There are luxury handbags, and then there’s the Hermès Birkin bag. In a class of its own, synonymous with not only the rich and famous but also with a market that values quality and craftsmanship above all else, the Birkin bag is arguably Hermès’ more popular model – designed from a chance meeting on an aeroplane.
If you know anything about the Hermès Birkin collection, you will be familiar with the story. Jane Birkin met Jean-Louis Dumas by chance on a flight, with the encounter leading to the design and release of a bag that Birkin claimed young mothers everywhere would covet. She was right, and the Birkin remains the most iconic statement accessory in the world.
But with Birkins available in a multitude of sizes, fabrics, colours, and finishes, what exactly should you be looking for when buying a Birkin of your own?
1) Choosing the Right Size
The first question that buyers are asked when they head into a boutique store looking for their perfect Birkin bag is what size they are interested in.
The Hermès Birkin comes in a range of sizes, the largest being the Birkin 40, while the Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 are considered standard sizes. The smallest classic Birkin is the 25, though there is increasing demand for the Baby Birkin, which measures just 15cm.
The size name relates directly to the width of the bag in centimetres and impacts the bag’s practicality and how much it can hold. All Birkin bags come with the structured handles, while the inclusion of different pockets and storage areas derives directly from Jane Birkin’s original ideas.
Choosing the right size for a Birkin that you are thinking about buying means considering how you want to use your bag and what your priorities are in balancing function with style.
2) Understanding the Birkin Materials
Material is as much about texture as it is colour – with the Hermès Birkin mostly revolving around the use of Togo leather, Epsom leather, and Clemence leather.
Togo leather is the most durable and is made from calfskin, while Clemence leather derives from the softer cowhide, and Epsom leather boasts an embossed finish that makes it a much tougher fabric.
Buyers can also invest in more unique pieces that are crafted from exotic leathers and skins, for example the Birkin Himalaya, which is made from a very specific crocodile skin and has been known to fetch some of the highest prices ever at auction.
In short, material doesn’t just contribute towards the look and function of the bag but also towards its value. Different materials bring their own benefits, whether you are looking for the structure of an Epsom bag or the softer and more subtle lines of a Clemence leather bag.
Colour is another consideration when buying an authentic Birkin bag, looking at the tone of the leather and the hardware to match. Some colours are more popular and in demand than others, with the hardware impacting price and overall finish.
3) Classic or Unique?
From Birkins made of vegetables to limited-edition collections that explore unique materials and unexpected design features, one of the things that buyers need to consider is whether they want to invest in a timeless classic or something that’s more of a statement.
While there is considerable demand for unique pieces (such as those Birkins made from vegetables, in collaboration with artist Ben Denzer), typically those buyers who are seeking a single investment will opt for a classic. Not only are the Birkin classic models timelessly stylish and aesthetically pleasing, but they retain their market value for years after purchase.
4) Where to Buy a Birkin From
Once you’ve considered the different sizes, understood the materials and colours available, and chosen the type of bag you want to invest in, it becomes important to research how and where to get your hands on an authentic Birkin bag.
Unfortunately, the exceptional demand for Hermès Birkin bags means that counterfeit goods are on the rise, with scam sellers looking to con buyers out of their money with bags that look like the real deal but have subtle differences that only a reputable valuation can spot. There are signs that buyers can look out for, including reference numbers and stitching details – however, the most effective way to ensure your purchase is authentic is to buy from a reputable reseller.
A reputable reseller will be able to provide full certification and will only ever sell an authentic Hermès bag with its original packaging and documentation. This is important for protecting your purchase and should be kept safe throughout your ownership.
Finally, you will know a reputable reseller by the way they handle valuation and authentication checks – and by their access to popular, rare, exclusive, and classic-edition pieces. A good seller will have a revolving and ever-changing array of stock, spanning some of the most popular collections and luxury brands in the world.
How Much Should You Pay for a Birkin?
The beauty of an authentic Hermès Birkin, particularly for investment buyers, is that, as soon as a Birkin leaves the original retail store, it elevates in value.
There is a reason why so many buyers collect Birkin bags but never use them, preferring to keep them safely stored and then sell them on to resellers for a high price. The consistent demand, paired with the lack of supply and the commitment to quality craftsmanship, means that the value of a Birkin never wanes – it only increases.
Become a part of the story by investing in your own Birkin, using the advice shared in this article to help identify your perfect luxury accessory.
