Louis Vuitton Speedy: history, versions and the right size for you

Monogram canvas, two natural leather handles, a rounded silhouette recognizable at first glance: the Speedy is one of the best-known Louis Vuitton bags in the world, and has been for nearly a century. It is also the one you see most often at Panorama. Its history, its different versions, the size that suits you, and what to look for before buying one second-hand: here is everything you need to know.

From the Keepall to the Speedy: a bag born to go fast

In 1930, Louis Vuitton already offered the Keepall, its large soft travel bag. The house imagined a smaller version, designed for the city and for a time when people were moving faster and faster. Its first name says it all: the Express. It would become the Speedy.

The first model is in plain canvas, in 30 cm. Monogram canvas arrived the following year, then sizes 35 and 40. A detail that few people know: the Speedy is cut from a single piece of canvas, which means that the Monogram appears upside down on one of the two faces. This is not a defect, it is its original construction.

Later, Audrey Hepburn asked the house for a smaller version, better suited to her figure. The Speedy 25 was born, and the actress adopted it for everyday use: it is one of the moments that made the Speedy a cult bag.

All the versions of the Speedy

• The classic Speedy: carried by hand or in the crook of the arm, with its two natural leather handles. It is the vintage version that we see most often.
• The Speedy Bandoulière: introduced in 2011, it adds a removable strap for carrying it on the shoulder or crossbody, with leather strips and rings on the sides.
• The Nano Speedy: the miniature version, brought back into fashion in recent years, more of an evening bag or accessory.
• The canvases and leathers: Monogram, the historic canvas; Damier Ébène and Damier Azur, its checkered pattern in brown or light; Monogram Empreinte, in embossed leather; and Épi leather, more understated.
• The artist editions: Stephen Sprouse, Yayoi Kusama, or Takashi Murakami signed their own Speedy. These are highly sought-after versions by collectors, and we have already had Murakami editions in the store.

Which size of Speedy should you choose?

That is the real question. The right approach: start with what you carry on a daily basis.

Size	Approximate dimensions	For whom, for what
Nano Speedy	approximately 16 cm long	The essentials: cards, keys, lipstick, phone. For the evening or as an accessory.
Speedy 25	25 x 19 x 15 cm	The ultimate city bag: wallet, phone, keys, a small pouch. Perfect if you travel light.
Speedy 30	30 x 21 x 17 cm	The original and most versatile size: a tablet and a few extra things, from the office to the weekend.
Speedy 35	35 x 23 x 18 cm	For those who always have everything on them: everything that fits in a 30, with room to spare.
Speedy 40	40 x 25 x 19 cm	Almost a small travel bag: a weekend, the gym.

If you are hesitating between two sizes, come try them in the store with your usual belongings: it is the surest way to find the right one.

Classic or Bandoulière?

The classic Speedy is carried by hand or in the crook of the arm: it is the iconic gesture, that of the archive photos. The Bandoulière leaves your hands free, which changes everything in everyday life if you walk a lot or are often loaded. In vintage, the classic version is the most common, and therefore the most accessible.

Why buy your Speedy second-hand

For the price, first. In April 2025, a new Speedy Bandoulière in Monogram canvas cost €1,600 in 25, €1,650 in 30, and €1,700 in 35 in Europe (PurseBop). At Panorama, most of our vintage Speedy bags in Monogram canvas are listed between €650 and €730, which is less than half the price.

For the patina, next. The handles and the pull tab are made of untreated natural leather, which darkens over time and takes on a honey hue. On a vintage Speedy, this patina is already there: it is what gives it its character, and what a new bag will take years to achieve.

For its durability. The coated canvas of the Speedy is made to last and withstands everyday use very well. This is what allows you to still find Speedy bags in beautiful condition, decades after their manufacture.

Because it retains its value. According to Rebag's Clair report published at the end of 2024, Louis Vuitton bags retain an average of 88% of their value on resale (Fashion Dive). A well-chosen Speedy sells well.

What to look for on a vintage Speedy

• The handles and the pull tab: the patina is normal, but check that there are no cracks or deep stains.
• The corners of the bag: these are the areas that rub the most.
• The interior: the condition of the lining, and the presence of a zippered pocket on newer models.
• The zipper: it must slide without catching.

On each of our product pages, these points are described and photographed, and the condition is summarized by a grade (A, B+, B, or B-).

Buying your Speedy at Panorama

Each Speedy undergoes two inspections before being put up for sale: upon receipt, then before its publication. We examine the canvas and leather, the stitching, the hardware, the date code, or the chip depending on the era. At the slightest doubt, the bag is not sold. Each Speedy is delivered with an invoice and a certificate of authenticity, a document that also matters on the day you want to resell it. Our entire process is detailed on the Authentication page.

You can see it and try it in the store in Toulouse, ask for detailed photos on WhatsApp, and in case of an online order, delivery is free in France from €200 and the return is free in France within 14 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most versatile size of Speedy?

The Speedy 30, the original size: large enough for everyday use, compact enough for the city. The 25 is suitable if you travel light.

Can the Speedy be worn on the shoulder?

The classic Speedy is carried by hand or in the crook of the arm. To wear it on the shoulder or crossbody, choose a Speedy Bandoulière.

How much does a second-hand Speedy cost?

At Panorama, most vintage Speedy bags in Monogram canvas are listed between €650 and €730. Rare editions and Bandoulière versions are more expensive.

Why is the Monogram upside down on one side?

Because the Speedy is cut from a single folded piece of canvas. It is its original construction, not a defect.

Find all our available Speedy bags on the Louis Vuitton Speedy page. A question about a size or model: write to us on WhatsApp at 07 56 92 85 85, or come visit us at 7 rue Baour-Lormian in Toulouse.