Your guide to investing in a vintage bag

A quality bag belongs in every man's long-term wardrobe. Investing in quality rather than quantity is something that Care of Carl always advocates. By making conscious choices when investing in a vintage designer bag, you not only contribute to a sustainable purchase, but also make a quality choice. We look at what is worth keeping in mind when buying a vintage bag.

Identify your requirements

What is main use for the bag? Should it be used for a weekend in the countryside or as carry-on luggage aboard a flight? The answer to this determines what size weekend bag you should look for. A popular model for many years is Louis Vuitton's Keepall and their iconic weekend bag. This model is available in four sizes: 45, 50, 55 and 60. Where all sizes except 60 pass as hand luggage for air travel. Consider whether you prefer a bag with a carrying handle or one with a shoulder strap, there are different options based on your needs.

Read more: How to pack your weekend bag

Choose the brand and colour based on your style

When you are going to buy a quality bag from a well-known designer, there is often a previous interest in, or a relationship with the brand. Many iconic models wear each brand's signature patterns, such as the Burberry Nova Check pattern or Louis Vuitton's Monogram Canvas with the classic motif of the LV signature and floral ornaments. If you have already taken a liking to a certain brand and their pattern, the brand and colour choice will be a natural process. If, however, you are a first-time buyer, we advise you to look around to see if the iconic patterns with a clear logo are to your liking. The vast majority of well-known brands also have more discreet block-colour models in both brown and black leather for those who are looking for a stripped-down alternative.

Iconic models to look out for

Louis Vuitton Keepall
Classic model available in the brand's various signature patterns, Monogram and Damier Canvas, in different colours.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Duffle
Available in three sizes where the leather is braided in Bottega Veneta's classic structure, no visible logo for those who prefer it.

Goyard Bowling Bag
Another weekend bag that is adorned with the brand's classic pattern, although somewhat more unknown on the market. Perfect for those who want to liven up an outfit with a colourful bag.

Mulberry Heritage Clipper
The model that keeps the traditional look of a weekend bag and is available in several colours, making an excellent addition to the basic wardrobe.

Prada Re-Nylon and Saffiano leather Duffle Bag
A plain black bag in durable nylon with a leather handle. Smaller logo on the front, perfect for those looking for a stripped down model.

A sustainable investment

With their expertise, the bag industry specialists have managed to create bags of such good quality that they can be inherited down the generations. The bags also maintain a timeless design, allowing them to become popular items on the second-hand market. A used Louis Vuitton bag with patina can be considered finer in used condition, where the leather handle and other details have shifted to a darker shade compared to the light newly produced variant.

As many designer bags have had a marked price increase over recent years, the market for pre-owned and vintage bags has thus also expanded. There are many popular models and sizes that are no longer produced. Therefore, the second-hand market becomes the perfect place for these items.

How do you certify the bag as genuine?  

Because of the popularity of designer bags, a greater proportion of replicas have entered the market. The fake variants do not match the quality of the authentic bags.

To avoid these replicas, we have listed some points to pay attention to when determining whether a bag is genuine or fake.

Leather
Genuine leather has a distinctive scent that is hard to mistake. If the scent is missing, there is a risk that it is not a genuine bag. The weight of the bag also determines whether it is constructed. Many brands sew an extra layer of polyester, cotton or nylon on the inside of the leather. If the bag is very light when it is set upright, there is a risk that the bag is fake. However, note that leather is a living material and becomes softer the more it is used. Therefore, more parameters need to be checked than just the shape of the bag.

Seams
The seams on authentic bags are well made and have even stitching. The fake bags tend to have irregular stitching, both on the outside and inside of the bag.

Hardware
Designers always work with the same colour on the metal details, so look extra carefully at zips, fasteners and other details to see if they match.

Purchasing a vintage bag at Care of Carl

It is now possible to buy pre-owned and vintage bags at Care of Carl. Through our specialists who carefully handpick our bag selection, we can guarantee that they are all genuine and the worry of buying vintage bags online can be set free. Explore our range and get in touch with our specialist if any questions arise along the way, we will be more than happy to help find the right bag for you.