Which Designer Brands Hold Their Value Over Time? The Ultimate Investment Fashion Guide

Fashion is often described as fleeting—but some designer brands defy the cycle of trend turnover and retain (or even increase) their value over time. Whether you're a collector, a savvy shopper, or a resale investor, knowing which labels consistently hold their worth is essential.

This detailed guide ranks the top investment designer brands, explains why certain pieces appreciate, and explores which categories (bags, outerwear, footwear) offer the highest long-term value. Plus, we'll show you how to find the perfect fit every time—especially with premium pieces—using Tellar.co.uk.

Why Some Designer Brands Retain Value

Not all luxury is created equal. A brand’s resale value depends on multiple factors:

• Heritage and brand reputation

• Craftsmanship and material quality

• Demand in resale markets (e.g., Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal)

• Iconic styles and limited availability

• Celebrity or cultural associations

Certain designers maintain desirability regardless of trend cycles, which makes their pieces safer financial investments. Below are the top performers by resale retention, based on industry data and second-hand market analytics.

Top Designer Brands with High Resale Value (2025)

1. Hermès

• Resale Retention: 100–150%

• Best Investment: Birkin, Kelly, Constance bags

• Why It Holds Value: Limited availability, waitlists, and craftsmanship (hand-stitched in France)

• Tip: Birkins in neutral colours and exotic skins often appreciate in value over time

2. Chanel

• Resale Retention: 85–110%

• Best Investment: Classic Flap Bag, Boy Bag, tweed jackets

• Why: Seasonal price increases and iconic designs boost long-term resale

• Tip: Choose caviar leather for durability and resale confidence

3. Dior

• Resale Retention: 75–95%

• Best Investment: Lady Dior, Book Tote, Bar Jacket

• Why: Timeless design, high demand across global resale platforms

• Tip: Stick with classic sizes and colours for broader resale appeal

4. Louis Vuitton

• Resale Retention: 70–85%

• Best Investment: Neverfull, Speedy, Pochette Métis

• Why: High demand and widely recognised logo canvas

• Tip: Limited edition collaborations (e.g., with Takashi Murakami or Yayoi Kusama) can skyrocket in value

5. Rolex (Luxury Watches)

• Resale Retention: 100–135%

• Best Investment: Submariner, Daytona, Datejust

• Why: Watches are less seasonal and serve as long-term stores of value

• Tip: Men's stainless steel models often outperform precious metal versions

6. Celine (Phoebe Philo Era)

• Resale Retention: 60–80%

• Best Investment: Luggage Tote, Trio Bag, Phantom Cabas

• Why: Cult following of Philo's minimalist era before Hedi Slimane’s rebrand

• Tip: Pieces from 2009–2018 remain highly sought-after

7. The Row

• Resale Retention: 65–75%

• Best Investment: Margaux bag, outerwear, cashmere knits

• Why: Low production runs, subtle branding, and superior fabrics

• Tip: Their coats and wide-leg trousers retain resale due to impeccable tailoring

8. Loewe

• Resale Retention: 60–70%

• Best Investment: Puzzle Bag, Flamenco Bag, leather ready-to-wear

• Why: Under Jonathan Anderson’s direction, Loewe has balanced art and craft

• Tip: Leather Puzzle bags in tan or black offer the best resale yield

9. Prada

• Resale Retention: 50–70%

• Best Investment: Nylon backpacks, Re-Edition mini bags, loafers

• Why: Strong Gen Z appeal, sustainable fabric focus, and functional classics

• Tip: Prada Re-Nylon continues to trend, especially in black

10. Bottega Veneta

• Resale Retention: 55–70%

• Best Investment: Cassette Bag, Jodie Bag, leather accessories

• Why: Fashion-forward and structured silhouettes—especially under Daniel Lee

• Tip: Woven leather pieces in classic tones perform best

Categories That Hold Their Value Best

Not all fashion categories are equal when it comes to investment. Here’s how they rank:

Investment Tips: Buy Smart, Sell Smarter

• Stick to classic silhouettes over trend-led designs

• Neutral colours (black, beige, navy) perform better than seasonal brights

• Original packaging and receipts improve resale price

• Mint condition or “new with tags” drastically increases resale margin

How Tellar.co.uk Ensures the Perfect Fit for Luxury Investment Pieces

High-value designer items require precise fit. A Dior Bar Jacket or a Celine trouser will lose value if altered poorly—so getting it right first time is critical.

Tellar.co.uk solves this problem.

It’s the UK’s leading free sizing tool, matching your bust, waist, and hips—or known brand size—to over 1,500 brands.

✅ Know your exact size in Dior, Chanel, The Row, Louis Vuitton, and more

✅ No more returns or expensive tailoring corrections

✅ Ideal for both new purchases and buying resale online

✅ Works in-browser, no download needed

➡️ Create your free profile

➡️ Use the Store Size Lookup Tool

➡️ Download your printable measuring tape

Explore More Investment & Fit Guides on the Tellar Fashion Hub

Tellar.co.uk offers thousands of free expert posts on designer fit, style advice, and brand reviews:

📍 The Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide

📍 Finding Your Clothes Size

📍 UK vs USA vs European Sizes

📍 SmartCasual Blazers by Body Type

📍 Flattering Jeans for Every Body Shape

Follow Tellar for Luxury Investment Insights

• Instagram: @Tellarsizing

• Twitter/X: @TellarSizing

• Facebook: Tellar Sizing

• Pinterest: TellarSizing

Final Thought: Investing in fashion isn't just about aesthetic—it's strategy. Stick to designers with historical strength, buy wisely, and let Tellar.co.uk help you fit it flawlessly the first time.

Find your size in 1,500+ brands real-time. It’s free & easy. Only at tellar.co.uk.