How do you know a bag is high quality?

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J

Jesssh

O.G.
Jan 20, 2012
6,493
223
#1
This sounds like an obvious question, and I am picking up bits and pieces from other threads, but I thought it would be nice to have a checklist before I up'd my price threshhold.

How do you know if a bag is worth more than, say $500 or $1000, in terms of design and quality?

(is there another thread that summarizes this?)
 
#2
I am willing to pay any amount of money if it is leather ( exception to pig skin leather) , design that catch my eyes and the colour too. I am LV fan however if I found other brand using full leather offering same price as one of LV canvas I will buy the other brand. My Hampstead LV cost me $1800 but my Miu Miu matelasse calf leather bag cost me $1800 too, first one is canvas exterior and calf suede interior with calf leather handle and lining, the second one full calf leather with satin interior. However LV in term of quality is superior so far where the stitches is neat and perfect, I can see bit rough job and the corner of my Miu Miu bag, really can't see unless you scrutiny the bag! LV never goes on sale and all bags made in Paris are hand stitches while my Miu Miu made in Turkey.
 
#3
I only own leather bags. Basically, a bag can look good and look well made and then after much wear, the buyer suprisingly finds the bag doesn't hold up well. It's really hard to be sure. Having been on TPF a long time, I read thru many of the different designer threads and mostly zoomed in on the negatives. From that, I ruled out certain bags.
I look for strong yet supple leather and check the way the strap is connected to the bag. Truthfully whether the bag is a designer or premier designer, it should hold up and be of good quality. There are many threads on here advising what to look for. I first check style then quality of leather, stiching and then see how it hangs on my shoulder. I would not rely on brand name alone. One can spend upwards 2 - 3K on a bag only to find out it didn't wear well. The few bags I own I wear constantly. They hardly have time to rest in a dustbag.
 
#4
BgaHolic said:
Having been on TPF a long time, I read thru many of the different designer threads and mostly zoomed in on the negatives. From that, I ruled out certain bags.
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Although I'm a relatively new member, I do the exact same thing. I pay attention to when designer bags have a number of durability issues.

What I pay attention to is the feel of a leather bag. I like strong leather that will last a long time, but I need it to feel nice in order to appreciate the bag. I check the stitching of all my bags before I purchase them, no matter how much the bag costs. As for design, that is purely subjective. There are simply bags with the X factor, ones that are aesthetically jaw droppingly beautiful. Because I can sew, I feel better about purchasing bags that I know would be difficult to sew by hand. Of course, a bag made by hand with excellent leather and close attention to detail would be my ideal! Hmmm... Maybe I've been stalking the Hermes store for a bit too long?

That said, there are bags that you can purchase for $500 that are better in terms of quality than designer bags that cost $1500. Money is not always the best indicator of a quality product. Sometimes you're just purchasing the label.
 
#7
^ usually people's aversion to pigskin is on religious grounds, it's unfortunate because excellent pigskin is the best for certain bags, gloves and suede lining. Strictly speaking, I am traditionally not supposed to wear it, but hey, so long as I don't eat it :shrugs:
 
#10
A number of designers do not manufacturer or produce their bags in-house, and contract out with certain production companies. L.A.M.B., for example, just recently switched from Schifter + Partners to Artisan House. I'd be curious to know which designers are partnered with which production companies, and whether there's any information as to the quality of the various production companies.
 
#11
papertiger said:
^ usually people's aversion to pigskin is on religious grounds, it's unfortunate because excellent pigskin is the best for certain bags, gloves and suede lining. Strictly speaking, I am traditionally not supposed to wear it, but hey, so long as I don't eat it :shrugs:
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Oh good. I am hoping to find a nice vintage Kelly in porc. Maybe less competition for it for reasons that don't apply to me. :smile1:
 
#12
There are a few things you can look for.... The quality of the leather is key,the buttons and zippers should be metal not hard plastic , and look for double stitching inside and out.
 
#13
Iwantaspybag said:
Oh good. I am hoping to find a nice vintage Kelly in porc. Maybe less competition for it for reasons that don't apply to me. :smile1:
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:tup: very good for structured bags like the Kelly (my Gucci BTH is pigskin, Gucci is famous for fine pigskin). I was warned not to get it too wet in rain though (but possibly that was because of the hand-painting).
 
#14
In my opinion, one doesn't know.

I suppose it's assumed that it is based on cost which is supposed to be directly related to design (is it really unique or inspired by) materials used (leather versus plastic, metal versus plastic on hardware, type of lining--if any) and manufacturing processes (hand versus machine stitching).

It's also our expectations. A cup of Starbucks coffee is supposed to be better than a cup of gas station coffee. A pair of Seven jeans is supposed to be better than a pair of Levis.

But I can tell you I've had some pretty tasty gas station coffee in my days and I've got a pair of Levis that are just terrific.

I myself strive for quality, cost and experience being in alignment. I love it when cost is low and experience and quality are high!
 
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