You don't need a Birkin to cash in on an old handbag! Experts reveal the styles selling for the most money on Vinted - and chances are there's one in your wardrobe

You don't need a Birkin to cash in on an old handbag! Experts reveal the styles selling for the most money on Vinted - and chances are there's one in your wardrobe

They're among the world's most coveted accessories, prized for their elegant design, scarcity and reputation as valuable investment pieces.Only spotted on the arms of A-listers, Hermès' iconic Birkin bags are now regularly flaunted by influencers and reality TV stars, with prices ranging from £10,000 to an eye-watering £190,000 for those lucky enough to bag one directly from the boutique.But getting your hands on one isn't as simple as walking into a shop and picking one off the shelf. Potential owners are expected to build a long-term relationship with Hermès by buying non-quota items like scarves and shoes before they're ever in with a chance of being offered a handbag - and there's no waiting list to join, either.It's little wonder the resale market has become a business in itself, with resale platforms like Vestiaire Collective giving shoppers another way to get their hands on a Birkin, while eBay users have a chance to snap up the bag via live streaming auctions with low starting bids. But the Birkin's exclusivity may be not what it used to be, with the resale value of unworn bags falling by more than £4,500 from its 2022 peak, according to the New York Post.Reseller Cai Baochun, who used to make a sizeable profit by reselling Birkins for more than double their retail price, told the publication that he has slowed down on stockpiling them as the increasing supply of the bags depress resale premiums. James Constantinou, founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers, featured on Channel 4's Posh Pawn, told the Daily Mail: 'While rare Hermès colours and materials can still command extraordinary sums, the fall in Birkin resale prices shows that even the most sought-after handbags aren't guaranteed to keep rising in value'. But while ultra-expensive luxury bags may be losing their appeal among resellers, mid-range designer brands are making a strong resurgence among second-hand shoppers - presenting an excellent opportunity for those looking to flog contemporary pieces gathering dust. The Birkin (pictured) might be losing their appeal among resellers - leaving more room for mid-range designer like Mulberry, Burberry, Jane Norman and Juicy CoutureFrom Mulberry and Burberry to Jane Norman and Juicy Couture, handbags once considered past their prime are making a comeback, with vintage and Y2K styles selling on Vinted and eBay for between £20 and £400.So, if you've got an old designer bag gathering dust in your wardrobe or shoved away in the attic, now could be the time to see how much it's worth.James said: 'The Y2K trend has brought a lot of handbags back into fashion that people probably haven't thought about for 20 years.'If you've got an old Coach, Mulberry or Burberry bag sitting in the back of your wardrobe, now could be a good time to dig it out.'We're seeing a real appetite for smaller shoulder bags, baguette styles, slouchy hobo bags and suede. People want that early-2000s look, and they're increasingly turning to the pre-loved market to find it.'According to online marketplace Whatnot's 2027 Consumer Trends Report, British shoppers are expected to go back to the classics over the next 12 months, favouring pieces with a bit of history over fleeting trends.Searches for 'opulent vintage' on Whatnot have already risen by 19 per cent over the quarter, while heritage leather is tipped to have a major moment next year. Brands such as Mulberry are predicted to see searches increase by more than 500 per cent.Dylan Patel, owner of the world's largest Moncler archive, told the Daily Mail: 'I am not surprised by the current Birkin's resale value dropping, because archive pieces that can be found on platforms like Vinted are more attractive.'Not only because of the lower prices, but also because these vintage pieces meet the criteria of being rare, exclusive and historically significant. Burberry (pictured) is also proving popular on vinted, with a pre-loved classic Nova check bag listed for £67 and a Giant Check Doodle reversible tote on sale for £199 Those with Coach bags tucked away in storage may also be in luck, as the American brand is enjoying a revival of its own, with bags sold for as much as £230 on resale sites Meanwhile, Juicy Couture - once best known for its pink velour tracksuits, diamonté designs and early-2000s celebrity fans - is back in fashion'The demand for mid-range luxury brands like Burberry has increased, especially following the Burberry Trench: Crafting An Icon Exhibition in London. Smaller styled bags, such as under-the-shoulder bags and clutches, are more affordable than duffels and luggage and, from a design perspective, more diverse.''Pieces featuring the monogram logo are also less desirable in the marketplace, and vintage Mulberry's recent increase in demand reflects this, as they mainly design quiet luxury pieces.'The British luxury brand is already doing well on the resale market, with a brown leather Alana bag listed on Vinted for £210, a black Portobello Standard for £131 and a chocolate Ledbury for £341.As Dylan notes, Burberry is also proving popular, with a pre-loved classic Nova check bag listed for £67 and a Giant Check Doodle reversible tote on sale for £199.Those with Coach bags tucked away in storage may also be in luck, as the American brand is enjoying a revival of its own, with monogrammed styles, including the Signature Jacquard and Soho Pink Shoulder Bag, are fetching as much as £230 on resale sites.Meanwhile, Juicy Couture - once best known for its pink velour tracksuits, diamonté designs and early-2000s celebrity fans - is back in fashion.Its underarm, baguette and crescent-shaped bags are selling on Vinted for up to £100, as shoppers fall back in love with the 'cutesy', statement Y2K look.Other brands enjoying a resurgence include DKNY, Fossil, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade and Tommy Hilfiger, with tote, hobo and monogrammed styles listed for between £10 and £100. Other brands enjoying a resurgence include DKNY, Fossil, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade (pictured) and Tommy Hilfiger, with tote, hobo and monogrammed styles listed for between £10 and £100 A tan, crescent-shaped Juicy Couture bag is at the top of many shoppers' wishlists on Vinted Worn, 'hobo' styles with buckled straps, as seen on this aqua leather Mulberry Roxanne bag, is all the range on Vinted American leather goods brand Dooney & Bourke is also making a comeback, with pre-loved leather handbags selling for around £100 on resale sites.Even high-street favourite Jane Norman is seeing a surprising revival, with dozens of vintage bags listed for between £8 and £40.Dylan added: 'Vintage is bigger than it has ever been, now more than ever, and it has no plans to slow down.'What we need to understand is vintage increases in value with time, whereas retail declines the moment you walk out of the store.' So, before shoving that old handbag back into the attic, it could be worth checking resale sites to see what shoppers are willing to pay.For those ready to list online, James' biggest advice is to research what similar bags are actually selling for, rather than copying someone's asking price.He added: 'Take clear photographs of the bag, including the corners, handles, lining and any signs of wear. Give it a gentle clean, include the original dust bag or receipt if you have them, and be honest about its condition.'And if you've got an older designer bag that you think could be particularly valuable, get it properly valued before selling. You could be sitting on something worth far more than you realise.'

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