I drastically underestimated the degree to which the Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM handbag would change my life (insert my husband rolling his eyes here). I’m writing this post because this handbag entered my radar about a year ago, and I delayed buying it because I couldn’t decide which print to go with, and I (wrongfully) thought I didn’t need another Louis Vuitton handbag. I don’t want you to make the same mistake. There is a reason why the Louis Vuitton Neverfull is currently their best-selling handbag.

5 Reasons Why The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM Works For Me

The Neverfull comes in three sizes, with GM being the largest. The drawback? The Louis Vuitton Neverfull GM model is $980 at the time of this writing, but that is much less than the price of most Louis Vuitton handbags.

1. It can hold up to 200 lbs. Now, I can’t carry 200 lbs, but at least I know I can load up the bag without worry. I spoke with an executive from Louis Vuitton at their San Diego store opening a few months ago, and he explained that they put the bag through serious stress testing to come up with this number.

Louis Vuitton Neverfull

2. It holds my clunky laptop, DSLR camera, iPad, and other random items with room to spare without showing signs of stress. It still looks classy from the exterior despite the heap of awkwardness lurking inside.

3. Despite the open top, things don’t spill out of it as I had imagined. Of course, if you up-end it your belongings will fly everywhere.

4. It fits underneath an airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. Close the gold buckle, tighten the sides, and shove it in the bottom first to prevent stuff from falling out.

5. I’m already sold on the durability of Louis Vuitton canvas. The oldest and most-loved member of my LV collection is a 12-year-old backpack. It’s carried a ridiculous amount of junk, been shoved and dropped in random places, and has lived on three continents with me. It still looks great.

The bottom line is that I can carry all of my stuff, feel less awkward about it, and still look good doing it.

Why I Chose Damier Ebene

Maybe it’s me, but I see luxury handbags trending toward minimal logos. Even though it’s heavier, I would have preferred this bag to come in the understated Epi leather. It doesn’t. Your choices are Monogram Idylle Canvas, Monogram Canvas and Damier Azure or Ebene. Temporarily, the gorgeous She’s So… collection features the Neverfull in Monogram with blue or pink handles. It’s so cute, but priced almost 50% higher. Anyway, I thought Damier Ebene was as understated as I could get, plus its the only one with a contrasting red interior.

Interestingly enough, I asked a few sales associates if I should choose the Daimier Azure (white), and they all basically said no. It’s lovely, but it would be hard to keep clean if I was going to be shoving it in overhead compartments on airplanes.

After I purchased this bag, someone alerted me to problems other Louis Vuitton enthusiasts have with the leather splitting on the handles of Damier Ebene Neverfull bags. I haven’t experienced this, but I am pretty sure I could take the bag back in the event of a disaster.

About Louis Vuitton’s Damier Print

Louis Vuitton says it best:

The design of Louis Vuitton’s Damier was the result of the creative spark that shined between Louis Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton, who invented the canvas a year earlier in 1888.

Almost a century later, in 1998, the pattern was reintroduced as the Damier Ebène, and it has been one of the biggest successes of Louis Vuitton. A wide range of Damier canvases have been introduced since then: Damier Azur, Damier Graphite (for the 120th anniversary of the canvas), the embossed leather of Damier Infini or, more recently, the Damier Adventure and Damier Challenge.

One can be sure that with such a strong and recognizable pattern, the Maison Louis Vuitton will create new colorful interpretations in the future. But until then immerse yourself in the original Damier Canvas colors with this short stop-motion film introducing the latest Damier products.

More on the Damier history and collections here

Don’t forget that Louis Vuitton offers complimentary hot-stamping to your authentic new and pre-owned items. And, I know some of you have a Louis Vuitton Neverfull. Do you love it?

Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide, like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai, that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).

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27 Comments

  1. I love damier ebene too, mainly for the reasons you mentioned. I’m not a huge fan of flashy designer monograms and damier is recognizable to most people who know fashion but it’s not a walking billboard for the label! The only problem I have with my Speedy B is that it is a bit too dark for summer wear. I never have been a big fan of the Neverfull design (maybe too many girls at my e had them for me to want one) but I never knew it held 200 LBS!! WOW!

    1. Yes, a LOT of people have the Neverfull. In fact, I was just at a hotel for the weekend and saw 5 other people carrying my exact bag, in addition to many Neverfulls in monogram and Damier Azure!

  2. Great info! I never knew the Neverfull could handle 200lbs! Quality craftsmanship at its best! I love the damier print, much more subtle than the flashy LV- and subtle is very much me…..I purchased a new style about 6 months ago called the Portobello…hate it! $1700 down the toilet! Falls off my shoulder all the time. I should have gotten this one instead! : (

  3. Great post. It’s only been a few months, but I was wondering how your bag is holding up. I really want the Damier Ebene print, but I’m worried about the cracking trim and handles from wear and tear.

    1. So far, not a crack in sight. I have really loaded it up too. We just traveled all around Asia for three weeks and it had my laptop, DSLR camera, iPad and all sorts of other heavy stuff in it. I’m really happy with it!

  4. Hi there. I’m torn between monogram and damier in my first gm neverfull.
    Are you still thinking the Damier is better in this larger bag? Thanks for any tips.

    1. Well, I’ve been pleased with the Damier. I have carried a ton of stuff in the bag and there haven’t been any structural issues to date. I still love it. But I love the monogram, too! The lady at the store talked me out of the Damier Azure though because of keeping it clean.

  5. Can you provide an update on how your bag is holding up? Do you still love it? How are the straps? Any cracking and is the leather stiff or is it becoming more pliable? Is the canvas getting softer?

  6. I really love the neverfull gm and I am saving up my money to buy one. I can’t wait till I get my hands on. I just wanted to ask how is it holding up? Is it till in a good condition? Also after watching many reviews on Youtube and website review everybody says if you are under 5ft 3 then go for MM. I am only 5ft but I prefer the GM, and I am set on having the GM. What do you think? Should I go with MM for my size or should I stick with getting the GM.

  7. I’m glad you love your handbag. I got mine a few years ago and now I’m deciding to sell my monogram neverfull GM. If anyone is interested please contact me. I’m located in South SD. I take excellent care of my handbags. I have 4 LV handbags.

      1. I am not selling my bag, but some people have been using this photo to sell bags. Please let me know if you’ve seen it elsewhere on the internet. Thanks!

      1. Where do you get the impression that I’m selling my bag? Did you see this photo online elsewhere? I am not selling this bag.

  8. I really love the neverfull gm and I am saving up my money to buy one. I can’t wait till I get my hands on. I just wanted to ask how is it holding up? Is it till in a good condition? Also after watching many reviews on Youtube and website review everybody says if you are under 5ft 3 then go for MM. I am only 5ft but I prefer the GM, and I am set on having the GM. What do you think? Should I go with MM for my size or should I stick with getting the GM. Or will the GM be massive on my small frame

    1. Hello! I read your question with great interest as I am 5’3 also and have been told to get the Neverfull MM size as GM is too large for me. I have gone to LV and looked at both and the salesperson made a valid point. How will you use the bag? Is it for travel or daily use? If it is for travel mostly, then get the GM. It is a good size tote also. After much angst, (I love the GM) I decided to go with the MM which I feel i will get more use out of. I have large totes and they sit in closet because they’re too large for daily use. Go to the store and get a feel for the bag and that should help with your decision! Enjoy your bag!

  9. Hello, I want to ask you where do you suggest I can purchase this bag from. I saw it on Chanel’s website for almost 1350. Could I find a better deal elsewhere or should I get it from there since I would imagine it’s safer. I don’t want to come across a website that sells fake LV. I hope this makes sense. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!! ?

    1. I would only purchase Louis Vuitton handbags through a Louis Vuitton store or their website. There are too many really excellent quality fakes on the market to take a chance. You may not ever know it was fake! Buy direct through LV.

  10. Hi there I am having difficulties with buying a Gucci red leather with logo in front or LV neverfull damier azur bag for the summer. Any suggestions?

    1. Sounds like two great choices. It’s personal preference I would imagine however I have been told that the damier azur is a little tough (though not impossible) to keep clean if that matters to you!

  11. Love your posts & enjoyed reading your comments. I’ m a senior citizen & own 3 monogram LVs the oldest is a magazine bag from 1990’s . Starting to show its age & needs the handles replaced since the leather stretched. Instead, I bought neverful MM Damier Ebene & wallet in spring last year when my husband & I were in Paris from the flagship store in Champs Elysees. Didn’t have time to have it stamped though.Was back to Europe in the fall for a trip with a girlfriend & Paris was part of itinerary. Went back with my friend to the flagship store & I bought the small carry on wheeled luggage in Damien Ebene. This time I had it monogrammed. Love both purchases, & as I’m not a fan of logos I prefer using these two. Were going on another trip to Europe this month and will stop by Paris again for several days.
    Had not planned bringing my neverfull bag thanks to your comments Re it’s versatility & capacity I will. BTW first time I’m aware o f Goyard. I will check it out while there..

  12. LA JOLLA MOM,

    I enjoy your post! I have a few LVs but I would like buy more. I am going to Paris sometime this year just to shop for LV handbags. It’s possible I will be going alone and I very scared. What hotel would you recommend that is close a LV store maybe in walking distance since I am by myself and don’t want to have to take cab by myself. You can private email also. Thanks

  13. LoveThe Neverfull. Getting the lighter color with the ballerina pink interior for Christmas. They are in very short supply. Try Neimans.