The Ultimate Guide: Saint Laurent vs YSL — What’s the Difference & Which Pieces Are Worth Investing In?

Saint Laurent is one of the most iconic fashion houses in the world. But the branding confusion between "YSL" and "Saint Laurent" often sparks questions—what’s the difference? And more importantly, which pieces from this luxury maison are truly investment-worthy?

In this guide, we unpack the brand’s history, decode the logo shift, and spotlight the must-have items—whether you're buying your first piece or building a capsule wardrobe.

Saint Laurent vs YSL: What’s the Difference?

🖤 A Brief History

Yves Saint Laurent was founded in 1961 by designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.
The **original logo—YSL in Art Deco lettering—**was created by graphic designer Adolphe Mouron Cassandre and became a globally recognised fashion emblem.
The brand pioneered ready-to-wear luxury and introduced iconic styles like:
- The tuxedo suit for women (Le Smoking)
- Safari jackets
- Transparent blouses
- Monochrome tailoring and androgynous aesthetics

🖤 The Rebranding

In 2012, creative director Hedi Slimane modernised the brand and dropped “Yves” from the ready-to-wear line, rebranding it as:
- “Saint Laurent Paris” for RTW
- The YSL monogram remains for beauty, accessories, and fragrance lines
The change mirrored Slimane’s vision for a more minimalist, rock-chic identity while retaining legacy elements like the YSL logo on handbags and jewellery.

✅ Summary:

Brand Name	Used For
YSL	Beauty, cosmetics, fragrances, legacy branding
Saint Laurent	Fashion collections, RTW, shoes, accessories
Yves Saint Laurent	Historical reference to the designer/founding era

So while Saint Laurent and YSL are part of the same fashion house, the naming depends on the product category.

How to Spot the Branding

Bags & Belts often carry the YSL metal monogram (especially Kate, Lou, and Cassandra lines)
Clothing labels from recent collections read “Saint Laurent Paris”
Beauty and makeup products always retain the full Yves Saint Laurent branding

Investment Pieces: What to Buy from Saint Laurent

Saint Laurent's value lies in timeless minimalism, exceptional tailoring, and subtly subversive staples. These are the best long-term investments:

1. The Le Smoking Jacket

Introduced in 1966, this tuxedo for women changed fashion forever.
Tailored, powerful, and elegant—it's ideal for eveningwear, red carpet looks, or styled down with jeans.
The modern version remains almost unchanged and is a resale favourite.

✅ Worth it? Absolutely—it's a historic piece with endless styling versatility.

2. Saint Laurent Bags (Kate, Lou, Sac de Jour)

Style	Features	Why It’s an Investment
Kate	YSL monogram, chain strap	Evening & event staple
Lou Camera	Quilted leather, YSL logo, zip-around	Everyday use, durable
Sac de Jour	Structured tote, padlock detail	Power dressing, office-to-evening

Bags like the Kate and Lou retain high resale values due to classic designs and logo visibility.

3. Tribute Sandals & Jane Heels

Tribute heels: High stiletto with crossover strap—iconic silhouette since the 2000s.
Jane sandals: Barely-there ankle-strap heels—favoured by models and stylists.
Perfect for occasionwear and elevate any minimalist outfit.

✅ Tip: Go for black, tan, or metallics for lasting wardrobe value.

4. Leather Jackets

Saint Laurent’s rock-n-roll DNA is clearest in their leather jackets.
The biker silhouette, sharp lapels, and supple calfskin make this a luxury essential.
Sizing is often fitted—size up for layering.

Investment Score: 9/10

It will never go out of style.

5. Saint Laurent Blazers

Known for razor-sharp tailoring and architectural shoulders.
Great for hourglass or rectangular frames—elongates and defines.
Works in both men’s and women’s collections with androgynous appeal.

Pair with jeans, leather trousers, or midi dresses.

6. T-Shirts, Denim, and Logo Pieces

Logo tees, hoodies and denim jackets feature in every seasonal drop.
Ideal entry-level pieces for first-time buyers.
Opt for subtle branding over seasonal prints for long-term wearability.

Does Saint Laurent Hold Resale Value?

Yes—particularly:

YSL monogram bags
Classic black tailoring
Le Smoking pieces
Limited-run colourways or exotic leathers

Resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective, HEWI, and The RealReal show strong demand for the Kate, LouLou, and Sac de Jour in excellent condition.

Saint Laurent Fit Guide (Why Size Matters)

Saint Laurent pieces often run slim and structured, especially in tailoring and denim.

Item Type	Fit Characteristic	Tellar Tip
Blazers	Narrow shoulders, sharp waist	Size up for broader builds
Trousers	Slim through leg	Choose based on hip rather than waist
Denim	Minimal stretch	True-to-size or size up for comfort
Leather	Fitted and short-cut	Size up for layering

Use Tellar.co.uk to Find Your Saint Laurent Size

Luxury items deserve precision—you don’t want to buy a £2,000 blazer only to realise the fit is wrong.

Tellar.co.uk is the UK’s leading sizing tool, built to match your body shape (or existing size in another brand) to over 1,500 luxury and high-street brands, including:

Saint Laurent
Reiss
COS
Arket
Everlane

How It Works:

✅ Measure once using your bust, waist, hips—or enter a brand you already wear

✅ Use the Store Size Lookup to see your correct size in Saint Laurent instantly

✅ Fewer returns, better fit, total confidence when shopping designer

Get Started:

➡️ Create your free Tellar profile
➡️ Download your free printable measuring tape
➡️ Explore the Fashion Hub with thousands of styling posts

Follow Tellar for Daily Luxury & Fit Insights

Instagram: @Tellarsizing
Twitter/X: @Tellar100
Pinterest: TellarUK
Facebook: Tellar Sizing

Final Thoughts

Whether you say YSL or Saint Laurent, the legacy remains unmistakable—powerful, provocative, minimalist elegance. Stick to timeless silhouettes, understand the sizing, and build your wardrobe with investment in mind.

With Tellar.co.uk, you’ll know exactly what size to buy—saving you time, money, and frustration.

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