What You Need to Know About the Louis Vuitton Speedy
While Louis Vuitton has a lot of very popular handbags, there’s no doubt that the Louis Vuitton Speedy is one of their most popular styles of all time.
It’s a classic bag that has started off many a designer bag collection.
Some would say it’s “THE essential Louis Vuitton Classic bag”.
The early makings of the Speedy started in the early 1930’s when Louis Vuitton created their first true women’s handbag. However it was known then as the LV Keepall.
In the 1960’s Audrey Hepburn loved her Keepall duffle so much, she asked them for a smaller version – and the Speedy 25 was born.
Since then the Speedy bag has skyrocketed in popularity with women everywhere in different sizes, styles and canvas prints.
It’s a great keepall, everyday bag that can go from day to night with ease.
Is it right for you?
Here’s a review of what you need to know to help you decide:
The Basics:
Type of Bag: Top Handle, (Crossbody or Shoulder with the Bandouliere model)
Measurements: Varies – 25, 30, 35 and 40 cm in length
Shape: Rectangular
Outside Material: Lightweight Canvas
Hardware: Gold-toned Brass
Types of Canvas: Monogram, Damier Ebene, Damier Azur
Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Review:
The Louis Vuitton Speedy is a classic keepall bag that is instantly recognizable the world over. It’s been around for years and is not going anywhere soon.
However that being said, it’s a bit hard to keep up with all of the variations and options you have when it comes to this bag.
Let’s start with the size:
Louis Vuitton currently makes 4 different sizes of the Speedy bag – 25, 30, 35 and 40. These numbers specify the length in centimeters.
The most popular size is the Speedy 30, although the Speedy 25 is a serious contender as well here.
Which Size is Best for You?
Well, all the bags hold a surprising amount – more than even a generous crossbody bag. It really boils down to you, what you want and your plans for the bag.
I’ve seen shorter or very tiny women prefer the Speedy 25, just because it doesn’t look so oversized against their bodies.
I started my own personal luxury handbag collection with a Speedy 30 – mainly because I need to carry a lot and the Speedy 25 just looked a little too small for me.
If you’re more of a tote-needing person, you may prefer the Speedy 35 or 40 bags.
However as of right now the Speedy 30 is still the most coveted bag in the lineup.
It also depends on whether you want the classic top-handle-only Speedy or whether you want to add the strap and get the Speedy Bandouliere version.
With the strap, you can wear the bag crossbody or use it as a shoulder bag. However a lot of people (myself included) feel that the Speedy 30 is just a little too big to wear as a crossbody bag. It looks a bit strange – although still doable.
The Speedy 25 however would work a little better as a crossbody bag – it’s small enough to still look like a normal crossbody.
So it really depends on what you want to do, how much stuff you have to carry and how you plan on carrying the bag.
Now let’s talk about canvas styles:
Which Canvas Should You Choose?
While the first Louis Vuitton Speedy bags carried the famous LV monogram print and vachetta leather handles, they have since expanded to other canvas prints and different handle styles.
The Speedy comes in 3 main styles of canvas – the classic Monogram print, the Damier Ebene and the lighter Damier Azur.
This again is a hotly-debated topic as to which is best.
The Monogram print is classic – and probably the most popular choice. It’s instantly recognizable and there’s also the fact that it was the style that started it all.
On the downside however, it does come with the Vachetta leather handles (untreated). This means that the leather will change color with time (a process called Patina)- which some people love. Others however don’t like this fact – it’s really a personal preference.
The next print is the Damier Ebene seen below. This has the darker treated handles – which are not as sensitive to wear and tear as the Vachetta leather. They will not Patina with time and are a bit more hardy.
A lot of people feel the Damier Ebene canvas will hold up a bit better – especially in climates with a lot of rain or snow (or if you plan on using it every day).
Some people also like the fact that this canvas is a bit less showy than the monogram print.
The Damier Azur is lighter and perfect for spring or summer outfits. It’s the least popular canvas choice. It also has the Vachetta leather handles however which again, while they look fantastic – are still more sensitive to wear and tear.
So each one has their benefits. It really depends on your personal preference and style.
Cons of the Louis Vuitton Speedy:
Is there a downside to this bag? Well, there are a few things you may want to know before you buy.
First of all since the bag is not structured, it can lose it’s shape at the bottom if you put a lot of heavy things in there.
You’ve probably seen this on the street – a Speedy bag that looks lumpy, misshapen and frankly…messy.
One way to easily get around this – if you don’t like this slouchy bag look – is to get a hard cardboard rectangle at the bottom. You can also do a Google search for “Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Shaper” and find a lot of options that way.
Also, some people complain that the strap on the Damier Ebene Bandouliere is very stiff and uncomfortable – compared to the Monogram Bandouliere strap (which is much softer and more supple – the benefits of untreated leather).
So if you plan on wearing this bag as a crossbody with the Bandouliere strap, you might want to go for the Monogram print with the untreated, softer leather strap.
The other downside to this bag is that there are so many versions and styles that it can get confusing – especially for a newbie.
Which one to choose?
Well, if you’re planning on reselling this bag or just want the option of reselling it for maximum value, it’s always best to go for the classic styles and sizes like the 25 or 30 with the Monogram or Damier Ebene prints.
Final Word on the Louis Vuitton Speedy?
If you’re looking for an iconic Louis Vuitton bag that will look effortlessly chic and retain it’s value over the years, you may want to consider the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag.
It’s light, durable and can be worn as an everyday bag – or to a special occasion.
LV has slowly been raising the price on this one over the years – which is another vote of confidence from them. They know it will continue to be in demand.
Is it still in style? Judging by how many I see on the street – definitely. And I believe it will continue to be stylish for years to come. It’s a staple and a classic.
Where to Buy:
You can buy this bag new here.
Click Here to Save on a Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag
What Do You Think?
Do you have the Louis Vuitton Speedy bag? What do you think of it?
Share your comments below!
– Kate XO