There’s one universal truth each woman will agree with: when it comes to purchasing a new purse, we simply get lost in the amount of models offered. Making the right choice is especially important if you are planning to invest in a luxury bag, like LV. I can’t imagine anything more horrible than buying a purse for several hundreds of dollars and getting disappointed. So, we have come up with the idea to make the life of every fashionista in doubt easier by creating this thorough comparison. It will help you decide which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy.

The scope of this article are two iconic models: Louis Vuitton Alma and Louis Vuitton Speedy. I’m going to compare them side by side, so you can make up your mind. 

Let’s get started!

Why Are Alma and Speedy Louis Vuitton Timeless Classics?

The Louis Vuitton fashion house likes to experiment with materials, colors and prints, but the classical silhouettes don't change. Both Speedy and Alma are not young girls in the world of fashion, but elegant ladies that are in their nineties. These are two of the first handbags designed by Louis Vuitton. No wonder, they are still in high demand with prices growing up each year. As any iconic purse, each model has almost a hundred-year history and dozens of rumors about its origin.

Louis Vuitton Speedy History

This is the very first handbag that was manufactured by the fashion house. It was created in 1930, as a smaller size of the legendary Keepall travel bag. The mini version was designed for carrying essential items in your hands without opening a suitcase. Originally a travel accessory, it has gradually turned into a handbag, which is perfect for daily use. The name Speedy was given to the model because of the fast-paced lifestyle the bag was able to provide. Originally 30 cm in size, it was a great accessory for active women.

It acquired the legendary status and become a sought-after item only in 1965. It was the year when actress Audrey Hepburn made a request to create a smaller size of Speedy to be able to carry it every day. The fashion house created Speedy 25, and in the hands of the British actress the purse gained international success and recognition.

Nowadays, Speedy is featured in every Louis Vuitton runway show. Each year it’s released in different sizes, colors and materials. That’s why even those who want to stand out from the crowd can to find their unique Speedy in boutiques or pre-owned. It’s not surprising that this model is swept off shelves almost immediately.

Louis Vuitton Alma History 

The rumors keep going that the bag was initially designed for mademoiselle Coco Chanel in the middle of 1920. Later on, she gave permission to manufacture the purse for the public as well.

Since its release in 1934, this accessory has changed several names. Initially it was called “Squire”, then the name “Champs-Elysées” was given to it, after the world-famous central street in Paris. However, we all know it as Alma, which is another place in the capital of France. It’s the name of the square where Avenue Montaigne and the Seine river meet.

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Distinctive Features

Although the bags can be called sisters, it’s only because of their equally high popularity and long history. The models differ from each other, and it’s important to know their distinctive features if you want to make the right decision while choosing which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy.

Let’s look at them closer!

Louis Vuitton Speedy is an elegant accessory that was created to meet the taste for sport, traveling and busy life. The exterior of the bag reminds of a travel bag, which makes it roomy and a bit sloppy. A zipper on the top of the purse opens to one spacious compartment. Each bag comes with a padlock (to remind about the origin of this accessory). Rounded top handles allow you to carry it in hands or on the elbow.

Despite its sporty look, Speedy is an ideal choice for any occasion: take it when going on a date, meeting up with friends, visiting exhibitions or even to the theater! Moreover, since 2011 some models (called Speedy Bandouliere) come with an adjustable shoulder strap, which allows you to free your hands.

Louis Vuitton Alma is traditionally considered to be a more feminine accessory. It becomes clear when you look at its elegant shape. Unlike soft and sloppy Speedy, LV Alma is rigid and structured. If we look at the exterior of the bag from its front, the shape reminds of a dome with rounded edges. However, when taking a look from the side, we can notice that it's a triangle. Wide at the bottom and very narrow at the top, this model is one of the most counterfeit shapes in the world.

Two top handles and a shoulder strap offer several options to carry this precious item. Each purse features four small postures on the bottom, a clochette and a padlock. A long zipper runs along both sides and the top.

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Materials Available

Over the years, both models were manufactured in all possible kinds of leather, canvas and design. There are some limited editions that were very popular at the time and are very hard to find now.

Louis Vuitton Speedy is available in the following materials:

•             Monogram coated canvas;
             
•             Damier and Damier Azur canvases;
             
•             Epi leather;
             
•             Empreinte leather:
             
•             Mini Lin canvas;
             
•             Denim;
             
•             Exotic leathers (ostrich, python);
             
•             Limited edition canvases (Multicolored, Camouflage, Stephen Sprouse Graffiti, etc), which are now available only pre-owned. Here is the Full List of Louis Vuitton Speedy Limited Editions (Reference Guide).

Louis Vuitton Alma can be also found in a vast array of materials:

•             Monogram canvas;
             
•             Damier Ebene and Damier Azur canvases;
             
•             Epi leather;
             
•             Vernis leather;
             
•             Epi electric leather;
             
•             Exotic leathers (ostrich, python);
             
•             Taurillon leather;
             
•             Multicolored canvas.

Be aware that most styles won’t be available in boutiques or on the official Louis Vuitton website  at first request. However, you can save several hundreds of dollars when shopping pre-owned. If you already made up your mind which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy, be sure to check our stock.

We, at Bagaholic, have several items for sale, like this cute Monogram Alma BB in red Vernis leather or exotic Black Python Alma BB. If you like Speedy silhouette more, we have 2 of the iconic styles in our shop: beautiful Monogram Multicolore Speedy 30 or Audrey Hepburn’s choice - Speedy 25 in blue Epi leather. Which one has won your heart?

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Which LV Bag Is More Comfortable To Wear?

When we purchase a bag, one of the key factors why you love (or hate) your new item is the way the accessory can be carried. After all, we rarely buy purses just to keep them in the closet.

Here’s a short list of things you need to know before choosing your favorite in the Louis Vuitton family:

1. Both models have two solid rounded handles, which allow you to carry them in hands or on the elbow. 
2. The Speedy handles are bigger than those of Alma. Very small Alma models might not be comfortably to carry on the wrist or the elbow;
3. Both purses come with a shoulder strap to wear as a cross-body. Due to its boxy shape and sloppy structure, Speedy is more comfortable to carry on the shoulder.

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Sizes and Prices

If you have already made your decision, now it’s time to think about size. Yes, that’s right. Every luxury bag comes in several sizes, and two classics of Louis Vuitton are not an exception. For your convenience, the information about prices and sizes is displayed in tables below.

Let’s start with the elder sister: the iconic Speedy in Monogram canvas.

Be sure to check How Much Did a Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag Cost 30 Years Ago? if you are interested in how Louis Vuitton bags rise in price over time. 

Now, sizes and current prices of the Alma bag. Pay attention that several models are not manufactured in certain leathers. Information is taken from the official LV website.

In terms of price and size, LV Speedy is better: the prices are lower than LV Alma. However, you might purchase these lovely models even cheaper when shopping pre-owned. We, at Bagaholic, have both silhouettes in different materials and sizes.

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Which Louis Vuitton Bag Fits More?

Another essential thing each fashionista considers before purchasing a bag is how much stuff they can fit inside. When it comes to choosing which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy, it’s obvious that Louis Vuitton Speedy is more spacious than Alma, and, as a result, can fit more.

Alma BB, for example, is great when you need only essentials: keys, ID, phone, pochette with cosmetics, chewing gum and a small wallet. Here is our video review on what Alma BB fits. 

The smallest LV Speedy 25 can fit way more items: on top of everything that you can put inside an Alma BB,  it’s possible to add a pocket agenda, or a mini umbrella, or a small bottle of water and a couple of snack bars.

If you’re looking for a roomy bag, Speedy is a great choice. If you prefer elegance and are ready to sacrifice space, Alma is an ideal option.

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Which Louis Vuitton Bag Lasts Longer?

Durability and high quality of Louis Vuitton bags has been known for years. It’s quite normal to pass a bag to another generation or sell an old item still in pristine condition if you fall out of love with it. It’s hard to predict the exact lifetime of each purse as it depends on several aspects:

•             material;
             
•             color (light bags require more attention);
             
•             wear;
             
•             storage;
             
•             care.

For example, canvas is more durable than leather and requires lower maintenance. However, Vernis leather looks more unique than Monogram print. When making a tough decision which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy, think about why you are buying it, how you would like to use it. Is it your accessory for an evening outfit? Alma is a perfect for this. Do you want to travel or run errands with chic? Speedy is your option then.

In order to understand which of these purses lasts longer, let’s compare typical wear and tear. It will give you a better idea of how each model holds up.

Let’s start with Louis Vuitton Alma:

1. The handles have a tendency to peel off with time, especially if you carry the bag in the hands or on the elbow. However, there’s a solution: use a shoulder strap more often to keep handles in pristine condition;
2. Leather wrinkles and cracks. It’s impossible to avoid it if you actually use the bag. It’s just natural for leather to develop wrinkles as time goes by;
3. Corner rubs. That’s one of the most common wear and tear of any purse.
4. Hardware tarnishing. The most vulnerable parts of Louis Vuitton Alma are the padlock, the feet on the bottom and the teeth of the zipper.

Now, let’s look at the normal wear and tear of Louis Vuitton Speedy:

1. Discoloration and peeling off of the handles;
2. Speedy is not as rigid as Alma, so sagging of the bottom might appear. The more heavy stuff you carry, the faster this will happen;
3. The shoulder strap tends to soften and get wrinkles;
4. Scratches on the hardware: zipper and padlock;
5. The trim might wear down (especially at the bottom).

If you want to keep your Louis Vuitton bag in perfect condition for as long as possible, be sure to take care of your precious item. Check our guides on How Do You Safely Clean a Louis Vuitton Bag At Home? and How to Store Your Designer Bags? to learn cleaning methods and storage tips!

LV Alma vs LV Speedy: Which Louis Vuitton Bag Is a Better Investment?

Still having second thoughts wether you need a new LV bag? That’s quite an understandable feeling (especially after the part with prices). However, luxury purses have always been great investment options. While men are playing with Bitcoin rate and risk their money, ladies choose classics and safe investment. Louis Vuitton accessories are the best choice for it!

Both Speedy and Alma deserve to take the gold medal for the best investment. Here are some reasons for that:

1.             Both models are classics of the fashion house;
              
2.             They both increase in prices annually (check the current bag prices after Louis Vuitton Increased Prices Worldwide in January 2021);
              
3.             They both are sought-after and quite hard to find in a boutique or online;
              
4.             They can be sold for a reasonable price.

When it comes to investing in a high-end bag, the primary factor you should consider is the condition. An old item that looks like new will find its buyer immediately, while a poorly maintained purse will be just laying on the shelf with no one willing to take it home.

Each model has its pros and cons. Alma, for example, can be easily scratched, because it doesn’t lie flat on the body. LV Speedy can sag, because the bottom is not rigid. Alma can lose its structure, too, especially if you tend to overstuff it. On the other hand, Speedy was designed for an active lifestyle and carrying lots of things. However, when putting a large item inside, you risk damaging the zipper.

Alma is a cute bag, great for a date, while Speedy is a universal model for daily use. There’s an army of Alma fans, yet Team Speedy is recruiting new members as well. It’s all about weighing possible advantages and flaws before making the final decision.

I recommend you follow your heart when deciding which bag deserves to be in your collection. Look through the pictures of both models, consider matching each of them with your outfits, flip a coin if nothing helps, and don’t wait until another price increase! Life is too short to ponder on which Louis Vuitton classic bag to buy. It’s time to allow yourself to live your dream!

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