The Ultimate Guide: Designer Brands That Hold Their Value Over Time

Investing in fashion doesn’t have to mean disposable trends. Some designer brands retain—if not increase—their value over time, making them not just style statements but also financial assets. Whether you're shopping for resale potential, building a long-term wardrobe, or justifying a high-ticket item, understanding which designers hold their value is crucial.

This guide breaks down:

Why some brands appreciate in value
Which designers perform best on the resale market
What items within those brands are most investment-worthy
How to ensure correct sizing to protect resale value
And how to use Tellar.co.uk, the UK’s Leading Sizing Tool, to buy smarter

Why Do Some Designers Retain or Appreciate in Value?

Several factors influence a luxury item’s resale value:

Brand heritage & exclusivity
Craftsmanship & material quality
Iconic status or celebrity backing
Limited editions or seasonal scarcity
Consistent demand on resale platforms (Vestiaire, The RealReal, eBay Luxe)

Holding value doesn’t mean price inflation alone—it includes how much of the original price you’ll recoup if reselling, and how timeless or versatile the item is in wearability.

Top Designers That Hold Their Value

1. Hermès

The undisputed king of value retention. The Birkin and Kelly bags frequently appreciate in price due to waitlists, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. On average, Birkins retain 90–120% of their original retail price—sometimes more depending on condition and rarity.

Best investment pieces: Birkin, Kelly, Constance bags, silk scarves, equestrian pieces
Why it holds value: Handmade, limited availability, global icon status

2. Chanel

Particularly strong in handbags and vintage tailoring. Chanel increases handbag prices bi-annually, which drives demand. The Classic Flap and Boy Bag regularly resell at or above retail.

Best investments: Classic Flap, Boy Bag, tweed jackets, vintage logo jewellery
Average resale value: 70–100% (some vintage flaps exceed retail)

3. Louis Vuitton

The LV monogram remains instantly recognisable worldwide, and limited-edition collaborations (e.g. with Supreme, Yayoi Kusama) are especially lucrative. Core canvas items like the Speedy or Neverfull hold high value.

Best investment pieces: Speedy, Neverfull, Keepall, Monogram bags
Strong appreciation: Limited collabs can double in value on the resale market

4. Rolex (and Other Designer Watches)

Although not apparel, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Cartier watches are considered fashion investments with long-term appreciation potential. Some Rolex models have appreciated by 30–100% in under 5 years.

5. Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri’s revival of the Lady Dior bag and the rise of Dior Book Totes and Saddle Bags have re-established Dior as a top-tier investment brand.

Best investment items: Lady Dior bag, Book Tote, Saddle Bag, logo belts
Resale strength: Medium-to-high, especially with pristine packaging

6. Gucci

Gucci’s value retention fluctuates more with trend cycles, but signature pieces—especially under Alessandro Michele’s tenure—continue to perform well on resale.

Best pieces: Dionysus bag, Horsebit loafers, GG Marmont belts, heritage knits
Investment tip: Stick to GG monogram, Horsebit, or leather staples

7. Celine (Phoebe Philo Era)

Since Philo’s departure, Phoebe-era Celine pieces have become cult items, with resale often exceeding original retail.

Key investments: Box bag, Trapeze bag, minimal tailoring from 2010–2018
Watch for: Items tagged “Old Céline” on resale platforms

8. Saint Laurent

YSL bags, especially the LouLou and Envelope, retain up to 85% of retail price. Iconic jackets and tuxedos also resell strongly.

Best investment items: LouLou, Sac de Jour, leather jackets, boots
Sizing note: Clothing often runs small—check measurements before buying

9. The Row

Quiet luxury champions. Though understated, pieces from The Row—especially outerwear and bags—resell well due to small runs and timelessness.

Top pieces: Margaux bag, Bourse clutch, long wool coats, high-waist trousers
Resale value: 60–90%, especially in minimal colourways

10. Bottega Veneta

The success of Daniel Lee’s “New Bottega” era (2019–2021) gave rise to resale darlings like the Cassette and Jodie bags.

High-resale items: Mini Jodie, Cassette bag, Pouch bag
Pro tip: Neutral shades and limited colour drops resell strongest

Honourable Mentions (Strong Resale but Season-Dependent)

Prada (nylon re-editions and loafers)
Balenciaga (Triple S trainers, Hourglass bags)
Maison Margiela (Tabi boots)
Jacquemus (Le Chiquito mini bags)

These can hold value if sold within trend cycles, especially in pristine condition or rare colours.

How to Buy Investment Fashion Items Smartly

To protect or maximise resale value:

Stick to classics – neutral colours, iconic silhouettes
Avoid logos unless iconic – e.g., Chanel CC or LV monogram
Keep packaging – boxes, dust bags, receipts, certificates
Avoid tailoring unless exact fit – most resale items with alterations lose 30–40% of potential resale

Why Sizing Matters for Investment Pieces

Buying the correct size helps:

Ensure longevity in your own wardrobe
Prevent costly alterations (which reduce resale value)
Maintain original garment structure
Increase chances of future resale to a wider audience

Use Tellar.co.uk to Get Your Size Right First Time

Tellar.co.uk removes guesswork by matching your exact body measurements or a known brand size to 1,500+ brands, including resale-heavy names like Celine, Chanel, Max Mara, The Row, and more.

How Tellar Works:

✅ Measure once (bust, waist, hips)

✅ OR enter your known size in brands like COS or Reiss

✅ Get your exact size match in brands like Dior, Gucci, and Max Mara

✅ Use the Store Size Lookup Tool to avoid wrong-size purchases

✅ Browse the Fashion Hub for style advice and garment-specific guidance

Get Started

➡️ Create Your Free Profile
➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup
➡️ Download a Free Printable Measuring Tape
➡️ Explore The Fashion Hub

Tellar’s Best Reads for Investment Fashion:

Follow Tellar for Resale-Smart Styling Tips:

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @TellarSizing
Facebook: Tellar Sizing
Pinterest: TellarSizing

Find your fit in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.

Own your wardrobe. Protect its value. Shop smart with Tellar.