Why You Should Buy Designer Bags Second Hand

Of all the aspects of my style, I would say that my bag collection has been my favorite to curate. I was raised by successful women with impeccable taste, so it only makes sense that I have an affinity for designer bags. I love the level quality that they always uphold, and find it fun to plan outfits around them.

The only issue with an affinity for designer bags is the price tag. To combat this issue, I have started to buy some pieces secondhand through websites like Rebag and The Real Real. These sites are great because they validate the legitimacy of all of the lightly used bags that they sell, so you can be sure that you’re paying for quality.

While I do think that buying a designer bag at full price is a right of passage for any hardworking fashionista, I’ve listed out some of the reasons why I think second hand bags are a great way to grow your collection.

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The quality is top-notch

This is one major reason that I prefer second hand bags to knockoffs. You may be paying a bit more for each bag, but you are doing so knowing that they will maintain the impeccable quality of their brand. Designer bags are built to last, and have found that they really do pass the test of time. (Plus, the older they get, the more ~vintage~ they become!)

They are generally very lightly used

How many times have you bought something expensive for yourself and never ended up wearing it? I know that is something that I have done, and it seems that is the story of many second hand bags. The bags that I have bought second hand have been in excellent shape, with very little sign of previous wear.

They are often offered at 50% or more off of the original price

Who would have ever thought that I would be able to get a $1000+ Yves Saint Laurent clutch for less than $300? Certainly not me. When you consider the fact that many of these bags have only been worn a handful of times, it’s really an amazing deal that you’re getting. The way I see it, it’s just like buying a wedding dress in a sample sale - there’s no shame in it, and you walk away with a heck of a deal.

Nobody will ever know that it’s not new

There may be some hyper-elitist communities of people who only wear this season’s bags out there, but the general population won’t know whether your bag is brand new or a couple seasons old. For the most part, they will respect you for working hard to get one for yourself.

You won’t be afraid to wear them

This is probably the most important thing for me. I have bought very expensive, full price items, and have found myself scared to wear them out because I didn’t want them to get ruined. At the end of the day, you’re going to feel a lot less upset about someone spilling coffee or a cocktail on a $150 bag than a $1000 bag, so have found that I feel much more comfortable taking my second hand bags out for a night on the town.

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Whether you buy designer bags for the name or the quality, I really believe that second hand is the way to go. Do you have any favorite second hand designer retailers? Let me know in the comments below - I’m always looking for more fun ways to shop!