The Definitive Hermès Size Guide
The Master Hermes Encyclopedia
Complete Collector's Reference - JaneFindsThe definitive guide to Hermes handbags—every size, leather, hardware variant, and special edition. From authentication fundamentals to investment intelligence. Bookmark this page and reference it whenever evaluating a piece.
Birkin: The Core Line
Born from a 1984 Air France encounter between Jane Birkin and CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. What began as a sketch on an airsickness bag became the world's most coveted handbag.
Birkin 25
Birkin 30
Birkin 35
Birkin: Rare & Special Editions
Birkin Faubourg
Birkin Sellier
Shoulder Birkin
Birkin Shadow
Birkin Cargo
Birkin Touch
Kelly: The Core Line
Originally the "Sac à depêches" (1935), renamed after Grace Kelly used it to shield her pregnancy in 1956. The Kelly's trapezoid silhouette and single top handle define sophistication.
Kelly 25
Kelly 28
Kelly 32
Kelly 35
Kelly: Evening & Icons
Mini Kelly II
Kelly Pochette
Kelly Cut
Kelly Élan
Kelly Precieux Bijou
Kelly: Utility & Sport
Kelly Danse II
Kelly Ado
Kelly Lakis
Kelly Moove
Modern Icons
Beyond Birkin and Kelly, these pieces define contemporary Hermes collecting.
Constance
Lindy
The 24/24
Roulis
Daily Drivers & Entry Points
Accessible luxury—these pieces offer authentic Hermes craftsmanship at approachable price points.
Evelyne (TPM, PM, GM)
Picotin Lock
Bolide
Garden Party
Herbag Zip
Jypsiere
The Titans: Travel & HAC
Oversized icons—from weekend bags to statement travel pieces. HAC (Haut à Courroies) translates to "high belt," referring to the tall, structured proportions designed for saddle transport.
Birkin 40
HAC 40
HAC 50 & Birkin 50
Kelly 40/50 & Relax
HAC 60
The Complete Hermes Leather Guide
Hermes uses over 30 different leathers. Understanding their characteristics is essential for informed collecting.
Everyday Leathers (Grained)
Smooth & Refined Leathers
Exotic Skins
Togo/Clemence: Wipe with damp cloth. Condition 1-2x yearly with Hermes cream. Very forgiving.
Epsom: Minimal care needed. Avoid overstuffing (creases permanently).
Swift/Box/Barenia: Avoid water. Use Hermes-approved products only. Scratches add patina.
Exotics: Professional cleaning only. Store in dust bag with humidity control. Never DIY clean.
General: Avoid direct sunlight (fades color). Rotate bags to prevent shape stress. Empty when storing.
Hardware & Special Finishes Guide
Hardware choice dramatically impacts aesthetics and value. Some finishes command 20-50% premiums.
Standard Hardware
Special Edition Hardware
Best Liquidity: Gold and Palladium (standard). Universally desired.
Premium Finishes: Rose Gold (+10-15%), Guilloche (+15-20%), So Black (+50-100%).
Discontinued = Value: Ruthenium, Craie appreciate as supply dwindles.
Matching Matters: Hardware should complement leather tone. Cool leathers (Black, Blue) pair with PHW. Warm leathers (Gold, Etoupe) pair with GHW.
Investment Intelligence
Hermes bags are proven alternative assets. Understanding value drivers is critical for collectors.
1. Size Matters: B25 and K25 command highest premiums over retail (often 2-3x). B30 most liquid.
2. Black & Gold Reign: Black Togo/Epsom and Gold Togo hold value best. Never go out of style.
3. Classic Hardware Wins: GHW and PHW most liquid. Special hardware (Rose Gold, Guilloche) premium but smaller market.
4. Condition Is King: "Pristine" vs "Excellent" can be 20-30% price difference. Store properly.
5. Exotics Appreciate: Matte Alligator and Niloticus outperform. Himalaya B25/K25 apex investment (often $200K+).
6. Stamp Year Matters: Certain years more desirable (2010-2015 golden era for quality). Vintage pre-2000 Box Calf prized.
7. Limited Editions Premium: Faubourg, Shadow, Cargo command multiples of retail. Rarity = value.
8. Provenance Adds Value: Boutique receipt, box, dust bag increase value 10-15%.
9. Sellier > Retourne: Sellier construction commands 20-30% premium in same leather/size.
10. Authentication Critical: Only buy from reputable sources (JaneFinds, established resellers). Counterfeits erode value instantly.
Best Investment by Category
Maximum Appreciation
Himalaya Niloticus B25/K25: Apex. $200-300K. 10-15% annual appreciation.
Faubourg B20: $165-295K. Extremely limited supply.
So Black Box Kelly 35: $60-70K. Discontinued style gaining value.
Stable Blue-Chip
Black Togo B30 GHW: $24-28K. Liquid. Always in demand.
Gold Togo B30 GHW: $25-29K. Classic. Never depreciates.
Black Epsom K25 Sellier: $26-32K. Structured elegance.
Emerging Value
Vintage Box Calf (pre-2000): Patina premium. $18-25K for B35/K32.
Cargo Birkin 25: $55-65K. Modern classic. Gen Z demand rising.
Matte Alligator Touch B25: $45-55K. Exotic entry with appreciation.
Authentication Fundamentals
The counterfeit market is sophisticated. Learn to spot key authenticity markers.
❌ Dust bag with printed (not stitched) "Hermes"
❌ Hardware that feels lightweight or has uneven plating
❌ Stitching that is uneven, loose, or uses synthetic thread (Hermes uses linen thread exclusively)
❌ Date stamp that is crooked, too deep, or in wrong position
❌ "Hermes Paris" stamp font that looks thin, uneven, or poorly embossed
❌ Seller cannot provide photos of all key authentication points
❌ Price significantly below market (if it seems too good to be true, it is)
Key Authentication Points
Stitching
Hermes Standard: Saddle stitching—two needles, one thread. Each stitch hand-pulled.
Perfection: Stitches perfectly even, angled ~45°, 3-4mm apart.
Thread: Waxed linen only. Match or contrast to leather.
Fake Tell: Machine stitching (too perfect), synthetic thread (shiny), uneven spacing.
Hardware
Weight: Solid, substantial. Counterfeits use lightweight alloys.
Engraving: "Hermes Paris" crisp, evenly spaced, proper font.
Plating: Even, smooth. No flaking or discoloration.
Lock & Keys: Keys numbered, match lock number. Lock functions smoothly.
Date Stamp
Location: Hidden inside, varies by year and model.
Format: Letter + shape (pre-2015) or letter only (2015+).
Depth: Clean, even impression—not too deep or shallow.
Research: Verify stamp corresponds to claimed year (fonts changed over decades).
Leather & Craftsmanship
Smell: Natural leather smell. Fakes often smell chemical/plastic.
Grain: Natural, consistent. Machine-embossed looks too uniform.
Interior: Raw edges finished perfectly. No glue visible.
Symmetry: Handles perfectly matched, hardware aligned, panels symmetrical.
The JaneFinds Difference
Every piece in our collection is authenticated by our in-house experts with decades of combined experience. We hold the record for the highest Hermes resale transaction ($2.2M+) and have served discerning collectors worldwide since our founding.
Explore Our Collection© 2026 JaneFinds. The Master Hermes Encyclopedia.
Bookmark this page for reference. Updated quarterly with latest market intelligence.


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