We all love a good designer handbag. They make us feel sophisticated and stylish, and they can really tie an outfit together.
But one thing we don’t love about them is the price tag. Designer handbags can be quite expensive, so it’s only natural to wonder if they depreciate over time.
Let’s go in-depth over how the value of your luxury bag may or may not change over time.
Do Luxury Handbags Lose Value Over Time?
The answer is, that it depends. If you take good care of your designer handbag and don’t use it too often, it can actually appreciate in value.
However, if you use it frequently or don’t take care of it, the value will depreciate.
How Often Can I Use My Luxury Bag Without Causing Damage?
The answer depends on the bag and how you use it.
If you have a delicate leather bag that you only use for special occasions, it will likely appreciate in value over time. An example of this type of bag is the Hermes Birkin.
On the other hand, if you have a sturdier bag that you use regularly, it will probably lose some value over time. So, if you have a designer tote bag that you take to work every day, it will likely depreciate.
The best way to preserve the value of your luxury bag is to use it sparingly and store it properly when you’re not using it.
How Can I Store My Luxury Bag?
When you’re not using your luxury bag, it’s important to store it properly to prevent any damage.
The best way to store a luxury bag is in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing it in sunlight or in humid conditions, as this can damage the material. Ideal temperature is between 50-70 degrees Fahrenheit.
You should also store your bag in a dust bag or pillowcase to protect it from scratches and other damage.Avoid storing it in a plastic bag, as this can cause the material to deteriorate.
If possible, store your luxury bag in the dust bag that it came with. This will help protect it from dust, dirt, and other debris.
Can you replace the dustbag if you accidentally threw it out? Yes, you can usually purchase a replacement dust bag from the designer or retailer.
What Brands Last The Longest?
Some brands that hold their value better than others. For example, Hermés and Chanel are two brands that have a reputation for appreciating in value over time.
This is because these brands produce high-quality products that are made to last.
Additionally, Hermés and Chanel handbags are highly coveted by collectors, which also contributes to their appreciation in value.
Other brands that hold their value relatively well include Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada.
What Luxury Brands Deprecate The Most?
Some luxury brands depreciate more quickly than others.
If you own bags from Balenciaga and Givenchy, for example, you can expect them to lose value relatively quickly.
This is because these brands are constantly coming out with new styles, so their older styles depreciate in value.
What Factors Contribute to a Handbag’s Depreciation in Value?
The most common factor is wear and tear. If you use your handbag frequently, it will likely show signs of wear and tear over time.
This can include scratches, scuffs, or fading. Additionally, if you don’t store your handbag properly, it may also suffer from water damage, mold, or mildew.
Another factor that can contribute to a handbag’s depreciation in value is the style. Some styles are more popular than others and, as a result, hold their value better.
Classic styles such as the Chanel 2.55 or the Hermés Birkin are always in demand and tend to appreciate in value.
On the other hand, more trend-based styles may lose some value over time as they go out of style. A super trendy style that may not stand the test of time is the Balenciaga Speed Trainer Bag.
Finally, the brand can also affect a handbag’s value. As we mentioned before, some brands hold their value better than others.
Generally speaking, luxury brands such as Hermés, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci will appreciate in value over time.
However, less well-known brands or lesser quality brands may depreciate in value.
How Much Does the Material Matter?
The material of your luxury bag also matters when it comes to preserving its value.
Your leather bag will usually appreciate in value over time, whereas a canvas bag will likely depreciate.
When you invest in a good leather bag, you are getting more durable material that gets better with age. Canvas is more likely to show signs of wear and tear over time unless it has been carefully preserved.
Additionally, leather is a luxurious material that is always in style, whereas canvas can be more trend-based. As exception to the canvas rule may be Gucci’s GG Supreme canvas, which has held its value relatively well.
Does Color Affect a Handbag’s Value?
Yes, color can also affect a handbag’s value. Neutral colors such as black, white, and brown are always in style and tend to appreciate in value over time.
On the other hand, more trend-based colors may lose some value as they go out of style. For example, the “it” color of the moment may depreciate in value over time as it goes out of style.
What Can I Do to Preserve the Value of My Handbag?
If you want to preserve the value of your handbag, there are a few things you can do.
First, only use it sparingly. The more you use your handbag, the more likely it is to show signs of wear and tear.
Second, store it properly. Be sure to keep it in a dust bag and away from moisture, heat, and sunlight.
Third, avoid getting it wet. If your handbag does get wet, be sure to dry it off immediately and stuff it with newspaper to help it retain its shape.
