A Comprehensive Guide to Investing in Chanel
With an average value retention of 82%, Chanel is one of the safest fashion investments you can make. The best part is that your options aren’t limited. From limited-edition Chanel bags to unforgettable jewelry, the fashion house is packed with investment-worthy products that don’t just retain but double their value over time.
But for a first-time investor, it’s clear that Chanel bags aren’t the same as investing in real estate. There are unique factors to consider, including size, resale value, and bag type. In this article, we’ll look at the most valuable Chanel bags and what you can expect when investing in them.
Are Chanel Bags Worth the Investment?
The Art Market Research of 2020 found that luxury handbags, particularly Chanel, eclipse traditional collectibles when it comes to investments. Not only are Chanel bags a simple investment, but they’re also safe and less volatile, with an average increase in value of 10 to 15%.
Since they have almost complete control over the market, the fashion house raises its prices twice a year. Recently, they increased the price of the Medium Classic Flap Bag, now retailing at ten times its original price in the 90s. Even though most customers can only afford one Chanel bag a year, the demand continues to skyrocket.
Thanks to this, the reselling business is booming more than ever. It’s safe to say Chanel bags are worth the investment; the trick is finding the right time to buy and sell.
8 Chanel Bags to Invest In
Based on their resale value, these are the eight most investment-worthy Chanel bags on the market.
Classic Flap Bag
Considered one of the most iconic handbags in the world, the Classic Flap Bag was created in 1955. This iconic bag holds 100% of its retail value today, and it’s no wonder why. Its main iterations include the Single Flap Bag and the Double Flap Bag.
When investing in a Classic Flap Bag, its size is the first thing to consider. The sizes include the Extra Mini, the Mini Rectangular, Small, Medium, Jumbo, and Maxi. Since the Extra Mini is discontinued, getting your hands on one can be a great investment.
The resale value of the Classic Flap Bag never fails to impress. The Mini Rectangular had an 11.3% increase since its previous price, while the Small and Medium enjoyed 17% and 16%, respectively. Lastly, the Jumbo and Maxi have both appreciated 15% in value since the last price increase.
Coco Top Handle Bag
The Chanel Coco Top Handle Bag, one of the top winter fashion essentials for women, is a more structured and small version of the Classic Flap Bag. Debuting in 2015, this modern classic has a 111% retention rate. Its sizes include Extra Mini, Mini, Small, and Medium.
However, only two of these sizes saw a price increase in 2023. The Mini version increased by 12.5% in value, while the Small Coco Top Handle appreciated by 18%.
Boy Flap Bag
Debuting in 2011, the Boy Flap Bag’s rise to fame was quick and well-deserved. It retailed at $3,200 when it was first released, but the prices have more than doubled since then. Its sizes include Mini, Small, Old Medium, New Medium, Large, and Extra Large, with some of them being limited-edition.
The Mini is a seasonal size, and the Extra Large was only produced in 2013, so keep an eye out for these sizes. However, most investors don’t understand why the Old Medium and the New Medium are two separate sizes. Simply put, the New Medium is bigger than the old one.
In terms of their resale value, only Small, Medium, and Large had a price increase in 2023. The Small Boy Flap Bag increased by 13%, the Medium by 12%, and the Large by 13%.
Reissue Bag
There’s something special about the Chanel Reissue Bag, created as a remodel of the original 2.55 handbag 50 years after its debut. Its sizes include the Mini Reissue, 224, 225, 226, 227, and 228. You’ll also find the 225 being named Regular.
Among these, only the Mini, 225, and 226 were affected by the 2023 price increase. The Mini appreciated 13.6% in value, while the 225 and 226 increased by 16%.
WOC Bags
The Wallet-on-Chain bag is one of the more affordable models, making it an entry-level bag of sorts. It doesn’t come in specific sizes but rather as iterations of iconic Chanel bags. Currently, only the Chanel Classic WOC and Mini WOC are available for retail.
Overall, these bags have had a price increase of 13.5% this year.
19 Flap Bag
Named after its release year, the 19 Flap Bag is a modern iteration of the Classic Flap Bag. Today, it retains around 92% of its resale value. Its sizes include Medium, Large, and Maxi, but that’s only the core line.
In 2023, the Medium 19 Flap Bag’s value increased by 12.2%, the Large by 8%, and the Maxi by 8.7%. You’ll also find limited-edition variations like the 19 Waist Bag, 19 Clutch With Chain, and 19 WOC.
22 Chain Hobo
As part of last year’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection, the 22 Chain Hobo is one of the hottest handbags on the market today. Plus, its retention value of 112% makes it the perfect investment choice for beginners. Including the most recent releases, the Chanel 22 comes in Mini, Small, Medium, and Large.
Since it was only released a year ago, it’s had a small price increase of 9.4% in 2023. But its retention value and market research tell us it’s a great piece to bet on.
Deauville Tote
The Deauville Tote honored Coco Chanel’s favorite summer resort in Normandy as part of the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. With enough space to carry your beach essentials, the summer tote has a retention value of 114%. It’s had a 12% price increase in 2023 alone.
Conclusion
With these handbags having a higher resale value than their retail prices, the future of Chanel investments looks bright. Since the global pandemic, the fashion house has increased its prices four times, but the demand has never lowered.
But it’s even better news for investors like you, especially if you can cop limited-edition pieces to resell at a profit. Gone are the days of buying preloved Chanel pieces in thrift stores at lower prices; this is the era of turning luxury handbags into investments.
Now that you’ve read our top picks and tips, it’s time to start investing! Make the most of their strong resale value and turn these classic and sought-after pieces into a side income.
