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HERMÉS Birkin Bag Buying Guide

Birkin Bags Birkin Bags Buying Guide

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

If you are ready to buy your first HERMÉS Birkin bag we have prepared a guide to help you familiarize with all important aspects of the bag and its market.

 

We will guide you through all relevant information so you understand Birkin Bags and eventually can make an informed decision when buying. Learn things like the Birkin names and terms, sizes, materials, colors and where to buy your Birkin bag.

 

 

List of things you need to know before buying your Birkin bag

Click on an item to go to that section

 

More HERMÉS sections

 

HISTORY OF THE BIRKIN BAG

 

The Birkin Bag is perhaps the most coveted product in HERMES' history, but its success came about 167 years after HERMES was founded and 19 years after it was introduced to the market (in 1984). Hermes has been in business since 1835 and the Birkin bag became a fashion and status icon in 2002. ( Click here for the full history of Hermes  ).

 

The Birkin Bag was named after an English-French singer and actress famous during the 60s to 90s named Jane Birkin.

 

Several stories circulate as to how this happened but the name of the bag originates from a chance encounter between her and the then CEO and director of Hermes, Jean-Louis Dumas (the great grandson of Hermes' founder Thierry Hermes Jr.). This happened in 1983 according to Hermes’ website, (although some places cite this as happening in 1981), Jane Birkin was supposedly a coach passenger on a flight from  Paris to London, she was promoted to first class and while she was trying to place her whicker bag inside the overhead compartment the contents of her bag flew all over the place and one of the passengers in first class helped her gather the contents to put them back in the bag, that person was Jean–Louis Dumas, after the incident they got to talk during the flight about how she could never find a bag that fit her needs and that is why she was forced to carry with her that whicker bag. She explained how she thought there should be a bag with compartments, very large in size and capacity and the design should be elegant but at the same time versatile so it could be used during the day as well as for the evening.

With her ideas it is said Jean-Louis Dumas took notes and even drew a sketch of what he thought would be a bag like she envisioned. The sketch was supposedly done in a barf bag from the airplane.

 

With the idea in mind Dumas went back to the workshop in Paris and worked on some versions, eventually he came up with what met all the criteria and gave a sample to Jane Birkin, it was a 40cm version of the bag, Jane Birkin’s ideal bag.

 

The bag was introduced to the market in 1984 but it was not an instant success.

 

Hermes was already well known for over a century for their high quality leather products. It was known among the elites worldwide as a top fashion accessories name and the "Kelly" bag, which had been by then on the market for almost 50 years, was already one of the most expensive handbags in the world. But sales of the Birkin and Hermes products where not so significant.

A popular TV show (Sex and The City) lifted the bag and Hermes to iconic fashion status worldwide.

By the 90s the bag was selling more but not at significant numbers, the claim to fame for the bag came in 2002 when it was featured in the TV show Sex and The City by the character Samantha Jones (played by Kim Cattral) saying the now famous phrase “It’s not a Bag, it’s a BIRKIN!”. In the conversation in that episode the character explains the high price of the bag ($4,000 at the time) and a five year waiting list, the other character in the dialog asks puzzled (referring to the price and waiting list) for a bag?, and the answer is it's not a bag, it's a Birkin, implying the bag is not a simple handbag but it is something far more special with almost a legendry status. That TV show turned that bag into the “it” bag for the rich fashionistas and for the past over 20 years ultra rich women have the Birkin Bag in their list of must have items, constantly filling the waiting list of Hermes boutiques worldwide.

 

The fact that there is regularly a waiting list of 5 to 6 years to get one and that the list includes some of the most famous and richest people in the world also helps make the bag the icon it is.

 

The huge popularity of the bag among the elites all over the world has made it far more expensive today and some limited editions fetch stratospherically high amounts of money. Some bags have now become fantastic investment instruments aside from being a favorite fashion accessory.

Although the bag is very hard to get directly from Hermes fortunately there is a very big market of pre-owned and even unworn bags. You can browse our Birkin gallery for a huge selection of Birkin bags from the best sources worldwide. We offer one of the most complete selections available online.

WHAT IS IN A BIRKIN BAG NAME?

Birkin Bag names can be confusing but once you understand a few key aspects of the name it will be very easy for you to understand the characteristics of any bag offered.

The number next to "Birkin" refers to the size of the bag...

Assuming the bag is a regular edition (no special editions, we will explain those later), the name will be Birkin and then the size, a Birkin 25 for example refers to a Birkin size 25 cm wide, a Birkin 35 refers to a Birkin 35cm wide. The bag comes in several very specific sizes which we cover in detail in our section.

"Retourne" or "Sellier"...

The second portion of the name will typically be the type of stitching, the stitching can be “Retourne” or “Sellier”.  Retourne refers to the stitching hidden and the edges rounded. Sellier refers to stitching visible outside and the edges will be squared.

Then comes the color, named in French...

Here is where it can get confusing because colors are in French and HERMES likes to use figurative or sometimes descriptive names for their colors, making it even more complicated. They will use for instance what in French translates per say to Yellow (in French “Jaune”) but instead of simply using a tone they use a descriptive name like “Poussin” (which means “Chick”) or Ambre” (which means “Amber”). To understand colors better you can read our .

Then the material...

Then comes the material, the type of leather (we have a section here explaining the materials in detail). As a note, Hermes uses prior to the leather type the source of the leather, for instance “Veau” is Calf  (or a young cow or bull), and “Vache” for an adult cow, “Buffle” for Buffalo. To understand materials better you can read our .

And finally the hardware, the most common is Palladium (actually Palladium Plated). To understand hardware options better you can read our

So putting it all together:

A Birkin Sellier 25 Jaune Poussin Epsom Palladium means:

Birkin with Sellier (visible) stitching, 25cm size in Chick Yellow, Epsom Leather and Palladium Hardware.

As you read the rest of this page you will become more familiar with all the terms.

Another couple of confusing terms you will see often:  “Horseshoe” (also Called PSO or HSS) and the term “Verso”.

Horseshoe/HSS/PSO refers to a bag that was special order to the customer specifications and it is called Horseshoe because Hermes identifies it by stamping a Horseshoe next to “HERMES” in the front stamp next to the clasp’s hardware.

“VERSO” Refers to special editions where the interior color is different to the exterior color.

So let’s apply it again to a name:

A Birkin 35 Horseshoe Craie & Menthe Swift with Gold will be:

A Birkin size 35cm Special order (Horseshoe) in chalk colored exterior (Craie) and mint interior (Menthe), made in Swift Leather exterior and with Yellow Gold Hardware.

A Verso example:

A Birkin 30 Retorune Verso Caban & Rouge H Togo with Silver hardware means:

A Birkin in 30 cm size with the stitching hidden (Retourne), with an interior color different than the exterior (Verso), exterior in a a Near Black color ( called Caban), interior in “Red H” (Rouge H), in Togo Leather exterior and Palladium Plated Hardware (called silver, but it is not silver).

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

GUIDE OF HERMES’ BIRKIN BAG SIZES

We have put together a simple chart of the sizes available for Birkin bags.

 

BIRKIN SIZES

Size: 25

Dimensions: 10″ x 8″ x 5″ (25 x 20 x 13 cm)

Handle Drop: 3″ (7.62 cm)

Size: 30

Dimensions: 11.5″ x 9″ x 6″ (30 x 22 x 16 cm)

Handle Drop: 4″ (10 cm)

Size: 35

Dimensions: 14″ x 10″ x 7″ (35 x 25 x 18 cm)

Handle Drop: 4″ (10 cm)

Size: 40

Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 8″ (40 x 30 x 21 cm)

Handle Drop: 4.5″ (11 cm)

Size: 42

Dimensions: 16.5″ x 9.5″ x 7″ (42 x 24 x 18 cm)

Handle Drop: 7″ (18 cm)

Size: 45

Dimensions: 17.7″ x 12.2″ x 7″ (45 x 31 x 18 cm)

Handle Drop: 4.7″ (12 cm)

Size: 50

Dimensions: 19″ x 17″ x 10.5″ (50 x 45 x 27 cm)

Handle Drop: 5″ (12.7 cm)

 

 

Most Popular Sizes

 

The Birkin is basically a tote bag. It is a bag that is meant to be carried by hand and not on the shoulders.

In the past the Birkin was widely used as a utility bag and popular for its ability to carry lots of things in it. As a utility tote bag the the 35 cm version was the most popular but fashion tendencies have changed and bigger bags are less common and they are used more for travel than for daily use.

 

Today the most popular and most expensive versions of the bag are the 30 cm and the 25 cm. The 30 cm is seen by many women as a great bag for daily use due to its convenient size (it is nice as a fashion accessory while still being able to carry a lot of things in it). The 25 cm is seen as a great bag for night outings and lighter use because it is small and cannot carry as much.

 

35 cm, 40 cm and the wide and short 42 cm versions are more commonly used for travel.

 

There are 3 other versions that are the renewal versions of the classic “Haut a Courroies”, those come in 32 cm, 45 cm and 50 cm. Those bags are used mostly as luxury luggage or by men. They are tall bags with short handles and that makes them awkward as fashion accessories but they are a very classy and practical type of luggage or business briefcase.

 

  • HERMES Birkin HAC 40 Brown Volynka Russian Tote, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Birkin HAC 40 Brown Volynka Russian Tote, Pre-Owned

    EUR € 55,745

  • Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Matte Alligator, Like New

    Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Matte Alligator, Like New

    USD $ 95,000

  • Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Black Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 32 Sellier Black Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 23,500

  • HERMES Kelly 35 Black Alligator, Pre-Owned in Very Good Condition

    HERMES Kelly 35 Black Alligator, Pre-Owned in Very Good Condition

    USD $ 90,294

  • HERMES Kelly 28 Sellier, Ecru & Havane Toile & Swift, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Kelly 28 Sellier, Ecru & Havane Toile & Swift, Pre-Owned

    USD $ 21,635

  • Hermes Birkin 25 Nata Ostrich, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 25 Nata Ostrich, New Open Box

    USD $ 39,995

  • Hermes Cargo Birkin 25 Blue Swift and Toile, New Open Box

    Hermes Cargo Birkin 25 Blue Swift and Toile, New Open Box

    EUR € 42,455

  • Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo, Like New

    Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo, Like New

    USD $ 28,950

  • Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Crocodile, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Crocodile, Pre-owned

    USD $ 73,577

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Meyer in Epsom, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Meyer in Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 28,950

  • HERMES Birkin 30 Crocus Epsom, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 Crocus Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 14,500

  • HERMES Birkin 25 Etoupe Swift, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 25 Etoupe Swift, Pre-owned

    USD $ 24,500

  • Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier HSS (Horse Shoe) Black With Pink Handle, Belt and Strap, New Open Box

    Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier HSS (Horse Shoe) Black With Pink Handle, Belt and Strap, New Open Box

    EUR € 44,210

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Bleu Orage Clemence, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Bleu Orage Clemence, Pre-owned

    USD $ 16,995

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Cargo Gold Swift and Marron d Inde Toile H, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 35 Cargo Gold Swift and Marron d Inde Toile H, New Open Box

    EUR € 45,695

  • HERMES Kelly Wallet, Orange, Chevre Mysore, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly Wallet, Orange, Chevre Mysore, Pre-owned

    USD $ 2,675


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

 

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

GUIDE OF HERMES’ LEATHERS AND MATERIALS

 

 

We have put together a simple guide of the materials commonly used by Hermes for their bags.

 

Hermes Leathers A to D

Hermes Leathers A to D

Hermes Leathers E to S

Hermes Leathers  E to S

Hermes Leathers S to Z

Hermes Leathers S to Z

Hermes Exotic Skins

Hermes Exotic Skins

Hermes Non-Leathers/Synthetics

Hermes Non-Leathers/ Synthetic materials

 

 

HERMES LEATHERS

 

 

Ardennes: ( Known as “Vachette Grainee des Ardennes”) Ardennes was a very durable leather that is able to resist scratches better than other leathers from Hermes, it was discontinued but it is similar to the currently used one called “Vache Liegee”. It is textured but the grain is not as deep as other popular leathers like Togo. It is almost glossy but with a degree of sheen. Some people say bags made out of Ardennes leather can be worn regularly because of its durability.

 

Barenia: (Called Traditional Barenia or “Heritage” barenia) High quality Calf leather tanned with a very intricate process, Hermes originally used it for saddles. Barenia is the leather commonly used in natural/tan/gold colored pieces (typically with white stitching). It is very soft, it barely has any texture to it (very smooth), it is matte, it scratches very easily and it is so soft that products made out of it can lose its shape/structure after a while. One of the most delicate leathers from Hermes as far as how easily it can get damaged. It is famous for its particular smell/fragrance. It is one of the most expensive regular leathers (non exotic) Hermes uses.

 

Barenia Fauborg: High quality Calf leather with a similar tanning to the traditional Barenia but with a slight texture that makes it more durable and a little more scratch resistant, the texture makes it a little similar to Clemence or Togo. It is very soft and has a similar feel and a similar smell to the traditional Barenia. Used for natural colored pieces as well as black pieces, typically using white stitching for constrast.

 

Box Calf: A leather named after an English shoe crafstman from the 19th century named Joseph Box. A leather commonly used in high quality men’s shoes, used by Hermes  in their first collections of bags so most of the vintage Hermes bags are made out of Box Calf. It is what is called a chrome-tanned leather (many others are vegetable tanned), the process allows for some of the features of the leather to be visible even after tanning plus it gives it a sheen that varies depending on how the light hits it, from some angles it looks glossy and from some it looks satin or matte. It is a stiff and rigid leather compared to other leathers used by Hermes. Earlier versions of it were more susceptible to damage by water, heat and scratching, more modern versions are more resistant to damage, still the leather is prone to damage when exposed to water. It was discontinued a while ago.

 

Buffalo: ( Called “Buffle” as well) A thick, grainy leather known for its durability, it is said it is even flame resistant. Soft and supple yet quite resistant to tears and scratches, it is one of the most durable leathers Hermes has used for bags. This leather is created from individual animals so each piece is almost a one of a kind (in case of needing a match it would be hard to match it), in time the leather color changes giving it a very particular character. This leather requires yearly conditioning.

 

Buffalo Dalmatian: (Also Known as “Buffalo Skipper” or “Buffle Dalmatian” or “Buffle Skipper”) A leather made from water Buffalos, it has a grainy texture and it has spots due to a process that includes 2 different dyes. It was offered in black and white and brown reddish tones.  It is a very durable leather that is very good at resisting water and scratches.  It is no longer made.

 

Buffalo Gala: (Also known as “Buffle Gala”) Leather only used for small leather goods (not for bags), it is made from water Buffalos and it has a medium grain and is very soft.

 

Buffalo Sindhu: Made from water Buffalo, a very durable leather with small, tight graining. Very durable and resistant to water and scratches. Hermes has only used it for a few bag lines, the most common use of it is for the Garden Party line of bags, used both for entire bags or for handles in wool or toile bags.

 

Butler:  A natural colored leather often confused with Barenia, Butler leather is not as common as Barenia, it is very smooth and the graining is minimal, reminiscent to Tadelakt leather. Just as Barenia, it is very easy to scratch it and get scuff marks on it although they can be buffed out. Due to the fact that it is natural and untreated over time it develops a sort of patina that gives it character.

 

Chamonix: A variant of the Box Calf leather but with a matte finish. It is a very smooth leather, and unlike Box Calf, Chamonix is more resistant to scratches and if it scratches the marks can be buffed out. This leather is NOT water resistant and on the contrary, if it gets exposed to water it will get permanently stained.

 

Chevre de Coromandel:  Made from male mountain Goats, it is very thick but soft and light, it is very grainy but the grains are small, tight and shallow, it almost looks wrinkly. It is very good at resisting scratches and water.

 

Chevre Mysore: Made from Goat, similar to Chevre de Coromandel but more refined. It is just as grainy and wrinkly but the grains are larger in size. Just as the other Chevre it is very good at resisting scratches and water and it is very soft but light.

 

Clemence: (Officially called “Veau Taurillon Clemence”  or “Taurillon Clemence” but commonly called  Clemence). One of the most common leathers in high-end Hermes bags.  A calf leather that has been used by Hermes since the 80’s. It is grainy but without veins, it is a natural leather similar to Togo (but smoother than Togo). It is very soft but heavy, the combination of the weight and how soft it is makes it slouch.  It is very durable, due to its thickness some of the cracks it generates over time can be refurbished. Not good around water, water can damage it.

 

Country:  (Officially called “Vache Country”) Made from female adult cows, with a large and very shallow grain and it is very firm. It is very durable. Used mostly the Garden Party bag line.

 

Courchevel: (Officially named “Graine Courchevel”) Made from male calf, it has a shallow and even grain (stamped, not a natural grain), it has some gloss to it, light but very durable, it resists water, scratches and stains very well. It was discontinued in 2004 and replaced by “Epsom “ leather.

 

Derma: (Officially named “Veau Derma”) Made from Male calf hide, it is processed until achieving a very thin, smooth and soft leather, it has a very faint texture to it and a matte finish. Used in Hermes’ Caravan Bags.

 

Doblis: (Officially called “Veau Doblis” known ad Doblis Suede), Calf Suede, Hermes uses it for a very limited number of items. As other high-end suede it is velvety, soft and very luxurious but it requires to handle it with extreme care because it can get scratched, marked and scuffed very easily and water can severely damage it.

 

Epsom: (The replacement for Courchevel leather) Epsom is one of the most popular leathers used by Hermes. Used mostly in entry-level Hermes high-end bags, it has an artificial texture simulating a small and shallow grain achieved via heat-pressing. The leather is very rigid and durable, one of the leathers from Hermes requiring the least maintenance. It rigidity helps to maintain the shape of the bag with minimal slouching or sagging and it also helps to protect against scratches and scuff marks.

 

Evercalf: A very smooth leather similar to Box Calf but softer. It has almost no grain to it, it has a sheen to it making it more matte than Box Calf, it is durable and good at resisting scratches.

 

Evercolor: Introduced in 2012, made from male calf, initially just for small leather goods but it has become popular for some bag lines. It is soft and supple, it has a very faint grain artificially made via hard-pressing, it has a little sheen to it making it almost satin, this leather is used for bright and vibrant colors. It is fairly durable and resistant.

 

Evergrain: Evergrain is from the same family as Evercalf, the main difference is one is smooth and the other one has a texture. Evergrain’s texture is a shallow grain with a crackled pattern achieved via embossing-pressing. It stiff in structure but soft to the touch, due to the texture it is softer than Evercalf but more prone to scratches

 

Fjord: Leather made from adult bulls. It is one of the heaviest leathers Hermes uses, used typically for larger bags. It has a flat wide grain similar to Togo and Clemence, it is supple and soft , the thickness and heaviness of it make it very durable, scratch resistant and waterproof.  It has a matte look to it.

 

Grain d’H: (Officially named “ Veau Grain d’H”) made from male calf, it has an artificial texture pressed with a pattern of the Hermes “H” monogram. The texture makes it soft to the touch and givesit good resistance to scratches. It has a slight sheen to it.

 

Grizzly Suede: (Oficcially named “Veau Grizzly”) A male calf raw hide, a suede type commonly known as as “Nubuck”, buffed on the grain side to show some of the fibers as part of the texture. This type of suede is extremely sensitive to water and damages easily so it requires special care.

 

Gulliver: (Oficially named “Veau Gulliver”) A very soft calf leather with a very fine graining/texture. It is the same as Swift but Swift is the new name, it was discontinued in 1999 as “Gulliver”. It was brought back in 2005 under the name “Swift”. This leather is more fragile and less durable /resistant than many other leathers from Hermes.

 

Jonathan: (Officially named “veau Jonathan”) a calf leather, it has a fine grain similar to swift and it is smooth and soft, soothing to the touch, but it is stiffer than swift, similar in stiffness to box calf which makes it a very good leather for bags requiring structural rigidity. It has a light sheen to it giving it a soft glow.

 

Madame: (Oficially named “veau Madame”) A Calf leather with a synthetic texture (hard-pressed), similar to Epsom but the grain is finer. It is soft to the touch and supple. Hermes uses it mostly for small leather goods and a few Birkin and Kelly selliers.

 

Maurice:  A leather from bull calf, slightly similar to Clemence but with smaller and well defined grain. It is supple and thick, it has a little more structure than Clemence.

 

Milo:  A lambskin leather used mostly for small leather charms like the Rodeo and the Shopping bag charm.

 

Monsieur:  (Oficially named “Veau Monsieur”) A calf lether that is similar in stiffness to Box Calf but it has a smooth grain, it has a sheen (almost satin) that becomes a little more glossy with wear.

 

Negonda:  Made from male calf, it has big grains and it is stiff, which makes for great leather for items that will be used often. It is matte and it has a dry feeling to the touch, it is good at resisting water. Used mostly for the Garden Party line.

 

Peau Porc:  A pigskin leather, very lightweight and with dotted pore patterns. It was used a very long time ago and brought back recently. Some experts claim it is not good at resisting water and it stains easily while owners of bags with that leather say they do not have problems with their bags handling water and wearing them thoroughly anywhere (we would recommend before risking it applying a little water on a spot that is not visible outside and see the reaction, or side with caution and jut prevent exposing it to water).

 

Rodeo: (Oficially named “veau Rodeo”) A calf leather that is very easy to distinguish due to its texture, instead of graining it has what looks like deep wrinkles or veining, due to the deep texture it is very durable and resistant to water and scratches. Hermes uses this leather mostly for accessories that will be used often and thoroughly.

 

Shearling: The skin of a lamb but with the wool left on it.  This material is more commonly seen in heavy coats, parkas, etc.. Hermes has used it for special editions of Kelly bags (like the “Teddy Shearling Kelly” and the “Teddy Kelly Pochette”).

 

Sikkim: (Oficially named “veau Sikkim”) Leather from bull calf, it is very light, with little graining/texture  and sheen. It is very soft and slouches. It requires to wear it with care to prevent scratching it. Used for Bolide, Double Sens totes and some Kelly bags.

 

Sombrero:  (Oficially named “veau Sombrero”) Made from male Calf, very smooth with almost no grain, matte finish and it is very stiff which makes it a good choice for rigid bags. It scratches easily. Used commonly in male bags and sometimes for Constance and Kelly Sellier bags.

 

Swift: (Previuosly named  “Veau Gulliver” or “Gulliver”) A very soft calf leather with a very fine graining/texture. It is the same as Gullivere but Swift is the new name, it was discontinued in 1999 as “Gulliver”. It was brought back in 2005 under the name “Swift”. This leather is more fragile and less durable /resistant than many other leathers from Hermes.

 

Tadelakt: (Oficially named “veau Tadelakt”) Made gfrom male Calf, very similar to Box Calf, it is very smooth with almost no graining, it has a glossy appearance. It is very delicate and easy to scratch and it can develop blisters when exposed to water. It is stiff so it is used for rigid bags as well as some leather accessories.

 

Taurillon Cristobal:  Calf leather with mid size graining, supple and soft, used mostly for men’s leather accessories.

 

Taurillon Novillo:  Calf leather that is very light, it has a natural graining that is similar to Clemence and Togo but smaller, the lightness and softness to the touch is similar to Epsom, it is rigid but less so than Epsom. Used for bags with bright colors.

 

Togo:  (Officially named “Veu Togo”), Made from baby male Calf, in use since 1997, it has a naturally grained texture with veining, it is matte, Although Togo leather is very soft to the touch and supple it still has excellent rigidity, holding its shape well. It is very durable, almost scratch resistant and very good at resisting water. Due to all the characteristics of this leather it is one of the most popular leathers for Hermes’ high end bags, especially the larger ones.

 

Troika:  Made from unborn male calf, leather with unprocessed short calf hair, the short hairs are smooth and lustrous. It is a very exotic material used only in combination with other leathers and only for special editions.

 

Vache Naturelle: (Known simply as “Vache”) Untreated Cow leather common in vintage bags. Thick and stiff but smooth to the touch. Bags made with this leather retain their structure well. Naturally colored as Barenia but lighter color. It develops a darker honey colored patina over time.

 

Vache Country: Made from adult cow, similar to Negonda, it is very thick and soft, it has a very large grain but it is more structured and heavier than Negonda, mostly used in the Garden Party line.

 

Vache Hunter: Made from adult cow, mainly used for trim, not for the body of bags. Very stiff and due to the natural finish it scratches very easily.

 

Vache Liegee: Made from adult cow, unprocessed, the replacement for “Ardennes”, it is the thickest leather Hermes uses. It is very rigid but soft to the touch. Its rigidity makes bags made of it keep their shape very well with minimal slouching.

 

Vache Trekking: Made from adult male cow, it has a fine pressed grain and it is stiff. It is very rare and mostly used on the Garden Party line.

 

Veau Grain Lisse: (Known as “VGL”) It is a thin and glossy leather with an artificially pressed grain (stamped) it has good resistance to scratches and water. It is no longer made, it was discontinued in 2003.

 

Velour Suede:  (Named “Veau Velours”),  made from Calf leather, similar to Suede (or in the case of Hermes “Doblis”) but the main difference is suede is the inside of a leather hide sanded to have a rough satin colored finish and velvet suede is done from the outside part of the leather hide, sanded as well and with a rough and satin like finish. It is what is also called “Nubuck”. Very delicate and easy to stain, easy to damage with water as well. It requires special care and regular maintenance. Hermes uses it in combination with leathers or by itself for small accessories.

 

Vibrato: Made from mountain goat, it give the impression of being a synthetic fabric material but it actually is made out of plies of mountain goat leathers and suede stacked. The material is durable but it is hard to maintain. Hermes used to sell Vibrato items accompanied by an eraser to clean the material. It is no longer made and pieces made from this material are considered exotic.

 

Volynka Russian: Hermes wanted to recreate a special kind of Russian leather thought to be lost for good. They found  some of it well preserved, recovered from a shipwreck (after 200 years under water). They used those hides as a sample to try to recreate them. It took them 6 years to learn how to recreate that leather, they developed a process to emulate it. The process involves preserving the hides in salt, then they receive a bath of lime and fresh water to then be dried out, then they spend five months soaked in a secret solution. The final product is a leather  that is remarkably waterproof, it has a very peculiar tan to it and is very aromatic. The leather is used only in 3 bags from Hermes (Bolide Voyage, Haut à courroies, Plume voyage).

 

 

 

HERMES EXOTIC SKINS

 

 

Crocodile: Crocodile comes  in several varieties, by origin it can be ”Niloticus” from the Nile River in Zimbabwe or “Porosus” from Hermes’ crocodile farms in Australia. And based on the finish it can be “Lisse” (shiny) or Matte, and Himalayan, which has a special chemical treatment and a couple of dyes to give it a gradient of colors going from ivory to tones of grey or brown.

 

An older kind of Crocodile leather called “Caiman Crocodile” sourced from south America is no longer used by Hermes but it can be found in vintage bags. It was replaced by the other two kinds mostly due to the inability to source quality hides of Caiman Crocodiles.

 

Crocodile Leathers/Skins are rigid and hold shape very well but they can easily get damaged by water exposure (they get blistered) and they can scratch easily. Crocodile bags are the most expensive bags from Hermes.

 

 

Alligator (Alligator Mississippiensis):  Skin sourced from Alligators from the Mississippi river in the USA (from farms located in Texas and Louisiana). Offered in Matter or Glossy (“Lisse”). Alligator skin has bigger scales than those of Porosus Crocodiles and similar to those in Niloticus Crocodiles. The skin is thicker and tougher than Crocodile, more resistant to scratches. Alligator skin gets easily damaged (blistered) when exposed to water just as Crocodile. Alligator bags are among the most expensive from Hermes.

 

Lizard:  There is two kinds of Lizard, “Varanus Niloticus” (Natural Lizard) and “Varanus Salvator” (Natural Lizard). Varanus Niloticus is a skin from a species of Monitor from the Nile river, it has small and uniform scales. Varanus Salvator (known also as “Ombre Lizard”) is a water Monitor from South Asia, it has small circular scales and ring patterns.   Both lizard skins are very high maintenance and fregile, they dry out and they require to be conditioned often. Lizard skins are used only for small leather goods and small bags. They are very exotic and expensive.

 

Ostrich: (Named “Autruche”)  Skin from Ostriches from Australia and South Africa.  Ostrich skin is very easy to distinguish due to the raised dots (from the ostrich’s feather root marks). Ostrich skin is very durable and strong, it resists water very well it is also rigid so bags made with it do not slouch too much. It tends to change color a little bit with use and over time (it gets darker with skin contact and lighter when exposed to the sun).

 

 

 

HERMES NON-LEATHERS & SYNTHETIC MATERIALS

 

 

Amazonia:  A canvas material coated in a rubber type layer. It is very difficult to maintain and if it is not stored properly it can even peel off and has no repair.  This material is no longer made and bags using it are very fragile.

 

Canvas:  A weaved cotton cloth, very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Crinoline:  Similar to Canvas, Crinoline is a woven material made out of a combination of Hemp and Horse hair. The hairs are weaved and can get trapped in things or if too dry they will fall off so the material will require special care and to store it properly. Plus it is advisable to not wear jewelry that can entangle with it and damage it. Crinoline is no longer made by Hermes. It is used in combination with leathers (for trim and handles). An exotic material nowadays.

 

Feutre:  A wool cloth made in a wavy pattern mixing fibers of different colors (wool felt). It is thick and very soft. Wool felt is typically very durable, easy to maintain and some case seven washable.

 

Hermes Lainage: A wool cloth with a plaid pattern (similar to “Karo” wool), very light warm and durable.

 

Herringbone Linen: A Linen cloth woven with a chevron pattern with two contrasting colors. Hermes uses it for lining for some of their bags and for the dustbags included with some bags.

 

Silk: Made from mulberry moth cocoons, the hems are hand-rolled and hand-stitched. Hermes uses Silk for limited edition bags and show pieces. Their silk is of the highest grade chosen for thickness and strength.

 

Toile H: A woven cotton cloth/canvas, weaved with contrasting colors and making an “H” pattern in the threads. Very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Toile Ash Vash:  A toile canvas with Hermes themed designs weaved to it. As other canvas cloths it is very durable and easy to maintain but if stained take it to a professional to clean.

 

Toile Chevron:  A woven cotton cloth/canvas, weaved with contrasting colors and making  “V” patterns called Chevrons. Very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Toile GM:  (actual name is “Toile Gran Modele”)  A woven cotton cloth/canvas, weaved with contrasting colors and a checkered pattern. The weave is bigger and rougher than the traditional toile/canvas. Very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Toile Jean:  Basically a canvas made out of denim. Very durable, it can stain easily and needs to be cleaned by a professional.

 

Toile Officier:  A woven cotton cloth/canvas, weaved with thin single color threads. Very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Toile Riga:  A woven cotton cloth/canvas, weaved with contrasting colored threads making stripe patterns from dots. Very durable, relatively easy to maintain and resists friction well, although canvas can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Toile So H:  A woven combination of cotton canvas and wool weaved with contrasting colored threads making patterns of the Hermes “H” in intricate and stylish deigns.  Durable, but it is more delicate and requires more maintenance than regular toile/canvas. It can stain easily and stains can be hard to remove, use a professional to clean it.

 

Wicker/Straw:  Made out of weaved straw of a type of Willow called “Osier”. Hermes cuts Osier Willow shoots and goes to several processes to turn them into flexible wicker fibers.  Wicker is a very durable and resistant material and it does not require much maintenance, however, Hermes combines it with leathers that are very sensitive (like Barenia) so their limited edition bags using wicker will be delicate, easy to scratch and stain (the leather) and will require maintenance. Hermes has used wicker in the past for their “Picnic” series.

 

 

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Etain Togo, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 35 Etain Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 17,262

  • HERMES Birkin 30 Glycine Clemence, Pre-owned Like New

    HERMES Birkin 30 Glycine Clemence, Pre-owned Like New

    USD $ 25,000

  • HERMES Birkin 25 Etoupe Swift, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 25 Etoupe Swift, Pre-owned

    USD $ 24,500

  • HERMES Constance Mini 18 Bag Grey Ostrich, Like New

    HERMES Constance Mini 18 Bag Grey Ostrich, Like New

    USD $ 23,400

  • Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 Black Ardennes, Pre-owned

    Vintage Hermes Birkin 40 Black Ardennes, Pre-owned

    USD $ 14,500

  • Hermes Kelly Danse Anate Fringe Sesame in Calfskin, Like New Condition

    Hermes Kelly Danse Anate Fringe Sesame in Calfskin, Like New

    USD $ 61,000

  • Hermes Birkin Himalaya 25, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin Himalaya 25, Pre-owned

    USD $ 193,978

  • Hermes Mini Kelly II Chai (Beige) Alligator, New Open Box

    Hermes Mini Kelly II Chai (Beige) Alligator, New Open Box

    USD $ 107,732

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Texas Epsom, Pre-owned, in Excellent condition

    Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Texas Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 27,500

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Poussiere Porosus Crocodile, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Poussiere Porosus Crocodile, Pre-Owned

    GBP £ 34,050

  • HERMES Birkin 30 HSS Feu & Lime in Epsom, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 HSS Feu & Lime in Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 19,950

  • HERMES Birkin 25 Bleu Hydra Clemence, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 25 Bleu Hydra Clemence, Pre-owned

    USD $ 22,000

  • HERMES Birkin 30 Rouge Casaque Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 Rouge Casaque Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 12,500

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Bleu Paon in Epsom, Pre-owned

    hermes-kelly-25-sellier-bleu-paon-epsom-wgaca-QGBAEA12BB001

    USD $ 22,500

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier HSS (Horseshoe) Rose Jaipur Gris Mouette Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier HSS (Horseshoe) Rose Jaipur Gris Mouette Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 27,500

  • Hermes Vintage Kelly 20 Sellier Black Box Calf, Pre-owned

    Hermes Vintage Kelly 20 Sellier Black Box Calf, Pre-owned

    USD $ 32,500


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

 

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

GUIDE OF HERMES’ HARDWARE USED IN THEIR BAGS

 

We have put together a simple guide of the materials commonly used by Hermes for the hardware in their bags.

 

Click to see large image

 

Palladium Hardware


Hermes Palladium (Silver) Hardware Examples

Yellow Gold Hardware


Hermes Palladium (Silver) Hardware Examples

Rose Gold Hardware


Hermes Palladium (Silver) Hardware Examples

 

Hermes uses a very limited number of possible hardware finishes. Here is a chart.

 

Hardware Options

 

PALLADIUM: Polished Palladium Plated finish, often called “Silver”

 

GOLD: Polished 18K Yellow Gold Plated finish

 

ROSE GOLD: Polished Rose Gold Plated finish

 

BRUSHED PALLADIUM: Brushed Palladium Plated finish, often called “Brushed Silver”

 

BRUSHED GOLD: Brushed 18K Yellow Gold Plated finish, often called “Brushed Silver”

 

PERMABRASS: Mix of Palladium and Yellow Gold Plating finish, a darker gold color than yellow

 

RUTHENIUM: Ruthenium is the rarest metal on earth, it has a darker gunmetal grey tone used in more exotic versions of the bag

 

PVD: A coating used for colored satin finishes in metals, used in black hardware

 

LACQUERED: Paint on top of the metal

 

 

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Vertigo Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Vertigo Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 21,950

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Bleu Jean Epsom, Pre-owned Like New condition

    Hermes Kelly 25 Bleu Jean Epsom, Pre-owned Like New condition

    USD $ 29,000

  • HERMES Kelly Au Trot 28, Bleu Electrique, Yellow & Black Handle, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly Au Trot 28, Bleu Electrique, Yellow & Black Handle, Pre-owned

    USD $ 26,500

  • Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo, Pre-owned Like New

    Hermes Birkin 25 Gris Neve Togo, Pre-owned Like New

    USD $ 28,000

  • Hermes Kelly Idole Picto (Kelly Doll), Biscuit, New Open Box

    Hermes Kelly Idole (Kelly Doll), Biscuit, New Open Box

    EUR € 61,480

  • HERMES Kelly 35 Bleu France Swift & Vibrato, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 35 Bleu France Swift & Vibrato, Pre-owned

    USD $ 14,950

  • HERMES Kelly II 25 Beige De Weimar Swift, Excellent Condition

    HERMES Kelly II 25 Beige De Weimar Swift, Excellent Condition

    USD $ 26,000

  • Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier Vert Amande Ostrich, New Open Box

    Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier Vert Amande Ostrich, New Open Box

    EUR € 49,690

  • HERMES Kelly Picnic 35 Gold, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Kelly Picnic 35 Gold, Pre-Owned

    GBP £ 55,095

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 10,500

  • HERMES Birkin 30 HSS (Horseshoe) Orange & Blue Togo, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 HSS (Horseshoe) Orange & Blue Togo, Pre-Owned

    EUR € 57,785

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Bois de Rose Matte Alligator, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

    Hermes Birkin 35 Bois de Rose Matte Alligator, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

    USD $ 41,388

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Togo, Pre-owned in Like New condition

    Hermes Kelly 25 Togo, Pre-owned in Like New condition

    USD $ 32,500

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu France Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu France Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 29,500

  • HERMES Mini Kelly Picnic 20 White, in New Condition

    HERMES Mini Kelly Picnic 20 White, in New Condition

    EUR € 90,200

  • HERMES Kelly 40 Rose Jaipur, Sanguine and Orange, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 40 Rose Jaipur, Sanguine and Orange, Pre-owned

    USD $ 11,500


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

 

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

GUIDE OF HERMES’ BAG COLORS

 

 

We have put together a simple guide of the colors commonly used by Hermes for their bags.

 

White/Beige, Grey, Black, Burgundy


Hermes Bag Colors - Whites, Beiges, Blacks, Near Blacks, Greys

Blue


Hermes Bag Colors - Blues

Yellow & Green


Hermes Bag Colors - Yellows & Greens

Brown/Natural/Gold


Hermes Bag Colors - Browns, Tans & Naturals

Red & Orange


Hermes Bag Colors - Reds & Oranges

Pink & Purple/Violet


Hermes Bag Colors - Pinks & Purples
  • HERMES Birkin 35 Rouge Vif, Tangerine & Rouge H Ostrich, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Rouge Vif, Tangerine & Rouge H Ostrich, Pre-owned

    USD $ 19,500

  • HERMES Birkin 30 HSS Feu & Lime in Epsom, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 HSS Feu & Lime in Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 19,950

  • Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Crocodile, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 32 Blue Crocodile, Pre-owned

    USD $ 73,577

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Green, Blue and Orange, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 35 Green, Blue and Orange, Pre-owned

    USD $ 37,332

  • HERMES Birkin Picnic 25 Menthe (Green) Swift & Wicker, New Condition

    HERMES Birkin Picnic 25 Menthe (Green) Swift & Wicker, New Condition

    EUR € 60,185

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Amethyst Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 35 Amethyst Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned

    USD $ 35,200

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Togo Vert Fizz, Like New

    HERMES Kelly 25 Togo Vert Fizz, Like New

    USD $ 25,000

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Black Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Black Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 12,500

  • Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 25 Gold Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 32,500

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Malachite Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Malachite Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 15,950

  • Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier Menthe Chevre Mysore, Pre-owned

    Hermes Mini Kelly II Sellier Menthe Chevre Mysore, Pre-owned

    USD $ 29,500

  • HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle, Pre-owned, Like New

    HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle, Pre-owned, Like New

    USD $ 26,000

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Colormatic Blue, Caban Chai Black Gold Etoupe Swift, New Open Box

    Hermes Kelly 25 Colormatic Blue, Caban Chai Black Gold Etoupe Swift, New Open Box

    USD $ 39,995

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Grenat Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 30 Rouge Grenat Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 17,500

  • HERMES Kelly 35 Noisette Lisse Alligator, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 35 Noisette Lisse Alligator, Pre-owned

    USD $ 24,500

  • HERMES Kelly Cut Nata in Swift, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly Cut Nata in Swift, Pre-owned

    USD $ 16,500


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

GUIDE OF HERMES’ BAG BLIND STAMPS

Learn all the relevant information about Hermès blind stamps.

 

What are Hermès blind stamps?

Hermès uses a stamping system to identify their bags, those stamps are commonly known as “Blind” stamps.

Blind stamps are codes stamped to the leather of Hermes’ bags in semi-hidden places. The codes have two elements, the code for the year of manufacture and the code information of the person who handcrafted the bag. More recently (since 2015) Hermes has added more codes for increased security and more tracing information about the item.

 

What is the purpose of a blind stamp?

Blind stamps serve several important purposes:

  • They provide one of multiple steps to authenticate a bag
  • They provide a reference of the year the bag was manufactured and who handcrafted it
  • By knowing the year it is easy to know the type of leather and the name of color that corresponds to it
  • By knowing the year, the age of the materials and bag is known and with this it is easy to know if the bag is in good or bad condition (aged bags are expected to show wear whereas recent bags should be in excellent or mint condition)
  • Stamps also help to know if a bag was regular series or a special edition

 

 

When did Hermes begin using stamps?

In 1945, all bags after 1945 have a blind stamp. The leather goods division of Hermes started in 1922 and until 1944 they had no blind stamps in their products.

 

 

Where can you find the blind stamp in a Hermes bag?

Hermes has an inconsistent way to place the stamps, for many bag series the stamp will be engraved on the leather of the internal left side of one of the strap/lips (sangle) where the hole for the closing clasp is (on the leather side and in between the rivets). In other bags it will be placed in one of the internal superior corners or inside the interior pocket. Other bags will have it hidden behind one of the folding leather strap/lips (sangle) of the non-clasp part of the strap. Some stamps are pretty easy and obvious to find others are a little bit more difficult and hidden.

 

 

 

HERMES BLIND STAMP DATE CODES SINCE 1945

1945 to 1970 (Just letters)

  • A = 1945
  • B = 1946
  • C = 1947
  • D = 1948
  • E = 1949
  • F = 1950
  • G = 1951
  • H = 1952
  • I = 1953
  • J = 1954
  • K = 1955
  • L = 1956
  • M = 1957
  • N = 1958
  • O = 1959
  • P = 1960
  • Q = 1961
  • R = 1962
  • S = 1963
  • T = 1964
  • U = 1965
  • V = 1966
  • W = 1967
  • X = 1968
  • Y = 1969
  • Z = 1970

 

1971 to 1996 (Circled letters)

  • A = 1971
  • B = 1972
  • C = 1973
  • D = 1974
  • E = 1975
  • F = 1976
  • G = 1977
  • H = 1978
  • I = 1979
  • J = 1980
  • K = 1981
  • L = 1982
  • M = 1983
  • N = 1984
  • O = 1985
  • P = 1986
  • Q = 1987
  • R = 1988
  • S = 1989
  • T = 1990
  • U = 1991
  • V = 1992
  • W = 1993
  • X = 1994
  • Y = 1995
  • Z = 1996

 

1997 to 2014 (Squared letters)

  • A = 1997
  • B = 1998
  • C = 1999
  • D = 2000
  • E = 2001
  • F = 2002
  • G = 2003
  • H = 2004
  • I = 2005
  • J = 2006
  • K = 2007
  • L = 2008
  • M = 2009
  • N = 2010
  • O = 2011
  • P = 2012
  • Q = 2013
  • R = 2014

 

2015 to 2023 (Just letters)

  • T = 2015
  • X = 2016
  • A = 2017
  • C = 2018
  • D = 2019
  • Y = 2020
  • Z = 2021
  • U = 2022
  • B = 2023

 

 

Exceptions to Hermes’ regular stamping

There are a few exceptions or inconsistencies in their methodology to stamp bags. The most notable in recent times happened in 2011, 2014 and there was a major change since 2015.

 

2011 “JO” stamp

In 2011 Hermes produced a few bags with a stamping that added the letter “J” to the regular “O” corresponding to that year. the result was a stamp with a rectangle containing the letters “JO”. The J corresponded to the Craftstman but it was out of the ordinary spot.

 

2014 “R” Letter Without Square

In the latter period of 2014 Hermes began their transition to their new notation system (without squares or circles and randomizing letters) and some bags had the letter “R” corresponding to the year 2014 but without the square.

 

After 2015 No Alphabetic Sequencing

Since 2015 Hermes has made their stamp/notation system a little more complicated, they are no longer using circles or squares, they no longer use sequential letters for the year and they have added other groups of information/codes. We assume this was done to increase the security and the difficulty degree to counterfeit the product. A stamp still incudes the year code and the craftsman’s code but it now has several other codes known to Hermes but still not deciphered in the pre-owned market.

 

  • HERMES Birkin Faubourg Night 20 Sellier, Pre-Owned Pre-Owned

    HERMES Birkin Faubourg Night 20 Sellier, Pre-Owned

    EUR € 241,055

  • Hermes Vintage Kelly 20 Sellier Black Box Calf, Pre-owned

    Hermes Vintage Kelly 20 Sellier Black Box Calf, Pre-owned

    USD $ 32,500

  • HERMES Birkin In & Out 25, Biscuit Swift, New Condition

    HERMES Birkin In & Out 25, Biscuit Swift, New Condition

    USD $ 31,227

  • HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle, Pre-owned, Like New

    HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle, Pre-owned, Like New

    USD $ 26,000

  • HERMES Birkin Picnic 25 Menthe (Green) Swift & Wicker, New Condition

    HERMES Birkin Picnic 25 Menthe (Green) Swift & Wicker, New Condition

    EUR € 60,185

  • HERMES Kelly Au Galop 28, Bleu Indigo Togo, Pre-owned, Like New

    HERMES Kelly Au Galop 28, Bleu Indigo Togo, Pre-owned, Like New

    USD $ 22,000

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Dark Grey Porosus Crocodile, Pre-Owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Dark Grey Porosus Crocodile, Pre-Owned

    GBP £ 32,880

  • Vintage Hermes Birkin Haut à Courroies 40 Black Crocodile, Pre-owned

    Vintage Hermes Birkin Haut à Courroies 40 Black Crocodile, Pre-owned

    USD $ 93,240

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Meyer in Epsom, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Gris Meyer in Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 28,950

  • Hermes Birkin 25 In n Out, limited Edition, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 25 In n Out, limited Edition, New Open Box

    EUR € 54,900

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Gold in Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 25 Gold in Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 29,500

  • HERMES Mini Kelly Picnic 20 White, in New Condition

    HERMES Mini Kelly Picnic 20 White, in New Condition

    EUR € 90,200

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Cargo Gold Swift and Marron d Inde Toile H, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 35 Cargo Gold Swift and Marron d Inde Toile H, New Open Box

    EUR € 45,695

  • HERMES Kelly Relax 50 Fauve Sikkim, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly Relax 50 Fauve Sikkim, Pre-owned

    USD $ 11,940

  • HERMES Birkin 30 Rouge Casaque Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 30 Rouge Casaque Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 12,500

  • Hermes Birkin 35 Craie Togo, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 35 Craie Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 28,350


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

 

BIRKIN BAG SPECIAL EDITIONS

 

SPECIAL ORDER / CUSTOM MADE PROGRAM

 

Hermes offers a program for VIP customers where they can special order the colors and materials of the bag, those bags are commonly referred as "Horseshoe", "HSS", "Craftsman's Personal Product" or "PSO". Some of the most collectible bags on the market are Horseshoe bags, one of a kind.

 

Hermes uses a symbol system for out of the ordinary products, look for the symbol next to the HERMES PARIS stamp above the clasp.

 

Special Edition Symbols

 

HSS (Special Order): Look for an inverted horseshoe to the left of HERMES PARIS


Craftsman's Personal Product: Look for a comet symbol under HERMES PARIS


VERSO: A bag with a different color on the interior to the exterior

 

 

RECENT BIRKIN NON SPECIAL ORDER SPECIAL EDITIONS

 

Hermes offers every once in a while special editions with different design features, materials and color patterns. Some of those versions are highly collectible and fetch stratospherically high prices in the pre-owned market.

 

Recent Special Editions

 

  • Shadow Birkin (2009)
  • Himalaya Birkin (2010)
  • So Black Birkin (2010)
  • Club Birkin (2012,2022)
  • Ghillies Birkin (2012,2016)
  • Touch Birkin (2017)
  • Tressage Birkin (2018)
  • Faubourg Birkin(2020)
  • Sunrise & Rainbow Birkin (2020)
  • Cargo Birkin (2020)
  • Picnic Birkin (2021)
  • Fray Fray Birkin (2021)
  • Birkin 3EN1 (2021)

 

We encourage you to look at our listings for offers of such editions, we constantly have them available from many several of the most prestigious stores and sales venues.

 

 

RETOURNE & SELLIER

 

Retourne are the regular designs of the bag with the stitching hidden inside, The Birkin Sellier (2010,2014 and after 2020 now permanent offer) was a special edition of Birkin bags with the stitching done outside the bag, by popular demand they became part of their regular line up in 2020. Sellier bags are characterized by having the stitches done externally and stiffer leathers that make the bags a little stiffer as well.

 

 

BIRKIN BAG VALUATION GUIDE:

 

When buying a Birkin bag it is important to know pricing and the potential of the bag as an investment

 

 

The beauty of the Birkin Bag as an investment is that it allows you to wear what everybody covets while still having a very realistic expectation of making money from your investment. Birkins have only gone up in price through the years.

 

 

You will notice here all we explain has a focus on retaining and even increasing the value of the bag you buy, in case you want to sell it in the future. But why do we have that approach when explaining value? simple, it has become very popular all over the world to "recycle" high-end designer fashion. A very high percentage of people stop using clothing items and accessories after a while (for a multitude of reasons like not being so enamored with the item anymore or the item going out of style, or getting a newer similar item we like or care more about) and then the older items just sit in a closet for years, and now it turns out some of those items are very valuable and can be sold in secondary markets. Hermes Bags, and especially Birkin and Kelly Bags have a very strange phenomenon going on, many of those bags, if maintained properly, can actually fetch far more money than what they were worth when purchased. But for that to happen it is very important to choose the right bag because some of them are better long term investment than others.

 

 

As a general rule, the most valuable Birkins are those that were produced in very limited quantities and special editions. But those are difficult to come by and in most cases they will be very pricey compared to regular editions.

 

When it comes to regular bags certain materials and colors perform better over the years (In financial terms). We will list here some criteria to consider to determine what Birkin bags are a good value and a good potential investment.

 

 

What sizes are more valuable?

 

As a general rule, smaller bags are more valuable than bigger bags. A bag in a 25 cm version will be far more expensive than a similar bag in 35 cm (similar referring to the same color, using the same leather and the same type of hardware with the only variant being the size of the bag). So for Birkins bigger is actually not better when it comes to price.

 

In terms of pricing and popularity 25 cm and 30 cm bags are the better market performers, they fetch higher prices and they sell faster.

 

As an investment it makes more sense to get a smaller bag and with a material and color that is more limited, durable and harder to find. But if you plan to use the bag often and you need it for specific purposes then go with the size and material that works for you.

 

It is common knowledge the bigger bags are for more casual and daily use (because they can hold more real life daily use items). Smaller bags will be more for show and for special occasions because they will hold far less items in them.

 

 

What materials are more valuable?

 

When it comes to materials, exotic skins are at the top of the list, Crocodile, Alligator, Lizard and Ostrich fetch the highest prices. Bags with exotic leathers and exotic hardware will generally be the most expensive examples. If the edition of the specific bag is very limited or it is a special order product, especially if it has a material no longer offered by Hermes, those bags can accrue significant value over time.

 

But what about regular leathers? Which ones perform better as an investment?

 

From regular leathers the higher priced regularly will be Epsom, then Togo (the most popular leather for Birkin bags), and Box Calf, For gold colors Barenia & Barenia Faubourg .

 

The midrange price will be Ardennes and Evercalf/Evercolor.

 

The Lowest price range will be Swift, Clemence and Evergrain.

 

Synthetic materials and not so common leathers vary in price according to demand at that moment. If for instance canvas or suede become fashionable during a year or season then those bags will fetch high prices but when the market is not so hot for such materials they will be slow sellers and they will not fetch high prices.

 

The list of materials available for Hermes bags is simply huge. It is hard to determine how the less popular leathers and materials will perform over time, but a good consideration of what material to get should be what the use of the bag will be and the potential durability of the material. What does this mean? Simply put, if you plan to use the bag a lot then get it with a material that is very durable and resistant, because if the bag deteriorates over time it will not accrue or even lose value no matter what. If the bag will be used very little and it will be handled properly (see our care guide) then you can get a material that is less durable and resistant. The condition of the material over time is one of the biggest factors to determine the valuation of a bag. A thoroughly worn bag with a not so resistant and durable material will lose a lot of its value and the counter part is a bag with a very resistant and durable material worn very little will hold most of its value and if lucky it will even accrue value over time.

So the easiest conclusion to come to when it comes to less common materials is if you will wear a bag very little get any material you like but it you plan to use the bag a lot then get one with the most durable and resistant material possible.

 

 

Hardware:

Some people say Palladium (also called PHW) is more casual and Gold Plated (also Called GHW) is more formal, over time all Hermes’ hardware options perform well as far as holding value. So the hardware to choose will be based on what the use of the bag will be, if you plan to use it a lot during the day you might prefer Palladium hardware. If the bag will be for more formal and special occasions you might want to go with a type of Gold Plating.

 

 

What colors are more valuable and why

 

The more neutral you can go with the color the safer you will be. Blacks, Naturals, some Beiges, Browns, Grays and Whites will always do better over time because they will be fashionable most of the time. If you risk going for exotic or very strong colors you might end up having a bag that is out of style and will not fetch a high price in the future and it might become very difficult to sell.

 

Colors like Orange and Pink often become fashionable and sell well but they can spend seasons being not so popular, fetching lower prices and being harder to sell. Reds are a little more difficult, some reds and burgundies often look dated, fetching lower prices, when choosing red what red you choose is very important, the right red will be a safe investment over time, the wrong red might end up losing money.

 

The value of more exotic colors like Yellows, Purples/Violets, Greens, Blues, will heavily depend on whether they are in style or not. The list of blues from Hermes is huge, and some of their Blues are very neutral and sell well most of the time, others are very radical or sometimes very boring/bland and can spend multiple seasons out of style and fetching very low prices.

 

So a general rule for colors to pick: if the color is for your personal taste and preferences and you do not care about future valuation then get whatever color you want but if you want to make sure your bag remains valuable and perhaps even accrues value over time then go for neutral colors, those will always hold value better.

 

 

Where to buy your Birkin bag

 

As you probably already know, buying a Birkin bag directly from Hermes can take years of waiting. Fortunately that is not the case for the secondary market. There are literally thousands of bags available to buy immediately from reputable vendors or sales venues, providing authentication for the bags they sell. The selection out there includes pre-owned bags as well as bags that are in New condition and even New in the box.

 

We are affiliated to many of the relevant vendors in the secondary market. We regularly create galleries showing the best offerings we find from 12 of the best places to buy Birkin Bags ranging from bags in Very Good condition, bags in Excellent condition, bags in New condition and even bags New in the box, Unworn. YOU CAN SCROLL DOWN TO SEE OUR GALLERY, you will have the convenience of browsing listings from 12 different sources at one place.

 

Something worth mentioning: in our galleries we NEVER list items in bad or rough condition. We know of several vendors (including some we mention here) who list bags in pretty poor condition as if they are "good". Even if the prices for those bags are relatively low compared to other bags we prefer not to list them because we believe they are a bad investment. We believe a Birkin bag represents a significant investment and it makes more sense to pay more and avoid unnecessary risks.

 

 

In this section we will describe those 16 places where you can buy a Birkin bag.

 

ALL FIRMS WE MENTION HERE AUTHENTICATE THE PRODUCTS YOU BUY.  We only list prestigious firms with a well established reputation and who authenticate products. We actually have the option of listing many more firms but we have decided many of the firms not mentioned here have questionable reputations or offer items the other 12 are already offering.

 

When you have found a bag you are interested in We strongly emphasize this: always ask the vendor all questions you may have before making a purchase decision, make sure to know everything you need to know about the item you are interested in before paying for it. IF THEY DON’T ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS YOU HAVE ABOUT THE ITEM PRIOR TO BUYING, DON’T BUY FROM THEM.

 

COMPANIES SELLING THEIR OWN INVENTORY
(They buy the bags then sell them)

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Saks Off 5th
(the “outlet” division of Saks Fifth Avenue)

 

They have a very small selection of pre-loved Kelly Bags, their pictures are not that well put together and do not provide enough information but they have great prices and you will have the benefit of dealing with one of the most prestigious names in luxury department stores in the world.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

FWRD Renew

 

FWRD Renew is the pre-owned division of FORWARD/REVOLVE, Forward (now known as FWRD) is a firm from Los Angeles founded in 2011 by the well known fashion firm REVOLVE and originally managed by Elyse Walker, known for her high end celebrity boutiques. Their FWRD Renew division offers a great selection of pre-owned high-end designer clothing and accessories.

 

Their Hermes selection is very limited and several of the items they offer we believe are actually brand new in the box items they bought to resell and since they cannot list them as new they list them as pre-owned “like new”, the reason we believe this is because those items are unworn, from the same year collection and have all the original things that come with a new Hermes item.

 

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

Collector Square

 

Collector Square if a French firm and they are true experts in the matter, they have the ability to restore pre-owned items to almost new condition and for many of the items they even provide 360 degree views so you can see all sort of details, unfortunately the quality of those views (pictures) is a little blurry.

 

They provide very detailed information on condition and what is included and their prices are very good.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

myGEMMA

 

MyGEMMA is another firm of true experts, that one based in New York, they have very competitive prices, a mid size inventory but we find most of the items they sell are in good to perfect condition. Their listings have all the relevant information and good pictures. They are definitely a great source to buy your Kelly Bag.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

What Goes Around Comes Around (WGCA)

 

WGCA is another firm of true experts based in New York, their selection is very good, their listings provide good picture and enough information about condition and what is included. Their prices are very competitive.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

FASHIONPHILE

 

Fashionphile is based in California and with stores across the USA. They have perhaps the largest selection of in-house Kelly Bags in the world, their prices are for the most part very competitive.

 

They have become one of the biggest sellers of pre-owned Hermes bags in the world.

 

We recommend to pay very close attention to their pictures and rating of the product’s condition because they offer items ranging from rough condition to impeccable and new, fortunately they provide enough pictures to make a decision, do not go by the rating (good, very good, etc..) go by the pictures you see.

 

Ask them exactly what is included with the bag and any other question you might have before deciding on a purchase.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

IFCHIC

 

Firm based in the San Francisco Bay area in California. They scout inventories from designer/luxury boutiques and offer amazing deals in new fashion and accessories. They sell NEW Kelly bags but they cannot ship to the USA due to territory restrictions on the brand. But if you are not located in the USA it is an amazing source for NEW bags.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

VENDORS WITH MIXED OFFERS
(Their own inventory plus items on consignment and acting as sales venue for users as well)

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

The Luxury Closet

 

This firm is based in Dubai an gives you access to a huge market of ultra luxury items from a very wealthy region of the world. For that region owning HERMES products and Kelly Bags is very common, some of the people there wear such items daily. The Luxury Closet has a mix of items they stock in their store and are selling directly as well as items they are selling for other people or items other sellers list on their site.

 

We find a mix of listings in their site: many items have very poor descriptions and poor pictures but sometimes you will be able to find amazing deals, especially from items they stock and items they list from vendors from places like Japan (they have listings from sellers from all over the world).

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

REBAG

 

Rebag, based in New York,  offers a mix of their own inventory and inventory on physical consignment (they physically take in the item to verify its authenticity and condition). Their listings could benefit from better information and better pictures but the upside is sometimes they have truly amazing deals. REBAG also lists their items in many of the sales venues we list here (like Vestiaire Collective, Grailed and others) you will be getting a better deal if you buy directly from their website (Because they save the commission they pay to sales venues).

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

SALES VENUES & CONSIGNMENT
(Items on consignment or sold by users/members of the venue)

 

(Sales venues /marketplaces charge sellers as much as 20% to 30% plus other charges so you can expect some of that will be added to the price of the item, the advantage of sales venues is they have listings from small sellers and individuals so you have an opportunity to buy directly from the source.)

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

Vestiaire Collective

 

Vestiaire Collective originally based in Paris, now with operations around the world. They are probably the largest sales venue for Kelly Bags, they have a huge number of bags from sellers all over the world, ranging from individuals to professional sellers and even big stores.

 

It is possible to get great deals from Vestiaire Collective but many of the professional sellers will be stores that can offer the items directly and not pay the commission at Vestiaire Collective so you could save significant money buying directly. The other issue is we believe they lack good standards for quality of pictures and detailed information so you will find items listed from sellers providing poor pictures and very poor information just as you can find sellers listing items with perfect pictures detailing everything and also providing all the information necessary to decide.

 

Given all this we believe they are a great place to scout for a good deal on a bag, the mix of individuals and professionals and good and bad listings offers the opportunity to find as they say a diamond in the rough. We recommend to include them in your search.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

Consigned Sealed Delivered (CSD)

 

Consigned Sealed Delivered was founded in London, UK, in 2020 and their website started operating in 2021, they own 3 designer consignment stores in London. They authenticate the items in house and offer inventory owned by individual sellers who have put the merchandise on consignment at their stores (for a commission if it sells). Their Hermes offer is very small but they have great deals.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

Chairish

 

Chairish was founded in 2013 and it is based in San Francisco, California, USA. It is the concept of a couple, she, a previous fashion marketing specialist and he, a tech (travel industry) executive. They have a focus on vintage and pre-owned home furnishings and home decor, but they offer pre-owned fashion accessories as well.

They have a great selection of Hermes bags and other products.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at TheRealReal

TheRealReal

 

TheRealReal was founded in 2011 in San Francisco, California, by Julie Wainwright, a seasoned entrepreneur in the online retail field (previously known for the failed Pets.com). Originally a pure online high-end designer consignment store but since 2015 they have been opening consignment stores in affluent cities in the USA.


Their operation is 100% consignment based and it is physical consignment (not virtual), this means the seller has to physically bring in person or ship the item to one of their locations so the item can be authenticated and priced to then list it in their website. TheRealReal takes 15% or more of commission but their commission structure is one of the most competitive on the market (for that type of items) and this is passed to buyers as savings and a better purchase price.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Open For Vintage

 

Open For Vintage is based in London, UK. They offer the vintage/pre-owned inventory of small boutiques in Europe and other parts of the world, they add a markup to the price of those items and they handle the transaction.

They have a small selection of Hermes bags and other products.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

1stDIBS

 

Based in New York. They were originally an art auction house and now they are one of the important online sales venues of ultra luxury items. They have great pictures and depending on the seller they will have enough information about the items, they provide an easy way to contact the seller and you can even make an offer directly on the listing. As far as pricing, like many other sales venues, the price will reflect an increase due to the commission they charge to the seller. Still there is a constant number of good opportunities to find.

 

Unlike other sales venues they do not actually list who the seller is they just give information about their track record with them.

 

 

 

 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

GRAILED

 

Based in New York, Grailed is a great option among the sales venues/marketplaces because they charge a lower commission fee to sellers and that reflects on the price of the items, plus they show the name of the vendor. The listings have good pictures and good information.

 

Click here to go to the store

 

 

 

 

We are not official distributors or affiliated with HERMES, we are affiliated with sites offering new and pre-owned HERMES products.

 

How to take care of your Birkin Bag

 

A Birkin bag is three things:


A fashion/social status statement, an amazing fashion accessory, and a great investment. 

 

The bag has a market that is similar to the art market, so we believe a Birkin Bag has be treated almost as an art piece. If you treat it as a simple bag chances are you will end up making it decrease in value in the future.

 

What do we mean?

 

Well we sadly see some bags on the market that have been thoroughly used and abused and we need to keep in mind they are made out of leather (tanned or dyed leather in most cases) and the hardware is actually plated (not the solid precious metal but only plated metal). Both the leather and the plated metal are very delicate materials, they stain easily, scratch easily and get damaged easily, some Hermes leathers are better at resisting water and scratches but still, leather is a fragile material.

 

A Birkin Bag, if used regularly, will probably show signs of wear and even damage easily and a damaged bag will be worth far less in the future. Because of this we believe Birkin bags are  great for special occasions, not daily wear bags.

 

Cleaning them and maintaining them should not be done at home because the materials are so delicate and special and many chemicals used to clean other products could easily permanently damage the finish. So if a bag gets dirty or God forbid, stained, you should take it to a leather professional or even directly to Hermes Spa Service (Hermes will only refurbish the exterior of a bag not the interior BTW). Many bags get permanently damaged because people try to clean them at home.

 

 

Assuming you treat your Birkin bag as an art piece and not a simple fashion accessory, here is the basic instructions we believe you should follow to make sure your bag holds or perhaps even increases its value over time:

 

 

Hermes Birkin Bag Care Guide

  1. Keep all original materials & accessories

    Keep all materials that come with it (plastics, protective covers, dust bags, receipts, certificates, the original box, etc.)

  2. Store the bag properly

    Store the bag safely and ideally at a low humidity place but not too dry and with a temperature between 60 to 76 degrees, leather cracks if it gets too dry and it can get mold stains if it gets too humid. It is said the ideal temperature to store is 76 degrees. Metal can also get stained if humidity is too high.

  3. Do not store the bag in plastic bags or containers

    Leather needs ventilation/air circulation and the ability to breathe, plastics block that ability.

  4. Do not store the bag standing

    To keep its structure in proper shape it is a good idea to store it laying on its face side or backside and not standing, standing it is easier for the bag to eventually slouch and sag.

  5. Do not allow the bag to be exposed to sun light for extended periods of time

    Do not leave for long periods of time or store the bag in places where it will be directly hit by sun rays or sunlight, constant exposure to sunrays can shorten the life of the leather or even damage it.

  6. Do not allow the bag to get wet

    Some Hermes leathers and materials are good at resisting water but the vast majority are very sensitive to water and when exposed they can change in color or consistency and develop blisters or discoloration spots. So, we recommend to not allow the bag to get wet, if planning to go out wearing it, and there is a chance of rain, take its rain coat with it.

  7. Use the correct products to clean your bag or take it to a professional

    If you need to clean the bag avoid oily or alcohol based products, use a lint free microfiber cloth to remove minor dirt. For major cleaning take it to a high-end luxury leather professional or send it to Hermes Spa Services, if you need to polish the metal try to take it to a jeweler or a designer bag specialist.

  8. Do not remove the protective plastics

    If you buy a new bag or a pre-owned bag that still has the protective plastics we recommend to leave them on, that protects better the resale value of the bag in the future.

  9. Wear the bag with care

    We recommend to wear the bag only to very special occasions and try not to carry with it items that can stain it or tear the leather. Do not carry in it nail polish, loose pens, mascara, crayon type cosmetics or other items that can spill and permanently stain and damage the interior. If you need to do so have them stored in a different bag/pouch/container inside so that container is the one that gets damaged.

  10. Don’t carry heavy objects in the bag

    Carrying heavy objects in it or regularly overloading the bag will eventually deform it.

  11. Add a scarf to the handles

    Some people add a Twilly scarf to the handles so the handles do not get worn, we think that is a great idea and it accentuates the glamour of the bag.

  12. Condition the leather periodically

    Many of Hermes’ leathers could benefit from a yearly conditioning. Hermes sells kits for conditioning the leather, those kits include a saddle glycerin soap, a leather nourishing balm and a saddle oil. They are very easy to use.

  13. Store records of famous & prominent people using a bag similar to yours

    If you see pictures of a bag similar to yours being worn by famous people try to print and save those pictures and document the date and the event where it was worn among the records you keep of your bag (that can add to the value of the bag decades later).

 

 

If you follow these simple instructions you can both enjoy your Birkin bag wearing it sometimes and you can recover or even make some extra money the day you want to sell it.

 

Very few things in life will allow you what a Birkin Bag can allow you if you treat it well: the luxury of having and wearing a top glamour/lifestyle iconic piece and then if you want to sell it, recover your entire investment or perhaps even more.

 

Hermes Birkin Bags have proven to be excellent investments over time. Some hard to find very limited production editions can even make money almost immediately after purchasing them.

 

As you can see we have explained a good portion of what you need to know to start your search for a Birkin Bag, buy one  and then keep it valuable. Now explore our Birkin Bag gallery for the best deals out there.

 

Thanks for reading. Please visit our social media profiles and follow us.

 

  • Hermes Kelly 42 Fringe Vert de Gris Clemence, Pre-Owned

    Hermes Kelly 42 Fringe Vert de Gris Clemence, Pre-Owned

    USD $ 19,950

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Rouge Vif, Tangerine & Rouge H Ostrich, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Rouge Vif, Tangerine & Rouge H Ostrich, Pre-owned

    USD $ 19,500

  • Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier HSS (Horseshoe) Rose Jaipur Gris Mouette Epsom, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 25 Sellier HSS (Horseshoe) Rose Jaipur Gris Mouette Epsom, Pre-owned

    USD $ 27,500

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Tyrien Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned

    Hermes Birkin 30 Rose Tyrien Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned

    USD $ 49,720

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Purple (Cassis) Niloticus Lisse Crocodile, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 30 Purple (Cassis) Niloticus Lisse Crocodile, New Open Box

    USD $ 76,935

  • Hermes Mini Kelly II Casaque Sellier, Rouge De Coeur, Rose Extreme & Bleu Zanzibar in Epsom Leather. New Open Box

    Hermes Mini Kelly II Casaque Sellier, Rouge De Coeur, Rose Extreme & Bleu Zanzibar in Epsom Leather. New Open Box

    EUR € 47,175

  • HERMES Constance Mini 18 Bag Grey Ostrich, Like New

    HERMES Constance Mini 18 Bag Grey Ostrich, Like New

    USD $ 23,400

  • Hermes Birkin So Black 30, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

    Hermes Birkin So Black 30, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

    EUR € 58,600

  • HERMES Birkin Cargo 40 (Haut a courroies) Black Box Evercalf & Toile, New Condition

    HERMES Birkin Cargo 40 (Haut a courroies) Black Box Evercalf & Toile, New Condition

    EUR € 66,050

  • HERMES Kelly 32 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Kelly 32 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 13,500

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Orange Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 10,500

  • Hermes Kelly 32 Rouge Tomate Togo, Pre-owned

    Hermes Kelly 32 Rouge Tomate Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 18,500

  • Hermes Birkin Touch 25 Vert Comics Togo and Alligator, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin Touch 25 Vert Comics Togo and Alligator, New Open Box

    USD $ 39,995

  • HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Extreme Epsom, Pre-owned Like New

    HERMES Kelly 25 Sellier Rose Extreme Epsom, Pre-owned Like New

    USD $ 22,000

  • HERMES Birkin 35 Malachite Togo, Pre-owned

    HERMES Birkin 35 Malachite Togo, Pre-owned

    USD $ 15,950

  • Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu Sapphire Swift White & Blue Toile Quadrille, New Open Box

    Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu Sapphire Swift White & Blue Toile Quadrille, New Open Box

    GBP £ 33,000


 

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at What Goes Around Comes Around

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FWRD Renew

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at CSD

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at myGEMMA

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Collector Square France

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Vestiaire Collective

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at The Luxury Closet

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and new perfumes at Saks Off 5th

Pre-Owned Bags & New Perfumes

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at FASHIONPHILE

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Chairish

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Hermes NEW BAGS and accessories at IFCHIC

NEW BAGS

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at Open For Vintage

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at REBAG

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at 1stDIBS

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Hermes pre-owned bags and accessories at GRAILED

Pre-Owned Bags & Accessories

 

 

 

 

HERMÉS Birkin Bag Gallery

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HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle Togo, Pre-owned Like New

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HERMES Birkin 25 Gris Perle in Togo leather, Pre-owned in Like New condition

USD $ 30,000.00

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HERMES Birkin 25 In & Out Biscuit Swift, Never Used

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HERMES Birkin 25 In & Out Biscuit Swift, in New Condition, Never Used (Seller in the UK)

GBP £ 48,130.00

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Hermes Birkin 35  Rouge Ventienne (Maroon) Clemence, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 35 Rouge Ventienne (Maroon) in Clemence leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 17,500.00

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Hermes Birkin 30 Black (Noir) Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned, in Very Good condition.

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Hermes Birkin 30 Black (Noir) Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned, in Very Good condition.

USD $ 71,500.00

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Hermes Birkin 35 Amethyst Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 35 Amethyst Porosus Crocodile, Pre-owned, In Very Good Condition

USD $ 35,200.00

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HERMES Birkin Picnic 25, Camel Barenia & Wicker, New Condition

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HERMES Birkin Picnic 25, Camel Barenia & Wicker, in Brand New Condition (Seller from Belgium)

EUR € 94,625.00

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Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu France Epsom, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 30 Bleu France in Epsom Leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 29,500.00

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Hermes Cargo Birkin 25 Blue Swift and Toile, New Open Box

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Hermes Cargo Birkin 25 Blue Swift and Toile, New Open Box, Seller from Italy

EUR € 42,455.00

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HERMES Birkin 30 Crocus Epsom, Pre-owned

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HERMES Birkin 30 Crocus Epsom Leather, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

USD $ 14,500.00

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HERMES Grizzly Birkin 25 Chamois Doblis & Alezan Swift, Pre-Owned

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HERMES Grizzly Birkin 25 Chamois Doblis & Alezan Swift, Pre-Owned in Excellent Condition

USD $ 38,311.00

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Hermes Birkin 30 Etoupe Togo, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 30 Etoupe in Togo leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 26,500.00

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HERMES Cargo Birkin 25 Chai Swift & Jaune Citron Toile, New Open Box

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HERMES Cargo Birkin 25 Chai Swift & Jaune Citron Toile, New Open Box, Seller from Singapore

EUR € 36,920.00

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Hermes Birkin 40 Vert Veronese Togo, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 40 Vert Veronese in Togo Leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 21,500.00

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Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Vertigo Epsom, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 30 Vert Vertigo in Epsom leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 21,950.00

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Hermes Birkin 35 Craie Togo, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 35 Craie in Togo leather, Pre-owned, In Very Good condition

USD $ 28,350.00

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Hermes Birkin Himalaya 30, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin Himalaya 30, Pre-owned, In Very Good Condition. Seller from the USA

USD $ 214,000.00

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Hermes Birkin 25 Lime Epsom leather, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 25 Lime in Epsom leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 19,500.00

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HERMES Birkin 30 Bleu Paon Alligator, New Condition

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HERMES Birkin 30 Bleu Paon Alligator, Brand New Condition (Seller from Hong Kong)

EUR € 56,770.00

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HERMES Fray Fray Birkin 35 Framboise Swift & Ecru Toile, New in Box

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HERMES Fray Fray Birkin 35 Framboise Swift Leather Ecru Toile Fabric, New in Box

USD $ 35,000.00

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Hermes Birkin 25 In and Out Biscuit, Pre-Owned In Excellent Condition

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Hermes Birkin 25 In and Out Biscuit, Pre-Owned In Excellent Condition, Seller From The USA

USD $ 42,748.00

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Hermes Birkin 40 Gris Meyer Togo, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 40 Gris Meyer in Togo leather, Pre-owned In Excellent condition

USD $ 18,950.00

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HERMES Birkin 30 Tosca Clemence, Pre-owned

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HERMES Birkin 30 Tosca Clemence Leather, Pre-owned, in Very Good Condition

USD $ 12,500.00

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Hermes Birkin 30 Trench Clemence, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin 30 Trench in Clemence leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent Condition

USD $ 24,500.00

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Hermes Birkin Orange (Toffee) Clemence, Pre-owned

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Hermes Birkin Orange (Toffee) in Clemence leather, Pre-owned, In Excellent condition

USD $ 18,500.00

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