Hermès Kelly vs Birkin Bag: Know the Difference

Hermès Kelly vs Birkin Bag: Know the Difference

Hermès Kelly vs Birkin Bag: Know the Difference
Hermès is a French brand established in Paris, synonymous with a luxury lifestyle. Many people who purchase even one item from the Hermès collection have a budget that allows the purchase of accessories that can cost upwards of $100,000. Other items like scarves are under 6-figures and may cost between $10,000 - $30,000.
While you may be able to afford a Hermès handbag, it doesn't mean you know what to buy. After all, there are so many different styles of Hermès bags all of which can be considered investments.

Investing in Hermès Accessories and Handbags


Hermès bags come in many shapes and sizes, all said to only increase in value over time. Besides the high-quality materials, construction and durability, Hermès bags are also known for their signature increase in resale value. This is why so many celebrities are known to have a collection of Hermès bags. Some Hermès bags are able to resell for 3 times, or more, than their original cost, and if the bag was previously owned by a celebrity like Kim, Kylie or Khloe Kardashian, it could sell for millions.

Price isn't the only determining factor when it comes to Hermès bags. It is important that you learn about the most popular accessories and handbags before you shop.

Birkin vs Kelly: Which Hermès is Right For You?

The best way to consider buying a Hermès bag is to start with the right size. The Hermès Birkin bag comes in 3 sizes (25, 30, 35 cm), and 6 sizes for the Kelly bag (25, 28, 32, 35, 40 and 50 cm) with a few additional variations of the Kelly bag during special Hermès releases, including a mini and petite wallet known as the Kelly Pochette and Kelly Cut.

Which Hermès is right for you? The best way to decide is choosing the size of the bag that suits your lifestyle. If you are in the financial position to buy more than one handbag or collect Hermès bags, then you have more options.
Left: Hermès Birkin, right: Kelly bag
Left: Hermès Birkin, right: Kelly bag

The best way to consider buying a Hermès bag is to start with the right size. The Hermès Birkin bag comes in 3 sizes (25, 30, 35 cm), and 6 sizes for the Kelly bag (25, 28, 32, 35, 40 and 50 cm) with a few additional variations of the Kelly bag during special Hermès releases, including a mini and petite wallet known as the Kelly Pochette and Kelly Cut.

Which Hermès is right for you? The best way to decide is choosing the size of the bag that suits your lifestyle. If you are in the financial position to buy more than one handbag or collect Hermès bags, then you have more options.
Regardless of the Hermès bag that you decide on, each of them is a masterpiece that you can show off for years, hand down through generations, or sell to someone else.
It may happen that after seeing the Birkin and the Kelly bag, you fall in love with both of them. And who wouldn't?! Each design is more posh and polished than the last one, and it is easy to see how some people spend a lifetime paying off the debt for a single Hermès purchase while others fill their royal and otherwise A-list closets with the bags.

Hermès Kelly vs Birkin: Dimensions and Details


Here are the dimensions of the two most popular Hermès bags so you know where to start when shopping for your next favorite handbag.
Hermès Birkin bag 30 cm
Hermès Birkin bag 30 cm

The sizes of a Hermès Birkin:

  • 25cm        10" L x 5" W x 8"H
  • 30cm        12" L x 6.25" W x 9" H
  • 35cm        14" L x 7.5" W x 10.75" H
  • 40cm        16" L x 8" W x 11.25" H
Hermès Kelly bag 28 cm
Hermès Kelly bag 28 cm

For Hermès Kelly Bags the sizes include:

  • 20cm        8" L x 3.5" W x 6"H
  • 25cm        10”L x 3.5”W x 7.5” H
  • 28cm        11" L x 4.5" W x 8" H
  • 32cm        12.5" L x 5" W x 9.5" H
  • 35cm        13.75" L x 5" W x 10.25”

The 3 most important things to pay attention to when shopping Hermès Handbags:

1. The Cut

The Birkin bag is larger than the Kelly bag and is held over the forearm. Unlike the Kelly bag, the Birkin is rectangular with an upward slope on top of the handle. The two bags do share a common feature of the front metal clasp, but they are different in the type of closure and the look.

Each Kelly bag is slightly different while still basically shaped in the same way. While many of the trapezoidal bags have ultra-sharp corners and crisp lines, other models of the Kelly are softer. Each design features a different material, including thick leather, calfskin, and alligator skin, and thus, will look differently when you set it down.

2. The Handle

Both bags have a feminine look and the appeal of a larger handbag, even for the mini bags. What most people notice about a Hermès is the handles.
No matter what you need a 6-figure handbag for, there is a Hermès for that! Whether you love it in suede with sheepskin or bright orange gator leather, it is up to you, but you will know the difference between the Birkin and the Kelly bag by the handle.
It’s all in the handle really, and it breaks down to how women carry the bags. For larger carrying capacity, you’ll need a Birkin which is ideal for jet setting and longer stays of travel or business. For a woman carrying a Hermès Kelly bag, her needs may only include taking a wallet and a few other items.   

3. The Closure

Finally, the most beloved thing about the two most popular Hermès handbags is the clasp. While both of them are horizontal, the charm comes from the padlock closure.
In both of the bags, you’ll find the latch closes the bag and it locks shut with a punk rock sid-vicious style, however, in each bag, the handle makes all the difference.

In the Hermès Birkin bag, the longer handle is made to rest on the upper arm just above the forearm, while the Kelly bag can be a clutch or an across the chest/shoulder bag.
The Hermès craftsmanship is clear in both bags, and while the closure system is the same, the Birkin bags metal loop-to-loop system goes straight through while the Kelly bag requires a flap to close. You’ll see when you have a Hermès of your own, fresh out of the box.
 
hermes logo

Should I Buy a Hermès Handbag?

The answer to this question is more complicated than it may seem. You see, because the price of Hermès handbags, it is a matter of realism for some people whether or not they should make a first-time purchase. Other people are able to collect Hermès bags and fill their closet shelves. The reality, though, is that no matter who you are - a loving housewife or royalty, it should be a carefully made decision when you buy Hermès.
 
hermes paris
CAUTION: As a general guideline for shopping the Hermès bags, it is a good idea to prepare yourself for the love affair you’re about to have. You may already have items from previous Hermès collections or this could be a first-time purchase. It doesn't matter. You will love your Birkin and you will love your Kelly bag. No matter how many you have!
Just remember to prepare for your new shopping obsession before finalizing your purchase. Because you will, inevitably, always want more Hermès, remember that for some people the price tag is not worth the sacrifice of debt.
 
hermes store

Royalty, celebrities, and other A-listers know that two of the most beautiful and popular Hermès handbags are the Birkin and the Kelly bag. Each slightly different than the other, one or both could fit your lifestyle needs. It's up to you! Just be careful to set aside enough space in your budget for your new Hermès handbag obsession.
Learn more about your favorite designers and read some fascinating stories behind the most avant-garde fashion brands in our other articles.  

 
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