How millennials purchase bags

[Monica.rubyandmaple]

I just read an interesting article likening the handbag purchasing process of millennials - that the process is similar to that of purchasing a car! Brand names aren’t key criteria - it’s more about personal style and functionality. If you’re a millennial (18-34) would love to hear what you think of this. What are the most important features for you when purchasing a bag? If you’re not a millennial, would love to hear your views too

 

[wemakesparksfly]

I'm almost 22, and whilst I haven't purchased an expensive designer bag (poor student here!), I have several SLGs from Ferragamo and LV. I agree that I'm highly unlikely to go out and purchase a bag just because it's "in" , but at the same time I do take into account the prestige of the brand. In general, the brands that I wouldn't consider purchasing from (Miu Miu, Fendi, Prada) are because I'm not a fan of their aesthetic (I really don't mean to offend anyone here)!

The most important feature that I consider when looking at bags (or other items) is whether it is a good fit for my lifestyle. I adore the Chanel classic flap bags but as someone who needs everything and the kitchen sink with me at all times, I just can't see myself purchasing it in the near future. Another example is the LV clé in the rose ballerine vernis - I actually purchased and then returned it because I am have a lot of dark bags and was scared of colour transfer. Of course, this could change in the future! On a more practical note, I consider value for money, and potential re-sale value. I would never purchase something just for it's good re-sale value, but it is comforting to know that if I ever desperately needed cash, I could sell the item for a reasonable return.

Of course, this is just my opinion and way of thinking about luxury purchases! No doubt it will differ greatly from person to person.

 

[leechiyong]

Thirty-something millenial here. I honestly spend absurd amounts on (tiny) bags I love and while they fit my life, I have a much lower price point for my functional bags (large laptop bags). I see no reason to spend money on a bag that doesn’t make my heart flutter.

 

[kelseyjrowe]

Ooh please link the article, good topic

 

[papertiger]

I just read an interesting article likening the handbag purchasing process of millennials - that the process is similar to that of purchasing a car! Brand names aren’t key criteria - it’s more about personal style and functionality. If you’re a millennial (18-34) would love to hear what you think of this. What are the most important features for you when purchasing a bag? If you’re not a millennial, would love to hear your views too

Which article? Can you please copy/paste it here please? It would be good to know who wrote it.

First off those are late dates for the demographic. Millennial gen (or Gen Ys) are usually a bit older than the article suggests (if you got the dates from there). It's more usual to take the date of birth 1982-95/96 (23/22-36).

The article you're quoting from does not explain the HUGE growth of big status brands to mega brands in the last 10 years, as it's been younger people spending more money in designer fashion houses on 'entry level' items driving this trend, whereas leaders of Gen X shunned were noted to have shunned designers and high-street fashion at their coming of age and bought their clothes in charity shops/goodwill stores, hunting for bargains or swap parties to create individual style. This complete disregard for designers and consumerism of 'Xers' was noted and despaired of by the Patsy character in 1990s comedy series Absolutely Fabulous (who was a Baby Boomer).

V

Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell write that Millennials are the 'generation me', the most entitled and suffer from anxiety, neurosis and narcissistic personality disorder more than any other gen. Their readings present more accurate evidence considering what we are witnessing with the current obsessions with logo and status from new buyers (entry level bags). We can see this in the new offerings across the 'trend led' houses of YSL, Dior, Gucci who have cultivated their marketing towards the typical Millennial market. Furthermore, on tPF there is clear evidence big brands/mega money bags have increasingly been carried to unis, collages and even school for the past 10 years.

Personally I think:
1. It's too wide a demographic to make generalities. Especially considering the market is now global. We have threads that clearly show different sections of the same age demographic in various locations carry/like very different bags/brands or no brand at all.

2. Ages 23 to 37-ish are the most heavily marketed to (and fawned over) by the fashion industry. They are prime fashion consumers time after time because they are finding their fashion style, transitioning from teen to adulthood and going from pocket money to disposable income, often without too many responsibilities (note, I didn't say debt) and don't already (usually) have a wardrobe chocked full of stuff they've already bought.

 

[faithbw]

Older millennial (34) here. When I shop for bags I consider style and functionality. I also look at whether the bag will hold up. I got into designer bags by accident. I use to buy bags from Target because they were cheap and I mistakenly believed that designer bags really weren't worth more than the Target bags.

I went to a thrift store one day and saw a vintage Dooney and Bourke all weather leather bucket bag for $20. That became my everyday bag. I used it for at least six months without it falling apart and then the light bulb went off in my head about designer bags. I realized that they really were worth the money and actually a better value than all the cheap bags I had been buying.

So now when I shop for bags, I do consider labels but I also look at the construction of the purse and whether it's functional for me. I usually only look at leather bags. I want a bag that grabs me aesthetically but that I can also see myself carrying to work everyday. I do have a preference for Coach but I also have a Rebecca Minkoff bag, a Karl Lagerfeld purse and I just bought a Michael Kors purse.

I would love to own a premier designer purse but I cannot afford one at this point in my life.

 

[bernz84]

Personally I think:
1. It's too wide a demographic to make generalities. Especially considering the market is now global. We have threads that clearly show different sections of the same age demographic in various locations carry/like very different bags/brands or no brand at all.

2. Ages 23 to 37-ish are the most heavily marketed to (and fawned over) by the fashion industry. They are prime fashion consumers time after time because they are finding their fashion style, transitioning from teen to adulthood and going from pocket money to disposable income, often without too many responsibilities (note, I didn't say debt) and don't already (usually) have a wardrobe chocked full of stuff they've already bought.

I agree with this, especially with the second point.

I am considered an older millennial (33), but my tastes have changed when I transitioned from my 20s to my 30s. A couple things that have remained consistent with me is the following:

1) I’ve always loved designer handbags. I started out with LV when I got my first job at 22.
2) I try to buy pieces that will fit me long term. I’m not into trendy bags, so I mainly stick with neutrals and universal sizes/shapes.
3) I always have more contemporary bags than premier bags. I think this is more of a subconscious than conscious effort on my end.
4) No heavy bags!

Here are a couple things that I’m doing now that I haven’t thought about doing in my 20s:

1) Looking into independent and or not-so-well-known designers. They are priced better than a lot of premier brands these days and are more understated.
2) Price considerations. Is LV really worth it now when I knew it was “cheaper” ten years ago???
3) More leather, less monogram. I don’t mind wearing a logo, but I’d like the option to “hide” it with my arm or switching the bag on the other side without the logo showing.
4) Chanel. Never liked it in my 20s but love it now.

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I read this article as well, Fashionphile posted it a few months ago on their Facebook, too. It was talking mostly about the under 30's... they don't gravitate to Chanel/Hermes and high-end as much as functionality, whether it's a brand name or not. That is why Gucci and Coach are seeing a resurgence... under 30s are willing to buy what works and not what is super high end or trendy. I'll try to find the article to link....

https://www.refinery29.com/2016/05/110524/millennial-handbag-shopping-habits

 

[bernz84]

I was going to say, I don’t really see too many 20 somethings wear anything ultra expensive. If I do, it’s usually on instagram or a foreign-exchange student, and I don’t find those girls to be the norm. The ones I see are wearing nice leather bags from Madewell or Coach or they’ll carry a Longchamp. If they wear anything monogrammed it’s usually Michael Kors. Very rarely I’ll see a younger woman carry a Neverfull, but I see more of that than say, a Chanel.

When I do see someone who is wearing an expensive label, it’s usually women around my age or older.

 

[wax_apple]

Early 20s here and I definitely do thorough research before purchasing a bag because I don't have money to waste on impractical/regret purchases and I am very picky with the specs of a particular item.
For example, I recently purchased a wallet after casually browsing for over a month because I had a ton of criteria in mind: it had to be compact sized, have over 8 card slots, a zipped compartment for coins, pocket for bills, an exterior pocket (for easy access to transportation pass), in a neutral color, pebbled leather, and preferably cost less than $250. It's exactly the same way I would shop for a new laptop.

Regarding brands, I actually dislike prominent logos/monograms and have no preference between established or lesser-known brands as long as it's quality although there are brands I dislike and will not buy (such as Michael Kors). Durability, practicality, value for price, and design are far more important factors than the label. My current everyday bag is an Alexander Wang Marion crossbody in black/rose gold hardware which I got for like $250 secondhand.

 

[Monica.rubyandmaple]

A few of you have asked for a link to the article - here it is!
https://www.npd.com/wps/portal/npd/...rney-is-more-like-buying-a-car-than-clothing/

Very interesting reading and also loving the comments coming back

 

[Monica.rubyandmaple]

Thirty-something millenial here. I honestly spend absurd amounts on (tiny) bags I love and while they fit my life, I have a much lower price point for my functional bags (large laptop bags). I see no reason to spend money on a bag that doesn’t make my heart flutter.

Thanks for sharing. What kind of “small” bag and laptop bag do you have? Can you share photos?

 

[Monica.rubyandmaple]

Personally I think:
1. It's too wide a demographic to make generalities. Especially considering the market is now global. We have threads that clearly show different sections of the same age demographic in various locations carry/like very different bags/brands or no brand at all.

2. Ages 23 to 37-ish are the most heavily marketed to (and fawned over) by the fashion industry. They are prime fashion consumers time after time because they are finding their fashion style, transitioning from teen to adulthood and going from pocket money to disposable income, often without too many responsibilities (note, I didn't say debt) and don't already (usually) have a wardrobe chocked full of stuff they've already bought.

I copied the link above. Let us know what you think! I do agree you can’t make generalisations of that nature, but there are probably lots more options these days that cost less than designer but are still good quality so I can see how younger generations are opting for these instead of higher value items.

 

[papertiger]

I copied the link above. Let us know what you think! I do agree you can’t make generalisations of that nature, but there are probably lots more options these days that cost less than designer but are still good quality so I can see how younger generations are opting for these instead of higher value items.

I'm on the border, but I think I may join them. BTW, the process does not sound revolutionary to me, very few buy a handbag on impulse these days, of course we plan a month in advance.

Actually, in many countries like Italy and Spain these have always been around, just not online or published.

 

[vhuynh2]

I'm in my late 20s. I think it’s second nature for this generation to research everything they buy. The internet has been at our disposal for basically our entire lives. There are reviews for basically every product out there. I rarely buy something before reading the reviews.

I think we have to consider the current economic environment as well. This generation might not have as much money at this age than older generations did at the same age. Also, everything costs so much more now from handbags to houses. I’m going to guess that people are living at home longer than ever and are buying homes at a later age than previous generations. Buying a home in your 20s now is much more uncommon than 20 years ago. (Living expenses are very high here so things may be a little different in other parts of the country.) Most of my friends are approaching 30 and don't own a home. It would make sense that luxury brands may not be a priority to them (right now -- this could change later). Moving out and saving up for a future is.