When comparing the value retention capabilities of Hermès and Chanel, authoritative market data and industry consensus clearly show that Hermès outperforms Chanel by a significant margin. Hermès has established itself as a "value-preserving benchmark" in the luxury resale market, with many core styles achieving substantial appreciation, while Chanel’s value retention is solid but mostly limited to stable preservation rather than investment-grade growth. Below is a detailed analysis based on professional reports and market performance:

According to Rebag’s 2025 Clair Report—the most authoritative benchmark for luxury resale—Hermès reclaimed the top spot with an average value retention rate of 138%, a year-on-year increase of 38% . In contrast, Chanel’s average value retention rate stood at 92% . This gap is even more pronounced at the single-product level:

• Hermès: Eight of its bag styles have resale prices exceeding the original retail price. The Mini Kelly II is the most outstanding, with a resale price 282% higher than the original . Other classics like the Sellier Birkin (183%), Constance (137%), and standard Kelly Bag (130%) also achieve substantial premiums . Over the past decade, the average resale price of Birkin bags has surged by 92%, far outpacing the 43% increase in Hermès’ official retail prices . An original Birkin designed for Jane Birkin even sold for over $10 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 2025, setting a record for the most expensive handbag in auction history .
• Chanel: Its value retention is concentrated in classic styles. The Classic Flap Bag holds 70–85% of its original value, and the Reissue 2.55 retains 65–80% . The newer 19 Bag performs well with an average resale price of around HKD 43,000 (surpassing its original price of HKD 33,000), while special editions of the 2.55 can fetch up to HKD 48,000 . However, most seasonal styles or non-classic colorways face significant depreciation, with lambskin versions even halving in value .

Hermès’ extreme scarcity is the core driver of its value retention. Core styles like Birkin and Kelly require not only long waiting lists but also a "purchase quota" system—buyers often need to spend 1.5–4 times the bag’s value on other products (clothing, scarves, accessories) to qualify . Limited production capacity (each Birkin takes 18–24 hours of handcrafting) and strict control over rare materials (crocodile, ostrich skin) further reduce market supply. In contrast, Chanel adopts a "limited supply but wider accessibility" strategy. While it controls production volumes to maintain premium positioning, its lack of a mandatory quota system and higher output mean classic styles are more readily available, limiting appreciation potential .

Hermès’ full-artisanal production model enhances long-term value. Master artisans undergo 5–7 years of training, and key processes like stitching, edge painting, and hardware inlay are done entirely by hand . Top-tier leathers such as Togo, Clemence, and Chevre Mysore age beautifully, increasing the bag’s "patina value" over time . Chanel uses a semi-handmade approach, combining machine production with manual finishing for efficiency . While its caviar leather is durable, many entry-level and ready-to-wear products use synthetic blends, which lack the aging advantage of Hermès’ natural leathers .

Hermès has transcended the "consumer good" category to become a recognized alternative investment. Its core bags have a stable secondary market with strong liquidity—even used pieces in good condition sell quickly . Bain & Company classifies Hermès as a "super luxury brand" with asset-preserving properties, attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and collectors . Chanel, while a top-tier luxury brand, is positioned more as a "fashion luxury good." Its value retention relies on design timelessness and brand recognition rather than investment attributes, appealing to consumers seeking practicality and style expression .

For Hermès, neutral "king colors" (black, gold, etoupe) and small-to-medium sizes (Birkin 25, Mini Kelly) have the highest value retention . Even non-classic colors maintain strong resale value due to overall scarcity. For Chanel, only black-and-gold classic combinations (e.g., Classic Flap Caviar Leather) retain stable value—colored or seasonal styles often depreciate by 30–50% . Lambskin styles are particularly vulnerable to scratches, leading to significant value loss .

Hermès’ value retention capability is unmatched by Chanel. Its 138% average value retention rate, multiple premium-reselling classic styles, and investment-grade attributes firmly establish it as the leader in luxury value preservation. Chanel delivers reliable value retention (92% average) with iconic styles like the Classic Flap and 19 Bag, making it a solid choice for consumers prioritizing practicality and timeless design. However, its lack of systematic scarcity control and lower reliance on high-end materials prevent it from matching Hermès’ appreciation potential. For buyers seeking long-term value preservation or asset allocation, Hermès is the clear choice; for those valuing daily usability and fashion appeal, Chanel’s classic styles still offer stable value retention.

Would you like me to create a detailed comparison table of core bag styles for Hermès and Chanel, including original prices, resale prices, value retention rates, and key influencing factors, to help you make more informed purchasing decisions?

Guangzhou Hongrui International Trade Co., Ltd. has been deeply engaged in the international trade industry for over a decade, We are a factory—what makes us stand out is our focus on "1:1 high-quality original leather production". This core advantage allows us to fully control every link from raw material selection to craftsmanship, using genuine original leather that matches top luxury standards, and reproducing product details with 1:1 precision, ensuring each leather product meets the highest quality expectations.