One key element of any fashion lover’s wardrobe has to be a luxury handbag, it can transform even the dullest of outfits to create a chic and polished look. But with so many options available to us, it’s a good idea to do some research before purchasing.
When it comes to complementing your personal style with practicality, exploring leather backpacks could be a worthy option. Alongside choosing the perfect luxury handbag, consider checking out Stride Wise for a range of well-crafted leather backpacks that combine fashion and functionality.
What Makes a Good Luxury Handbag?
Materials Used – The material of a bag is a great indicator of its quality. Leather is a go-to material for luxury handbags because it’s easy to shape, cut and stitch. However, as you might have guessed there are different types of leather and some might be more prone to damage than others. This is why you should always consider the bag’s purpose, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
Stitching – Many luxury brands have hand-stitched products. Although these can take longer to manufacture, it does ensure a much higher level of quality than what you get from some machine-stitched fashion accessories. Those with more refined craftsmanship tend to have smaller stitches and a higher stitch per inch ratio to ensure the structural integrity of the bag.
Is a Luxury Handbag a Good Investment?
Of course, luxury handbags are expensive, meaning some consider them to be “a waste of money” or a “lot” to spend.
However, certain luxury bags can really hold their value and depending on the brand of bag you choose, it could end up being a worthy investment. If you manage to ever get your hands on the likes of an Hermès Birkin, especially in a rare skin, you’d be able to resell it for a lot more than what you paid. However, purchasing such an iconic bag is easier said than done.
Other brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton also hold their value well. As a general rule, try to stick to a classic design and avoid limited editions if you intend to sell it for a profit.
What to Consider When Choosing a Luxury Handbag
So, what should you consider when you’re looking to buy yourself a new luxury handbag? These are the things we recommend everyone should consider.
Budget
Firstly, you need to consider your budget. Different brands come with very different price ranges and your budget may determine what you can actually buy and what brand you can buy in some cases. For example, while you can still snag certain Louis Vuitton bags for less than £1000, brands like Hermes command a higher price and you’ll be looking at approximately £2500 for the cheapest bag they sell at the moment; the Cabas H En Biais 40.
Define the Bag’s Purpose
Next, what is it that you’re going to use the bag for? Is it a special occasion only? Everyday wear? Large or small? If this is your first bag we recommend investing in something that will stay on trend forever that you can wear interchangeably for different occasions. You can do this by choosing neutral shades such as black, cream, or grey and getting something mid-sized like a Chanel Classic Flap in a medium that has enough room for just about anything you’d need, whether it’s a day or night. Bags like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull might not be as versatile as they’re often seen as quite casual and so might not be something you want to take to dinner with you.
New or Used
Depending on your budget, you might want to buy a luxury handbag on consignment. Buying pre-loved designer gear is a great way to stay environmentally friendly and it could also save you some money. Plus that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reasons to buy things pre-owned. Some second-hand designer bags can look good as new and still come with everything you’d get in the store including dustbag, box and even the bag from the shop depending on who you purchase it from. It will even hold its value longer, as anything you purchase brand new usually loses a little value the first time you use it.
Suppliers
When shopping pre-loved, as great as it is, you still need to do your due diligence and ensure that you purchase your handbag from a reputable supplier. Choose a company that is known to sell authentic used luxury goods. There are more than a few horror stories of people out there getting scammed.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to find the right luxury bag for you and make that long-awaited fashion investment you’ve dreamed of.
