3 Thrifty Tips for Buying Your First Vintage Handbag

Did you grow up pining after your favorite celebrity’s purse collection? Are you looking for a way to add a bit of luxury to your everyday look? Then it’s about time you buy a vintage designer bag. Lucky for you, with a bit of research (and our expert advice), the process is simple.

What Makes a Designer Bag Vintage?

According to industry standards, a designer bag must have been manufactured at least 20 years ago and represent a past era of style to be considered vintage. If you were to ask an experienced vintage Coach collector, however, they would argue that 10-year-old designs are equally valuable. Determining how you approach the age requirement is one of the first things you’ll need to consider when you start your vintage handbag collection.

Why Should You Buy a Vintage Designer Bag?

Spending your hard-earned money on a vintage Coach is no small feat. If you’re someone who prefers to buy mostly secondhand, whether that be antique furniture for your apartment or retro clothing for your wardrobe, purchasing a vintage handbag is the logical move.

3 Reasons to Buy a Vintage Handbag:

1. Style

2. Quality

3. Investment

1. Vintage Handbags Define Style

Let’s face it: vintage handbags have always been, and likely will always be, the epitome of style. It doesn’t matter whether you prefer a small velvet clutch or a large leather purse—sporting a vintage designer bag instantly takes your outfit from boring to beautiful.

The best part? When you thrift a previously owned purse, it takes away the status symbol element of vintage Coach and makes it a more accessible way to strut your stuff.

2. Vintage Designer Bags Are Made to Last

Have you noticed recently that modern-day purse producers just don’t seem to care about meeting a high level of quality? Well, you’re onto something!

Luxury brands used to prioritize super craftsmanship in their designs, ensuring that every vintage Coach purse or Birkin bag was built to last a near lifetime of use, but sadly, that’s no longer the case. If you don’t want your money to go to waste, investing in a vintage handbag is the best way to go.

3. Vintage Handbags Are a Financial Investment

If the design is well-maintained, rare, or made by a reputable brand, a vintage handbag can be an extremely lucrative investment. Certain models hold or increase in value, often doubling in price throughout the years and sometimes outperforming traditional assets, such as stocks or gold. If you ever do decide to sell one of your precious purses, you’ll be able to turn a profit.

How Much Do Vintage Handbags Go For?

Though the vast majority of vintage designer bags sell for under or around $100, there are a select few with extremely high resale values. The exact dollar amount will always come down to the same factors: brand, rarity, condition, and design details. If you come across a pristinely maintained and rare vintage Coach purse, don’t be surprised if it’s marked at well over $10,000.

How to Buy a Vintage Designer Bag

The good news? Anyone, as long as you know where to look, can save up to buy a vintage designer bag—you included! Before you sprint to your nearest Phoenix vendor mall or start searching online for a vintage Coach, consider our expert shopping tips.

Our 3 Top Tips for Buying Vintage Handbags:

• Tip 1: Brand research

• Tip 2: Trusted sources

• Tip 3: Authenticity

Tip 1: Research the Different Designer Handbag Brands

Just like vintage fashion, when it comes to vintage handbags, the label really is everything. There’s a good chance you’re already familiar with some of the biggest names in the business, but we recommend doing a bit of research ahead of time to fully understand what makes each vintage designer bag brand so special.  

Most Desirable Brands for Vintage Handbags:

• Coach: an American fashion house dating back to the 1940s, known for heavy-duty leather and ultimate durability, as seen in the Willis, Court, and Duffle Sac designs

• Chanel: a renowned French haute couture brand founded in 1910, praised for elegant designs, quilted leather, and versatile chain straps, evidenced by the flap bags from the ‘80s and ‘90s

• Louis Vuitton: a top French luxury brand since 1854, easily recognizable by its monogrammed canvas patterns, particularly the Speedy and Keepall models

• Hermès: a prestigious French fashion company that originated as a harness and saddle workshop, remains famous for high-end leather goods, such as Birkin and Kelly bags

• Kate Spade: a global American lifestyle brand since 1993, famous for colorful, playful, yet sophisticated handbags, like the Sam Nylon Tote, Dakota Crossbody, and Knott Satchel

Tip 2: Build Connections with Trustworthy Sources

You shouldn’t buy a vintage Coach from just anyone! Before you hand over your card, we recommend doing a quick deep dive on your vendor and their reputation. If you find any reviews that claim they sold someone a counterfeit vintage designer bag, we recommend staying far away.

When you do find a trustworthy vendor, consider creating a strong, lasting connection. That way, if you’re ever searching for a specific model or find yourself in the mood for a shopping spree, you’ll have someone you can go to. Nothing beats having a seller with an understanding of the vintage Coach industry on your side!

Tip 3: Understand How to Prove the Vintage Handbags Authenticity

While most reliable consignment companies and sellers at Louisville vendor malls will have a strict authentication system in place, being able to tell the difference between a real and a fake vintage Coach is a useful skill for any designer bag collector. When you come across a design, closely examine the hardware, stitching, logos, and material quality. If anything feels cheap or looks imperfect, wave those red flags and reconsider your purchase.  

How Do You Safely Store a Vintage Handbag?

When you aren’t using your new vintage designer bag, collectors recommend storing it inside a breathable cotton or linen dust bag in a cool, dry, dark place to prevent any sun damage or mold growth. To preserve a vintage Coach’s shape, place it on a shelf, rather than hanging it, and stuff the interior with acid-free tissue paper. Following these precautions should help you prolong the lifespan of your cherished designs.

Take this as a sign. It’s time to let your inner fashionista out and save up for a vintage handbag of your very own! When you’re ready to shop, head to your nearest America’s Antique Mall location to see what our talented vendors have in store for you.