Which Designer Categories Retain the Most Value in 2026?

When buying designer goods, one of the biggest questions is whether the item will hold its value on the secondary market. We analyzed 1.2M+ sold products and 3.7M+ snapshots on The RealReal to find out which designer and category combinations actually retain their worth relative to their retail price.

The Top Performers

Based on our ML analytics report, here are some of the strongest categories for resale value:

• Louis Vuitton Totes: With a staggering median resale ratio of 83.7%, Louis Vuitton totes remain one of the safest investments in fashion.
• Miu Miu Handle Bags: Clearing at a median of 71.2%, Miu Miu has shown incredible secondary market strength.
• Nike Low-Tops: Sneakerheads know this, but Nike Low-Tops hold a solid 67.5% median ratio.
• Polo Ralph Lauren Patterned Items: Perhaps surprisingly, these clear at a high 64.4%.
• Loewe Shoulder Bags: Continuing their reign as an "if you know, you know" brand with a 64.2% ratio.

What This Means For You

If you are buying these items retail, you can feel confident that you will recoup a significant portion of your investment if you decide to sell. On the flip side, if you are buying these secondhand, don't expect deep discounts.