The Definitive Hermès Size Guide
The time a single artisan spends to create one Kelly bag.
Meticulously assembled with 680 stitches to form the iconic Kelly.
Hermès handbags are the apex of artistry, where scarcity and skill create unparalleled value. Understanding their sizing is the first step for any collector. This guide visualizes the key differences to help you find your perfect match.
Decoding the Icons: Birkin vs. Kelly
The Birkin: Market Demand by Size
The market has shifted dramatically towards smaller sizes. The Birkin 25, once a niche choice, now dominates secondary market demand, reflecting a global trend towards "quiet luxury" and compact practicality.
The Kelly: Market Demand by Size
The Kelly market also sees strong demand for smaller sizes, with the Mini Kelly 20 leading due to its extreme rarity and collector status, followed by the versatile Kelly 25 and 28.
The Kelly: Sellier vs. Retourne
The construction style of a Kelly profoundly impacts its aesthetic and capacity. Sellier is formal and rigid, while Retourne is relaxed and supple, offering slightly more flexible space.
Structured & Formal
Visible stitching, sharp edges. Holds its shape but offers less flexible capacity.
Relaxed & Casual
Hidden stitching, soft corners. More slouchy, accommodating more items.
The Mini Kelly 20 is one of the
most expensivebags on the secondary market, driven by rarity.
The Birkin: Standard, HAC, and Sellier
The Birkin comes in various constructions. The Standard is for everyday use. The HAC (Haut à Courroies) is the original, taller design for equestrian gear. The Sellier offers a more structured and crisp appearance.
Everyday Use
Wider, shorter proportions. More common for daily carry. Sizes: 25, 30, 35, 40 cm.
Travel / Equestrian
Taller, more structured. Original design. Sizes: 50, 55 cm (primarily).
Structured & Crisp
Defined, sharp edges with visible stitching. Offers a more formal and rigid appearance. Often crafted in harder leathers like Epsom or Box calfskin.
The HAC's unique proportions make it a
distinct collector's itemoften sought for its historical significance.
The Sizing Spectrum: Width Comparison
This chart provides a visual comparison of the width of various iconic Hermès bags, from the smallest to the largest, helping to contextualize their scale.
Comprehensive Size Details: By Model
Explore the exact dimensions, capacity notes, and popularity of each Hermès handbag size. Click on a bag model to expand and view its full size compendium.
The Modern Collector's Choice: Rise of the Minis
Trend Shift: Small Bags Reign Supreme
Over the past decade, a clear trend has emerged: collectors and fashion enthusiasts increasingly prefer smaller, more versatile bags over larger, traditional sizes. This shift directly impacts resale values.
Popularity Breakdown: Constance & Lindy
For models like the Constance and Lindy, a "medium" size that balances form and function often holds the most value, showcasing a nuanced market demand.
Constance Market Share
Lindy Market Share
The Anatomy of a Choice
Choosing a Hermès bag is a personal journey. Follow this decision flow to identify which models and sizes might best suit your lifestyle and needs.
Kelly 20, Birkin 25, Constance 18
Birkin 30, Kelly 28, Lindy 26, Evelyne PM
Birkin 35, Kelly 32, Garden Party 36
Birkin 40, Kelly 40, Herbag Zip Cabine
The Leather Lexicon
Leather choice is as important as size. It determines a bag's structure, durability, and perceived capacity. A rigid leather like Epsom holds its shape but offers less flexible space than a supple leather like Clemence.
The Investment Angle: Secondary Market Dynamics
Condition is King
On the secondary market, a bag's condition—especially "Pristine" or "Store-Fresh" with hardware plastic intact—commands a significant price premium over even "Excellent" condition bags.
The secondary market offers:
Immediate Accessto rare and coveted bags, bypassing boutique waiting lists and the "Hermès game" for a premium that reflects real-time, global demand.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.