Loewe vs. Gucci: Which brand is better? [2026]

Loewe is defined by its understated, artisanal luxury, focusing on exceptional leather craftsmanship and minimalist design, while Gucci champions a bold, maximalist aesthetic with vibrant patterns and logo-centric, trend-setting pieces. Loewe's appeal lies in its quiet confidence and timeless construction, whereas Gucci is for those who want their luxury to be instantly recognizable and expressive.

Let's compare everything you need to know about these two luxury houses to help you decide which is right for you.

Loewe: Artisanal Elegance & Modern Craftsmanship

Loewe, a Spanish luxury house founded in 1846, is renowned for its dedication to superior craftsmanship, particularly with its leather goods. The brand appeals to a sophisticated audience that values timeless design, high-quality materials, and artistic innovation over fleeting trends. Under creative director Jonathan Anderson, Loewe has blended its rich heritage with a contemporary, often sculptural aesthetic, creating pieces that feel both classic and modern.

• Product mix: Famous for its leather handbags like the Puzzle and Hammock bags, but also offers a full range of ready-to-wear clothing, footwear, small leather goods, and home fragrances. The focus is always on material quality and innovative design.
• Price point: High-luxury pricing reflects its artisanal nature. Handbags generally range from $2,000 for a small style to over $6,000 for larger or more complex designs.
• Quality & Materials: Unparalleled craftsmanship is the brand's core identity. Loewe uses exceptionally high-quality, durable leathers, and its bags are constructed to last for decades, often aging beautifully over time.
• Style & Aesthetic: Minimalist, artistic, and refined. The designs feature clean lines, unique silhouettes, and often neutral color palettes, creating an understated but powerful statement. It's luxury you feel rather than flaunt.
• Sustainability: The brand is deeply committed to sustainable practices, focusing on waste reduction, responsible sourcing, and supporting artisanal communities.
• Sizing/Fit: Loewe's clothing and footwear generally run true to size, adhering to standard European sizing conventions.

Loewe is the choice for those who appreciate the art of construction and prefer their luxury to be personal, timeless, and impeccably made.

Shop Loewe: loewe.com

Gucci: Bold Expression & Italian Luxury

Founded in Florence in 1921, Gucci is one of the world's most recognized and influential luxury brands. Its identity is built on a blend of Italian heritage and daring, contemporary fashion. Gucci is known for trend-setting, eclectic, and maximalist collections that often feature the iconic GG logo, Horsebit detail, and green-red-green stripes. The brand caters to a fashion-forward audience that embraces expressive, statement-making style.

• Product mix: An extensive range including handbags, ready-to-wear, footwear, fine jewelry, accessories, and fragrance. It is known for iconic pieces like the Dionysus handbag, GG Marmont collection, and Ace sneakers.
• Price point: Positioned in the high-luxury segment, with handbag prices often starting around $1,500 and climbing well above $5,000. It offers a slightly wider range of entry-level luxury leather goods.
• Quality & Materials: Gucci uses high-quality materials and adheres to Italian craftsmanship standards. While its core leather goods are well-made, the focus is often on intricate designs, hardware, and embellishments which can require more delicate care.
• Style & Aesthetic: Bold, eclectic, vibrant, and logo-driven. Gucci’s style is a mix of vintage inspiration and modern provocativeness, a favorite for those who want their fashion to be immediately seen and identified.
• Sustainability: Gucci has a robust sustainability strategy called Gucci Equilibrium, aiming for carbon neutrality, utilizing sustainable materials, and ensuring transparency in its supply chain.
• Sizing/Fit: Sizing is consistent and aligns with typical European standards, but checking specific size guides is recommended, especially for ready-to-wear items.

Gucci is perfect for the adventurous fashion enthusiast who views clothing and accessories as a form of self-expression and enjoys being at the forefront of trends.

Shop Gucci: gucci.com

Loewe vs. Gucci Comparison

Price Comparison

Both Loewe and Gucci operate in the high-luxury tier. However, their pricing slightly differs. Gucci sometimes offers more accessible entry-level products, particularly in its small leather goods and canvas bag collections, with items like the GG Marmont mini bag starting around $1,500. Loewe's starting price for leather handbags is typically closer to the $2,000 mark.

At the higher end, both brands command similar prices, with larger bags and ready-to-wear pieces ranging from $4,000 to over $6,000. The price at Loewe is a direct reflection of complex artisanal construction, while at Gucci, it often reflects intricate designs, exotic materials, or collaborations.

Quality & Materials

This is where the brands fundamentally diverge. Loewe's reputation is built on its mastery of leathercraft. The brand prioritizes durable, natural leathers and impeccable hand-finishing, creating products designed for longevity. The construction is sublime, and the focus is on showcasing the material's inherent beauty.

Gucci also uses high-quality materials and fine Italian craftsmanship, but its aesthetic prioritizes design and visual impact. Collections often feature embellishments, coatings, and heavy hardware that, while beautiful, can be less durable than Loewe's more straightforward leather construction. If your primary concern is heirloom-quality craftsmanship that will withstand decades of use, Loewe holds the edge.

Style & Aesthetic

Choosing between Loewe and Gucci often comes down to personal style. Loewe represents an "if you know, you know" form of luxury. Its aesthetic is minimalist, artistic, and cerebral, appealing to those who prefer timeless elegance over obvious branding. Colors are often derived from nature, and silhouettes are innovative yet classic.

Gucci is the exact opposite. It champions maximalism, logomania, and a more-is-more approach. Its designs are vibrant, expressive, and often nostalgic, pulling from archives to create modern hits. For those who want to make a bold, trend-aware fashion statement, Gucci is the clear choice.

Shopping Experience

Both brands offer exceptional luxury shopping experiences. Loewe’s boutiques often feel like art galleries, with a calm atmosphere that emphasizes craftsmanship and storytelling. The online experience is clean, modern, and focused on detailed product views.

Gucci's stores are immersive, energetic spaces that reflect the brand's eclectic aesthetic. The digital experience is a major focus, with innovations like virtual try-ons and visually rich storytelling. Gucci provides a more dynamic and trend-focused shopping journey.

Sustainability & Ethics

Both brands have made significant commitments to improving their environmental and ethical impact. Gucci's large-scale initiatives under Gucci Equilibrium aim for systemic, company-wide change, targeting carbon neutrality and supply chain transparency. Loewe's efforts are deeply integrated with its focus on craftsmanship, promoting and preserving artisanal techniques, using recycled materials, and supporting local communities through its Foundation Craft Prize.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both brands offer incredible luxury, but they speak to very different consumers. The right choice depends entirely on your personal style and priorities.

Choose Loewe if:

• You prioritize flawless craftsmanship and material quality above all else.
• You prefer timeless, minimalist designs that don't scream a brand name.
• You think of your bags and clothing as long-term investments that will never go out of style.
• Your personal style is more artistic, refined, and sophisticated.

Choose Gucci if:

• You love bold fashion and enjoy making a statement with your outfits.
• You are attracted to logos, vibrant patterns, and trend-setting styles.
• Building a modern, recognizable luxury wardrobe is important to you.
• Your style is eclectic, expressive, and rooted in contemporary trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Loewe or Gucci a better investment?

From a resale and durability standpoint, Loewe often holds an edge. Its focus on timeless designs and exceptional construction means its classic pieces like the Puzzle bag and Hammock bag remain desirable for years. Gucci's more trend-driven items can have fluctuating resale value, though timeless pieces like the Horsebit 1955 hold their value well.

Which brand is older, Loewe or Gucci?

Loewe is significantly older. It was founded in 1846 in Madrid, Spain, while Gucci was founded in 1921 in Florence, Italy.

What is Loewe best known for?

Loewe is best known for its extraordinary leather goods. The house is considered by many fashion insiders to be one of the world's leading leather specialists, famed for its innovative and impeccably crafted handbags.

Is Gucci considered a top luxury brand?

Absolutely. Gucci is one of the most famous and powerful luxury brands in the world, consistently ranking as a global leader in sales, brand recognition, and influence.

Which brand is more expensive?

Their price points are very similar, but Gucci can sometimes have more accessible entry-level items like wallets and canvas totes. For classic leather handbags, prices are comparable, with specific costs depending on the complexity of the design and materials used.

Do any celebrities wear Loewe?

Yes, Loewe is a favorite among style-conscious celebrities who prefer understated luxury, such as Sienna Miller, Taylor Russell, and Gigi Hadid. It's often spotted on those known for their chic, artistic aesthetic.

Do Loewe or Gucci ever go on sale?

Both brands are rarely discounted at their primary boutiques or on their official websites. You may occasionally find past-season items on sale at third-party luxury retailers like Net-a-Porter or Mytheresa during their seasonal sales events, particularly for ready-to-wear pieces and shoes.

Can you tell the quality difference between Loewe and Gucci?

Yes, a discerning customer can often feel the difference. Loewe's leather typically feels softer and more substantial due to its specific tanning processes. The difference is not that Gucci has poor quality, but rather that Loewe's entire brand ethos is centered around pushing the boundaries of leather craftsmanship, which is noticeable in the final product.