Frugality has become all the more fashionable – particularly of late – yet we still yearn for the best designer bags. Pair that with the fact that some styles are proving to be safer investments than stocks and shares RN and you’ll probably be left with an overwhelming craving to update your arm candy repertoire pretty pronto. You’re not alone.
So what to do? While it’s tempting to snap up a super affordable high street one that ‘does the job’ (for now), if you’re in a position to do so, it’s wise to actually think long-term and invest. After all, treating yourself to one of the best new designer bags that’ll end up standing the test of time is one of the savviest decisions you can make.
Need more convincing? Customer searches on Net-A-Porter for Saint Laurent bags have increased by 134% in the last three months, while searches for TOTEME bags have increased by 136%.
Luxury handbags of any variety are the accessory that appreciates the fastest, while vintage, pre-loved and second-hand designer handbags have risen in value by an average of 8% per year over the last decade and also outperformed the price of gold. Interesting, right?
SKIP TO: Shop the best designer bags | How we chose the best designer bags.
GLAMOUR editor’s favourite designer bags:
Wondering which designer bags our editors can’t stop thinking about? Londie Ncube, GLAMOUR’s European Fashion Editor, is all about Jimmy Choo’s Cinch M. It comes in five different colours and, thanks to its slouchy nature, fits a variety of belongings. Chloé’s small Bracelet Hobo is Social Media Manager Robyn Eugene’s pick, and Mulberry’s Soft Bayswater bag is Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd’s go-to work bag.
So where to look first? Throw-everything-inside, XXL bags are a purchase you’ll never regret making. They’ve been deemed even more popular for 2025 – helped, no doubt, by the likes of The Row’s Margaux – but often come at a price to match their large nature. If you’re looking for something smaller and more compact to show off on special occasions, something like a designer cross-body bag or clutch would suit. Find plenty of both below…
Ahead: The GLAMOUR edit of the best designer handbags.
For more from GLAMOUR UK’s Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd. Looking for something other than top handle bags and messenger bags for the office? Check out our laptop backpacks round up. We also have the best beach bags, vegan bags (if you’re not about leather) and mini bags to browse, plus the best Bottega Veneta bags, Chanel bags and Dior bags to splurge on.
