INVESTMENT INSIGHT

The Top 5 Crossbody Bags to Invest In

By The Rebag Team, Mar. 31, 2023

The Top 5 Crossbody Bags to Invest In

There are plenty of stylish crossbody bags worth investing in, so how to choose? To determine which styles are the most investment-worthy, we reference Rebag’s own Clair data, which uses millions of data points on primary and secondary market pricing, demand, and trends to investigate the value of styles on the resale market.  Whether you’re looking for a trusted classic, an unfussy go-to, or a trendy nylon style, we’ve carefully curated the top 5 crossbody bags that will not only elevate any look but also double as a premium investment.

A Timeless Essential: The Chanel Classic Flap

An unsurprising yet indispensable inclusion on this list, the Classic Chanel Flap bag (also known as the 11.12) is one of the most highly sought-after crossbody bags on the market. Last year, according to our 2022 Clair Report, the French brand’s resale value rose 12 percentage points to an average value retention of 87%. Chanel’s most popular bag style is available in five different sizes. From smallest to largest there are the Mini, the Small, the Medium, the Jumbo, and the Maxi Classic Flap. You might also come across sizes like the Square Mini, Extra Mini, or East-West, but these are not considered Classic Flap bags by the French label, and so pricing for them varies considerably. On top of that, there are two main variations of the iconic handbag, a double or single flap. The double flap bag has an extra interior flap that closes off the interior and separates it from the main exterior flap. It is a bit heavier than its single flap counterpart, which only features one exterior flap. Chanel Classic Flap bags are also available in a myriad of leather and hardware combinations, with the brand releasing new colors and materials every season. The timeless elegance of this handbag model, the exquisite quality behind its craftsmanship, and Chanel’s incredibly high value retention make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a luxury crossbody bag.

Rising Star: The Fendi Baguette

Our Clair data shows that in 2022, the Fendi Baguette bag landed at 115% average value retention on the secondary market. This iconic style has been one the most recognizable bags since the 1990s when it was made famous through its association with Sex and the City and its protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. Since then, the Italian label has launched a 2019 revival, as well as different variations and limited editions of the bestselling model. This tried-and-true classic is available in three different sizes; the Mini (about 6 inches long and 4 inches tall), the Classic (approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches tall), and the Large (about 12 inches long and 8 inches tall). Of note: the brand has released many different iterations of the Baguette over the years, so slight size variations may exist depending on the specific model, and those that do not come with (sometimes detachable) crossbody straps can be worn as shoulder bags. Fendi Baguette bags can be found in all sorts of materials, including calf, lambskin, patent leather, canvas, denim, jacquard fabric, and exotic skins like python, crocodile, and even ostrich. Fendi has also been known to release versions of the Baguette with embellishments in various materials, such as sequins, beads, embroidery, crystals, and fur. Our pick: the Large Fendi Baguette NM in embossed leather, a versatile bag that can be styled as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Entry-Level Investment: The GG Marmont Crossbody Bag

Italian giant Gucci is no stranger to ‘It’ bags. Recently, the brand’s value climbed 10 percentage points to 69% in average value retention, according to our 2022 Clair Report. When you’re searching for a crossbody bag that is also budget-conscious, one of your best bets will be in the shape of a GG Marmont Crossbody bag, which retains a high average retention value of 87%. This handbag model is made from soft, quilted leather with a distinctive chevron pattern and features the iconic interlocking GG logo on its front. Its chain strap is adjustable to different lengths and designed to be worn on the shoulder or cross-body, allowing for versatile styling options and making the GG Marmont suitable for different occasions. The bag’s interior features a suede lining with multiple compartments, making it practical for everyday use, and a tassel zipper pull. Besides classic leather models, less habitual versions of the GG Marmont crossbody bag are also crafted in materials like velvet, suede, or denim. This Gucci model is available in mini, small, and medium sizes, and it can feature hardware in silver, gold, or colored enamel brass variations.

Trend-Setter: The Telfar Shopping Bag

Famously nicknamed “Bushwick Birkins”, Telfar Shopping Bags average an outstanding 195% of their retail value. The practical style is perfect for fashion buyers looking to make a first-rate investment while staying on top of the latest trends. Telfar Shopping Bags are recognizable by their rectangular shape, shoulder straps that can also be worn crossbody, a top handle — and a now-viral circular “T” embossed on vegan leather. They are available in all sorts of colors and designs, with three sizes on the market. The Small bag has a height of 7.5 inches, a width of 10 inches, a depth of 4 inches, and a strap drop of 4 inches. Second in size, the Medium Telfar Shopping Bag has a height of 11 inches, a width of 15 inches, a depth of 5 inches, and a strap drop of 9 inches. The Large Telfar Shopping Bag has a height of 13 inches, a width of 17 inches, a depth of 8 inches, and a strap drop of 11 inches. Sought-after Telfar models include iterations belonging to some of the brand’s limited drops and collaborations, such as the ones with Ugg and Eastpak. The demand for Telfar Shopping Bags is higher than the supply, which translates to an investment that carries a higher price on the secondary market than at retail.

Sustainable Choice: The Prada Re-Edition 2005 Shoulder Tessuto Bag

A viral style that is a sustainable take on the Milanese brand’s early-2000s original, the Prada Re-Edition 2005 is released in small batches, which increases its exclusivity and rarity and thus, desirability. Made from recycled plastic, not only is this model Earth-friendly, but it is also the label’s best investment; the Re-Edition holds 99% of its retail value on the secondary market. The Prada Re-Edition 2005 bag comes with an adjustable strap made from durable nylon that supports the bag’s weight and allows for hands-free convenience. Aside from that, this model can feature either gold or silver hardware and is available in different colors to fit different styles. Rare editions of the Prada Re-Edition bag are also available in materials like Saffiano leather and raffia.

A Timeless Essential: The Chanel Classic Flap

An unsurprising yet indispensable inclusion on this list, the Classic Chanel Flap bag (also known as the 11.12) is one of the most highly sought-after crossbody bags on the market. Last year, according to our 2022 Clair Report, the French brand’s resale value rose 12 percentage points to an average value retention of 87%. Chanel’s most popular bag style is available in five different sizes. From smallest to largest there are the Mini, the Small, the Medium, the Jumbo, and the Maxi Classic Flap. You might also come across sizes like the Square Mini, Extra Mini, or East-West, but these are not considered Classic Flap bags by the French label, and so pricing for them varies considerably. On top of that, there are two main variations of the iconic handbag, a double or single flap. The double flap bag has an extra interior flap that closes off the interior and separates it from the main exterior flap. It is a bit heavier than its single flap counterpart, which only features one exterior flap. Chanel Classic Flap bags are also available in a myriad of leather and hardware combinations, with the brand releasing new colors and materials every season. The timeless elegance of this handbag model, the exquisite quality behind its craftsmanship, and Chanel’s incredibly high value retention make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to invest in a luxury crossbody bag.

Rising Star: The Fendi Baguette

Our Clair data shows that in 2022, the Fendi Baguette bag landed at 115% average value retention on the secondary market. This iconic style has been one the most recognizable bags since the 1990s when it was made famous through its association with Sex and the City and its protagonist, Carrie Bradshaw. Since then, the Italian label has launched a 2019 revival, as well as different variations and limited editions of the bestselling model. This tried-and-true classic is available in three different sizes; the Mini (about 6 inches long and 4 inches tall), the Classic (approximately 10 inches long and 6 inches tall), and the Large (about 12 inches long and 8 inches tall). Of note: the brand has released many different iterations of the Baguette over the years, so slight size variations may exist depending on the specific model, and those that do not come with (sometimes detachable) crossbody straps can be worn as shoulder bags. Fendi Baguette bags can be found in all sorts of materials, including calf, lambskin, patent leather, canvas, denim, jacquard fabric, and exotic skins like python, crocodile, and even ostrich. Fendi has also been known to release versions of the Baguette with embellishments in various materials, such as sequins, beads, embroidery, crystals, and fur. Our pick: the Large Fendi Baguette NM in embossed leather, a versatile bag that can be styled as a shoulder or crossbody bag.

Entry-Level Investment: The GG Marmont Crossbody Bag

Italian giant Gucci is no stranger to ‘It’ bags. Recently, the brand’s value climbed 10 percentage points to 69% in average value retention, according to our 2022 Clair Report. When you’re searching for a crossbody bag that is also budget-conscious, one of your best bets will be in the shape of a GG Marmont Crossbody bag, which retains a high average retention value of 87%. This handbag model is made from soft, quilted leather with a distinctive chevron pattern and features the iconic interlocking GG logo on its front. Its chain strap is adjustable to different lengths and designed to be worn on the shoulder or cross-body, allowing for versatile styling options and making the GG Marmont suitable for different occasions. The bag’s interior features a suede lining with multiple compartments, making it practical for everyday use, and a tassel zipper pull. Besides classic leather models, less habitual versions of the GG Marmont crossbody bag are also crafted in materials like velvet, suede, or denim. This Gucci model is available in mini, small, and medium sizes, and it can feature hardware in silver, gold, or colored enamel brass variations.

Trend-Setter: The Telfar Shopping Bag

Famously nicknamed “Bushwick Birkins”, Telfar Shopping Bags average an outstanding 195% of their retail value. The practical style is perfect for fashion buyers looking to make a first-rate investment while staying on top of the latest trends. Telfar Shopping Bags are recognizable by their rectangular shape, shoulder straps that can also be worn crossbody, a top handle — and a now-viral circular “T” embossed on vegan leather. They are available in all sorts of colors and designs, with three sizes on the market. The Small bag has a height of 7.5 inches, a width of 10 inches, a depth of 4 inches, and a strap drop of 4 inches. Second in size, the Medium Telfar Shopping Bag has a height of 11 inches, a width of 15 inches, a depth of 5 inches, and a strap drop of 9 inches. The Large Telfar Shopping Bag has a height of 13 inches, a width of 17 inches, a depth of 8 inches, and a strap drop of 11 inches. Sought-after Telfar models include iterations belonging to some of the brand’s limited drops and collaborations, such as the ones with Ugg and Eastpak. The demand for Telfar Shopping Bags is higher than the supply, which translates to an investment that carries a higher price on the secondary market than at retail.

Sustainable Choice: The Prada Re-Edition 2005 Shoulder Tessuto Bag

A viral style that is a sustainable take on the Milanese brand’s early-2000s original, the Prada Re-Edition 2005 is released in small batches, which increases its exclusivity and rarity and thus, desirability. Made from recycled plastic, not only is this model Earth-friendly, but it is also the label’s best investment; the Re-Edition holds 99% of its retail value on the secondary market. The Prada Re-Edition 2005 bag comes with an adjustable strap made from durable nylon that supports the bag’s weight and allows for hands-free convenience. Aside from that, this model can feature either gold or silver hardware and is available in different colors to fit different styles. Rare editions of the Prada Re-Edition bag are also available in materials like Saffiano leather and raffia.

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