Hermès Kelly Vs Birkin Bags - Everything you need to know

Both styles are synonymous with luxury but which one is best for you? The holy grail of all handbag brands, Hermès, are well known to the wealthy and renowned. Are you squeezing your first Hermès handbag or adding another to your collection? Considering purchasing either the classic Birkin or the sophisticated Kelly bag? Join the numerous A-listers and celebrities who proudly own them.

A Brief History of the Brand

The French brand, founded in Paris in 1837, is commonly linked to opulent lifestyles and is seen as the embodiment of luxury. Each one takes up to 48 hours to create by hand and is a magnificent product of unrivaled craftsmanship.


Let us take you on a tour of its fascinating past. It all began as a harness-making business where Thierry Hermès created horse harnesses for carriages and achieved a remarkable saddle stitch, which, by the way, was incredibly challenging to do given the strength and power of horses. However, this saddle was so exceptional that later, European nobility became familiar with it.

Fast forward and the current range of products under the Hermès brand name includes leather goods, lifestyle accessories, furniture, fragrances, watches, jewelry, ready-to-wear, and saddlery. A combination of rich heritage, exquisite craftsmanship, an eye for detail, and high levels of quality and professionalism throughout the entire manufacturing process gives Hermès a position of superiority in the very competitive and ruthless world of luxury. The range of products under the Hermès brand name includes leather goods, lifestyle accessories, furniture, fragrances, watches, jewelry, ready-to-wear, and saddlery.

The Key Differences Between the Hermès Birkin and Kelly

Now onto the handbags - When purchasing a Hermès Birkin or Kelly, there are several things to take into account. Size, color, and leather are all aspects to consider. But, before you even contemplate these options, you must first decide whether the Birkin or the Kelly is the right bag for you or your loved one. We have listed the guide below and provided you with all of the information you need to make the best decision for you.

The bag’s unique individual histories give insight into the key distinctions between the Birkin and Kelly. The Kelly bag (formerly known as the Sac à dépêches in 1935) was redesigned several times before it was popularized by and then named after the American actress and Monégasque princess Grace Kelly. The bag is now an expensive status symbol.


But the Birkin was made to be a wealthy person's daily bag. Birkins are a popular item with handbag collectors and were once seen as the rarest handbag in the world. The bag's value is a matter of its intentionally high price, which has led to its being described as a Veblen good.


The Birkin and Kelly handbags both have a slightly trapezoidal design, although the Kelly is more obviously angular. With clean lines, sloping sides, and a ruler-straight top, the Kelly bag has an iconic design that is a real trapezoid. The top edge of the Birkin is slightly curved, while the sides are more or less square to the top and bottom of the bag. The Birkin bag has greater storage space than the Kelly since its proportions are wider.


The Kelly bag has one handle on top and a shoulder strap, whereas the Birkin has two handles at the top but no shoulder straps included. This is the clear and obvious distinction between the two great handbags. This gives the Kelly bag a more exquisite appearance and gives you the choice of holding it in your hand or wearing it cross-body. The Birkin, on the other hand, has two top handles and is designed to be carried in the loop of your arm. It is more like a fashionable tote bag.


Formal Vs Casual

Kelly and Birkin's unique differences in style and elegance make them more suited to particular events and outfits. The Birkin is unquestionably the more casual of the two. You can carry a lot because of the design's ability to put a lot more inside. It is the "younger" of the two bags and is ideal for casual women who typically may sport a pair of jeans, Manolo Blahnik shoes, and a Chanel jacket.

The Kelly bag has a formal feel about it. Less room is available for extras, but the design screams class and power. The Kelly bag is better suited for a business meeting, an evening out, and overall having a more elegant appearance.

Two Styles for Different Uses

Hopefully, both Birkins’ and Kellys’ will find their way into your closet over time. They are wonderful additions to a growing collection or an excellent first bag to splurge on just because… you’re worth it. With the information provided above, we believe you are now prepared to choose the ideal bag for your lifestyle.

Hermès store appointments and waitlists for these coveted handbags are becoming increasingly longer  and more difficult to acquire. Lucky for you we have a wealth of special contacts in this space and can help source the handbag of your dreams.

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