Birkin isn’t just an utterance heard among handbag lovers and Hermès aficionados.
It’s a term that’s used to describe so much more than just a style of handbag, and has become a cultural symbol of its own. To own an Hermès Birkin is to be recognised as one of the elite in the world of style, ascending the waitlist to take home one of the world’s rarest and most coveted bags.
Of course, that’s not to say that there aren’t plenty of Birkins to choose from. Rather, it tells us that each and every Birkin is part of an exclusive collection, available only to those with the right money and the right contacts.
With that said then, what are the most popular types of Birkin, and is it true that mini versions are fast becoming the next big thing?
How Many Different Birkin Sizes Are There?
Traditionally, there have always been four different sizes of Birkin: the 25, 30, 35, and 40.
The numbers correlate to the measurement across the length of the base, in centimetres. While the 30 and 35 tend to be the most popular everyday bags, a few years ago we saw demand for the Birkin 25 rising so fast that this ‘Baby Birkin’ was deemed a coveted and well in-demand accessory.
But that’s not all the rise of the ‘Baby Birkin’ sparked. It also created demand for a new bag – even smaller than the Baby Birkin with its 25 centimetre length – known as the Birkin 20, or the Mini Birkin.
The Mini Birkin was first introduced to the market in 2019 as part of a limited-edition collection of bags, with a frontage design that mimicked the look of the original Hermès store in Paris. This isn’t the first time that Hermès has trialled something new with regard to the size of its bags, as well as their design and finish. Back in 2011, a Birkin 15 was released for the runway by then-designer Christophe Lemaire – though this never became a core part of the Birkin range.
Since the first release of the Mini Birkin, however, the collection has evolved, and the Birkin 20 has become even more coveted, crafted from some of Hermès’ most popular materials and with countless finishes.
What Can You Carry in a Mini Birkin?
Depending on who you ask, both the limited collections of Birkin 20s and the more common Birkin 25s are both termed ‘Mini bags’.
Both are large enough to carry a phone and keys, though you would be hard pressed to fit much else in these bags. With the shape and silhouette of both the Birkin and Kelly bags boasting a wider base and narrower opening at the top of the bag, you will find that the bags are much more spacious than they appear at first glance.
Of course, for many owners and those seeking a Mini Birkin of their own, the question is not to do with practicality and what you can carry – but rather how the bag looks. These bags are not only cute, channelling all the design flair of the classic Birkin into an even smaller accessory, but they are even harder to get hold of than regular-sized Birkins.
To own a Mini Hermès Birkin is to be at the top of a list that most Hermès enthusiasts don’t even know exists.
Why Is the Mini Birkin So Popular?
It all comes down to trends and to what the market wants. Mini Birkins are difficult to get hold of, which always drives demand, as well as being crafted with the same attention to detail as every other Birkin and bag that Hermès creates.
The names ‘Mini Birkin’ and ‘Baby Birkin’ both embody the idea of Hermès elegance and refined design but in an even smaller and more portable format. These bags are a masterpiece and a feat of creative design that is unmatched by most other luxury brands – and the fact that the Mini Birkin is still a Birkin only further solidifies its status on the market.
As mentioned in the opening of this article, you don’t need to search for long to find someone who knows what a Birkin is and just how much they are worth. These are bags that boast a history and a certain level of prestige in the luxury market, with the very conception of the bag still a well-known and well-loved story today.
Beyond that, this is a bag that is known to be made using the highest quality materials, hand crafted to exquisite detail by artisan crafters who spend years learning how to create the perfect Birkin.
Is a Mini Birkin the Right Choice for You?
With a selection of different sizes available, should you find yourself in a position to choose which size bag you want, is a Mini Birkin right for you?
In terms of portability, you can’t go wrong with the Mini Birkin. While it won’t carry much, it will fit in your hand or in the crook of your arm neatly, elevating any outfit effortlessly.
What’s more, the Mini Birkin is available in a variety of different finishes and styles, with the relatively new innovation of this particular bag size meaning that Hermès is still exploring new ideas and creating the bag in different materials and with different palettes.
To buy any Birkin is to become a part of an exclusive club with very limited membership – but to own a Mini Birkin, one of the rarest on the market, is something else. These bags are still a surprise to many who come across them and are some of the most difficult to find on the secondary market as a result of their young history.
To see how big a Mini Birkin is in real life and to compare this bag with other Birkins in different sizes, head to your local boutique reseller.