Mulberry vs. Louis Vuitton: Which brand is better? [2026]

Mulberry is a British luxury brand celebrated for its timeless designs, high-quality full-grain leather, and understated elegance at a more accessible price point. In contrast, Louis Vuitton is an iconic French powerhouse, synonymous with ultra-luxury, recognizable monograms, and a much higher price tag that cements its status as a global symbol of prestige. The core difference lies in their aesthetic and market position: Mulberry offers quiet, practical luxury, while Louis Vuitton delivers bold, statement-making status.

Let's break down everything you need to know to choose the right luxury brand for your personal style and budget.

Mulberry: British Understated Luxury

Founded in Somerset, England in 1971, Mulberry has carved out a niche as the go-to for refined, reliable, and impeccably crafted leather goods. It targets consumers who appreciate classic British style, durability, and a heritage of craftsmanship without overt branding. Mulberry bags are often seen as a lifelong investment in functional elegance, ideal for professionals and style-conscious individuals who gravitate towards a more subtle form of luxury.

• Product mix: Primarily known for women's and men's handbags, the brand also offers small leather goods, accessories, travel gear, and women's ready-to-wear. Their focus is squarely on leather craftsmanship.
• Price point: Considered accessible luxury, with most handbags falling between $600 and $2,500. A classic such as the Bayswater bag costs around $1,200, while the revived Alexa bag is approximately $1,500.
• Quality &, Materials: Specializes in exceptionally high-quality and durable leathers, particularly full-grain varieties that develop a rich patina over time. The emphasis is on tangible quality you can feel, with hardware built to last.
• Style: Celebrated for its timeless, practical, and quintessentially British aesthetic. Designs are versatile and classic rather than trendy, focusing on clean lines and function.
• Sustainability: The brand is transparent about its commitment to ethical production. Mulberry emphasizes made-to-last construction and responsible sourcing from environmentally rated tanneries.
• Sales: Holds seasonal sales and has outlet stores, providing opportunities to purchase their timeless goods at a lower price point.

Mulberry represents a smart investment in timeless style and durable craftsmanship, especially for those who prefer their luxury whispered, not shouted.

Shop Mulberry: mulberry.com

Louis Vuitton: The Icon of Heritage &, Status

Established in Paris in 1854, Louis Vuitton is royalty in the luxury world and one of the most powerful brand names globally. What started as an innovative trunk-maker is now a complete fashion empire, defining what it means to be a modern heritage brand. Louis Vuitton caters to an affluent clientele that desires iconic status, exclusivity, and designs that blend over 160 years of history with cutting-edge fashion collaborations.

• Product mix: Offers an extensive range including iconic handbags, luggage, trunks, ready-to-wear for men and women, shoes, accessories, watches, and jewelry.
• Price point: At the higher end of the luxury scale, with handbags typically starting around $1,200 for smaller canvas styles like the Pochette Accessoires and climbing above $5,000 for popular models. Limited editions and exotic leathers can cost tens of thousands.
• Quality &, Materials: Renowned for meticulous craftsmanship using premium materials, including its famously durable coated canvas and a wide variety of fine leathers. Items undergo rigorous testing to ensure longevity.
• Style: The aesthetic is bold, trend-aware, and status-driven. The instantly recognizable LV monogram is central to its identity, though the brand also produces more subtle leather goods. It masterfully balances timeless pieces like the Speedy with highly sought-after collaborations.
• Shopping experience: The experience is highly exclusive and luxurious. Boutiques offer a curated atmosphere with personal client advisors, and the Maison Vendôme in Paris offers bespoke services.
• Sales: Louis Vuitton famously never holds sales, which protects its brand value and ensures its pieces retain a high resale value.

Louis Vuitton is the ultimate choice for those seeking an iconic piece of fashion history that serves as a powerful symbol of luxury and prestige.

Shop Louis Vuitton: louisvuitton.com

Mulberry vs. Louis Vuitton Comparison

Price Comparison

Louis Vuitton is significantly more expensive than Mulberry. An entry-level Louis Vuitton canvas handbag like the Speedy begins where many of Mulberry’s popular leather styles, such as the Bayswater, are priced. While a beautiful Mulberry leather tote might cost around $1,500, a comparable leather LV model like the Capucines can easily exceed $6,000.

Furthermore, Mulberry's seasonal sales and outlets make it more financially accessible. In contrast, Louis Vuitton's strict no-sale policy maintains its aura of exclusivity and supports strong resale value, making it a better financial investment but a much higher initial outlay.

Quality &, Materials

Both brands offer exceptional quality, but their strengths differ. Mulberry's expertise is in its beautiful, durable, full-grain leathers that feel luxurious and are designed for longevity. Their hardware is sturdy and practical, reflecting the brand's focus on creating bags for real-world use.

Louis Vuitton's signature coated canvas is legendary for its durability and resistance to wear, making it a workhorse material despite its luxe status. The craftsmanship across both their leather and canvas goods is meticulous, with every stitch and detail finished to a very high standard. While both deliver excellent quality, your preference will depend on whether you prioritize the hand-feel of rich leather (Mulberry) or the battlefield-tested durability of iconic canvas (Louis Vuitton).

Style &, Aesthetic

Herein lies the biggest difference. Mulberry embodies understated elegance and a "quiet luxury" aesthetic. Its bags are timeless and professional, often featuring minimal branding like the subtle postman's lock. They are designed to complement an outfit, not dominate it.

Louis Vuitton, for the most part, is about making a statement. Its monogram and Damier patterns are globally recognized logos that announce the brand's identity from a distance. While they do offer discreet, all-leather options, Louis Vuitton's core identity is tied to its distinctive, fashion-forward, and status-affirming designs.

Sustainability &, Ethics

Mulberry places sustainability at the forefront of its brand identity with its "Made to Last" promise. The brand is vocal about using leather from environmentally accredited tanneries and offering lifetime repairs to extend the life of its products. Its Somerset factories in England further cement its commitment to local manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Louis Vuitton, as part of the LVMH conglomerate, follows a broad corporate sustainability roadmap. This includes efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and ensure responsible sourcing across its vast supply chain. However, Mulberry's smaller scale and focused mission allow for more specific and consumer-facing transparency in its sustainability efforts.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice comes down to your personal style, your budget, and what you value in a luxury product. Both brands are excellent, but they cater to very different preferences.

Choose Mulberry if:

• You prefer understated, timeless designs over bold logos and trends.
• You value the quality and feel of traditional, full-grain leather goods.
• Your budget is under $2,500 for a primary handbag.
• Sustainability and brand transparency are important factors in your shopping decisions.
• You need a versatile, durable bag for everyday professional or personal use.

Choose Louis Vuitton if:

• You want a recognizable and iconic piece that is a clear symbol of luxury status.
• You appreciate a blend of rich heritage with cutting-edge fashion and collaborations.
• Potential resale value and investment potential are key considerations for you.
• You have a higher budget and are looking for an ultra-luxury experience from purchase to carry.
• You need an exceptionally durable bag for travel or frequent use (especially their canvas pieces).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mulberry or Louis Vuitton more expensive?

Louis Vuitton is significantly more expensive. Its entry-level products are priced similarly to Mulberry's mid-to-high range items, and its high-end pieces are in a completely different price bracket.

Which brand has better quality?

Both brands have outstanding quality control and use premium materials. Mulberry is renowned for its high-quality, durable leathers that age beautifully. Louis Vuitton is famous for its nearly indestructible coated canvas and meticulous, consistent craftsmanship.

Is a Mulberry bag a good investment?

A Mulberry bag is an excellent long-term investment for personal use due to its durable construction and timeless style. However, Louis Vuitton bags generally have a stronger performance on the resale market due to the brand's controlled pricing and exceptional global demand.

What are the most iconic bags from each brand?

The most iconic bags from Mulberry include the Bayswater, the Alexa, and the Antony. For Louis Vuitton, the Speedy, Neverfull, and Alma are among its most legendary and sought-after styles.

Does Louis Vuitton ever have sales?

No, Louis Vuitton does not hold sales. The company maintains full control over its pricing and distribution to uphold its brand value and exclusivity. Authentic new products are only available through their official boutiques or website.

Which brand is more subtle?

Mulberry is unequivocally the more subtle brand. Its designs lean into a "quiet luxury" aesthetic that focuses on form, material, and function over logos. Many of their bags feature discreet branding, making them a favorite for those who prefer an understated look.

Are Mulberry bags made in England?

While Mulberry manufactures globally, a significant portion of their bags are still crafted in their two carbon-neutral factories in Somerset, England. This commitment to British manufacturing is a core part of their brand story.

Which brand is better for everyday use?

Both brands offer excellent options for everyday use. Many find Mulberry bags to be exceptionally practical for work due to their classic silhouettes and durable leather. However, the legendary durability of a Louis Vuitton Neverfull tote in coated canvas has made it a go-to everyday staple for millions.