Designer Brands Worth Investing In: The Smart Guide to Timeless Luxury Fashion

Designer clothing can be a powerful investment—not just in style, but in quality, confidence, and long-term value. With fashion trends cycling faster than ever, savvy shoppers are shifting focus from high-turnover trends to timeless designer staples that last.

But not all designer labels are created equal. Some lose relevance quickly, while others retain their value—or even increase in desirability over time.

This guide reveals the designer brands truly worth investing in, whether you're building a capsule wardrobe, exploring quiet luxury, or planning for long-term resale. And with Tellar.co.uk, you can ensure your perfect size and fit—before you buy.

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Why Invest in Designer Clothing?

Here’s why certain designer pieces are worth every penny:

✅ Exceptional fabric quality – Think organic cashmere, Italian wool, European linen

✅ Timeless design – Pieces that don’t date after one season

✅ Tailoring and cut – Structured, flattering fits with consistent sizing

✅ Longevity – Better garments mean fewer replacements

✅ Resale value – Preloved markets favour certain brands that retain 60–90% of original value

But only the right brands meet these benchmarks. Here are the best of the best.

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🖤 The Top Designer Brands Worth Investing In

1. The Row

Minimalist luxury at its finest. Founded by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The Row offers quiet, structured elegance and world-class craftsmanship.

• Why invest: Impeccable cuts, luxurious fabrics, ultra-longevity

• What to buy: Wool blazers, wide-leg trousers, long coats, cashmere knits

• Best for: Minimalist wardrobes, luxury workwear

• Resale: High resale on The RealReal, HEWI and Vestiaire Collective

✅ Use Tellar.co.uk to convert your COS or Massimo Dutti size into your perfect fit in The Row.

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2. Totême

A go-to for modern minimalism, Totême designs simple, luxurious staples with clean lines and premium textures.

• Why invest: Seasonless, quality-led pieces ideal for capsule wardrobes

• What to buy: Silk shirts, tailored wool trousers, coats, linen tunics

• Best for: Everyday uniform dressing and elevated basics

• Resale: Strong, especially for outerwear and structured pieces

✅ If Totême runs large or small on you, Tellar will show the correct size instantly: www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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3. Celine (Phoebe Philo Era & Classics)

Celine under Phoebe Philo defined wearable, architectural luxury. Hedi Slimane’s updated version retains much of that polish.

• Why invest: Rare, collectible silhouettes from Philo; structured daywear under Slimane

• What to buy: Tailored coats, silk shirts, wide-leg trousers, sunglasses

• Best for: Chic layering, French styling, elevated city dressing

• Resale: Vintage Celine now sells above original retail in many markets

✅ Not sure how your Zara or Reiss sizing translates to Celine? Let Tellar check it for you: www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile

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4. Loro Piana

Quiet luxury’s best-kept secret. Loro Piana specialises in the most luxurious natural fibres in the world, from baby cashmere to Tasmanian wool.

• Why invest: Peerless quality, understated style, heritage production

• What to buy: Coats, cashmere scarves, wool suiting

• Best for: Discreet elegance, cold-weather dressing

• Resale: Extremely strong, especially for outerwear and knitwear

✅ Find your Loro Piana equivalent size from brands like Massimo Dutti or Max Mara using Tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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5. Max Mara

Few brands have built a reputation like Max Mara for tailoring, outerwear, and investment coats.

• Why invest: Iconic camel coats, silk separates, quality Italian tailoring

• What to buy: Wool coats, shirt dresses, trench coats

• Best for: Elevated smart-casual wardrobes and timeless elegance

• Resale: Classic coats maintain 60–80% of their value over 5+ years

✅ Convert your known size in Mango, COS or Massimo Dutti to Max Mara at www.tellar.co.uk

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6. Chanel (RTW and Vintage)

Beyond handbags, Chanel clothing—especially jackets and boucle tailoring—is highly collectible and instantly recognisable.

• Why invest: Heritage, feminine cuts, collector appeal

• What to buy: Tweed jackets, black dresses, silk blouses

• Best for: Formalwear, occasion outfits, resale potential

• Resale: Very high—vintage jackets can increase in value

✅ If you're unsure how Chanel sizing compares to modern UK brands, Tellar can match your measurements in seconds: www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile

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7. Zimmermann

Australian label Zimmermann has become the go-to for romantic, elevated summer fashion, with beautifully detailed linen pieces.

• Why invest: Exceptional quality linen, flattering cuts

• What to buy: Linen dresses, wide-leg trousers, floaty sets

• Best for: Holiday wardrobes, occasionwear, resort styling

• Resale: High demand for core dress styles and one-pieces

✅ Zimmermann runs small in the bust—use Tellar’s real-time fit checker before buying: www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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8. Gabriela Hearst

The pinnacle of sustainable luxury, Gabriela Hearst delivers thoughtful, low-waste, long-life fashion using deadstock and natural fibres.

• Why invest: Ethical production, enduring materials, timeless cuts

• What to buy: Cashmere sweaters, organic silk dresses

• Best for: Slow fashion wardrobes, smart daywear

• Resale: Niche but highly regarded resale value

✅ Tellar makes it easy to buy once—and buy right: www.tellar.co.uk

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What Types of Designer Items Are Best to Invest In?

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Tellar Tip: Size Matters in Designer Fashion

Buying investment pieces means getting the perfect fit first time. That’s where Tellar.co.uk is your best ally.

✅ Enter your actual body measurements OR your known size in a familiar brand

✅ Instantly get matched sizes in designer labels across 1,500+ brands

✅ Know if a piece runs large, small or true to size

✅ See fabric + fit insights that affect how clothes wear on your body

🔍 Try the size-matching tool now:

👉 www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup

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Summary: Which Designer Brands Are Worth It?

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Build a Smarter Luxury Wardrobe with Tellar.co.uk

You don’t need to guess your size—or order multiple sizes—when investing in designer fashion.

With Tellar.co.uk, you can:

✅ Shop confidently across 1,500+ brands

✅ Know your size before buying high-ticket items

✅ Avoid returns, alterations and fit mistakes

✅ Make smarter wardrobe decisions—long term

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Create your free profile today:

👉 www.tellar.co.uk/create-profile/

🔍 Check your perfect size in designer and premium brands:

👉 www.tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/

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Follow Tellar for luxury fashion and fit advice:

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

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• X (Twitter): @TellarSizing

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“Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy.”

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