Your 2026 investment guide on handbags that skyrocketed in value
Luxury fashion may be cyclical, but investment bags are on an entirely different trajectory. With the global resale market growing three times faster than the primary market, designer handbags have become one of the most reliable “wearable assets” you can own. Prices are climbing, demand is rising, and certain styles are outperforming traditional financial investments—yes, really.
7 luxury handbags to keep an eye on
According to experts at leading US resale companies The RealReal and Fashionphile, the handbags listed below currently command some of the highest resale values and are expected to remain top investment pieces well into 2026.
1. The Row Margaux
In 2024, The Row’s value retention climbed by 14 percent, hitting 73 percent—a surge driven by the brand’s focus on quality, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
The Row Margaux has continued this upward trajectory into 2025, earning the reputation of “the next Birkin” and securing the top spot on resale value lists, with Fashionphile recording an impressive 126 percent increase in its resale value.
2. Bottega Veneta Andiamo
The Bottega Veneta Andiamo has emerged as a major favorite in the luxury resale market. Fashionphile reports a striking 304 percent year-over-year increase in demand, while The RealReal notes the bag continues to sell for around 90 percent of its original retail price, underscoring its strong investment value.
Its appeal spans both male and female fashion enthusiasts, with models and celebrities frequently seen carrying it, such as Hailey Bieber, Kylie Jenner, and Jacob Elordi.
3. Loewe Puzzle Tote
The Loewe Puzzle Tote is a masterclass in design, blending functionality with artistic flair through its distinctive geometric, origami-like structure. The bag has seen remarkable growth in popularity in recent years, with The RealReal reporting that sales have more than tripled over the past three years and new buyers rising by 7.7 percent since last year.
Fashionphile further notes that the Puzzle Tote is selling 19.7 percent faster year-over-year, highlighting its strong and growing demand in the luxury resale market.
4. Hermes Birkin 35
No luxury investment guide is complete without Hermès. The Hermès Sellier Birkin 35 reigns as the ultimate luxury investment piece in 2024. Its value retention has soared to 250 percent, up from 198 percent in 2023—a 52 percent year-over-year increase—making it the most sought-after bag.
This year, The RealReal reports that average selling prices have risen by $900, underscoring the Birkin’s enduring allure. The iconic bag is also attracting a new audience, with searches for men’s Birkin styles jumping 235 percent, reflecting a shift in fashion norms as more men embrace the once exclusively feminine status symbol.
5. Chanel Classic Flap
The Chanel Classic Flap has again emerged as one of the fastest-appreciating pieces in fashion. The Medium/225 size, in particular, has seen its retail price jump from $5,850 to $11,300, making it increasingly difficult to find in stores and driving strong demand in the resale market.
Fashionphile notes that the Double Flap is the site’s most viewed bag among both Gen Z and millennials, highlighting its enduring appeal as a timeless style and coveted luxury investment.
6. Louis Vuitton x Murakami
The Louis Vuitton x Murakami collaboration is instantly recognizable for its vibrant prints and playful designs, merging the luxury house’s classic silhouettes with Japanese pop art. This iconic collection has experienced a resurgence in resale demand, with The RealReal reporting searches up 108 percent and average selling prices rising 34 percent.
Collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike are drawn to its bold aesthetic, making it a collectible that’s likely to appreciate in value in the coming years.
7. Balenciaga City Bag
The Balenciaga City Bag has become more than just a handbag—it’s a cultural icon that embodies the brand’s edgy, rebellious spirit. Its unmistakable slouchy shape and signature hardware have made it a staple for a wide range of buyers.
The bag’s resale market performance reflects this renewed attention, with sales on The RealReal jumping 525 percent year-over-year after Demna Gvasalia left Balenciaga for Gucci, and Fashionphile notes a 231.5 percent increase in the following year-over-year.
How to identify an investment-worthy bag
Spotting a bag that’s worth investing in feels a bit like peering through a telescope at a planet that might hold life. An investment-worthy bag shows its potential in a few reliable ways. Start with materials and construction. Full-grain or top-grain leather ages well, solid stitching keeps the structure intact, and quality metal hardware stays looking sharp. These are the foundations of a bag built to last.
