All You Need to Know About Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag

If you would like to own a Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag, here is the perfect article to teach you all you need to know about the bag including price, size, and information regarding the bag’s general wear and tear.

All You Need to Know About Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag

A Brief History of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag

If you have ever thought about getting yourself a Louis Vuitton bag, then odds are, you must have also encountered the Iconic Louis Vuitton Speedy bag. The first speedy bag produced by LV was the Speedy 30 bag created in 1930. Audrey Hepburn, an icon would request the speedy bag in a smaller size 29 years after the first speedy was made. The Speedy 25 was produced in 1959 following this request and it came in 25cm length and not the normal 30cm of the original production.

Over time, Louis Vuitton has designed the Limited edition Speedy BB, the Speedy nano, 40, 35, 30, and 25. All of these were designed to meet the demands of her numerous customers.

You could opt for the “Keepall” range of Louis Vuitton if none of the sizes above can satisfy your needs. The “Keepall” is just a larger version of the Speedy.

Price and Size Comparison for Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag

You can get Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag in a variety of sizes. You can also choose between the available leather and canvass options. The Canvas option would cost less than the leather options but leather is rare and can’t be found in all the sizes above.

The table below would show you the size and price comparison of the Louis Vuitton Speedy.

Design/Size Specifications(Length x height x width) Price £ Price $
LVXLOL Speedy BB (Limited-edition only) 6.89 x 5.51 x 4.33 inches £1280 $1770
Speedy Nano 6.3 x 4.3 x 3.5 inches £755 $1180
Speedy Bandouliere 25 9.84 x 7.48 x 5.91 inches £1070 $1610
Speedy 25 9.84 x 7.48 x 5.91 inches £820 $1140
Speedy Bandouliere 30 11.81 x 8.27 x 6.69 inches £1090 $1640
Speedy 30 11.81 x 8.27 x 6.69 inches £830 $1160
Speedy Bandouliere 35 13.78 x 9.06 x 7.09 inches £1110 $1660
Speedy 35 13.78 x 9.06 x 7.09 inches £850 $1180
Speedy Bandouliere 40 15.75 x 9.84 x 7.48 inches £1140 $1680
Speedy 40 15.75 x 9.84 x 7.48 inches £860 $1200

 

Comparing the Sizes of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy Bag

The LV Speedy bag is incredibly popular. Considering its availability in different sizes, it can serve the needs of a variety of users. Size 30 is the most beloved of all the Speedy sizes. Remember that the number indicates the width of the bag in centimeters.

The Speedy Nano: The Speedy nano is not built to carry too much but it looks very appealing. You can use it as a small zippy coin purse or for holding your mobile phone.

The Speedy 25: The 25 is a popular size because it offers a practical size without being too much. Most of your important items can be easily fitted into the bag without the need to carry more than necessary.

The Speedy 30: This bag is perfectly suited for carrying all your essential items. It can also take larger items like a bottle of water and a book. If you are looking for an excellent everyday/work bag, this is the bag for you.

The Speedy 35: this is middling, sitting between medium and large, and would serve you perfectly if you are heading on a weekend getaway and do not want to pack so much.

The Speedy 40: The 40 is the largest Speedy out there. It can take all your essentials and extra. It is perfect as a travel bag or for a small weekend getaway. If you want to be able to carry a little more than what you need for the day, get the Speedy 40.

Louis Vuitton Speedy Nano Bag

The nano is Louis Vuitton’s smallest Speedy bag.  It was called the ‘mini’ speedy at first but in 2019, the name was changed to Speedy nano. It is a very cute bag with top handles and a non-removable cross-body strap.

This version of the Speedy is quite popular. A lot of people who buy the nano acquire it for those moments when they don’t need to carry too much. Sometimes, Louis Vuitton’s customers buy the nano for their kids just to make sure their Louis Vuitton bags match.

Differentiating between the LV Speedy and the Speedy Bandouliere Bag

All of Louis Vuitton’s Speedy in Canvas material also have bandouliere versions. One major difference between a regular speedy bag and a bandouliere version, the bandouliere comes with a detachable leather cross-body strap while the regular one doesn’t. You will also find leather strips on the side of the bandouliere. The leather straps are designed to hold the side hooks to which the straps are to be attached.

With the detachable strap, the bag will become more versatile making it possible to wear the bag in three different styles instead of just the one.

Do we think the bandouliere speedy is worth that extra cost? Yes! Most people go for the bandouliere version instead of the regular Speedy and although there is an extra $250 on the Speedy, we believe it is worth all the extra. If carried for a long period, the Speedy bag may become heavy but with a detachable strap, you can free your hands for other things.

Materials and Canvas used in the making of the Speedy

Louis Vuitton produces its Speedy bag using Damier ebene canvas, Monogram canvas, and Damier Azur canvas. Some specific sizes can be found in all-leather, these are made using Empreinte leather with the popular monogram pattern embossed into the leather.

Which of the Louis Vuitton Speedy Materials is the best to get?

Some canvas prints and colorways are preferable to others but this is entirely dependent on how you plan to use your Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag.

The light Chequer square of the Damier Azur canvas has a summer feel to it. You should know that it is likely to show marks and dirt more. If you will commit to caring for the bag regularly and cleaning it, then the Azur is perfect for you.

We recommend the Damier ebene to those looking for that perfect heavy-duty bag for daily use. The canvas won’t show dirt and marks as easily as the Damier Azur and the Damier ebene also comes with a dark brown leather strap. Since the straps are not made from Vachetta leather, your Damier ebene canvas bag would look fresh for a long time.

Sitting between the other two is the Monogram Canvas version. It is also the most popular with its dark brown color. The only drawback is the Vachetta leather handles which will grow darker and show dirt over time. The darkening of the Vachetta is a natural aging process of this specific leather type.

The heavy-duty user could also choose the Empreinte leather version of the Speedy bag especially when it comes in darker shades. It offers a supple and durable leather but the embossed print may fade out of the leather gradually as the leather softens with age. You will find this happening often around the edges of the bag where there would be some rubbing through the bag’s life span.

Limited Edition Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags

It has become Louis Vuitton’s practice to release two limited-edition collections every year. The limited-edition release is often marked out for spring/summer then autumn/winter. Often, thee limited-edition collections offer the LV Speedy re-made with a new, limited-edition print.

Most times, you find that only one size of the Speedy is made into this Limited-edition collection. As expected, limited-edition bags fetch more retail value when they sell out and segue into rare collector’s items.

The limited-edition Speedy bags always go for a higher retail price than the regular canvas versions. Go to eBay or Vestaire Collection to find out of stock limited-edition Speedy bags.

Basic wear and tear on LV Speedy Bags

Just as it is with all bags, after long years of use, the Louis Vuitton Speedy will begin to show signs of wear and tear. Below are some of the major wear and tear issues with the LV Speedy bags;

  • Cracks on the Canvas: This often occurs more along the zipper area and is down to the constant movement, jolting of the canvas when the user wants to open it. To keep the leather supple, apply a leather conditioner.
  • Rip/tear on the bottom corners of the bag: The major reason this happens is down to the plastic base shapers for the bag. A base shaper may put extra pressure on your LV Speedy bag. We recommend that you avoid base shapers and use a luxury handbag liner in your designer bags. Another reason for the tear is the down to the fact that the bottom of the LV Speedy bag often comes in contact with different surfaces.
  • Marks or stains on the exterior.

The best ways to care for and clean your Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag

If you want your new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag to retain its pretty appearance, structure, and re-sale value, read our tips on how to take good care of your Speedy bag, including the best ways to clean them below.

  • Wipe the canvas clean regularly.
  • Ensure that you do not touch the leather straps or handles of your Louis Vuitton Speedy if you have hand lotion/sanitizer or other excess oils on your hand. These oils will make the Vachetta leather darker.
  • Apply leather cleaner and conditioner on the part of your bag with leather material. If you own the Empreinte version, apply the cleaner and conditioner all over the bag.
  • Protect the lining of your new speedy bag with a handbag liner.
  • If your bag has brass hardware, remove dirt from these parts using Brasso. This will make the hardware shine brighter.

Organizers for your Louis Vuitton Speedy Bags

You must get handbag liners if you own a designer bag. The liner costs only a fraction of what your designer bag costs and will help to keep your bag’s structure intact while keeping dirt off the bag.

Should one consider Louis Vuitton’s Speedy bag a good investment?

You may be wondering if getting a Louis Vuitton Speedy bag is a good investment for you especially when you are serious about purchasing one. Here are a few ways to approach this concerning investment.

1. Is the Louis Vuitton worth the Price?

The Speedy can be a good investment if you like the bag. The Neverfull tote bag is currently the most popular Louis Vuitton offering but the LV Speedy bag provides better structure. The Speedy also offers more security with its zip closure. Louis Vuitton also provides a padlock to make the bag extra safe when you are traveling.

If you take good care of your bag, it is likely to serve you for several years. We have already mentioned this above but it is worth mentioning again that we recommend the Damier Ebene print or the full-leather versions highly. We recommend these because they are likely to last longer while maintaining their pristine looks.

2. Would you Speedy Bag Hold its Value?

The Speedy is a classic design and with LV’s prices increasing yearly, the Speedy often retains its value on the resale market. Ensure that you keep documents, dust bags, and boxes safe. Be sure to use a handbag liner from the very first day; this will help to maintain or improve the value of the bag. If you retain the pristine condition of your bag as you use it through the years, you will be assured of gaining most of the money you spent at the first point of purchase when you resell.

Where can one get the Speedy Bag by Louis Vuitton?

If you want to get a brand new Louis Vuitton Speedy bag, the best place to get this is directly from Louis Vuitton. You can visit the Louis Vuitton Website or store because Louis Vuitton does not resell through other stores.

If you want to own a limited-edition Speedy bag and it is a version that is already sold out or you simply want to save money by buying pre-loved, then head to eBay.