Mistakes That Are Ruining Your Designer Bags (And Your Investment Dreams)

A lot of girls justify their designer bag purchases by calling them an investment, or at least, that’s what we tell ourselves to ease the guilt. And trust me, I’m guilty of this too. But let’s be real, some designer bags actually are great investment pieces.

The problem? Many of us think just owning the bag is enough to watch its value skyrocket. Whether we carry it every day or let it sit untouched in our closet like some sacred artifact, we assume our investment is doing its thing, appreciating in value.

Well, hate to break it to you, but that’s not how it works.

If you’re not taking care of your bag, it’s not an investment, it’s just an overpriced accessory waiting to lose its shape, color, and value. And trust me, I see this mistake everywhere, friends, clients, even family. So let’s talk about the biggest mistakes that are ruining your designer bags (and your resale dreams).

1. Storing Without Stuffing

If you’re just tossing your bag into your closet without a bag pillow, I have some bad news for you. Over time, your bag is going to lose its shape, and trust me, no one wants to buy a floppy, deflated-looking Chanel. Would you? Exactly.

Solution? Get yourself a bag pillow. Your bag deserves to be supported, literally.

2. Using Baby Wipes (Stop. Right. Now.)

I once saw a friend casually wiping her designer bag with a baby wipe, and I swear, I nearly choked on my dirty martini. My reaction? A dramatic, “WHAT THE F ARE YOU DOING?!”

Her response? “I’m cleaning my bag… why?”

Girl. Just because baby wipes are gentle on your little sprout’s butt does NOT mean they’re gentle on leather. In fact, they dry it out, leaving it stiff and brittle. Do you want a stiff, brittle bag? No? Then step away from the baby wipes.

3. Skipping Conditioner

Would you wash your hair without conditioner? No. (And if you do, babe, we need to talk about your hair routine.)

Leather is skin, and just like your own skin, it needs hydration. After cleaning, you need to nourish your bag with a proper leather conditioner, or it will dry out, crack, and turn into a sad, un-sellable mess.

4. No Protection Against Sunlight

We all know the sun is bad for our skin (SPF, people!), but did you know it’s just as bad for your bag? Yep, even behind glass, sunlight can cause your leather to fade, dry out, and discolor.

I’ve seen some tragic sun damage out there, and let me tell you, one sunny lunch on a February afternoon with your Cosmo and your bag on the table is all it takes. Byebye, investment piece.