Which luxury handbags have gained the most value between 2020 and 2025?
As gold and silver prices have increased steadily over the last five years_ many high-net-worth individuals have been making other strategic investments outside the financial markets. Investing in everything from fine art and rare coins to luxury fashion_ a new study from FashioNica_ an online platform specializing in the sale of authentic_ high-end vintage designer handbags and accessories_ has found that some (unsurprisingly) of the most appreciating fashion items over the past five years are in fact luxury handbags.
The study looked at price data from brand price guides_ auction results_ and resale market platforms to calculate both dollar and percentage increases. Analyzing luxury items across handbags_ sneakers_ jewelry_ and watches_ the study identifies which pieces gained the most value between 2020 and 2025.
Luxury handbags as investments:? New study analyzes top appreciating styles 2020-2025
Examining 20 luxury fashion items in total_ tracking their retail and resale prices to measure how collector demand and brand pricing affected value over a five-year period_ seven of the top ten luxury items listed were found to be handbags_ with the Chanel Classic Flap Bag taking first place.
Reflecting a price increase of 93 percent between 2020 and 2025_ the Chanel Classic Flap Bag was the fastest-appreciating fashion piece_ taking the top spot from the Hermès Birkin bag. Jumping from 5_850 US dollars to 11_300 US dollars_ the Medium/225 size in particular has become increasingly hard to find at retail_ pushing demand into the resale market where prices continue to soar.
On average_ Hermès Birkin bag prices were found to increase 14 percent in value each year_ ahead of the S&P 500_ but the study found that other luxury handbags perform even better.
In second place is the Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration Trunk_ highlighting the largest dollar increase of any item studied. The Malle Courrier 90 Trunk_ which retailed for 85_000 US dollars in 2020_ jumped to 149_500 US dollars in 2025_ adding 64_500 US dollars to its value. Equal to an increase of 76 percent_ this price is likely driven by the historic nature of the 2017 collaboration and limited availability.
In fourth place is the Hermès Birkin 35 bag in Porosus crocodile leather. An ultra-limited edition style_ this handbag increased 73 percent in value_ going from 37_000 US dollars in 2020 to 64_000 US dollars in 2025. In addition to its rare availability_ its black exotic leather also adds to the high price tag_ as these versions remain among the most expensive in the Hermès line.
The Chanel Graffiti Backpack from 2014 takes fifth place with a 67 percent price increase. Launched as a runway novelty piece_ this backpack went from retailing for 9_000 US dollars in 2020 to 15_000 US dollars in 2025. Limited production of this graffiti-style piece has driven collectors to pay substantially more than the original retail price.
Sixth is Van Cleef & Arpels' Vintage Alhambra 10-motif necklace in 18k yellow gold_ with a price increase of 46 percent from 7_000 US dollars to 10_200 US dollars. The design_ which dates to 1968_ remains in production with steady price increases.
Taking seventh place is the Hermès Kelly 35 in black Togo leather_ rising 42 percent in price from 10_500 US dollars in 2020 to 14_900 US dollars in 2025. Dating to 1956_ the bag's durable Togo leather and black colorway_ the most desired in resale_ have driven price growth.
In eighth is Chanel's Old Medium Boy Bag_ growing 40 percent in price from 5_000 US dollars to 7_000 US dollars. Introduced in 2011_ its structured design and chunky chain offer an edgier alternative to classic styles.
Securing ninth place is the Hermès Birkin 25 in Togo leather_ up 35 percent in price from 9_400 US dollars in 2020 to 12_700 US dollars in 2025. The compact size appeals to daily wearers_ with smaller Birkins outperforming larger ones.
Lastly_ in tenth place is the Fendi Baguette (1997 "Carrie Bradshaw" model)_ whose price increased 34 percent from 2_690 US dollars in 2020 to 3_600 US dollars in 2025_ likely driven by renewed interest in 90s fashion.
"The global secondhand luxury goods market is expected to reach 51 billion in USD by 2026_ with handbags accounting for nearly 40% of all transactions_" said Nica Yusay_ CEO at FashioNica_ in a statement. "People are now buying bags from Chanel_ Hermès_ and Louis Vuitton the same way they'd buy stocks or bonds. The sneaker market_ meanwhile_ has cooled off considerably. Shoes that were selling for 10 or 20 times retail in 2020 are now trading much closer to their original prices as supply has increased."