HERMES BIRKIN BAG VS KELLY BAG: HOW TO KNOW THE DIFFERENCE

There are many choices to consider when buying an Hermes Birkin or Kelly; what size, what color, and what leather. Before you can even begin to think about these options, you need to decide whether the Birkin or the Kelly is the style for you.

 

So, you’ve decided you want to buy an Hermes bag. Will you buy an Hermes Birkin or an Hermes Kelly? What’s the difference? This blog post is designed to provide you with all the information you need to decide between a Birkin and a Kelly.

 

The Hermes Birkin Handbag

Authentic Hermes Birkin Handbags | YoogisCloset.com

 

The classic Birkin bag has a very distinct design. The Birkin has a rectangular, tote-like silhouette. Birkin bags have two handles, a flap closure, two leather buckle straps that go through metal brackets and a turning knob with a holder for a padlock. The Birkin flap is designed with a place for the front handle to fit comfortably into. Birkin bags also have four feet on the bottom to protect the leather base. Birkin prices range from $10,500 to $150,000. Due to the fact that each bag is handmade, prices vary according to the type of leather and hardware. The average Birkin bag takes 48 hours to make and is completely handmade by one artisan.

 

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The Hermes Kelly Handbag

Hermes Kelly Handbags | YoogisCloset.com

 

The Hermes Kelly has slightly trapezoidal, boxy shape. Hermes Kelly bags have the same draw-strap and lock mechanism as a Birkin bag but without the metal loops. Hermes Kelly bags have one top handle, a flap closure, two leather buckle straps, a turning knob with a loop for a padlock and four feet on the bottom.  There are two styles of Kelly bag: the Sellier and the Retourne. The Sellier is rigid and more structured, and the Retourne is slouchier and has rounded corners. The average Kelly bag takes 18 to 24 hours to make and is completely handmade by one artisan.

 

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How To Tell The Difference Between An Hermes Birkin And An Hermes Kelly Bag

They're two of the most coveted accessories on earth: the Hermes Birkin and Kelly. But can you tell the difference?

 

Hermes Birkin Vs. Kelly: What's The Difference? | YoogisCloset.com

Hermes Birkin (left), Hermes Kelly (right)

 

Size Differences Between The Hermes Birkin and Kelly

The sizes of Birkin and Kelly bags are different. The Birkin is taller and wider overall, while the Kelly has a slimmer profile and smaller base.

 

Hermes Birkin Sizes

25cm 10" L x 5" W x 8"H

30cm 12" L x 6.25" W x 9" H

35cm 14" L x 7.5" W x 10.75" H

40cm 16" L x 8" W x 11.25" H

Hermes Kelly Sizes

20cm 8" L x 3.5" W x 6"H

25cm 10”L x 3.5”W x 7.5” H

28cm 11" L x 4.5" W x 8" H

32cm 12.5" L x 5" W x 9.5" H

35cm 13.75" L x 5" W x 10.25"

 

Birkin and Kelly Bags Have Different Closures

Another key difference between the two bags is the closure. Both bags have a dual strap closure system with a turnlock, but the Birkin bag has metal loops to loop through. The Kelly bag requires the flap to be closed. You’ll see below that the Birkin flap is designed around the front handle.

 

Birkin and Kelly Bags Have Different Handles

The other most notable difference is that the Kelly bag has one handle on the top (plus a shoulder strap in newer models), while the Birkin has two handles at the top and no shoulder strap. The Kelly bag provides the option of carrying it either in your hand, on your shoulder, or as crossbody. The Birkin is meant to be carried in the crook of your arm with its two top handles.