HEWI Buying Guide

Hermès Bags

Hermès is the epitome of luxury, with the Birkin viewed as the ultimate status symbol — its rarity, quality and craftsmanship make it a must-have for every collector. But it isn't only the Birkin: here we look at the most popular Hermès bags and how to identify the features that set them apart.

Hermès Bags
Birkin

01

Birkin

The Birkin is one of the most iconic and recognisable bags in the world. Named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin, it is known for its simple, rectangular shape and exceptional craftsmanship. It comes in a range of sizes — the Birkin 30, 35 and 40 — and materials from leather to crocodile, alligator and ostrich.

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Kelly

02

Kelly

Another Hermès icon, similar to the Birkin in design but with a slightly different shape and a single handle. The Kelly comes in eight sizes, starting at 15cm, with the same iconic hardware. It is named after Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, who famously used it to shield her pregnancy from the paparazzi.

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Constance

03

Constance

Known for its simple, elegant design, the Constance was first introduced in 1959 and features a distinctive H-shaped closure. Designer Catherine Chaillet considered it such a labour of love that she named it after her daughter. Leather Constance bags are the most popular on the resale market, often selling for upwards of £10,000.

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Evelyne

04

Evelyne

A more casual, versatile option, the Evelyne features a perforated H logo and a long adjustable strap — a great everyday cross-body. Discontinued by Hermès in 2019, it has become rarer in recent years, with average resale prices around £4,000.

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Garden Party

05

Garden Party

A relaxed everyday style with a roomy interior and long shoulder strap, made from a casual canvas that dresses up or down. One of the easiest Hermès bags to find, it can often be found for around £2,000.

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Lindy

06

Lindy

Stylish and functional, and often overlooked for its unusual handle placement. It features a double-sided shoulder strap and a roomy interior — perfect for everyday use. The Mini versions are the rarest and command the biggest resale prices.

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How can you tell the difference between Hermès bags?

The most obvious difference is shape and design. The Birkin and Kelly have a distinct structured shape and tote handle (though the Kelly has just one), while the Constance and Evelyne are defined by their H-shaped closure and hardware. The Garden Party and Lindy have a more casual look and are worn on the shoulder.

Are Hermès bags a good investment?

On the resale market, the most sought-after Hermès bags are those made from exotic skins like crocodile and alligator, and those with unique colours or embellishments.

Special edition bags are highly prized too, as they are available for a limited time only. That said, the classic Birkin and Kelly styles in colours like black, brown and beige are always a safe, popular choice for collectors and investors.

A Kelly averages £10,000–£15,000 on the resale market, with limited editions and never-used designs reselling for over £20,000. It is thought Grace Kelly paid under £1,000 for her famous bag — and when the Kelly featured in Sex and the City the average price was £4,000, so its value has only continued to climb.

The Birkin rose in value by 38%, according to a recent report from investment bank Credit Suisse, which named luxury bags among the least volatile investments around — citing the Birkin and classic Chanel as two of the best.

It is fair to say Hermès bags can be a sound investment — but let us be honest, they are beautiful bags to use and enjoy every day, too.