I do have a blog post dedicated to reviewing the GM size of the Louis Vuitton Neverfull, but was a little surprised when I noticed I don’t just have a general Neverfull review anywhere here on my blog.
And like, I write about the Neverfull a lot. I actually have multiple blog posts about the best Neverfull dupes. I also have plenty of other designer handbag based blog posts. But I think it’s time we give the Neverfull in both the MM and the GM sizes their time to shine.
Let’s dive into the pros and cons of the Neverfull, the difference between (and how I use) the MM and GM sizes, along with if I think this designer tote is worth the hefty price.
Shop the Neverfull pre-loved
What is the Neverfull?
If you’ve landed on this blog post you know what the Neverfull is. But for the rest of ya – here’s a breakdown.
The Neverfull is an authentic Louis Vuitton style that dates back…actually not that far. We’re talking only a couple decades. Despite being relatively new to the designer scene, this designer tote bag has taken the world by storm. The tote itself isn’t particularly revolutionary, but it’s the classic design that makes this style so approachable and loved by the masses.
The Neverfull is a classic tote silhouette shoulder bag. Like many of the classic Louis Vuitton styles, it comes in several different types of leather as well as the coated canvas options (like Damier Ebene, Damier Azur, and the classic monogram).
Why are people so obsessed with the Neverfull?
The masses are obsessed with the Neverfull – myself included – because it’s so classically beautiful and functional. I really am a sucker for most Louis Vuitton bags, particularly in their classic prints. While yes, the Neverfull is *just* a tote, it’s a really elevated tote. You can’t help but feel a little luxurious when tossing this bag over your shoulder.
The Neverfull is also insanely functional, particularly for a designer bag. Designer handbags are more often known to be fragile and items to baby, whereas the Neverfull was built to be a closet workhorse. In both the MM and GM sizes, you can fit all the stuff you could possibly ever need for a busy day out of the house or even while traveling.
In terms of durability, Louis Vuitton Damier Ebene Neverfulls are probably the most durable designer tote on the market. Damier Ebene styles do not feature the same untreated leather straps as the classic monogram and Damier Azur styles – meaning the bag is resistant to water, scratches, and stains. Which is exactly why busy people and parents across the globe are obsessed.
Why is the Louis Vuitton Neverfull price so high?
Well…it’s Louis Vuitton. Designer bags often cost more than what makes sense when we take a look at materials and labor. For example, the classic Neverfull is made with a coated canvas material. This should be rather inexpensive (especially compared to leather), yet this tote costs over $1,000 USD. What we’re paying for here, in all honesty, is the brand. We’re also paying for the luxury make and a luxury experience.
The sizing difference between the Neverfull MM vs GM.
The Neverfull MM is 12.6″ in length, 11.4″ tall, and 6.7″ wide vs the Neverfull GM at 15.7″ in length, 13″ tall, and 7.9″ wide. This essentially means the GM size is a full 3″ longer, 2″ taller, and 1″ wider.
From a more real life, everyday standpoint – the difference between when I reach for my MM vs my GM is purely a matter of occasion. Both the MM and GM fit everyday essentials for work such as a water bottle, wallet, keys, phone, and even a laptop. The GM; however, can fit much more (a sweater, a lunch box, etc). Because the GM has extra room, I typically opt for this size when I’m traveling (it makes an amazing personal item on a plane) or if I have an extra long day ahead of me (dinner plans after work that requires a makeup touch up, extra shoes, or maybe an extra layer for the evening).
I also do admittedly love to take my GM with me if I’m out shopping since it has additional room for any of my purchases.
What I can carry in my LV Neverfull MM.
Here is a real life shot of what exactly fits inside of my MM Damier Azur Neverfull. I’m easily able to fit in my wallet, keys, phone, and little emergency case (I like to keep a small pharmacy with me at all times). I’m also able to fit my 13” laptop into my MM, although it does make the bag a bit heavier and is a bit of a tight squeeze. If I’m really okay with a heavier weight, I’ll also add a water bottle into the mix.
What I can carry inside my LV Neverfull GM.
Here is a real life shot of what fits inside my GM Neverfull in the Damier Ebene print. I am able to fit all the same essentials I had in my MM, but overall the bag now feels better balanced and more spacious rather than crammed. I was also able to add a light sweater into my bag for later, in case we get a sudden Bay Area micro-climate weather shift (as often does happen).
What to consider when selecting your Neverfull print and color.
The Neverfull is best known in the three classic prints: Damier Ebene, Damier Azur, and the classic Louis Vuitton monogram. When deciding which of these three prints to go with, there are a handful of things to consider.
Seasonality
All three of the classic Neverfull prints/colors could be considered fairly seasonless – but I do personally enjoy wearing my Damier Azur MM in the warmer months and my Damier Ebene GM in the cooler months. Damier Azur just has that Spring and Summer feel to me. Classic monogram, on the other hand, feels truly timeless.
Durability
The biggest factor I’d consider when choosing which print/color of the Neverfull to get is the durability. As mentioned previously in this post, the Damier Ebene Neverfulls feature treated leather straps unlike the untreated vachetta on the Damier Azur and monogram styles. If you live in a rainy climate or are prone to spills, you may want to steer clear of untreated leather.
Outfitability
Specific prints or colors of the LV Neverfull may outfit better with the majority of your wardrobe. If you’re planning to invest above $1,000 in a designer handbag, it’s important to make sure it “fits” in with your already existing wardrobe. The last thing you want is to spend big chunks of cash on a bag you never reach for because it just doesn’t “work” with whatever you’re wearing.
Limited edition colors & prints
Louis Vuitton likes to keep things spicy. I love when I see a Neverfull bag out in the wild that isn’t one of the classic three colors. From a safari inspired situation to more colorful options, the Neverfull can also be a statement piece instead of a simple classic.
Can’t I just buy a knock off?
Please don’t. Knock off and counterfeit designer handbags often come with a plethora of problems, including poor quality design, intellectual property theft, and even sometimes labor abuse. Because counterfeits are often illegal, this means they’re produced in illegal factories that aren’t held to any sort of safety standards. Fast fashion is bad, but counterfeits are actually evil.
If you’re wanting a Neverfull look without the hefty price tag, opt for a dupe instead. “Dupes” are similar in overall aesthetic, but aren’t direct ripoffs of a style. Dupes are made by legit brands, typically in legit factories, and with better quality materials.
Do Neverfulls hold their value?
Unlike cars which immediately begin losing value as soon as you drive them off the lot, some designer handbags can actually increase in value over time. Chanel classic flap bags or 2.55 bags, for example, have consistently gone up in price year after year.
In general, yes, Neverfulls do continue to hold their value on the resale market. This bag is consistently a sought after designer bag and will always have fairly decent resale value. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to sell your pre-loved Neverfull for the exact same price you purchased it for, but you may be able to make most of your money back should you decide to sell. Some of the rarer prints can actually be sold pre-loved for more than the retail purchase price (but that’s a bit of a tricky game I don’t recommend playing as a seller).
Should I buy the Neverfull new?
If you’re the type of person who just loves that designer in store experience and that brand new handbag smell – go for it and buy your Neverfull new. However – I really think this is a designer bag best bought pre-loved. The Neverfull is meant to be a workhorse, so inevitably you will end up with some scratches and dings to your bag. I’d personally rather buy a Neverfull pre-loved from trustworthy sites at a discount even if it has a few scratches. I’m going to scratch the bag up myself anyway – may as well get a discount!
I did buy this Neverfull brand new and ended up selling it to a close friend. Buying it new really didn’t add anything to the experience of owning the bag. I purchased my Neverfull GM from Fashionphile and my MM sized Damier Azur was a gift from my parents (also purchased pre-loved!). And yes – I actually DO like being gifted used handbags.
I’ve also personally found the pouch that comes with new Neverfulls useless. The pouch that comes with the Neverfull is too thin and awkwardly shaped to be of any real function. Many pre-loved versions do not include this pouch because sellers often sell it separately, meaning you can snag the bag at an even lower price if it comes pouch-less.
Is the Neverfull worth it?
If you’re just after function – no, the Neverfull is not worth the price. This handbag is a luxury indulgence to say the least. No one “needs” a $1K+ tote bag ever.
But do I absolutely love my Neverfulls? YES. I’ve really enjoyed adding these designer totes to my collection and wardrobe – and I know I’ll have them for decades to come. Because these bags have become such classics, I can totally see my future self passing them down to my future daughters (should I be lucky enough to start a family).
If you’re wanting to learn more about the Neverfull…
Check out my YouTube videos.
Do you own a Neverfull? Are you looking to add a Neverfull to your wardrobe? Let’s chat in the comments below!