How to choose the right Hermès Handbag? | The Birkin's & Kelly's House

Whether you have a collection of Hermès handbags, or you’re thinking of buying your first bag, there is always something that comes to mind: How to choose the right Hermès handbag? As difficult as it may seem, there are some logical steps that you must follow to determine which Hermès bag to buy next.

At The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House, we support our clients with a personalized service, not only providing you with an amazing variety of fresh brand new in box Hermès handbags, but also with the advice you need to choose the right Hermès handbag in no time.

We have developed this guide to show you all the elements that you must have in mind before deciding to buy a Hermès bag. Discover how to choose the right Hermès handbag and if you need additional help from our experts, fill out this form and we will show you exactly which bags to buy. Keep reading and find the perfect Hermès bag for you!

Define the use for the bag
Compare your height to the size
Determine the style you’re looking for
Choose your favorite model
Accessible price or value for future resale?

Define the use for the bag

First things first, when deciding which Hermès bag to buy, you need to define what is the use you’re going to give it, as you may have some other Hermès bags that you use for certain occasions but you are looking for something different. Or on the contrary, you need a versatile handbag for many styles.

Either way, it is important to define the overall occasions in which you’re planning to use this new bag. Here are a few ideas and examples of occasions and the right Hermès handbags to use.

Daily use

If you’re looking for a Hermès handbag for daily use, whether to go out on casual occasions or even to go to work, you need to have in mind two things: the bag should be of a neutral or easy to match color, and the bag should be spacious enough to fit your belongings and comfortable enough to carry it for a long time.

These are a few recommendations of Hermès handbags for daily use:

Nighttime occasions

When the events call out for a more refined and chic look, it is important to find a Hermès bag that can perfectly fit the event, whether it is a dinner, an outing to a lounge or a smart casual occasion. For this the rules are simple, find bags preferably in darker shades, or distinctive colors that leave an impression. You can incorporate the use of exotic skins. Smaller bags are perfect for nighttime occasions, since you don’t need too much storage space.

Here are some perfect examples of Hermès handbags to match nighttime occasions:

Special occasions

Special occasions can come at any moment, and you need to be prepared with the right Hermès handbag to look sophisticated and classy. If you’re looking for a handbag that can represent you in case of a special occasion, such as a party, a wedding or a formal event, you need to find one that is unique, with exotic skins to make an impact and pastel or bright colors to make a striking approach.

You can also use a bag with darker colors, this will all depend on the dresses or outfits you have planned for special occasions, so we recommend you base your choice in your favorite dresses, this way the handbag you choose will always match with your look.

Here are some examples of perfect Hermès bags for special occasions:

Traveling

If you’re looking for a Hermès bag that can accompany you in your travels and adventures, there are certain things you must think about. First, you need to know if you are going to use the Hermès bag to travel and carry it as your personal bag, or if you’re going to use it at your destination. In any case, there are certain things you must have in mind before choosing the right Hermès bag to travel with you. Here are some important rules to follow:

If you’re putting your Hermès bag in a suitcase, it must always be inside its original dust bag to keep it protected. Avoid putting liquid products around it, as in the case of a spillage, the bag can suffer the consequences.
Surround the bag with soft garments that don’t cause any stress or scratches. Place the bag comfortably inside the suitcase and try to use one with enough space to fit the bag inside.
Put a filling cushion inside the bag to keep it in shape during the flight, if you don’t have a filling cushion, fill it with soft cotton garments so it won’t be flat when you reach your destination.

Additionally, some types of destinations are not fit for taking your Hermès handbag with you, so it is important you know when to make an effort to bring your Hermès bag with you, and when it is better to leave it protected at home.

The Hermès bag you choose to travel, whether you plan to carry it with you in the flight, or you put it in your suitcase, should be a compact bag that can be easy to carry and store in reduced spaces. You never know if you’re going to have to put it in the overhead compartment of the plane, or if when you get to the hotel the safe is too small to store it. Remember that there will be moments in which you can’t take your bag with you and you have to leave it in the hotel, for example, when going to the beach or for a hike in exotic destinations.

We recommend picking Constance or Birkin bags in small sizes to carry them comfortably and put them inside your suitcase. Avoid exotic skin bags to minimize the damage, as these skins are more delicate than calfskin. Pick the colors and hardware that best suit you to match your outfits, and always plan your looks beforehand to know exactly which bag to take with you. We don’t recommend taking several Hermès bags on your trips, but only one or two at most, so you avoid risks of losing them, damaging them or someone stealing them from you.

Here are some recommended Hermès handbags to travel and to use at your destination:

Compare your height to the size

Although Hermès handbags are beautiful and desirable in all their sizes, it is crucial to know that not all sizes look good on everyone, this is because your height plays a very important role in which type of handbag and which size you should use.

This means that if you consider yourself a short woman, a large Birkin bag in size 35 or 40 won’t look good on you, as it will make you look even shorter. However, a Birkin bag size 25 or a Kelly 25 can help you look graceful and sophisticated.

It works the same if you’re a tall woman, a small Constance 18 or even a Mini Kelly 20 won’t look good, as they are very small bags and they can make you look too tall. It is ideal to use a proportionate handbag, such as a Kelly 32 or a Birkin 30.

If your height is average, you have a little bit more room to play with the Hermès handbag sizes, but everything will depend on which bags make you feel comfortable. Remember that regardless of the size and height, Hermès bags are also heavy, because they are made of natural skins, so you need to pick one that makes you feel comfortable and that won’t affect your posture and spine.

Determine the style you’re looking for

Everyone has a personal style, and when purchasing a Hermès bag you’re always going to have your personal style in mind. Choosing the right Hermès bag for your style may be challenging or very easy, it all depends on your personal preferences, as well as the type of impression you want to make.

We have contemplated three levels of styles so that you can pick the one that resonates with you the most, and we will give you some Hermès handbag recommendations that fit those styles. Pay attention!

Striking Style

If you’re a woman that likes to be the center of attention and surprise everyone with your fashion choices, you’re surely more attracted to bright colors, interesting textures and bold combinations. Your style can be defined as vibrant, chic and trendy.

The best choices of Hermès bags for striking styles are the following:

Intermediate Style

hermes-bags-for-a-neutral-style — *Birkin 30 Bleu Saphir Taurillon Novillo Gold Hardware*

If you are a woman that enjoys a good balance with fashion, you can wear bold colors but also use neutral tones to make other accessories shine. You certainly have an intermediate style, this means that you base your outfits on the occasion more than in any personal fashion approach. Your style can be defined as sophisticated, fashionable and confident.

These are the best Hermès bags for a intermediate style:

Discreet Style

If you like your style to be just an extension of yourself, and you don’t want to attract too much attention with your fashion choices you’re surely a woman that enjoys a minimalistic approach. You probably prefer neutral colors, calfskin textures and a clean look. Your style can be defined as classic, minimalistic and timeless

Here are the most fitting Hermès bags for a discreet style:

Choose your favorite model

If you’re thinking of buying a new Hermès bag, you are surely looking for a specific model to purchase, and although there are many striking Hermès handbags, there are three that are the most sought-after and valuable, and they are the Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags. These models have different characteristics, and some may be more fitting to your style or what you’re looking for. Next, we will give you a brief explanation of each model and what are their ideal uses.

Birkin bag

The Birkin is a rectangular bag with a closing flap divided in three, it features two firm handles, two closing straps and a turning closure. This handbag was originally designed for women that needed enough storage space to carry their belongings comfortably, this is why it is the model that offers a more spacious option.

A Birkin is a good choice for women that need a resistant daily use bag, an option to take with them for casual outings or going to work. However, the Birkin bag is also a stylish accessory and can be used in smaller sizes to portray a luxurious and striking style.

We recommend you pick the Birkin bag if you’re planning on using it daily or very regularly, if you dress up in a more casual style, and if you want to have enough storage space everywhere you go.

Kelly bag

The Kelly is a trapezoidal handbag with a firm structure, a single short handle, a straight closing flap, two closing straps, a turning closure and a detachable strap to carry it crossbody or on the shoulder. The Hermès royal handbag provides a classic style, a touch of sophistication and overall a more elegant look. It does have storage space, but it is more of a stylish bag.

A Kelly is a good choice for women that are looking for a classic look. This bag has a retro aura that makes it charming and a perfect companion for special occasions. However, a Kelly can be used for both casual outings and formal events, it can easily adapt to daily use and there are many ways to use it thanks to its Retourné version, that is more appropriate for casual occasions, whilst the Sellier version in smaller sizes can be ideal for a formal event.

We recommend you pick a Kelly bag if you want to add a unique piece to your collection, if you’re planning on enjoying it on special occasions, or if you have a very classy style and it matches your current wardrobe.

Constance bag

The Constance is a squared compact bag with a straight closing flap, an “H” shaped closing clasp, and a strap to carry it comfortably. This bag was made thinking of city women that needed a comfortable bag with a sporty look, offering them an easy way to carry their belongings without sacrificing their movement, keeping their hands free. The timelessness and comfort of the Constance bag makes it a perfect choice for corporate women with very active lifestyles.

A Constance is a good choice for women that enjoy a fresh style with a trendy touch. This handbag can be your ideal companion to casual outings, and even the perfect addition to special occasions and formal events. The Constance’s bag versatility makes it adaptable depending on its skin and color combinations.

We recommend you pick a Constance bag if you have a very distinctive, fresh and young style, if you want a unique luxurious piece, or if you don’t need too much storage space and want to carry your belongings comfortably.

Accessible price or value for future resale?

hermes-bag-resale — *Birkin 25 Black Shiny Niloticus Crocodile Gold Hardware*

Before purchasing a Hermès bag it is important to settle if you want to seize its valuable potential for resale. It is well-known that Hermès handbags, especially the Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags are able to retain their value very well, but not only that, as they are also capable of revaluing as years go by, but it all depends on certain aspects.

What elements make a Hermès bag more valuable?

Model: Birkin bags tend to be more valuable and reach better resale values than Kelly and Constance bags.
Skin: Exotic skins are more valuable than calfskin, especially crocodile, alligator and lizard.
Color: Some colors are safe classics to invest in, so they retain their value, but there are some that can reach higher values because of their rarity.
Size: Small sized handbags are always more sought-after and coveted than bigger sizes.
Limited-editions: Purchasing limited-edition handbags can give you better profits in resale, as these bags tend to reach higher values.

Seizing the resale potential of Hermès handbags is entirely optional, so it means that if you want to buy a bag that is more accessible for you, or you don’t care about fancy colors or skins, it is up to you. However, it is something that you must have in mind when choosing the right Hermès handbag. This is why the purpose or use you’re going to give to your bag is crucial, because it allows you to know if you’re going to collect it for future resale, or if you’re planning on using it regularly.

We hope we have been of help with this guide to choose the right Hermès handbag. If you need additional assistance, fill out this form and we will provide you with personalized recommendations of the best Hermès handbag you can choose.

If you have already decided your next Hermès handbag purchase, we invite you to enter our online store at The Birkin’s & Kelly’s House, we have a broad collection of fresh brand new in box Hermès bags ready for you. Amongst the variety you can find multiple color, skin and hardware combinations, and you can even order the bag you want if we don’t have it in stock.

Our strong security and authenticity system ensures that you obtain a 100% genuine bag every time. We provide all the authenticity documents and complete proof to let you know that your bag is original, brand new and bought directly from the official Hermès stores.

Don’t wait any longer and buy a new Hermès bag today!