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As the owner of two Fendis (a lilac baguette and a nano Fendigraphy) and a sprinkling from Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Louis Vuitton, I know how much research it takes to find your dream bag: You decide the designer, size, and price point, then hope you can find the color and material you love. Since most of the best designer handbags are investment pieces, buyers want to ensure their purchases are smart, safe, and secure, so we’ve curated the ultimate list of where to buy designer bags to help with your buying experience. We’ve separated the list of the 21 best places to buy designer bags into three categories: The boutique experience, the department store experience, and the preloved experience. First thing’s first, though—how to find what you’re looking for when buying your next bag.
What to look for when buying a designer bag
The experience
The luxury experience is heightened when you buy directly from the store, but you might get better variety at department stores or preloved sites.
The value
Check that your dream designer bag is wearable for several occasions and compare price points on several sites to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
The availability
Some merchants don’t let you order online, or make you wait on waiting lists. All the sites listed above have stock available to ship immediately.
The trends
Stay on trend by using updated websites, or stick to classics with preloved and vintage.
The boutique experience
Buying directly from the designer’s website, like Yves Saint Laurent or Chanel, will usually provide the most luxurious experience. Your bag will arrive as a “full set,” which usually indicates a dust bag, branded tissue paper, a box, authenticity cards, and the receipt. Some design houses occasionally add beauty samples or VIP gifts for the most consistent buyers. You will also be able to create a history with the brand or a specific SA, or sales associate, which means you’re more likely to be offered newer and limited-edition pieces when they come in.
The downside is that these sites rarely have discounts, and you’ll also be missing out on the gift card incentives that many department stores offer. Still, many designer bag lovers will only buy directly from a designer’s website because they love this luxury experience. For those people, here are the top seven boutique websites we trust and recommend.
Yves Saint Laurent
This celebrity-loved French design house is known for its sharp designs, clean edges, and useful designer bags. You might have seen Hailey Bieber wearing the Jamie 4.3 Monogram Bag or Zoe Kravitz wearing the Icare Maxi Shopping Bag. The chic and streamlined bags that come out of Yves Saint Laurent are beloved for their form and function. YSL products are also known to last a lifetime with their high-quality standards and, as a bonus, all orders on its website currently come with perfume samples from YSL Beauté.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $675-$5,600
- Shipping: Free on all orders at YSL.com
- Return policy: Complementary returns within 30 calendar days of receipt of the items
What we like:
- Chic, functional bags in many sizes and price points
- Known for their durability
What we don’t like:
- You’ll pay for this quality and durability
The bottom line:
This chic, French luxury designer makes durable bags with classic styles that will last a lifetime.
Yves Saint Laurent
This chic, French luxury designer makes durable bags with classic styles that will last a lifetime.
Bottega Veneta
While many luxury handbag makers have started raising prices while cutting corners, Bottega Veneta has maintained its street cred as the best quality and craftsmanship in leather making. Their bags are the ultimate in quiet luxury—no logos, little branding, just tried-and-true handcrafted leather. Bottega has been producing handmade calfskin for over 50 years, and the brand’s unique calfskin weave, the Intrecciato, has become Bottega Veneta's infamous trademark. Opt for the hot new Sardine Bag or a classic like the Cassette Bag in Bottega Green.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $1,450-$9,900
- Shipping: Free express shipping with an average delivery time of 3-6 business days
- Return policy: Complimentary returns within 14 calendar days of receipt of the items
What we like:
- Gorgeous, hand-woven leather goods
- Popular styles seen on TikTok and Pinterest
What we don’t like:
- Some of the highest price points among luxury handbags
The bottom line:
Known as the highest-quality leather makers in luxury goods, this Italian designer is the epitome of, “if you know you know” fashion.
Bottega Veneta
Known as the highest-quality leather makers in luxury goods, this Italian designer is the epitome of, “if you know you know” fashion.
Prada
Prada is having its moment. The Italian design house made waves when it released new versions of some old favorites, and now, the most fashionable influencers covet bags, shoes, and shirts with the eponymous triangle logo. The Nylon Re-Edition Bag is at the top of the list for most fashionistas and influencers, with the Cleo Bag not far behind.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $795-$7,500
- Shipping: Free shipping within 3-5 business days from order confirmation
- Return policy: Within 30 days, return label provided with all orders
What we like:
- Clean, classic lines that keep you on-trend
- A variety of special embellishments like satin, crystals, and Saffiano leather to make it uniquely yours
What we don’t like:
- The price points are a bit high, especially for the fabric and nylon bags
The bottom line:
Set the trend by carrying this line of clean, sharp handbags with the famed triangle logo that you can pass down to the next generation
Prada
Set the trend by carrying this line of clean, sharp handbags with the famed triangle logo that you can pass down to the next generation
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren is renowned for its quality leather goods, handbags, watches, and wallets. This brand is for you if you’re looking for a classic Gossip Girl-style shoulder bag or a “polo at the countryside” saddle bag. The Welington works for both.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $95-$32,000
- Shipping: Free standard or economy shipping with an RL account, $6-10 without; upgrades to Fast, 2-business day or 1-business day, Same Day Delivery or White Glove Delivery available
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- Durable, classic leather bags
- One of the only luxury brands on this list to put bags on sale
What we don’t like:
- Pieces sell out frequently
The bottom line:
The equestrian-focused American bag brand is still a staple for the upper crust.
Ralph Lauren
The equestrian-focused American bag brand is still a staple for the upper crust.
Alexander McQueen
This innovative design house offers clutches and shoulder bags with a bit of an edge. The designer’s London roots are expressed with the use of spikes, skulls, and other punk elements. The celeb loved Knuckle Clutch will let other fashionistas know you mean business. Try a softer version with the Jewelled Hobo Mini Bag or a (literally) edgier version with The Biker Studded Satchel. While McQueen pieces are certainly an investment, you will always get your ROI on style.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $990-$9,590
- Shipping: Complementary express shipping
- Return policy: Free returns
What we like:
- The iconic, edgy style
- Free express shipping
What we don’t like:
- The most popular styles run over $5,000
The bottom line:
Trust this luxury retailer for strong fashion choices and excellent customer service.
Alexander McQueen
Trust this luxury retailer for strong fashion choices and excellent customer service.
Marc Jacobs
Marc Jacobs makes fun and functional handbags, wallets, and totes. The brand sets trends (if you’re not carrying a version of their The Tote Bag right now, you’re missing out) and offers classic shapes and sizes. Based in New York City, Marc Jacobs knows its customers carry a lot in keeping with their on-the-go lifestyle. The designer is known to make some of the best totes and the best weekender bags—I’ve carried one for several years to haul my wallet, laptop, and spare heels around NYC. Its crossbody camera bag, The Snapshot, is also beloved by the celebrity set.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $180-$1,775
- Shipping: Complimentary ground shipping for all orders over $50, and $9.95 for orders below $50
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- Functional tote bags and purses in an array of colors
- Fun accents like fur and jacquard, plus interchangeable straps
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers mention wishing the bags had fewer logos
The bottom line:
An American creator known for fun designs, perfect for entry-level designer bags or quality classics.
Marc Jacobs
An American creator known for fun designs, perfect for entry-level designer bags or quality classics.
Coach
Coach is the source for luxury designer handbags and accessories at a welcoming price. With most pieces coming in around $300-500, this American, equestrian-inspired brand is often referred to as affordable luxury. Coach creates classic leather goods in solid colors—like its famed Tabby Bag —and messenger bags, work bags, and totes in its signature logo print.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $155-950
- Shipping: Free shipping on all orders, express shipping $17.50, overnight shipping $30
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- The affordable luxury price point
- The gorgeous leathers and heritage
What we don’t like:
- Many online reviews mention the quality decreasing in recent years
The bottom line:
The affordable luxury line for lovers of solid leather goods and equestrian-style bags.
Coach
The affordable luxury line for lovers of solid leather goods and equestrian-style bags.
The department store experience
Department stores offer seasonal sales and gift card incentives, so you might earn yourself a free bag over time. Nordstrom, for instance, often provides a $100 gift card for every $500 spent–this is not technically a sale item, but it can save you up to 20% if you purchase items regularly. How your item arrives packaged will vary by vendor, and this might be one of the things you’re sacrificing by not buying directly from the designer. Here are the top seven department store websites we trust and recommend.
Nordstrom
Nordstrom ultra-fans will tell you this is the best department store in the world. What hooks them in? Nordstrom's customer-first mindset, which is unchallenged in the retail world. Returns are unlimited and free, and you can often score free and discounted handbags and leather goods by stacking their gift card incentives. Become a member of their Nordy Club to earn one point for every dollar spent, and receive Nordy Notes to spend on upcoming purchases. Bonus events let Nordy Club members earn four or five times the points during particular times of the year, which really adds up if you’re buying a $4,900 Valentino bag.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $50-$17,500
- Shipping: Free ground shipping on most orders; upgrade to Two Business Days for $12 or Next Business Day for $20
- Return policy: Free returns at any time
What we like:
- Great variety of designers and a return policy you can’t beat
- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, with some luxury items up to 75% off
- Stacking savings with their complementary Nordy Club membership
What we don’t like:
- Items may not come with original box and brand packaging
The bottom line:
This luxury department store offers the ability to save big when purchasing your favorite luxury bags, plus you’ll never be hassled about returns.
Nordstrom
This luxury department store offers the ability to save big when purchasing your favorite luxury bags, plus you’ll never be hassled about returns.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is a leading luxury fashion destination with an excellent curation of high-end and contemporary designer bags. The retailer is now synonymous with fashionable and elegant living. Saks also allows customers to use discounts on luxury goods (sometimes up to 20%!) often excluded at other stores. Grab yourself that Loewe Puzzle Bag or Versace Croc-Embossed Tote.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $25-16,000
- Shipping: Standard shipping (approximately 3-6 business days) is $9.95 for orders under $100 and free for SaksFirst Members or orders over $100; premium shipping (approximately 2-3 business days) is $20 and express shipping (approximately 1-2 business days) is $30
- Return policy: Free returns within 14 days; returns initiated after 14 days will incur a $9.95 return shipping charge and no returns are accepted after 30 days
What we like:
- Excellent curation with new and popular designers
- Well-known dedication to customer service
- Ability to find designer on sale or earn gift cards with purchase
What we don’t like:
- Short return policy
The bottom line:
Saks is known for its expertly-selected fashion and highly personal customer service, perfect for cutting-edge fashionistas.
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks is known for its expertly-selected fashion and highly personal customer service, perfect for cutting-edge fashionistas.
Bloomingdale’s
Luxury enthusiasts wait all year for Bloomingdale’s famed Gift Card Event. Not only does the New York City-based retailer offer exclusive collabs with luxe designers and all the newest bags, they also offer gift card incentives with every purchase several times a year. The more you spend, the more you save—for instance, if you spend $2,000, you get a $600 gift card. That’s like getting 30% off your Dolce & Gabbana Medium Daily Tote or a Chloe Marcie Bag. Smaller gift card incentives happen throughout the year, and you can save even more if you use a Bloomies credit card.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $375-$8,995
- Shipping: Free standard delivery, $12 for premium delivery, and $20 for express delivery
- Return policy: Within 14-30 days, depending on designer
What we like:
- The selection of designers and exclusive collaborations
- The gift card events can equal significant savings
What we don’t like:
- You won’t get the whole boutique experience, but you will get the great Bloomingdale's customer service
The bottom line:
Bag lovers trust Bloomingdale’s with their luxury purchases and wait for Gift Card events to save big.
Bloomingdale’s
Bag lovers trust Bloomingdale’s with their luxury purchases and wait for Gift Card events to save big.
Macy’s
This sizable American retailer offers contemporary and luxury designs from Michael Kors, Coach, I.N.C. International Concepts, Kate Spade, and Lauren Ralph Lauren. They’re known for their excellent customer service and deep discounts during holiday sales, so you can save a bundle if you buy during their Semi-Annual Sale in January and July.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $25-$1,000
- Shipping: Free
- Return policy: Within 30 days of purchase; return shipping is free for Macy’s Star Reward members and $9.99 plus tax for non-members
What we like:
- Ample selection of contemporary handbags, beach bags, diaper bags, and small leather goods
- Excellent sales during most holidays
What we don’t like:
- Most stores don’t carry high-end luxury bags
The bottom line:
The All-American classic is a go-to for great prices on contemporary luxury handbags, wallets, and small leather goods.
Macy’s
The All-American classic is a go-to for great prices on contemporary luxury handbags, wallets, and small leather goods.
Mytheresa
Fashion Instagrammers and purse bloggers love this luxury fashion retailer for its innovative handbag curation and famed flash sales. "Mytheresa has great buyers—the selection of brands and pieces is always interesting,” according to designer aficionado Cassie Thorpe. “[Mytheresa] also has exclusive capsule collections with designers, which sets them apart from other retailers. The packaging also delivers that luxury experience at home." The company aims to be the best shopping destination in the world, offering exclusive collaborations with cutting-edge labels like Jacquemus, Gucci, and The Row.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $75-$7,200
- Shipping: Free for orders over $300
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- An innovative array of designers
- Ability to find one-of-a-kind pieces
What we don’t like:
- Paying for shipping
The bottom line:
Mytheresa connects luxury buyers with exclusive products from over 1,400 of the world's best brands and boutiques.
Mytheresa
Mytheresa connects luxury buyers with exclusive products from over 1,400 of the world's best brands and boutiques.
FWRD
Currently under the art direction of Kendall Jenner, FWRD goes beyond traditional e-commerce with its combination of world-class customer service and fashion-forward buyers. The selection of new and preloved handbags from legendary fashion houses—yes, you can find an Hermès Birkin here—to the latest up-and-coming bags, like the Large G Tote by Givenchy, are featured in stunning editorial images.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $79-$33,500
- Shipping: Free two-day shipping, $24 for next-day shipping, and $30 for next-day by 12pm shipping.
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- A grand variety of brands, old and new
- We’ve seen Versace, Mugler, and the Chloe Woody tote in the sale section
What we don’t like:
- Pieces sell out quickly
The bottom line:
The combination of excellent customer service and of-the-moment bag selection makes FWRD perfect for trendy bag lovers.
FWRD
The combination of excellent customer service and of-the-moment bag selection makes FWRD perfect for trendy bag lovers.
Amazon
Amazon now carries luxury items like designer purses, exotic watches, and small leather goods. And, of course, their delivery and return policy is the strongest on this list. Get yourself a preloved Chanel Single Flap or brand-new Prada Saffiano Tote right along with your toothpaste and aluminum foil.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $75-$8,995
- Shipping: Free with Amazon Prime
- Return policy: Within 30 days
What we like:
- An incredibly generous return policy
- Tracking all deliveries in the Amazon App
What we don’t like:
- Some reviewers mention they need to receive dustbags, packaging or authentication cards.
The bottom line:
The big-box retailer has opened its luxury handbag business, and they couldn’t have made it more convenient.
Amazon
The big-box retailer has opened its luxury handbag business, and they couldn’t have made it more convenient.
The preloved, secondhand or vintage experience
Preloved and secondhand designer bags will save you a bundle over buying these items brand new. You also can use the sites below to find rare, sold out, and vintage pieces you could never find at a department store or luxury boutique. How products are packaged upon arrival will vary by supplier—FashionPhile is known to include its own branded dust bag and hot pink confetti, while Poshmark items might include original tags and dust bags, or nothing at all. As with buying anything secondhand, pay close attention to listing photos to ensure authenticity and condition. Here are the top seven preloved handbag websites you should try.
FashionPhile
FashionPhile is one of the most trusted sources for preloved luxury buying and selling. The retailer has a diverse inventory with warehouses in New York and California and ships quickly. Its payment plans and tiered discounts (prices lower by 10% every 30 days an item is in stock) make it an excellent place for luxury lovers on a budget. As luxury YouTuber Caleb Snell has pointed out, “My biggest concern when buying luxury is authenticity, and Fashionphile has one of the best reputations in the market. I can always count on Fashionphile to deliver elusive and rare pieces along with a boutique-like experience.”
Specifications:
- Price Range: $165-$250,000
- Shipping: Complementary US shipping
- Return policy: Within 14 days of receipt
What we like:
- Great range of products, from Telfar to Hermès Birkin
- Tiered discounts
- Known as the most dependable online platform for second hand bags
What we don’t like:
- They just changed their return policy from 30 days to 14 days
The bottom line:
FashionPhile is the gold standard for preloved handbags.
FashionPhile
FashionPhile is the gold standard for preloved handbags.
ReBag
ReBag is another favorite platform for buying and selling designer bags. The inventory changes daily, and it's one of the only retailers to offer payment plan options. Check out its designer purses, small leather goods, and shoes.
Specifications:
- Price: $180-$139,990
- Shipping: Free shipping for Gold & Diamond Rebag Rewards members; $20 for others; expedited shipping for $50
- Return policy: Within seven days of delivery of an online order; no return fees apply for Gold and Diamond Rebag Rewards members, $20 fee per item otherwise
What we like:
- Buying a Birkin in a snap
- The option for payment plans
- Grand selection of brands and designs
What we don’t like:
- Shortest return period on this list
The bottom line:
This online retailer for secondhand goods is a tried-and-true favorite for preloved lovers.
ReBag
This online retailer for secondhand goods is a tried-and-true favorite for preloved lovers.
Vestiaire Collective
Vestiaire Collective is a sustainable fashion platform that helps second hand sellers connect with preloved buyers. The company's mission is to transport the fashion industry to a more sustainable future, and all of Instagram is taking note. Every day, the brand gets more tags on social media as Vestaire’s curation piques. The Paris-based company says it’s a community of highly engaged fashion enthusiasts and hopes to match buyers and sellers through its catalog of highly sought-after items.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $7-$298,000
- Shipping: $9.95 for orders under $1,000, $15 for orders above
- Return policy: Returns only available if a listing is incorrect
What we like:
- Some of the best curations of preloved purses, according to fashion Instagrammers and YouTubers
- Great selection of French classics like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, Hermès Kelly, Dior Saddle Bag, and Chanel Boy Bag
What we don’t like:
- No returns
The bottom line:
This Paris-based platform connecting preloved buyers and sellers is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
Vestiaire Collective
This Paris-based platform connecting preloved buyers and sellers is quickly becoming a fan favorite.
1st Dibs
1stDibs is a one-of-a-kind online marketplace connecting design lovers to more than a million designer pieces, from furniture and fine art to handbags and fashion. Their in-house experts vet each listing to enable buyers to purchase immediately or bid on auction items. 1stDibs is where you can find limited editions like the Birkin Faubourg Selliers in Alligator and a $69 Jean Paul Gaultier Black Velvet Bag.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $900-$325,000
- Shipping: Varies by seller
- Return policy: Returns only in exceptions
What we like:
- Some of the most unique and rare pieces in the world
What we don’t like:
- Buying directly from sellers instead of the platform itself
The bottom line:
A one-of-a-kind marketplace to find limited editions, vintage bags, and rare pieces.
1st Dibs
A one-of-a-kind marketplace to find limited editions, vintage bags, and rare pieces.
Open for Vintage
Open for Vintage is an online platform that boasts the finest collection of luxury vintage bags, fashion, and jewelry from the most famous boutiques in the world. If you’re looking for a specific Hermès item or a particular year of a Coach bag, Open for Vintage is the place.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $188-$143,145
- Shipping: Free worldwide shipping
- Return policy: Within 14 days of delivery
What we like:
- Elevated curation of vintage, preloved bags
- Easy-to-use interface
- Strong authenticity standards
What we don’t like:
- International shipments might require import fees
The bottom line:
A trusted place to find the vintage bag you’ve had your eye on for years.
Open for Vintage
A trusted place to find the vintage bag you’ve had your eye on for years.
myGemma
myGemma is a sustainable way to find authenticated, preloved pieces while saving up to 80% off retail prices. It’s also one of the only preloved platforms with a loyalty program, so you can earn points for future purchases.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $150-$87,500
- Shipping: $10 for purchases under $500, free ground shipping for purchases $501-$5,000, and free overnight shipping for purchases above $5,000
- Return policy: Within 14 days of delivery
What we like:
- They authenticate each and every item
- The loyalty program gives you points for buying and selling on the platform
What we don’t like:
- $35-50 return shipping fee
The bottom line:
A great pre-loved platform that lets you earn points with your purchases.
myGemma
A great pre-loved platform that lets you earn points with your purchases.
Poshmark
Poshmark is the go-to for direct sales of new, preloved, and vintage handbags. You buy directly from the seller, and the site authenticates luxury purchases over $500. This site is for an educated consumer, though: You can bookmark searches and be notified of new listings 24/7 (I get that YSL Lou Lou alert nightly), but you need to check reviews and all photos to ensure a bag’s authenticity.
Specifications:
- Price Range: $0-50,000
- Shipping: Sellers must ship USPS Priority Mail within five days
- Return policy: No returns
What we like:
- Trusted standard in the preloved community
- Most competitive prices
- Vintage and preloved brands you can’t find anywhere else
What we don’t like:
- They only authenticate bags over $500
- Must read reviews to decide if seller is legit
The bottom line:
This seller-to-buyer marketplace is a great site to buy preloved and often at a fantastic price point.
How we selected the best places to buy designer bags
We scoured the internet to find the best places to buy designer bags based on price, reliability, reviews, shipping speed, and return policy. The sites listed above also have authenticity standards and are trusted by buyers like you.
How to take care of designer bags
Designer bags should always be placed in their dust bag in a cool, dry place. Humidity and sunlight can damage the leather, fabric, and hardware, so keep bags safe in a closet or shelf. Protect your bags with Apple Leather Garde or Scotchgard Fabric before using. Peel off all hardware covers before storing, as they can ruin the hardware over time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Why are designer bags so expensive?
Designer bags are often made by hand and stitched by leather workers in France, Italy, or Spain. The care that goes into each bag keeps the market prices higher versus a mass-produced product. Of course, you’re also paying for brand recognition and marketing, but luxury bags should last longer than contemporary brands.
Is it worth it to invest in a designer bag?
Yes! Whether investing in your happiness (YSL, Moschino, Dior, Tiffany) or buying to sell the bag later for a profit (Hermès or Chanel), purchasing a designer bag can be a smart choice. Always check resale values if you’re buying with the mind to sell again.
What is the best brand for a designer bag?
The best brands are known for quality, durability, design, and function. Choose your favorite brand based on your style—Bottega Veneta for those who love quiet luxury, Fendi and Gucci for wild types, Louis Vuitton and Chanel for classics, and YSL for solid, everyday bags.
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