Hermès Bag Styles

How to choose the right Hermès bag for you?

Choosing a distinguished brand like Hermès is just the first delightful step toward finding your perfect accessory. With a wide selection of models, sizes, colours, and leathers at your fingertips, consider whether you lean towards a bag that makes a bold statement or one that whispers quiet luxury. Are you drawn to vibrant hues that make a statement or subtle tones that effortlessly blend with any ensemble?

Pick the right model

First, select a bag style that resonates with your personal aesthetic. The Kelly bag, with its ladylike elegance and structured design, is ideal for those who appreciate classic sophistication. On the other hand, the Birkin offers a slightly more relaxed and casual style, especially when sported unclasped.

Crossbody bag enthusiasts will find the Hermès Constance, with its iconic “H” buckle, a perfect blend of practicality and luxury. Meanwhile, the Evelyne offers a more affordable introduction to Hermès without compromising on the brand’s renowned quality and style. Each bag reflects a different facet of personal aesthetics, ensuring that your choice is a perfect extension of your individuality and lifestyle.

Pick the right size

Next, determining the right bag size is crucial for accommodating your lifestyle and frame. The larger Birkin 35 or Kelly 32 caters to those who prefer to carry their daily essentials and more. On the other hand, if simplicity and minimalism are more your style, the compact Kelly 25, Mini Kelly or the versatile Evelyne TPM provides just enough room for the basics without weighing you down. Essentially, consider how the bag integrates with your daily activities, ensuring your Hermès selection is both functional and fashionable.

Pick the right colour

Finally, selecting the perfect Hermès colour is key to complementing your wardrobe and expressing your personal style. The house offers a diverse palette ranging from the vibrant Rose Extrême to the subtle elegance of Étoupe or Gris Tourterelle. Whether you’re drawn to bold statement colours or prefer neutral tones, choosing the right shade will ensure your Hermès bag is not just an accessory but a reflection of your unique aesthetic. Consider the purpose of your new bag to select a colour that will be both a versatile and cherished piece in your collection. One piece of advice: For your first –and perhaps only– Hermès bag, you can’t go wrong with one of the house’s classic neutrals (think Black, Étoupe, Étain or Gold). 

Shop the most popular Hermès colours

Pick the right leather

Leather choice is another determining factor when selecting your Hermès bag. Each Hermès leather type, from smooth to grained to exotics, has its own characteristics and maintenance needs. For instance, Box and Swift leathers are silky smooth but can scratch easily and are not water resistant. Clémence and Togo, in contrast, are more scratch-resistant, and their slight grain gives the bag a more ‘lived-in’ appearance. Your lifestyle and how you plan to use the bag should guide your leather selection. A more durable leather might be better for daily use, while a more exotic or sensitive leather could be reserved for special occasions.

Consider your budget

Your budget is a crucial consideration when choosing an Hermès bag. While the allure of a Birkin or Kelly is undeniable, these models come with a hefty price tag. Exploring other Hermès collections, such as the Garden Party or Picotin, might provide more budget-friendly options without compromising on the luxury and quality the French brand is known for. Remember, an Hermès bag is an investment; choose a model that not only fits your current budget but also promises to be a timeless piece in your collection, potentially appreciating in value over time.

Comparing Hermès bag models

Hermès Birkin vs Hermès Kelly

When comparing the Birkin and the Kelly bag, each Hermès masterpiece comes with its own captivating origin story: the former was created along with singer-and-actress Jane Birkin, while the latter derives its name from the American actress and Princess of Monaco Grace Kelly. The prestigious Birkin is characterised by its relaxed silhouette and blends sophistication and craftsmanship of the highest calibre. The Kelly, with its single handle and secure clasp, exudes elegance and a more formal aesthetic, perfect for occasions that call for a touch of classic grace. While the Birkin invites an air of effortless chic, the Kelly commands attention with its structured form. Either of the two will be a worthwhile investment for years to come. 

Hermès Constance vs Hermès Roulis

If crossbody bags are more your style, either the Constance or Roulis may serve your taste. The Constance, famed for its iconic metal H clasp, epitomises traditional luxury, while the Roulis offers a delicate mix between retro and futuristic chic. Both feature a boxy silhouette with metal closures, but the Roulis stands out with its scratch-resistant hardware, 3-way adjustable strap, and added compartments for better organisation. However, the Constance maintains a higher resale value in terms of investment, commanding a significant premium in the secondary market compared to the more accessibly priced Roulis. The choice between them boils down to a preference for classic recognition or modern functionality.

Hermès Picotin vs Hermès Evelyne 

The Picotin and Evelyne represent two sides of understated elegance. Yet, both bags offer a nod to the brand’s equestrian heritage. The Picotin boasts a minimalist bucket bag design with a discrete lock detail and streamlined top handle, perfect for those who love simplistic luxury. On the flip side, the Evelyne boasts a more casual look with its perforated H logo and sporty silhouette, making it a go-to for those who prefer a laid-back yet luxurious aesthetic. Its crossbody option, adjustable strap, and strong investment value make this a beloved favourite. Ultimately, choosing between them depends on whether one values the Picotin’s classic bucket style or the Evelyne’s functional flair.

What is the most expensive Hermès bag?

The Hermès Diamond Himalaya Birkin, sold for up to $450 K (approximately €419 K) at auction, ranks among the world’s most luxurious and sought-after handbags. This extraordinary piece, made from Nile crocodile hide and dyed to achieve a unique smoky grey and white gradient—mirroring the majestic Himalayan mountains—is a testament to unparalleled craftsmanship. However, more a jewellery piece than a handbag, the Hermès Kelly in Rose Gold deserves an honourable mention, holding the record as the most expensive handbag with a valuation of about €2 Million. Limited to just 12 pieces a year, this collaboration between Hermès and French jeweller and shoe designer Pierre Hardy, showcases 1,160 diamonds on solid rose gold, offering a lavish twist on traditional handbag aesthetics and establishing itself as an elite collectible.

What is the most popular Hermès bag?

The Hermès Birkin 30 stands as a hallmark of everyday luxury and functionality, solidifying its status as one of the most popular handbags in the world –and one of our bestsellers at SACLÀB. Its size is ideal for daily use, offering ample space for essentials without compromising on style. While the Birkin 25 may hold a slightly higher position on collectors’ wish lists due to its compactness and exclusivity, its rarity makes it a less accessible option for many. This elevates the Birkin 30 as the popular choice for those seeking both luxury and utility in their daily wear. Closely following in desirability is the Kelly 25, admired for its unique blend of sophistication and functionality.

Read more about the Hermès Birkin

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FAQ

How to authenticate a real Hermès bag?

At SACLÀB, each bag is verified by our experts following our strict authentication protocol. Please note that discerning a genuine piece, especially against a so-called “super fake”, requires experience and expertise. However, there are a couple of factors that can assist you in determining your bag’s authenticity.

Sizing

To authenticate an Hermès bag, look for flawless symmetry and the absence of any irregularities. Genuine models, such as the Kelly or Birkin, should stand upright on their own, including their handles. Additionally, the distance from the top of the bag to the top of the handles should measure precisely 12.7 cm. Birkin and Kelly bags are also named by size (e.g., a Birkin 30 measures 30 cm across the base), with standard sizes that do not deviate (Birkin: 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50; Kelly: 15, 20, 25, 28, 32, 35, 40, 50). A size mismatch indicates a potential counterfeit.

Stitching

The artisanal craftsmanship of Hermès bags means examining the stitching is key in authentication. Machine-perfect stitching suggests a counterfeit, as genuine Hermès bags are hand-stitched with two needles. On a real Hermès, you’ll notice the stitches on the back side lean in the opposite direction from those on the front. Yet, expect no messy stitches –any signs of loose threads or uneven lines indicate it’s not a genuine Hermès.

Material

Next is assessing the materials used. A genuine Hermès will have a subtle leather scent, distinguishing it from counterfeits that may emit a stronger smell of leather, glue, or plastic. Feeling the leather is crucial; Hermès often uses specific leathers, like the stamped-grain Epsom leather or the matte fine-pebbled Togo leather. To protect the inside, authentic Hermès bags are also usually lined with grained Chèvre leather (goatskin).

Colour

The colours of Hermès are vast, and new shades are introduced each season, along with its classic colours. The most effective strategy to verify the colour of your Hermès bag is to research online and visually compare your bag to other authenticated examples. However, remember that colour tones may vary slightly depending on the leather used.

Hardware

As for the Hermès hardware, ensure the metal’s colour is consistent across all components, like zippers and buckles. They should feel heavy, have a matte finish and operate smoothly. While secondhand bags may show scratches or tarnish from use, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a fake. Additionally, verify the screws: Hermès uses smooth-topped rivets, a detail that counterfeiters often overlook.

Details

Lastly, decoding the authenticity of an Hermès bag lies in its details. Hermès bags never include authenticity cards. Reputable resellers may offer their own authentication papers, but these are not issued by Hermès. Instead, focus on branding stamps. They should be clear, crisp, and well-proportioned, not oversized or inconsistent. When running your finger along the stamp, you should be able to feel the logo on top of the leather, not pressed into it. The stamp should read: “Hermès Paris.” “Made in France” was added post-1970, aiding in recognising vintage pieces. From the ’90s onwards, additional stamps beside the logo indicate special attributes: a horseshoe for an Hermès special order—sometimes also indicated with “HSS” next to the name—a shooting star for an artisan’s personal use, and symbols for materials like two dots for Crocodile Niloticus. Lastly, Hermès date stamps, found behind the front strap or on the right-hand-side inside wall of the bag, reveal the bag’s age with a letter code, with “Z” for 2021, “U” for 2022, “B” for 2023, “W” for 2024, and so on.

See more tips on authenticating your Hermès bag