Why Is Louis Vuitton So Expensive?
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
What Makes Louis Vuitton So Expensive?
Any fashion fan (or even those who aren’t) would likely list Louis Vuitton as one of the top luxury brands in the world. With exceedingly high prices, low stock, and a constantly changing inventory, this brand has marketed themselves with pride since their opening in 1854.
Like any great origin story, this one starts with Louis Vuitton himself who traveled to Paris alone at age 16, this name began to take off with the creation of the rectangular trunk (i.e. the modern-day suitcase) that could be stacked, unlike its domed predecessor.
From day one, Louis Vuitton made his brand about quality, focusing at the time on durable but light cotton material that traveled with ease. The company has continued that goal of quality, care, and class over the years since his death in 1892.
We all know that interlocking LV logo (made by his son to honor his father’s passing), but what else do we really know when it comes to the brand? And exactly why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?
The Real Reasons Why Louis Vuitton is So Expensive:
The simple fact is, no brand is expensive solely for profit. Costs are calculated based on a variety of factors including history, quality, production, durability, and more. We’ll say now, Louis Vuitton checks off all of these boxes when it comes to value.
Whether purchasing Louis Vuitton shoes or one of their exceedingly well-known bags, it’s important to do some research prior to making that investment. There are a number of considerations to make before that final purchase, so we’ve come up with a list of pieces to put into place exactly why that cost is worth it.
From brand name to production to aging quality, we’re about to provide the first answer to the question of why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?
Brand Heritage
When it comes to heritage, Louis Vuitton has a story to share. Beginning with the trials of the 16-year Louis himself, the young man traveled to Paris alone to apprentice as a trunk maker and take a turn in business that would affect his family.
Skilled in the industry, his own work turned towards launching his own company in 1854, introducing both rectangular trunks that allowed safe stacking as well as extremely secure locks that even the best of thieves struggled to crack.
With their history of handcrafting and care put into each piece, it’s no wonder that this brand has thrived for over 100 years since their foundation.
So why is Louis Vuitton so expensive? Through maintaining quality at the heart of all they do, this brand has persevered throughout the decades. Not afraid to introduce new pieces and work towards the modern world, they keep their roots in all that they do and continue to produce top-tier work.
Quality
Quality is key to any purchase, but especially those that come with such a high-rated tag. We all may question “why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?” but the reality is that this cost is well worth it considering the material and manufacturing.
Due to their roots in the travel industry, this brand has always been about sturdy materials that are made to last. Incorporating high-quality cotton, canvas, and leather, each product undergoes rigorous testing before making it anywhere close to the shelves for sales.
Both machines and humans are used to test the strength of these bags, so each element is tested for weight and consistent use to ensure that they can last heavy wear and tear for at least a decade (if not two or more).
Limited Production
Let’s dive into the real answer to “why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?” It really comes down to production and exclusivity. This brand works the market when it comes to exclusive products for customers.
Part of the goal of any high-end brand is promising customers a taste of individuality. By limiting the number of pieces per design, customers are ensured a place in a group of select individuals with access to that distinct model.
By limiting supply, there’s an increase in demand and price, providing the company more money and the customers more exclusive rights to a certain style.
So, why is Louis Vuitton so expensive? They know how to work their supply and demand chain to keep value up at all times.
Production Cost
Here’s where we’re highlighting the good nature of this brand. Labor costs. When it comes to determining why prices are so high, a lot of it comes down to the workers who are handcrafting each item for sale. Rather than going with cheap labor or manufacturing, Louis Vuitton keeps it pure with hand stitching and design on each piece.
In addition to the effort going into every stitch, the answer to “why is Louis Vuitton so expensive” gets tied up in workers’ rights. Any artisan working for the brand has to spend a year in training prior to actually getting to work on products sold by the brand’s name.
Training takes time and dedication to the cause and employees are compensated fairly for their work, meaning bag prices go up to cover the costs of the artists creating them.
Timelessness
Wrapping up our reasons for these higher prices, we had to focus on the timeless styles available. One major reason as to why this brand costs so much comes from its versatility in fashion with bags that work for every outfit and occasion.
So, why is Louis Vuitton so expensive? Because they offer an expansive range of exclusive products that never go out of style. Simple in color and design, they class up the situation while still working for casual events and daily routines. It’s safe to say that they’re comfy, durable, and a simple style that never grows old.
Curious about a couple of LV products? We’ve got quite the selection for you to look at:
- The Neverfull Bag: $1,690
- The Alma PM Handbag: $1,820
- The Keepall 55 Bag: $1,960
- Multiple Wallet: $495
- The Noé Bucket Bag: $1,880
- The Speedy 25 Handbag: $1,350
- The Vivienne Bag Charms: $310 to $1,510
- The Initial Belt: $565
- The Boite Chapeau Bag: $2,770
- The Bumbag: $1,900
Now You Know Why Louis Vuitton is So Expensive, So Here Are the Best Items to Invest In:
Now that we’ve covered the answer to “why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?” We had to pull in the recommendations with our list of Top 10 LV Items to Invest In. Focusing on style, space, and durable designs, these best-sellers will never grow old.
#1 – The Neverfull Bag
Timeless in style and size, The Neverfull Bag offers as much storage as we’d ever need on our daily outings.
Available in over six materials and two colors, this bag is all about style. Featuring a patterned canvas with luxurious leather trim, this bag is all about fashion-forward living. A hook closure keeps things contained without stifling the contents via a typical double zip.
Want more security than a hook? This bag also comes with a zipped inner pocket for the essentials and a removable zipped pouch that hangs off of one of the double handles. Attach it to the D ring for a day out or remove it and treat it as a clutch when space is limited.
This (almost) endless bag is available for $1,690.
#2 – The Alma PM Handbag
Get ready to face every day with The Alma PM Handbag by your side.
The perfect small size to tag along on any adventure, this bag still offers a secure and sizable option for storing the necessities. Paying homage to Art Deco styling, this leather trim bag shines with golden hardware and natural tones.
Lined with protective studs on the bottom of the bag to reduce chances of the bag resting on something we don’t want, this bag is all about pockets and placement. Featuring a smartphone pocket in addition to the inner flat pocket for any important papers, this double zip closure is sure to keep things safe.
Add this to the daily routine for $1,820.
#3 – The Keepall 55 Bag
Ready for the runway of a fashion show or to take off on the next trip, The Keepall 55 Bag is fit for any event.
Rounded leather builds this bag as a spacious travel carry-on that works for any weekend trip. Textured trimmings and cotton lining really make this piece stand out amongst the others on the plane, classing up the carry-ons that will surround it.
Go personal with an individualized leather luggage tag or simply take advantage of the removable ID holder that comes free with the purchase. Double zipped with a padlock for safety, this double-handled piece is ready to be whisked away for the weekend.
Add it to the collection for $1,960.
#4 – Multiple Wallet
We know the name Multiple Wallet is a bit misleading, but we promise that this single product has a lot to offer.
The name comes from its variety of pockets, so this slick wallet can hold a lot while maintaining its slim shape. Sliding right into any pocket with ease, store endless cards and cash in the multiple slots and get ready to hit the town.
Crafted from cowhide leather and canvas, this wallet can be personalized with ease. Anyone can add custom stamping into the leather or a strip for LV heritage to really make the piece their own.
Keep everything in one place for $495.
#5 – The Noé Bucket Bag
A more unique Louis Vuitton bag on this list, The Noé Bucket Bag is all about the simple pleasures in life – like champagne.
We realize that this bubbly isn’t for everyone, but this bag might be. Inspired by the idea from a Champagne producer who needed a sturdy way to transport bottles of champagne without fear of breaking, this finds beauty in the necessity of this new form.
Due to its original need, this bucket bag is all about a deep pocket with a narrowed mouth. Wide enough for five bottles lining the bottom and tall enough to hide the length to the top, this drawstring bag opens up for easy access to whatever is being stored inside.
Adjustable straps allow the user to wear it comfortably on the shoulders, making it simple to throw on before heading out and easy to tote around in the city.
This bucket bag goes for $1,880.
#6 – The Speedy 25 Handbag
Sense the speed that The Speedy 25 Handbag has ready at all times. Small, tough, and ready to get moving at any time, this bag can do it all.
Inspired by transit of the 1930s, this bag is all about express living. The perfect size for heading out on the town, this two-handle grip with textile lining knows how to steal the show.
Keeping colors simple with a black and white style, this canvas with cowhide-leather trim is all about a durable design. A bit of flash with gold hardware really brings it all home.
This bag is available for $1,350.
#7 – The Vivienne Bag Charms
Who doesn’t love to personalize a bag with charms and décor? The Vivienne Bag Charms are a great place to start for a bit of fun on the formal.
So, what exactly is Vivienne and why does it have charms? This flower-faced figure (with luggage tag arms) is the Louis Vuitton mascot that loves to appear around the holidays. Named after the VVN leather used on all brand bags, this character is all about adventure and exploration.
When it comes to bag charms, Vivienne products really range in color, size, and design, but that central figure remains consistent throughout all adventures. Inspiring travel and fun, these pieces are all about adding some custom charm to personal products.
Due to the range in design, these charms go from $310 to $1,510 depending on the piece.
#8 – The Initial Belt
Leaving bags behind for a moment, we want to give focus to the often-overlooked Louis Vuitton Belts available – specifically The Initial Belt.
Following the trend of the best belts on the market, this item is all about accessible fashion. What exactly does that mean? A reversible style that works in both formal and casual affairs.
Those looking for a standard black belt will be pleased with the stunning black shine found on this item. Sleek and really making the gold-finished monogram buckle pop, the other side of this product is where the fun begins.
With standard black as one side, the reverse offers a colored grain leather decorated with the monogram and additional décor for a fun finish. Whether out at the club or heading into a work meeting, there’s a side to this belt for every style.
This belt is available for $565.
Like this option? There’s also a stylish men’s version available.
#9 – The Boite Chapeau Bag
Who says bigger is better? When it comes to The Boite Chapeau Bag, this small and secure side bag is the perfect size for a night out with friends.
Named after the hatbox that inspired this cylindrical style, this bag is all about simple fashion in contained ways. Featuring an adjustable leather strap with golden brushed clasps, this bag is all about keeping things both classy and casual on the move.
With a spacious inside and two flat back pockets for the necessities, this microfiber-lined bag knows how to provide room without a bulging appearance that so many other bags fall victim to. Cowhide trim, soft inner lining, there’s nothing this bag doesn’t have to offer.
Add this to the cart for $2,770.
#10 – The Bumbag
Classy, comfortable, and offering space to spare, The Bumbag is all about ease of access.
Joining the reintroduction of this style, this bag is all about comfort. With its cowhide leather exterior and soft cotton canvas lining, this bag is ready to handle all weather types whether out for a stroll, shopping, or heading out on a daily jog.
Adjust the belt to fit a variety of sizes and wear it around the waist, across the chest, or over the shoulder to suit personal style. Double zip the contents for secure closure and attach any keys or leashes to the accessible D-ring located at the bottom of the bag.
This piece is available for $1,900.
What Louis Vuitton Items Have The Highest Resale Value?
When it comes to this brand, it’s always great to know that a return investment is possible. The easiest way to go about that? Reselling items that are no longer officially sold. We’re moving from “Why is Louis Vuitton so expensive?” into “How much can I get in resale value?”
When it comes down to reselling previous products, there are three key bags that are always top contenders. Due to their sizing and universal design, the Neverfull, Noé Bucket Bag, and the Speedy 25 Handbag tend towards reselling at purchase value, if not higher due to the exclusive designs.
These designs offer a range of sizing and space, each with secure pockets and incredibly durable leather and canvas that’s been weight tested prior to sales to ensure lasting quality.
Universal in their use and easy for on-the-go either in casual or formal engagements, these bags are limited edition for a reason. They’re well-loved by all.
Where Can I Rent Louis Vuitton Items From?
Here’s a fun tip for anyone searching for a Louis Vuitton item that doesn’t want to break the bank – you can rent. That’s right, certain pieces are actually available for renting via luxury rental services like Bag Borrow or Steal or ArmGem.
Timelines and prices may vary depending on the piece and the service, but customers can typically rent pieces anywhere from days to a month at a flat rate for the item. While these services aren’t great for the original brand (sorry Louis), they do tend to be easier on the bank account of those in need of the item.
Where Can I Buy Gently Used, Vintage, Or Second-Hand Louis Vuitton Items From?
It’s actually not too hard to find something from Louis Vuitton for second-hand sale. This brand constantly pops up online, so the real challenge in this level of purchasing comes from determining whether a bag for resale is legitimate or counterfeit. The easiest way to do this? Research.
Check each online source carefully before making a purchase. Details are always key – the more facts listed about the bag and angles of photos available, the more likely things are to line up with the real brand. Sites like Rebag, The Luxury Closet, and 1st Dibs are bigger names that deal in antiques and vintage items.
Basically, do some background work before buying. Check out what else the store has to offer and make contact. The more communication and transparency from the business, the more likely they are to provide quality products.
What Are The Telltale Signs Of Fake Louis Vuitton Items?
We’ll be honest, signing up for buying a bag shouldn’t be so complicated, but the sad fact is that this brand is one of the top counterfeit names in the world. It’s easy money to make, charging strangers for a “deal of a lifetime” on this quality brand. So, we have a few tips and tricks to use that will determine whether the bag you want to buy is the real deal or not.
1. Lining – Louis Vuitton bags are notorious for their lining and they’re actually quite limited on the materials they use for that inner layer. This brand chooses to only line bags with “coated canvas, canvas, cross-grain leather, Vuittonite, and Alcantara” meaning that any bags discovered with alternative linings shouldn’t be worth the money.
2. Symmetry – When it comes to LV stitching, shaping, and pattern, symmetry is key. The bags are all about proportions, so the monogram will line the seams, the buttons will parallel placement – everything should be proportionate in size and symmetrical in design. We really need to note stitching here as each bag is done by hand, so any machine-made signs aren’t a good thing to see.
3. Font – It’s always a good idea to check the stamp and font of any bag being purchased. The easiest way for comparison here is to have a picture on standby to check against, but for those who don’t have the access or the time, it’s all about spacing. Letters should be close together, with the O being perfectly rounded rather than oval-like in appearance.
4. Code – Checking the code is a great way to ensure consistency and accuracy when it comes to this brand. We mentioned the tag with the font, but each tag also lists the country in which it was manufactured. Match this up with the country and date listed on the date code within the bag. The date code is a 6-digit code that uses two letters to note the country it was produced in followed by the year it was made (2nd and 4th numbers listed) and the week of that year (1st and 3rd numbers listed).
It may seem complicated, and possibly even a bit scary, but it’s well worth it to take the time to really determine whether that Louis Vuitton Airplane Bag you want is the real deal. No one wants to waste their money on a fake when they could be investing in the fashion industry.
How Should I Care For A Louis Vuitton Bag?
The last thing we really had to highlight in this article – how to care for and clean a Louis Vuitton bag. No one wants the resale value to drop because of poor conditions. So, we found some quick tips to help owners care for these investments and we’re breaking them up according to the top materials:
- Leather – When it comes to leather goods (even if it’s just the handles of the bag) it’s important to keep things clean. It’s incredibly easy for leather to stain or dry out, so the best bet here is to clean the spots (preferably with a leather cleaner), moisturize (again, proper leather product), and then use a leather moisturizing finish.
To avoid cracking and drying the material, it’s recommended to give a quick moisturizing once a month.
- Canvas – A lot of these bags offer canvas interior or exterior due to its heavy durability. Canvas is actually incredibly low maintenance, so all that’s required for clean-up is a damp cloth and maybe some mild (and colorless) soap for any stains.
- Hardware – We can’t forget the shiny buckles that gleam from each product. In order to keep that gold shining bright, we need to care for it. Oftentimes a bit of soap and water will get the job done, but metal polish can be used to really brighten that shimmer. Whatever is done, make sure any damp spots get dried (no one wants rusty metal) and that metal polish doesn’t make its way onto the bag itself.
- Other Fabrics – Louis Vuitton tends to utilize leather and canvas for most of its products, but some work with variations of leather and cotton. The bottom line here is that most other fabrics used can be cared for with a bit of soap and water.
Once it’s all washed and moisturized, make sure bags remain stored in a cool and dry place. This prevents any sticky pockets and allows the material to openly breathe.
Final Thoughts
While it can be a heavy investment, Louis Vuitton is a big brand name for a reason. Their products rarely break down and purchases can last well over two decades when treated with care. Considering the amount of labor and love that goes into each stitch, we’d argue that these exclusive designs are worth the high costs they’re listed at.
Remember, any luxury designer is going to be a hefty price, but so long as it’s a known durable brand, it’s likely worth the cost. With resale values, renting options, and new insurance on designer items, these pieces are easy to care for and essentially timeless in style and bragging rights.
Check out some more recently published articles:
The Most Popular Handbags of 2021
