How millennials purchase bags

[leechiyong]

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

The small bags are super tiny and to be premier designers, like the SDJ Toy-sized SLP, LV nano Pallas, Tod’s mini D-cube, LV Essential Trunk, and Chloe mini Pixie below.
My current laptop bag is a Coach Rogue Brief of which I don’t have photos. It’s an amazing bag, but I bought it for its durability, craftsmanship, and ability to carry my gigantic laptop over anything else. It likely won’t be replaced until it has to be.

It’s just a different mentality for the two. The functional bags, I buy what I like enough to warrant the pricepoint and will wear it out. The micros I buy because I love them and don’t really think about the price at all.

 

[LadyBond]

Older millenial here. I have always loved purses as a kid. I used to buy cheap and trendy bags when I started working. But I get disappointed everytime my favorite bags are ruined. That’s when I started to think about focusing on getting a good quality handbag. As time goes by, I have stopped buying handbags on impulse - and trying to be smarter with my purchase by making sure that the bag is something I really want - and that it is justified by the cost per wear.
My criteria for buying a purse is the (1) quality, (2) staying power - lean towards classic and not too trendy items so that I can use it longer (3) fits my personal style (4) fits my lifestyle. (5) price. I usually go mid-range with my purses (6) purse should be on my lust list for months to know that it is not an impulsive choice.

 

[sonicxml]

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.

Well said, I'm in my late 20s as well and I totally agree. Here are some numbers just from searching:
2003
Median household income $56528
Median sales price manhattan 2 bedroom $855,000
Chanel jumbo $1500
2016
Median household income $59039
Median sales price manhattan 2 bedroom ~$1.6M
Chanel jumbo $5500

I feel that marketing towards our generation on the cosmetics (think about Kylie Jenner, etc.) is more successful than the bags because the former is more affordable. Also that's probably why premium designers are playing that price increase/exclusivity game because they want big margin from that small populations who have the money and are willing to pay for more exclusive(read: expensive) pieces for 'status'.

 

[bellebellebelle19]

I do not know any millennial who care about luxury (especially bags) the way that I do! Of course, that is not science, but it is interesting for me to read all these articles because sometimes they’re very different from my own life experience!

 

[kaykaymarieeee]

Younger (early 20s) millennial here! I have purchased three luxury bags for myself: an Alexander Wang Rocco, a Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene (not really a monogram fan), and a Balenciaga City. The Neverfull is the only one I purchased new, the other two were from pre-loved sites. I have always loved fashion, and see nice bags as investment pieces I will appreciate far longer than any impulse buy I may want now, which is why I generally have an easy time being patient while saving up for them! When looking at bags, I'm interested in if it's functional, classic, holds up well, something I could see myself wearing and loving for a long time, and if it adds something different to my mini collection. I definitely agree on what was said about research being second nature for us- I look at reviews, brand history, and such for months/years before deciding to purchase!

Love this thread, it's so interesting to read everyone's take!

 

[taho]

I'm 32 (on the older end of the millenial spectrum), work in tech and have 3 kids. I began buying designer bags 9 years ago. I buy them for the quality and look, but I wouldn't say that I don't care about the brand. I've found that brands like LV, Balenciaga and Chloe look beautiful longer and have lasting quality. I used to buy contemporary like Marc by Marc Jacobs, I still do, but I feel they start to show wear a lot sooner.

Another thing worth mentioning is that my wardrobe has evolved throughout the years. While I still wear a lot of jeans and sneakers, I now have more dryclean only items in my closet. These noticeably look more "polished" and I feel a high-end bag really completes these ensembles for me.

 

[jennvuittonn]

I’m in my early 20s. I do a lot of research before buying a bag but I tend to purchase more classic and iconic bags. Functionality is important to me because I want something than can have multiple uses, but I tend to go for larger bags. My most used bag is definitely my Goyard St. Louis Tote in GM (I find it much more useful than the LV Neverfull). Its perfect because I can use it for class, work, or errands. Most people my age I know tend to go for the trendy bags that are new or lots of monogram styles but I would prefer one Chanel over a bunch of LV monogram bags.

 

[emeri18]

Millennial here! I have always had a good appreciation for quality over quantity. That said whilst I was in school I bought purses from Aldo which never seemed to last over a year without a tear.

Since I've started my career I've saved (and made some painful sacrifices that have probably hurt my social life) to save for a LV Neverfull, LV Eva, Chanel WOC, and a LongChamp. I also have a Kate Spade purse I use on the daily.

I don't regret any of my purchases and they all serve uses for my lifestyle and are the accessory that tie my basic attire together. By far - my fav purchase is the Chanel WOC. Very timeless, and classic. I was contemplating getting the YSL but Chanel seemed like a far superior choice. Not planning on reselling ever. Hoping to save for the Boy Chanel. One day, someday!

 

[Jenergyup]

The small bags are super tiny and to be premier designers, like the SDJ Toy-sized SLP, LV nano Pallas, Tod’s mini D-cube, LV Essential Trunk, and Chloe mini Pixie below.View attachment 3996686View attachment 3996687View attachment 3996688View attachment 3996689View attachment 3996691
My current laptop bag is a Coach Rogue Brief of which I don’t have photos. It’s an amazing bag, but I bought it for its durability, craftsmanship, and ability to carry my gigantic laptop over anything else. It likely won’t be replaced until it has to be.

It’s just a different mentality for the two. The functional bags, I buy what I like enough to warrant the pricepoint and will wear it out. The micros I buy because I love them and don’t really think about the price at all.

Love love your micro bag collection! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Diva_k3000]

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

Older millennial (30) here. “Luxury” and “status” are not really important to me. I have a large collection of lower to mid-range bags (Coach, Dooney, Kate Spade, Zac Posen, Henri Bendel, Fossil, etc.) and non designer, functional, “work horse” bags (Madewell, Love 41, Whipping Post, etc.). Nothing that would raise much of an eye with coworkers or bosses as I am an entry level lawyer and, contrary to popular belief, being a lawyer is not a super high paying gig to start out with, especially considering the amount of education (read: loans) it takes to get there.

I like having different bags to change between and take excellent care of my bags so they will last a long time. My bags are neutral with classic silhouettes. I shop seasonal and other sales and rarely spend over $200 on a bag, with the sole exception of my briefcase, which I view as a lifetime investment piece.

 

[LadySapphire]

29 here, and honestly I don't give a flying fart about brands, I look for quality and durability and style. But that applies to everything not just bags. I'm not interested in fast fashion as I prefer a relaxed or classic style and want simple well made quality things, bags, shoes, clothes. I've noticed that over the last 5 years or so there's been a massive explosion of people selling their own wears on etsy and artisan companies that there's so much choice, it is hard to judge on such a wide market though.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I'm an early millennial. In all honesty when researching my recent car and handbag purchases it was about styling and quality over price. Yes I want something nice, but quality and style is more important than having something just because it is expensive or a status symbol. If anything NOT having a status symbol is more attractive because you look modern and different. I'm also crazy for looking for price deals on the internet. With the internet there is no real need to pay full price, when you can shop around and get exactly the same in sales or nearly new second hand. Speaking to a younger millennial the other day about clothes shopping and she says she never ever pays full price because there are always discounts and she knows that discounting is a marketing tool and that the cost of producing is even less, companies are still making profits on discounted goods.
I also dislike goods made in China, I will pay more for things made in Italy, the USA, UK ect.
Also if buying something designer I will go classic, understated styling and super high quality. I would never buy seasonal designer handbags or clothes, it's a waste of money. They go out of fashion 6 months later and you have basically wasted money. Id rather shop seasonal trends on the high street and have fun with crazy designs of handbags and purses for $100/$150 to be current and then 12 months later you can still sell them on for $50 (as long as they are in good condition).

 

[Passerine123]

Not even close to a millennial here but I work with about a dozen of them. Generally speaking, they're not interested in designer bags with the exception of the LV Neverfull, which seems to be popular across generations (I admit to being baffled by all the Neverfull love, I think my Prada vitello daino tote is more comfortable, more practical and, yes, more attractive...but YMMV). I'm not surprised by this at all. TBH, looking back, neither I nor any of my friends had premium designer bags anywhere remotely on our radar when we were in our 20s and early 30s. We were happy with the non-designer bags we bought at department stores. I didn't get my first true premium designer bag til I was 40 and several of my same-age friends still don't have any and don't want any.

However, the millennials I work with do have their favorite cool brands and the leader of that pack for clothes and shoes is Uterque, the upscale version of Zara. They also like Cos.

 

[absolutpink]

I'm an older millennial (33) and I find that I don't always fit into the millennial mindset. I also became financially secure pretty young through real estate investments and savings, which I know is something many millennial are struggling to achieve. I think this is a huge factor in what I purchase since I have the financial freedom to do, if that makes sense?!

The most important things to me in deciding on a new bag are:
- Quality and long lasting style over what's trendy right now (although that's mostly an "since I turned 30" thing for me, I didn't shop that way in my 20's)
- Functionality and what works for my lifestyle. I'm over buying a bag in every color/print, and now I go with a higher quality and just get bags that each serve a different purpose.

I used to work at a company that was about 75% millennial, and they were SO against designer names. They didn't like Starbucks being brought into the office, didn't like luxury vehicles in the parking lot, they were against high end hotels, etc. Definitely not generalizing, but in my experience there is a huge difference between the two generations in what they are interested in.

 

[Gimmethebag]

I'm an older millennial (33) and I've always loved designer handbags, back to the Paris Hilton/Lindsay Lohan heyday.
Here's how my purchasing habits have changed:
1. My bags are nicer. Though I still hold onto my 2000s Botkier bags. I'm really into Gucci these days.

2. I'm actually less concerned about classic because, at this point, I feel like I know myself and I will always want a new bag. That said, I usually only get 1 nicer bag and maybe 1 smaller bag a year. I don't sell my bags but some of my seasonal/discontinued bags have gone up in value on resale sites.

3. I also work in tech, and I work for myself by myself most of the time, so my "work" attire doesn't look like what the Boomers wore to the office. At all. I don't need a structured/more formal everyday bag.

4. What I'm willing to spend money on has changed. I spend way less on makeup, way more on injectibles. I buy a few pieces of mid-range designer clothing a season (love Billy Reid and M2057 for dressing up) but I mostly get free clothing via my GAP card rewards. I am more into investing in my home. I also only buy one nice pair of trendy dressy shoes a season and then for everyday shoes, tend to buy those on sale. I don't see the point in spending big money on jewelry. I'm all about buying it used. I bought a gorgeous Hermès Clipper watch, originally $4K+, for $389 gently used.