Louis Vuitton Speedy vs. Speedy Bandoulière: What's the difference?

The classic Louis Vuitton Speedy is a timeless top-handle bag, celebrated for its iconic 1930s silhouette and elegant portability. In contrast, the updated Speedy Bandoulière includes a detachable and adjustable leather strap, offering the modern versatility of a shoulder or crossbody bag in addition to top-handle carry.

Here’s a full comparison to help you choose the right Speedy from Louis Vuitton for your collection and lifestyle.

Louis Vuitton Speedy

Introduced in 1930, the Louis Vuitton Speedy is one of the most recognizable and enduring handbags in fashion history. Its design is pure and simple: a perfectly structured but travel-friendly bag with two rolled leather top handles. Famous for its understated elegance, it must be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm, making it a statement piece for those who appreciate classic handbag aesthetics.

• What it is: An iconic top-handle duffle-style handbag celebrated for its timeless design and heritage status.
• Key features: Rolled Vachetta leather top handles, single zipper closure with a padlock, spacious and unstructured interior. It does not have any hardware for a strap.
• Price: Starts at $1,550 for the Speedy 25 in Monogram Canvas, making it the more accessibly priced of the two - a key appeal for many.
• Materials/Construction: Typically crafted from Monogram, Damier Ebene, or Damier Azur canvas with untreated Vachetta leather trim that develops a unique patina over time.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes 25, 30, 35, and 40 (denoting the length in centimeters). Because it must be handheld, wearers should consider how much weight they are comfortable carrying without the aid of a strap.
• Pros: Embodies the original, iconic 1930s design. Features a cleaner-looking silhouette without extra side hardware. Comes at a more accessible price point compared to the Bandoulière version.
• Cons: Lacks versatility as it's handheld only. Not practical for those needing a hands-free option. Can feel unsecured or cumbersome during busy activities like shopping or commuting.

This bag suits the purist who loves the original, unaltered design and prefers the aesthetics of a classic top-handle carry.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/women/handbags/speedy

Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière

The Speedy Bandoulière is the evolution of a classic, designed for a modern user. Introduced in 2011, it retains the iconic shape and materials of the original but adds a functional, adjustable, and completely removable strap. This one update transforms the bag into a highly versatile accessory that can be carried in three different ways, catering to a dynamic, on-the-go lifestyle where hands-free convenience is paramount.

• What it is: A modernized version of the Speedy featuring a removable and adjustable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear.
• Key features: Includes a leather strap with two detachable parts, allowing for multiple length adjustments. Features D-rings on the side, a double zipper for easier access, and often a more structured feel.
• Price: Starts at $1,980 for the Bandoulière 25 in Monogram Canvas, reflecting the cost of the extra strap, hardware, and engineering.
• Materials/Construction: The same high-quality canvas and leather as the original, but with added side leather tabs where the D-rings for the strap are attached, giving it slightly more structure.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. The strap allows it to be customized to fit any body type comfortably for over-the-shoulder or crossbody wear.
• Pros: Extremely versatile with three ways to carry (top-handle, shoulder, crossbody). Double zipper offers easier access and security. Side tabs add structure and prevent sagging. Hands-free convenience.
• Cons: Significantly higher price point. The side D-rings detract from the original clean design for some purists. The strap can feel bulky if you choose to mainly carry it by the top handles.

The Bandoulière is the ideal choice for anyone who values functionality and versatility and needs a bag that adapts to their active lifestyle.

Shop this product: us.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/women/handbags/speedy

Louis Vuitton Speedy vs. Speedy Bandoulière Comparison

Design & Functionality

The biggest functional difference lies in the strap - or lack thereof. The classic Speedy is fundamentally a top-handle bag. It offers an elegant, intentional look that requires you to carry it in hand or on your forearm. This is a deliberate style choice that many purists adore.

The Speedy Bandoulière is all about options. The detachable strap transforms it from a sophisticated top-handle to a convenient shoulder bag or a secure crossbody in seconds. Small structural differences also enhance its function: the Bandoulière has a double-zipper opening, making it easier to access contents from either direction, while the classic Speedy has a single zip. This adaptability makes the Bandoulière far more practical for travel, errands, and daily commutes.

Construction & Durability

Both bags are crafted with Louis Vuitton’s renowned quality, typically using resilient canvas that is built to last for decades. However, there's a subtle structural difference. The Speedy Bandoulière features extra strips of leather on the sides where the metal D-rings for the strap are anchored. This additional piece not only secures the strap but also adds reinforcement, helping the bag maintain its structure better over time and resist the "sagging" that can sometimes happen with the classic Speedy when it's heavily loaded. The classic Speedy has a more supple, foldable construction without this reinforcement.

Price & Value

There's a consistent price difference between the two models, with the Speedy Bandoulière costing roughly $400-$500 more than its classic counterpart in the same size and material. This premium buys you the strap, the extra hardware, and the advanced functionality. Buying a quality third-party strap and D-ring conversion kit for a classic Speedy can be done, but it often voids any sense of originality.

In terms of value, both bags are excellent investments that hold their worth exceptionally well on the resale market. The choice comes down to personal value: is hands-free convenience worth the extra upfront cost? For most modern users, the answer is a resounding yes, which often makes the Bandoulière slightly more in-demand preowned.

Which One Should You Choose?

Though they share a name, each bag serves a distinctly different type of user and purpose.

Choose the Louis Vuitton Speedy if:

• You are a purist who adores the original, iconic 1930s design without any modern additions.
• You primarily carry your bags by the top handle and appreciate a classic handheld aesthetic.
• Your budget is a primary consideration, and you prefer the more accessible price point.
• You favor a cleaner, simpler silhouette without the side hardware of strap attachments.

Choose the Louis Vuitton Speedy Bandoulière if:

• You prioritize versatility and want a bag you can wear multiple ways.
• Your lifestyle requires a hands-free option for commuting, travel, shopping, or parenting.
• You find a double-zipper more convenient and accessible.
• You're willing to invest more for superior functionality and an adaptable design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between a Speedy and a Speedy Bandoulière?

The main difference is that the Speedy Bandoulière comes with an adjustable and removable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear, while the classic Speedy is a top-handle bag only.

Is the Speedy Bandoulière worth the extra cost?

For most people, yes. The added convenience and versatility of a hands-free carrying option justify the higher price, especially for a bag intended for daily use. If you only plan to carry it by hand, then the classic is the better value.

Can you add a strap to a regular Speedy?

Yes, you can purchase third-party straps and D-ring converter clips that slide under the existing handle hardware. However, this is not an official solution and can cause undue wear and tear on the handle chapes over time. It is a temporary option but not ideal for longevity.

Which version holds its value better?

Both bags have an excellent resale value. The Speedy Bandoulière is often slightly more in demand on the pre-owned market due to its versatility, which can help it hold its value marginally better, particularly in popular sizes like 25 and 30.

Which Louis Vuitton Speedy size is the most popular?

The Speedy 30 has historically been the most popular and versatile size. However, with the trend towards smaller bags, the Speedy 25 has become increasingly sought after as an ideal everyday companion.

Does the Louis Vuitton Speedy sag in the middle?

Yes, due to its soft canvas construction, the bottom of a Speedy can sag when filled. This is a characteristic part of its look. Many owners use a base shaper or bag organizer to add structure and keep its shape more defined. The Bandoulière's side patches add some structure, but it can also sag.

What does 'Bandoulière' mean?

'Bandoulière' is French for "shoulder strap." Its inclusion in the name specifically highlights this key feature.

Is the leather on the Speedy real leather?

Yes. The colored trim and handles are made from Vachetta leather, an untreated and natural cowhide leather. This leather is designed to darken over time, developing a rich caramel-colored "patina" that is prized by Louis Vuitton enthusiasts.