I will never forget the excitement of purchasing my first designer bag in Italy last year (story here). Unboxing and wearing it out for the first time went like such a special moment. But if I am being honest, some of my most worn bags in 2023 were mid-range styles that felt suitable for the everyday. I have no regrets over my first designer purchase, but I also love the ease that my alternative luxury bags offer me. So if you’re wondering which option is more worth it, here are some of my reasons to buy a mid-tier luxury bag as the start to your collection.
Other Related Posts:
- Tips for Buying Your First Designer Bag in Europe
- Demellier Vancouver Bag Review – A great under $500 mid-tier luxury bag
Disclosure: This post makes use of affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
Handbag Color: Light Tan Smooth | Shoes: Nisolo – Use code ‘STYLEDBYSCIENCE‘ for 15% off. (Also styled HERE)
What I Consider a Mid-Tier Luxury Bag
‘Mid-tier’ is a subjective term, but I normally consider bags within this range to be a cut above ‘affordable’ but still a fraction of what luxury bags can cost. The range can vary from the hundreds to low-thousands. Mid-tier luxury brands also have a promise towards material quality, and though not required, many show commitment towards sustainability as well.
Some of my favorite ‘mid-range’ brands include MZ Wallace (which I post about often), Demellier London, Fleuron, Songmont, and Strathberry. Sharing a few of my favorite options below.
Reason 1: Mid-Tier Luxury Bags Offer Quality At a Fraction of the Price!
Assuming you’ve done your brand research, most mid-tier luxury bags offer comparable quality to luxury brands at a fraction of the price. I recently purchased the Fleuron Mini Swann bag in Paris for under $500. The store associate explained that their leather is sourced from the same manufacturers that work with Hermès.
Of course, even from the same source, leather comes in many different grades. However, based on my store visit, I did find Fleuron’s leather to be supple and high-quality for the price. Since smaller brands don’t have the same distinction as YSL or Chanel, one of the ways they earn customer trust is through their quality. So I am reassured that my Fleuron bag has held up so far!
Sweater: S | Skirt: S – Use code ‘VIANNAC‘ for 15% Off Your Purchase | Bag
Reason 2: Alternative Luxury Handbags are Unique.
One of my favorite reasons to buy a mid-tier luxury bag is the uniqueness! That isn’t to say that big luxury brands don’t have limited edition drops. However, these pieces are usually easily recognizable by their logo or style. On the other hand, I am more drawn to mid-tier brands for their special architecture, quality, and design.
Not to mention, it’s always nice when strangers ask: “Where did you get that X?” I love getting to share about a brand I trust with someone who might be interested in it too.
Lastly, I find most alternative luxury brands offer a wide range of colors in their most classic styles, whereas for big luxury brands, the options are more edited. Take the Demellier Vancouver bag (my review HERE) as an example. When I first purchased it, I was so indecisive because it comes in many beautiful neutrals. With so many color options, I find it harder to spot someone else owning my exact style.
Reason 3: You can use mid-tier luxury bags with more ease.
I try to take good care of every bag I own. However, with my higher-end pieces, I am definitely more thoughtful about how I handle them. What if I scuff the leather? What if the metal hardware starts to tarnish? Will it rain? I find myself more hesitant to wear them out on the day-to-day. But with a mid-tier luxury bag, I feel more carefree and actually get maximal wears out of it.
Reason 4: Smaller brands may offer more transparency.
I am pleased to see the number of alternative luxury brands that share a commitment towards sustainability. Smaller brands are more likely to have close and local relationships with their suppliers. They are also able to form closer relationships with their customers by being transparent about their production practices. Meanwhile, for bigger luxury brands, the supply chain can be so complex that these details are hard to trace, and rarely shared in great detail.
One brand whose transparency I appreciate is Demellier. The brand funds vaccines and medical treatment for children in need, and is transparent about their manufacturing practices, materials used, and operations.
Recommendations for Mid-Tier Luxury Bag
I hope you found these reasons to buy a mid-tier bag compelling. Luckily, I have several great recommendations based on styles I have personally tried or heard great feedback on. You can shop them directly through the collage, but here are some brand highlights below:
Demellier | Songmont | Senreve | Strathberry | MZ Wallace | Fleuron
