If you’re in the exciting position of being in the market for a Birkin bag, you may be wondering which Birkin size to get. As with any bag, there are benefits to each size available on the market, and it is important to factor in your lifestyle.
The size you choose needs careful consideration. If you are buying a Birkin to wear regularly, you might choose a different size over someone who is buying one to keep as an investment. You may not have had the chance to compare sizes in person, so let this be your guide to Hermès Birkin bag sizes.
What Is An Hermès Birkin?
History: The story on how the Hermès Birkin was thought up almost sounds made up. It involved a chance encounter between legendary actress, singer, and muse Jane Birkin and chairman of Hermès at the time, Jean-Louis Dumas.
It is 1984 and they are on an Air France flight over the English Channel. The contents of Jane Birkin’s famous wicker bag fall out of the overhead compartment. Birkin and her flight seat neighbor, Dumas, then got into a conversation.
They discussed what Jane Birkin’s ideal bag would look like and how it would have pockets to make it more practical than her signature wicker bag. Dumas sketched up a bag that would suit her needs as a new mother and the Birkin bag was born.
What it looks like: The Birkin is a structured bag with two top handles, a lock and clochette, a touret fastening on the front, and a flap detail.
Variations: The Birkin comes in a variety of leathers, with some of the main ones being: Clemence, Box Calf, Swift, Epsom, and Togo. This iconic bag comes in different colors, with the classics that are always produced and also seasonal hues.
Hermès Birkin Bag Sizes
The classic Hermès Birkin sizes are: 25, 30, 35, and 40.
Below is the Birkin size comparison and their measurements:
1. Birkin 25
Measurements: 25 x 20 x 13cm
The B25 (Birkin 25) is one of the rarest sizes. This size is typically only offered to the Hermès VIP customers. This size is one of the most sought after styles because of its versatility - it can be carried by hand and worn in the evening. Yet, it is still big enough to carry a practical amount of items within.
2. Birkin 30
Measurements: 30 x 22 x 16cm
The B30 is another versatile bag. The Birkin 30 is spacious enough to carry everything you need including a continental wallet, water bottle, notepad, phone, keys and a cosmetic bag, and still have plenty of space.
3. Birkin 35
Measurements: 35 x 25 x 18cm
Perfect for everyday use is the B35, which was the original size created for Jane Birkin. The Birkin 35 is large enough to carry a laptop, making it a great choice for everyday use and for the office. The roomy size is also great for using it as a travel or overnight bag.
4. Birkin 40
Measurements: 40 x 30 x 21cm
The B40 is the most popular size for men and is the largest of the four. This large bag is best if you need to carry around a significant amount of items with you or if you plan to use it as a travel bag. The Birkin 40 is produced less than the other sizes as it is generally less popular.
How Do I Know Which Hermès Birkin Bag Size To Choose?
If this isn’t your first Birkin, you might want to go with a size different to the one you currently have. However, if it is your first time buying a Birkin then the first step is to consider where and when you want to wear it.
The popularity of each size has shifted over the years. For a long time, the Birkin 35 was the most popular size, however as trends have shifted towards more compact bags, the Birkin 25 is now the most searched for size. The smaller size is more popular than the larger bags if you want to carry the Birkin by its handles rather than use the shoulder strap.
- The Birkin 25: The perfect evening bag.
- Birkin 30: If you are looking for a practical bag that is not too large.
- Birkin 35: Perfect for every day use.
- Birkin 40: Best suited to you if you will be using it as your day-to-day bag and like to carry a lot with you, or even as your travel bag.
Why Is The Hermès Birkin Bag So Famous?
The Birkin bag has been worn by celebrities ever since it came out decades ago. The fact that it is difficult to purchase one directly from the brand makes it even more covetable. As when you do manage to get ahold of one, it makes it even more special.
It is also one of the most expensive handbags sold on the resale market, which has resulted in its aspirational status. The design itself is also a huge factor, for fans of structured, minimalist style, it is the epitome of that.
Is The Hermès Birkin Worth It?
Absolutely! There are few items that not only hold their value but see an exponential increase in value over time. The Birkin bag is one of them. Notoriously hard to source directly, the Birkin bag is easiest to find on the resale market so there is always a demand for them.
If you decide to sell your bag, it will either retain its value or work out to be an investment and sell for more than it was bought for. This will depend on a variety of factors such as the size, color, condition and whether you have kept the box and papers.
Where To Buy Hermès Birkin Bags
If you’ve got your heart set on an Hermès Birkin and you have a better idea of which size you are interested in, now is the time to research how and where you want to buy one.
1. How To Buy A Birkin From Hermès
One option is to buy from Hermès itself. However, it could take many years. The store needs to be acquainted with you and you need to be making regular purchases in the store in order to build up a customer profile.
Once you have been a regular customer for a while, you can express your wish to buy a Birkin. From this point, it could take years before you are offered the chance to buy one. Even then, it might not be the size, color, or leather that you were interested in.
Bear in mind that there is no option to buy a Birkin from Hermès online or any other way.
2. How To Buy A Birkin At Resale
Many people will decide to buy a Birkin at resale instead for a number of reasons:
- You can select the exact bag that you are looking for.
- Browse Birkins are in stock and ready to ship.
- When buying from a reputable luxury reseller, all items are expertly authenticated.
myGemma has a wide range of Birkin bags (and Kelly bags), all expertly and rigorously authenticated by our team of luxury authenticators.
How Can I Sell An Hermès Birkin Online?
If you own a Birkin bag and are looking to sell, myGemma offers the full resale experience. Our experts will offer you the right price for you item and the entire process, from price quote to payment, can take as little as 24 hours.
myGemma is the fast, easy, and secure way to sell your luxury accessories. There are no hidden fees or commissions deducted from your offer, so the price you are offered is that price you get. Simply fill out the online form to get started!
