The RealReal’s Best Investment Luxury Bags, Per its 2024 Luxury Resale Report

In The RealReal's 2024 Luxury Resale Report, The RealReal highlighted several luxury handbags that have demonstrated tangible strong resale value growth since 2021. There are some common themes amongst these items that demonstrate what buyers prioritize—unique design, quality, scarcity, and design identity.

Standout Performers

• The Row Margaux

  • TRR has seen a +44% increase in average resale price vs last year, and overall Margaux bags sell for +15% over the current MSRP. That's a solid ROI that is usually reserved for iconic bags like an Hermes Birkin and Chanel Classic Flap. The Margaux has become increasingly difficult to get from retail stores, as it's been reported that buyers must have a pre-existing purchase history with The Row prior to being able to purchase one. So if you're not a big shopper of The Row but still want a Margaux, the resale market is likely the right way to go.
    

• Hermès Kelly

  • The Kelly is often on TRR's reports, and this year is no different. TRR has seen that on average, Kellys are selling for 50% above MSRP. While this premium may not apply to all Kellys, it certainly applies to those in smaller and specialty sizes, like the Kelly 25, Mini Kelly, and Kelly Pochette. These premiums are also driven by special styles like multicolor special order bags, as well as those in exotic skins.

• Bottega Veneta Andiamo

  • The entire Andiamo line, whether it's the open style tote or smaller clutch style, is fetching 95% of its MSRP. So it's a fairly safe purchase that you can likely get your money back on. It's still to be seen if the Andiamo has true icon staying power over the next few years as the initial new appeal wears off, especially with Bottega Veneta's new Creative Director on board. So if you've been thinking about selling, now might be the perfect time.
    
    

• Chanel Mini 22 Hobo
  

  • The smallest size of the Chanel 22 hobo line, the mini size, is currently selling for an average of 20% above MSRP. This wearer-friendly bag has quickly become a cult favorite of wearers who need a functional everyday bag that isn't too bulky.

• Loewe Puzzle
  

  • A true favorite of Loewe and Jonathan Anderson lovers, the Puzzle line is continuing to grow in popularity on the resale market. The prices of Puzzle bags in general have risen +40% since 2020, per TRR.

• Toteme T-Lock
  

  • A true quiet luxury piece, this functional bag is a strong performer, fetching 85% of its original MSRP, on average. This is a more "IYKYK" type of bag, so it's not for everyone. But those that get it... get it.

• Savette Pochette

  • Savette's Pochettes are another favorite of quiet luxury lovers, who appreciate this bags simplistic yet refined styling. TRR has seen average sale prices +43% since 2020. This is likely due to this bag's growing popularity, as well as Savette growing the product line to include new non-leather materials like mesh and canvas, as well as other variations like a longer east-west style.

Other Important Trends

• Moderately-Priced Designer Bags

  • As evidenced by the Loewe Puzzle and Savette Pochette's popularity, buyers are choosing to spend on more moderately priced handbags. In 2024, buyers purchasing bags in the $1,000 to $3,000 price range grew 13% versus last year. This was the largest jump in growth of any price category.

• Men's Luxury Favorites

  • Likely due to social media showcasing more and more male celebrities (Jacob Elordi, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton, and Timothée Chalamet, just to name a few) sporting their favorite bags, men have been jumping into the luxury mix more than ever. Their favorite brands to shop on TRR are Gucci, Fendi, and Chanel.

• Unbranded Vintage

  • Quiet luxury and stealth wealth are still top of mind for many consumers across all ages. Searches for unbranded vintage were up +201% on TRR versus last year. Gen Z also spent +17% more on unbranded jewelry versus last year.  Even Baby Boomers have shifted in this direction. 51% of Boomers searched for notoriously low-key bags from The Row versus last year.

How Buyers and Sellers Should Use This Information

• Buyers: If you plan on ever selling your bags, focus on purchasing models with solid resale value. Rare variants like special editions, collaborations, and unique materials carry the most upside.

• Sellers: Now may be an ideal time to list high-demand items with strong provenance. Highlight rarity, condition, and packaging/accessories to maximize your potential selling price.

What It Means for the Next Five Years

With luxury price hikes accelerating, resale is increasingly becoming an “investment class” of its own. Items like an Hermès Kelly or The Row Margaux not only hold value, but can also appreciate meaningfully if acquired at the right time. Platforms that can authenticate and market these icons effectively—like TLL—will be best positioned to capture this opportunity. 

See the full TRR 2024 Luxury Resale Report here.