the ‘90s, made even more so thanks to Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, it’s having a comeback this year. Remember, it's not a bag, it's a baguette.
Why it's worth the investment: “Givenchy's Antigona was the first designer handbag I ever bought myself, and I don't regret it to this day,” says Georgia Trodd, Senior Commerce Writer. And this current season design takes all the best bits with a more modern spin.
Why it's worth the investment: When you think of luxury bags, where does your mind immediately go? If it's not the classic flap bag from Chanel, we'd be surprised. Each time the French fashion house has a price increase, these are high in demand (as if they weren't already), so we recommend buying them second-hand.
Why it's worth the investment: Wear it cross-body, hold it in your hand, or keep it snug in the crook of your arm – either way, the Loewe Puzzle looks effortless.
Why it's worth the investment: Another vintage style that's having a resurgence, the Prada Nylon bag (now called the Re-Edition) is a worthy investment. You can buy them brand new, or you can get them on retail sites like Vestiaire in just as good condition for slightly less.
Save when you shop for designer bags with these Vestiaire discount codes at checkout.
Why it's worth the investment: Arguably Dior's most iconic bag, the Lady Dior features all the hallmarks of the brand's other leather goods: soft lambskin topstitched with the iconic Cannage motif, and rounded handles and D.i.o.r charms. It was a Princess Diana favourite.
Why it's worth the investment: Soft yet structured, classic yet futuristic, TOTEME's T-Lock shoulder bag is as spacious as it looks. With a top-handle that'll sit comfortably over your forearm, plus a longer shoulder strap for going hands-free, this piece's lack of logos only adds to its quiet luxury appeal.
Why it's worth the investment: The clue is in the name with Louis Vuitton's Neverfull tote bag – it is never full. You can stuff it with all your Earthly belongings and it'll still hold more. A worthy splurge if you ask us.
Save when you shop for designer bags with these Farfetch discount codes at checkout.
Why it's worth the investment: Few shoulder bags are as cool as the Jacquemus Le Bisou Perle leather bag, working effortless for both evenings and days when you have little to carry around.
Save when you shop for designer bags with these Selfridges discount codes at checkout.
Why it's worth the investment: Calling all sleek minimalists, Savette is the luxury bag brand to know now. Quiet luxury at its finest.
Save when you shop for designer bags with these Harvey Nichols discount codes at checkout.
How we tested the best designer bags
The Glamour fashion team is no stranger to the designer bag market, being keen investors themselves. Looking at classic wishlist bags, plus new-in/new season and lust-worthy styles, we've compiled an edit of 34 styles that we genuinely believe are worth the investment – whether it's 2026 or 2066. Looking at everything from composition to craftsmanship, practicality and style credentials, consider this all you need to know before you treat yourself.
You can read more about how we test things here.
Why you can trust us
It's all well and good us telling you where to invest your hard-earned money, but we've gone the extra mile by showing you why this list of designer bags is the best. From literally testing them ourselves, to calling in the experts who know all about data, resale values and demand, we've gone as in-depth as possible to save you from a truck load of research and letting you skip right to the fun part: the buying.
