Whether you’re buying or selling, knowing the best fashion brands to buy vintage can bring you huge advantages – and loads of style!
By Chiara Spagnoli Gabardi
Vintage fashion is such a wonderful thing. It’s part of the circular economy, meaning you’re keeping bought items in a cycle of use longer. It also means you’re not creating demand for new goods.
And when you’re buying designer vintage, there’s another advantage, too: you can resell your clothes when you tire of them. That means that no matter what you paid for something, you’re likely to get at least a portion of that back. Even better: in the case of rare watches with luxurious watch bands or handbags, you might even turn a profit!
Yep, that’s right: some of the best fashion brands to buy vintage actually go UP in value over time. Best known for this is Hermes, but other much-loved labels such as Chanel are also likely to prove to be good investments.
In fact, according to HEWI London:
- Hermes Birkin bags have increased over 153% in the last 10 years. Based on its current rate of increase, the value will be almost a whopping £50,000 by 2028.
- Chanel’s Medium Classic Flap bag value has increased by almost 10% annually; 92% in the last 10 years. It is predicted to cost a minimum of £7,000 by 2028.
- Seven of the top ten fashion pieces with the greatest value increase are handbags from Dior, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Fendi, and Gucci.
So, no matter if you’re buying or selling, it’s a good idea to know some of the best fashion brands to buy vintage. If you’re buying, you’ll find these are more readily available. And if you’re selling, you’ll know what there’s demand for.
Here are some of our top tips for buying vintage fashion that you can not only use again and again, but that will keep going in the circular economy for years to come – with added value.
Main image: @gallianoarchive John Galliano Spring 1994
Tips For Shopping The Best Vintage Brands
1. Buy Low From The Right Places
Sure, online designer shops like the ones we link to below are great. But to really get a great deal, thrift shops, estate sales, flea markets, and online auctions can be goldmines! If you know what to look for, that is. Try to buy well below market value to leave room for profit. Even if that means taking care of minor cleaning or repair costs yourself.
2. Authenticate & Learn The ‘Tells’
Train your eye to spot real vs. fake. Logos, stitching, materials, and serial numbers are key. Consider using an authentication service for big-ticket finds, especially for luxury pieces, to boost buyer confidence.
3. Know The Trends In Vintage Resale
Track what’s currently hot in the resale market. Some pieces (like Y2K sunglasses) come in and out of fashion quickly. Others, like timeless scarves or jewellery from legacy brands, are safer long-term bets.
4. Check For Quality & Condition
Minor wear is expected, but damage like missing parts, broken clasps, or major discoloration can significantly lower resale value. Opt for items made from high-quality materials—leather, real metals, and glass beads usually age better than synthetics.
5. Focus On Iconic Brands & Eras
Look for well-known designers and classic eras (e.g., 1980s Chanel, 1970s Gucci, 90s Prada). Accessories from recognisable names or time periods are more desirable and hold value better. Do some research on which labels have consistent resale demand.
Ready to get shopping? And investing? Read on!
10 Of The Best Fashion Brands To Buy Vintage
1. Dior
The French brand is most associated with beautiful frocks, femininity and saddle bags. In fact, the Dior Saddle bag, designed by none other than John Galliano, is currently the vintage fashion item with the highest value growth over the past decade. It launched at a price of $1,100 – and now fetches around 4 times that amount! In fact, the Dior Saddle Bag is currently number 1 in Google searches for vintage bags.
Not keen on that bag? The Lady Dior bag is also a huge seller still, as is their crystal and gold initial pendant necklaces.
2. Chanel
The charm of this French brand is timeless. Chanel is associated with taste, wealth and femininity. But be careful! Since this is one of the most in-demand of all the fashion brands to buy vintage, it’s imperative you know how to how to spot a real Chanel bag. There are just too many fakes out there! Especially if you go to sites like eBay, which don’t guarantee the authenticity of their goods.
Ensure you visit reliable vintage stores, such as Catherine B’s. in Paris. Or if you’re shopping online, go to a site that guarantees their Chanel bags are the real deal, like What Goes Around or Hardly Ever Worn It.
Oh, and here’s a tip: if you’re looking to buy a cool bag you can make some money from later, go for one of the more unusual Chanel styles. While everyone and her dog has a Chanel flap bag, if you find these in unusual colours or fabrics (like denim), they’re likely to fetch a higher price by collectors later.
Another tip? There’s no doubt that most Chanel jewellery just keeps rising in value!
Image: @les3marchesdecatherineb
3. Hermes
Ready to make a fantastic investment – and look elegant? Get out that credit card and purchase an Hermes Kelly or Birkin bag! The former was launched in 1935 for $900, but now fetches an average of $10,000, for a regular vintage version.
The latter, created for actress Jane Birkin, was launched in 1984 for just $2,000, but today, vintage versions are around $13,000. And those prices keep rising! Unusual ones, with art or in exotic leathers, are worth even more.
4. Louis Vuitton
Many women would love to have a Louis Vuitton bag on their arm. And why not? These accessories signify wealth, taste and quality. The only problem? There are so many fakes out there! This is one of the most popular fashion brands to buy vintage, so it’s super important to ensure you’re buying the real deal.
Once that’s established, treat yourself to any one of LV’s classic styles. Some of the most favoured ones by serious fashionistas include the Speedy, the Twist and the Neverfull.
Image: @luisvuitton.style
5. Gucci
Gucci’s double G logo and green and red band are the hallmarks of exquisite craftsmanship today. But it wasn’t always like that.
In the 1980’s, Gucci overextended its brand, by allowing licence holders to slap its logo on anything from key fobs and mugs to baseball hats and pens. Thankfully, the label got a grip on its marketing and began to phase out these licences. They also reduced the number of Gucci boutiques in the world to make the brand more exclusive.
Today, you can find rare, yet classic Gucci bags, belts, scarves and more at online stores like Farfetch and Vestiaire Collective. But their best selling vintage handbag? It’s the Gucci Jackie Bag. It launched in 1961 for only $200, but today, you can’t find one for less than around $3,000.
6. Rolex
This luxury watch brand is definitely one of the most known, and the most popular. The excellent functionality, simplicity of design and quality of materials in these watches makes them so covetable. But due to their high price tags, it’s no wonder people turn to the second-hand market for Rolexes.
Not only are these high-functioning timepieces, they’re a serious status symbol, too. And if you know your stuff when it comes to watches, finding a Submariner, Daytona or Oyster Perpetual is a great investment. These most are some of the most covetable Rolex models, and you’re sure to easily sell yours on once you tire of it.
Image: @bulangandsons
7. Patagonia
You might be thinking: Patagonia? In a list with Gucci and Fendi? We get it. But with sustainability rising in popularity, Patagonia has become one of the most covetable fashion brands to buy vintage. And it’s easy to do! Just visit the auction-style platform on the Patagonia site. This allows users to sell and buy their used Patagonia items.
What could be eco-friendlier? Not only are you buying items that were made with sustainability in mind, but you’re also keeping it circular.
The best items to look for? Tights, tees and jackets, like these ones below sold by Reformation. This is also one of the best brands to buy vintage if you’re on a budget, of course.
Image: Reformation
8. Galliano
Looking for a bit of 90s nostalgia? John Galliano is the designer for you. He has been at the helm of the most luxurious brands in the world. His work at Givenchy, Dior and Margiela basically made the designer the King of Fashion. His artistry, vision and talent is reflected in every piece he creates.
We love how currently, Galliano’s work with Maison Margiela is all about sustainability. Galliano uses upcycling techniques to create unique pieces that show how cultural responsibility can lead to exceptional wardrobe pieces.
As wonderful as his work with Margiela is, the truth is, Galliano at Dior is one of the best fashion brands to buy vintage – if you can find it. His couture work with this maison is now the stuff of legends. Think: 40’s inspired jackets, bias cut slips, newspaper prints, and, of course, that iconic Dior Saddle bag!
Image: @gallianoarchive
9. Fendi
Known for its Italian elegance, you could argue that Fendi is also most famous for its iconic baguette bag. Made ultra-coveted by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex In The City, this little bag is very, very hard to find – and very valuable!
Launched in 1997 for $1000, it’s now worth four times that much. And it still looks super cute with everything from jeans and a tee to evening wear!
10. Cartier
As we mentioned above, a great investment is designer jewellery. It rarely goes out of style, fits anyone, and has great resale value. An excellent example? Cartier’s Love Bracelet. It’s a truly iconic bangle with timeless elegance! It also makes a great gift.
The bracelet first came out in 1969, when it cost $250. But now, you’re lucky if you can find one for under $3,000!
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