Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy

One of my guilty pleasures is “Treasure Hunting” AKA (shopping for vintage designer handbags). It’s alway been fun to hunt for a rare or special piece to add to my collection. Whether you are looking to add to your collection or simply thinking about purchasing a vintage Louis Vuitton for daily wear … this post, ‘Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy’ is for you. 

After many years of research on buying and selling designer handbags, I’m going to list my all time top recommendations for purchasing or collecting vintage handbags. More than ever vintage is a safe investment. The demand of eco-friendly and sustainability options are gaining more and more. Collectors are buying up classic staples and also rare hard to find pieces for their collections and as investments. Certain bags are actually increasing in value over time. 

It’s no surprise Hermes and Chanel bags are always at the top of the collectors lists. Both options are your safest bet for future resale value and usually increase over time. When I first began my Chanel obsession, I remember the Classic Medium Flap Handbag being $2,400 back in 2006. Now here we are in 2022 and it’s way up past $7800. It’s unbelievable if you think about it. (I wish I would have known that at the time, as I would have held onto my classics from then and purchased even more!)

Since the Gucci Jackie bag was re-issued last year it really drove the demand for the vintage counterpart and I’ve noticed it happen also with the Lady Dior and Fendi baguettes in the past few years. It’s really fun and exciting to see these trends happen.

Purchasing a designer handbag, and having it either go up in value or at least stay the same value is an art form in itself. Reasons handbags go up or down in value depends on many factors. Brand, popularity, shape, condition and demand are some of the main points.

When it comes to vintage handbag buying the game is real. My favorite place to find a deal on a vintage bag is on eBay. There are many options popping up daily and you can make your best offer on your favorite bag. I really trust ebay now days due to the honest feedback rating system. Fashionphile is also a safe place to purchase an authentic handbag however the price is set and there are no offers to be made. Every item does go thru a process of authentication before it is sold which is reassuring. The most dangerous place to buy a handbag is usually on Craigslist or private party only because there are many scammers waiting for an inexperienced victim to come around and you don’t want to be that buyer. There are many ways to know right off the bat if you are looking at an authentic handbag. I will go into more detail on authentication tips in a future blog post.

 

Here is a list of the Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags to Buy right now, according to my expertise.

1. Fendi Baguette

One of the first ever It-bags, The Fendi Baguette was designed by Silvia Venturini Fendi in 1997. Not immediately famous, it only took a few appearances on the Sex and the City tv show to reach icon status. 

This bag is currently hot in the resale market. Try to find one that is in excellent condition or like new for best future value. The more details and beads the better.

2. Louis Vuitton Monogram Mini Speedy

This cute little bag has recently increased in value and is getting harder to find. Even fair condition holds value. Avoid bags with corner wear, rips, odors or tears.

3. Louis Vuitton Croissant Shoulder Bag

The half moon shape is back in full force this fall. First Introduced in the early 2000’s and now very hard to find. The resale value continues to hold.

4. Chanel Classic Flap 

The holy grail of all bags. Designed by Coco Chanel in 1955. Quickly became a must-have fashion item and remains so today.

Any size and any color will have good resale value now and in the future.

Purchase in good condition and up. Only purchase if there is a serial sticker intact. If it is missing don’t buy it. Also if it is sticky on the interior steer clear. I recommend shopping on Ebay for Vintage Chanel, new items arrive daily.

5. Gucci Jackie Bag. 

Designed in the 1950’s, the Jackie bag was originally called the Fifties Constance. Former first lady Jackie Kennedy was famously photographed wearing the bag in the 1970’s, it became her chic style and the name of the bag today. This bag remains iconic and had since been re-released making it a wardrobe must. I’m loving the mini version.

 

6. Lady Dior Handbag.

First introduced in 1994 designed by Gianfranco ferre’. A favorite of Princess Diana. This bag remains a classic staple in a perfect wardrobe. Resale value is high and continues to go up.

7. Hermes Birkin.

Experts are saying they are more valuable than gold! You can’t go wrong investing in a Birkin. Black and gold is most in demand. If you are collecting, choose your favorite color. If you decide to sell it someday there will most likely be a buyer for it.

 

8. Hermes Kelly Vintage Box Sellier.

Avoid any corner wear when purchasing a used kelly. This will help in a future sale.

9. Dior Saddle Handbag.

Introduced in the late 1990’s by John Galliano, the unique shape has proven timeless for the past two decades. Currently this bag has never been more popular on the resale market. It was re-released in 2018 and remains popular.

 

10. Chanel Chocolate Bar Classic East West Flap.

First introduced in the late 1960’s and remains Iconic to the brand. This bag has been discontinued. The only way to get it is on the resale market making it that much harder to find, and increasing the value. Look for good condition versions and always make sure the serial sticker is intact to hold the resale value. Many resale platforms wont allow Chanel bags to be sold without it.

This Bonus Bag Is Added To The List of Top Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy

 The Chanel Cambon Tote Is Gaining Heat in 2024

First released in 2004, and named after Coco Chanel’s first boutique on Rue Cambon Paris, a street built after the french revolution. I can almost feel it is destined for a come back real soon. Be ready and find one before the hype begins.

 

I hope this article, ‘Top 10 Best Vintage Handbags To Buy’ was helpful and inspiring to my fellow handbag enthusiasts. My advice…. only buy bags you love, if you can make money on it, great! More importantly, never sell a bag you love, you may never find it again.

 

Stay Fancy!