When it comes to the subject of shopping for luxury handbags, there are a few names that likely sit at the top of most people’s wish lists: Hermès and Louis Vuitton. They’re a fashion statement and typically linked to quality, class, and refinement.

But which one is superior? Each brand has a committed consumer base, with signature bags recognized in an instant. And we can't forget about all the counterfeits that come out every year! They show how popular each of these brands is.

But when it comes to luxury and authenticity, only Hermès vs. Louis Vuitton can compete. So, when you look at their histories, designs, costs, and quality, how do Hermès and Louis Vuitton compare?

We also explained this in a short TikTok video. Watch our quick TikTok explanation here.

1. Brand History and Reputation

Hermès and Louis Vuitton are two well-known luxury companies that have been around for a long time, albeit they are distinct in certain ways.

Hermès is a high-end brand for leather goods that was started in 1837. Its most famous products are the Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly handbags. You can also read our guide on the reasons behind the expensive cost of Hermès bags if you'd like to understand them better.

It’s also an item of status—after all their work, chances are their products will be looked on much like investments.

Louis Vuitton, on the other hand, is a business that started off in 1854, and it has featured the actual since the canvas monogram, together with its priced handbags, which could have been connected till now with today's opulence. 

If you want to understand how Louis Vuitton pricing works today, here is a complete guide on how much a Louis Vuitton bag costs.

They’re already somewhat alike; it’s all prestige, but Louis Vuitton was actually supposed to be less expensive because they have things other than bags.

2. Craftsmanship and Quality

The quality and construction of the bags is one of the largest points of comparison between Hermès and Louis Vuitton.

Hermès Craftsmanship: Handmade Luxury

A way in which Hermès bags are superior is that they are handmade. A Hermès handbag typically takes 18-25 hours to produce, and all are handmade by a professional craftsperson. 

Our team at Value Creation UAE has seen firsthand how this hand-stitching affects both the durability and resale value for Hermès bags. 

Hermès also uses expensive leathers like Togo, Clemence, and Epsom for their bags. The results are very beautiful, and they will last you your whole life!

Have you ever wondered why Hermès bags are so expensive? Read this detailed breakdown of Why Are Hermès Bags So Expensive? This is to help you see why those bags cost so much.

Louis Vuitton Craftsmanship: Precision and Style

Then there is Louis Vuitton, and though they are made more via an industrial process, that simply makes the precision much more alluring. 

These LV handbags are made out of a variety of materials: fabric material, cowhide leather, canvas, and microfiber lining, which is in turn a false suede lining. The named monogram canvas, which is protected by the brand, has become popular with the logo of the brand.

We’ve also helped verify a number of limited-edition Louis Vuitton pieces, and a lot of them have to checked according to the minute details and hints that help us ensure authenticity and help buyers avoid counterfeits. 

If you're concerned about authenticity, you can also look at our full guide on how to determine if a Louis Vuitton bag is authentic.

3. Design and Aesthetics

While both Hermès and Louis Vuitton might seem like peas in a pod nowadays, being in style and perennial, the modus operandi for design aesthetics does not parallel truly each other.

Hermès’ Neutral Design

The loveliness of Hermès bags is what you might call discreet. The brand goes for the classic ones, which are timeless and neutral or brandless. Hermès bags, such as the Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly are fashionable multi-purpose bags with a clean shape and excellent rate of proportions.

The Louis Vuitton Monogram Standout

But Louis Vuitton has turned into a fashionable brand backlash and is working on its more modern and edgy designs. 

The Louis Vuitton monogram canvas is such a well-known brand, and the popular company has never departed from the norm of hiring artists such as Virgil Abloh and Nicolas Ghesquiere to produce new designs out in the market that everyone will think are hot.

You can find more differences between monogram-based brands in our comparison of Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin.

4. Pricing Comparison

• Prices for Hermès Birkins can start at $8,500 and go up to the upper six figures for versions made with exotic leathers or diamond hardware. The high price of Hermès bags is due to their rarity and the quality of their construction. 

• Items by Louis Vuitton cost less, with some going for ~$1000-2000. It is, however, possible to get more than that if you have an in-demand style (like a limited edition) in Louis Vuitton.

Looking to invest in an authenticated Hermès or Louis Vuitton bag? Value Creation UAE offers options for collectors and first-time buyers alike! 

You can also read more about the complete price breakdown of how much a Louis Vuitton bag will cost if that fits your interest. 

To compare Hermès prices in detail, this breakdown of the average price for a Birkin bag is very helpful.

Where Are They Made?

One other factor to think about when comparing Hermès and Louis Vuitton is the origin of their bags.

Hermès bags come from France and are made in limited quantities, so they’re rare. This company has a reputable image of high-quality products handmade by masterful craftsmen, and this is why every bag comes into existence with perfection. 

Louis Vuitton bags are made in France, Spain, and Italy. Here, the history of these iconic bags. Louis Vuitton handbags are made in France, Spain, and Italy. 

Here’s a complete guide that explains where Louis Vuitton bags are made and how to check their origin.

The True Investment: Longevity and Investment

Bags from both brands can be heirlooms passed down to future generations, but if anything, it seems Hermès bags are even more of an investment since they’re often scarce or rare. And for the Hermès Birkin and Hermès Kelly models, at least, that asking price may actually go up over time.

If you're looking for something more affordable that is still genuine, check out our curated collection on where to sell luxury items in Dubai or buy.

LV bags, on the other hand, are seen as a value-for-money luxury purchase. They should not be as expensive as Hermès bags, but their durability and status symbol are certain to provide a fashionable item that can be used over time.

The Bottom Line

Hermès bags are a symbol of ultimate luxury and exclusivity, and they are not cheap. On the other hand, they are investment goods, the type that are high-priced and costly indeed, but Louis Vuitton bags are relatively lower spendthrifts and also designed with very dedicated attention. 

Visit Value Creation UAE for genuine designer bags, which include Hermès and Louis Vuitton as well. The quality of their expensive bags is renowned, and their bags are authentic.

Browse or sell verified Louis Vuitton bags with full authentication support at our online site or visit our store to learn more about our authentic products.