When was the Louis Vuitton Speedy introduced?

The Speedy was introduced in 1930 as the Express, a smaller version of the Keepall travel bag, and later renamed Speedy.

What sizes does the Speedy come in?

The most familiar sizes are 25, 30, 35 and 40, named for their width in centimetres. Smaller versions, such as the Nano and 20, and larger sizes have also been made.

What is the Speedy Bandoulière?

The Bandoulière version adds D-rings and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap, so the Speedy can be worn on the shoulder or across the body as well as carried by hand.

Why does the leather on a Speedy darken?

The trim is vachetta, an untreated natural cowhide. It darkens gradually to a honey colour with light and handling, which is a normal and much-loved sign of age.

Models

The Louis Vuitton Speedy

By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026

The Speedy is one of the longest-running bags in luxury, and one of the most quietly practical. A soft, rounded body, two rolled handles and a zip across the top: it has barely changed in nearly a century, and it has never needed to. This guide traces its history, explains the canvases, sizes and versions you will meet, and suggests how to care for one.

Key facts


Introduced	1930, as the Express
Origin	A smaller version of the Keepall travel bag
Signature details	Barrel shape, rolled vachetta handles, top zip, padlock
Common canvases	Monogram, Damier Ebène, Damier Azur; also Epi and Empreinte leathers
Familiar sizes	25, 30, 35, 40; also Nano, 20 and others
Versions	Classic; Bandoulière with shoulder strap
Trim	Vachetta, untreated cowhide, which darkens with age

From the Keepall to the Speedy

In 1930 Louis Vuitton introduced a smaller, everyday version of its Keepall travel bag. It was first called the Express, in tune with the age of fast trains and motor cars, and later the Speedy. Its soft body, which could be folded flat for storage, was well suited to a more mobile life.

In the 1960s, the house made a smaller Speedy for Audrey Hepburn, and the bag became a city icon. It has remained in the collection ever since, in an ever-growing range of canvases and leathers.

Anatomy of a Speedy

Body: soft and barrel-shaped, cut from one length of canvas on the classic Monogram version, so the monogram runs upright on one side and inverted on the other.
Handles: two rolled vachetta handles attached with vachetta tabs and brass fittings.
Zip: across the top, with a leather pull tab.
Padlock: often supplied, with keys and a clochette.
Interior: lined in textile or canvas, typically with a slip pocket.

Canvases and leathers

Monogram: the original, with the LV initials and flowers designed in 1896 by Georges Vuitton.
Damier Ebène: the brown and ebony checkerboard, revived in the late 1990s.
Damier Azur: a lighter version, in cream and blue-grey.
Epi: a grained, textured leather in many colours.
Monogram Empreinte: embossed leather, on Bandoulière versions.
Seasonal and collaborative canvases appear regularly.

Sizes

Nano and 20: very small, worn on a strap.
25: compact and city-friendly.
30: the classic, balanced size.
35: roomier, for everyday or a weekend.
40: the largest familiar size.

Exact measurements for each bag appear in our listings.

The Bandoulière

The Speedy Bandoulière adds D-rings at the ends and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap. It can be carried by hand, worn on the shoulder or across the body. Many people find it the most practical version.

Wearing a Speedy

The Speedy is carried by its handles or in the crook of the arm, or on the strap for the Bandoulière. Its soft shape makes it easy to fill without looking overstuffed, and the smaller sizes sit beautifully with tailoring.

Caring for a Speedy

Canvas: coated canvas is hard-wearing. Wipe it with a soft, slightly damp cloth if needed.
Vachetta: untreated, it marks easily with water and oils. Keep it dry, and handle with clean hands when new. Patina is natural and lovely; water spots are less so.
Storage: stuff lightly with acid-free paper, store in a dust bag, away from direct light and heat, and do not crush.
Handles: avoid hanging the bag by its handles in storage.
Repairs: Louis Vuitton offers repairs for many components, including vachetta handles.

Dating a Speedy

Speedys made from the early 1980s until 2021 carry a date code; from 2021, a microchip. See our date codes and microchips guide.

Authentication

Every Speedy we offer has been examined by our specialists. Read what we check on a Speedy.

Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Louis Vuitton.

Questions we’re often asked

When was the Louis Vuitton Speedy introduced?: The Speedy was introduced in 1930 as the Express, a smaller version of the Keepall travel bag, and later renamed Speedy.
What sizes does the Speedy come in?: The most familiar sizes are 25, 30, 35 and 40, named for their width in centimetres. Smaller versions, such as the Nano and 20, and larger sizes have also been made.
What is the Speedy Bandoulière?: The Bandoulière version adds D-rings and a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap, so the Speedy can be worn on the shoulder or across the body as well as carried by hand.
Why does the leather on a Speedy darken?: The trim is vachetta, an untreated natural cowhide. It darkens gradually to a honey colour with light and handling, which is a normal and much-loved sign of age.