10 Best Designer Handbags in 2023

To find the best designer handbags for fashion and the best designer handbags that hold their value, or simply for personal use, you’ll need to determine the features that are right for you and your household. We recommend that you favor designer handbags with unique, iconic designs and those that are made with durable and long-lasting materials. Make sure to also consider how much room is available in the handbag you are thinking of buying, especially if you are planning to use it as intended. When buying a designer handbag, always look for a durable build, a fantastic design aesthetic, and plenty of room for your daily essentials. If you want to check out other types of bag options, click our top bags guide.

After analyzing hundreds of reviews amongst a multitude of products with varying price points and features, we’ve determined that the Hermès Kelly 28 Evercolor shoulder strap bag is the best designer handbag on the market today. Keep reading about this and our other top picks to learn more about the best bags on the market.

Top 10 Best Designer Handbags

 #1  Hermès Kelly 28 Evercolor Designer Handbag

Award: TOP PICK

WHY WE LIKE IT: Fantastic option by a renowned luxury handbag brand that ships with several accessories to increase durability and security, including a padlock and key, a waterproof cover, and a high-grade case.

The Hermès Kelly 28 Evercolor is one of the best designer handbags to invest in, thanks to an iconic design by a renowned fashion icon that is known to hold value throughout the years. This high-quality bag is made with the finest components and ships with a number of protective accessories, including a waterproof cover and a high-quality case. This designer handbag also features an attractive and iconic design and a fully removable shoulder strap handle, the latter coming in handy during day-to-day use. Pair this together with one of the best gun bags if you frequent shooting ranges often.

This is an extremely expensive designer handbag, though bags by this designer do tend to hold or increase their value, so consider it an investment. Additionally, this is not the roomiest bag on the market, though there are three pockets. You can find roomier bags among some of the best crossbody bags that can hold many more personal items.

 #2  Loewe Puzzle Leather Designer Handbag

Award: HONORABLE MENTION

WHY WE LIKE IT: One of the top designer handbags every woman should own, thanks to a high-quality calf leather design, a detachable and adjustable shoulder strap, and a top handle for convenience.

This Loewe Puzzle Leather Designer Handbag is one of the best designer handbags to invest in, thanks to an iconic and high-grade design that counts calf leather as the primary manufacturing component. The detachable and adjustable shoulder strap makes for a great fit as you are out and about and this bag also features a top handle, adding an extra layer of convenience during daily use.

Though this designer handbag does shine with day-to-day use, there isn’t that much room inside to hold daily essentials. Also, this is a somewhat expensive designer handbag, though it does maintain or increase value from year to year. On that note, you may want to consider purchasing a less expensive model in one of the best commuter bags that is filled with convenience-enhancing features.

 #3  Fendi Peekaboo Iconic Designer Handbag

Award: BEST QUALITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: High-quality iconic design made from black calf and lamb leather, with an adjustable and fully removable shoulder strap, for convenience, and a stiff partition running along the exterior that helps to separate the inner compartments.

This Fendi Peekaboo Iconic Designer Handbag is a great choice for those looking for a high-quality handbag that is both functional and should increase in value. This Peekaboo bag is made from premium black calf leather along the exterior and lamb leather along the interior, with a stiff partition running inside said interior to separate the compartments. We also appreciated the adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, adding convenience for daily use.

This is an extremely expensive handbag, however, though it should maintain or increase in value throughout the years to come. Additionally, this is a relatively fragile bag, thanks to the calf leather, and does not ship with a protective case. Students may prefer bags that are made with durable and long-lasting materials like the best college backpacks.

 #4  Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Designer Handbag

Award: BEST UNIQUE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Unique and head-turning design, thanks to a green exterior that features braided Nappa leather and a large heart pendant, in addition to boasting a form factor that allows it to be worn as a shoulder bag or a side bag.

This Dolce & Gabbana Devotion Designer Handbag features an incredibly unique and stunning design, with an exterior made from green-dyed Nappa braided leather and a large heart pendant resting near the center. We appreciated the form factor here that allows this bag to be used as both a shoulder bag and a side bag, depending on what you do with the adjustable shoulder strap. This designer handbag also ships with a protective dust case, which is a nice addition.

Though this is a comfortable handbag, it is only available in one size, so be sure to read the fine print before making a purchase. Also, this is a pretty expensive item, though the renowned fashion brand should allow it to maintain or increase in value. For your trips to the beach, the best beach bag is a much less costly investment.

 #5  Christian Dior Book Tote Designer Handbag

Award: BEST VERSATILE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Features a design that maximizes versatility, allowing for use as a handbag or a shoulder bag, with an option for a personalized monogram and shipping with a protective dust cover.

This book tote by Dior is a great choice for consumers looking for versatility of design, as the adjustable shoulder strap allows this item to be used as a handbag or a shoulder bag. We admired the large size here, allowing for plenty of room for daily essentials including books and makeup. We also liked that this designer handbag ships with a high-grade protective dust covering.

Though this designer handbag features plenty of room for daily essentials, it is on the bulkier side with no built-in partitions. Additionally, the large Dior logo across the front may not be for everyone, though it is striking. Check out the best duffle bags that will suit more consumers due to their varied features and choice of designs

 #6  Chanel Classic Chevron Lambskin Designer Handbag

Award: BEST EASY AUTHENTICITY

WHY WE LIKE IT: This bag ships with a handy authenticity card, making it easy to authenticate its validity as a bonafide Chanel handbag, in addition to shipping with a protective dust bag for security.

This Chanel Classic Chevron Lambskin Designer Handbag is a great option for those looking for an investment piece, as this handbag ships with a handy authenticity card to prove its validity when it comes time to sell. This is also simply a great handbag, thanks to a leather design and featuring the iconic and attractive Chanel logo across the exterior. We also admired the adjustable handle and strap, allowing for a modicum of adjustability.

This is an extremely expensive designer Chanel handbag, though it should increase in value as the years scurry on. Also, this bag is only available in one size only, so be sure to size it up before you click that buy button. Speaking of size, make sure that a bag meets airline size restrictions for carry-on items when buying the best travel bag.

 #7  Saint Laurent Nano Sac De Jour Leather Designer Handbag

Award: BEST SIMPLE DESIGN

WHY WE LIKE IT: Features a simple and iconic black leather design, with a handy open-top design for item placement and a removable and fully adjustable shoulder strap.

This Saint Laurent Nano Sac De Jour Leather Designer Handbag is a great choice for consumers looking for a simple and aesthetically pleasing piece for daily use, thanks to featuring an iconic all-black exterior. The open-top design here makes it easy to place in items and the adjustable shoulder strap is also fully removable, allowing for a variety of use cases. We also liked that this handbag was made entirely from real leather.

Though this bag does feature that open-top design for easy item placement, there is not too much room along the exterior of the bag itself for the storage of daily essentials. Additionally, this designer handbag by Saint Laurent does not ship with a protective covering for dust and the elements. Do not forget that a protective sleeve is also an important feature to look for when searching for the best laptop backpack.

 #8  Chloé Beige Nile Mini Leather Designer Handbag

Award: BEST BRACELET HANDLE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Boasts an iconic and attractive bracelet handle, in addition to featuring an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap and an aesthetically pleasing bohemian-inspired design.

The Chloé Beige Nile Mini Leather Designer Handbag features a stunningly attractive gold-tone bracelet strap handle, in addition to boasting an adjustable and fully removable shoulder strap, both of which adding versatility as to how this bag can be handled. We admired the aesthetically pleasing bohemian-inspired design and the fact that this designer handbag was manufactured entirely using calf leather.

Though the bracelet handle is unique, this bag is on the smaller side and does not feature too much room for daily essentials, though it is perfect for a small amount of makeup and some jewelry. Also, this handbag does not ship with a protective dust covering, so you’ll have to buy your own. Dust protection is an important feature even in the best backpack for work, to protect your laptop/tablet, and other work essentials.

 #9  JW Anderson Pierce Shoulder Designer Handbag

Award: BEST VALUE

WHY WE LIKE IT: Value-friendly designer handbag with a robust feature set that includes an adjustable shoulder strap, allowing this bag to be used as a handbag or shoulder bag, and a striking and iconic design.

This shoulder bag designed and manufactured by JW Anderson Pierce comes in at a value-conscious price while offering an iconic design that should increase in value in the months and years to come. We loved the striking and iconic design, featuring a number of gold hoops, and the adjustable shoulder strap. This shoulder strap can be adjusted to allow the bag to function as a handbag or as a shoulder bag, depending on personal preference.

Though decent for daily use, this handbag is only available in one size, so be sure to size it up before making a purchase. Additionally, this bag does not ship with a protective dust covering, which is something of an oversight. Check out some of the best bags that feature a double layer of protection with additional water-resistant properties. You may also like to read our guide on the best dry bag.

 #10  Chloé Faye Mini Leather and Suede Designer Handbag

Award: BEST ON A BUDGET

WHY WE LIKE IT: Budget-conscious popular designer bag with some seriously robust features, such as a design that has been manufactured entirely with real leather and suede, and an attractive tan aesthetic that matches a wide variety of clothing choices.

This Chloé Faye Mini Leather and Suede Shoulder Bag arrives at a budget-friendly retail price while offering features in line with more expensive competitors, such as an attractive tan design that goes well with a wide variety of outfits and follows current handbag trends. We admired the signature pale gold hoop enclosure and the fact that it was manufactured using real leather and suede, the latter allowing this handbag to increase in value throughout the years.

Though extremely attractive with a classic style, this is a relatively small popular designer bag that does not feature too much room for the storage of daily essentials. Also, it is only available in a single size, so be sure to size it up with minimal effort before narrowing down your shopping list. And speaking of size, make sure the best briefcase you choose for work has enough compartments to fit all your job-related essentials. On the flip side, if you want to enjoy short day hikes or all-day adventures, get the best day hiking backpack.

How We Decided

To help narrow down to the above list, we thoroughly researched a multitude of top designers and top handbags. Our primary concern was as an investment, so we took a look at how handbags made by these designers maintained and increased their value from year to year. In other words, we did our very best to ensure that you’ll be able to resell the bag later on without losing any money.

To that end, we liked designer handbags that shipped with certificates of authenticity and those that came with protective dust coverings and handy storage cases, allowing for some degree of security and increased durability. The manufacturing components can also help with long-term value, so we liked handbags made from genuine calf leather, lamb leather, suede, and other high-grade components.

Of course, these are handbags that are also intended to be used by actual consumers, so we favored bags with plenty of uses, preferring models with plenty of interior real estate for the storage of daily essentials. Finally, we liked designer handbags that allowed consumers to wear it in a number of different ways, thanks to adjustable and removable shoulder straps.

Best Designer Handbag Buyer’s Guide

The Most Important Features to Consider

1. Designer and Authenticity
   Designer handbags are often designed and manufactured well renowned and iconic fashion industry icons. This helps maintain and increase the bag’s value as the years stretch on. If you are looking to buy a designer handbag as a personal investment, be sure to look for a bag that ships with some type of certificate of authenticity, so you can easily verify the item’s authenticity later on down the line.
2. Materials
   The materials used in the manufacture of designer handbags are extremely important. Look for handbags made from genuine leather, often calf leather or lamb leather. This real leather should extend to the shoulder straps, carry handle, and every other part of the handbag. Another high-grade material used in the manufacture of these bags is suede, so be on the lookout for that material as well.
3. Protection
   If you are planning on buying a true classic designer handbag as a personal investment, you will want to make sure that the bag remains protected until such a time that you plan on selling it. To that end, look for handbags that ship with protective coverings, such as storage cases and dust covers. You will also want to buy a bag that offers some protection from accidents and the elements, should you decide to actually use it before making a resale.