Hermès Birkin Bag: The Ultimate Buying Guide

With a yearly production limited to only120,000 units, Birkin bags are considered one of the most highly-demanded luxuries of all time. That’s because they are limited, timeless, chic, and incredibly stylish. If you want to invest in one of the Birkin bags you have found online or at a store, thisHermès Birkin Bag Guide is for you.

From Victoria Beckham to JLo, Hermès Birkin bag has an ever-growing fanbase. Here’s all you need to know before becoming a part of the club.

History of the Infamous Birkin Bag

Gone are the days when buying gold or stocks was the only way to build your investment portfolio. Today, Birkin bags are considered a less risky asset with a significantly high resale value. According toRealReal,the resale value of Birkin bags can be around80% to 90% of their original retail price, making this luxury a profitable investment over time. 

The bag usually retails from anywhere between$10,000 and $250,000 while representing a high store of value. 

The iconic bag was a result of a collaboration between Jane Birkin and the CEO of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, in 1984. The two met on a flight where Birkin shared concerns about not having a purse that can function well in a fast-paced lifestyle. 

This conversation gave birth to the Birkin 40 in chic calf box leather, followed by many more designs that even today’s luxury bag enthusiasts resonate with. 

Hermès Birkin bags stand out for their:

• Signature craftsmanship
• Exclusivity 

Every craftsman trains for around three to four years before they start working on their bags. Also, only one artisan produces one bag from scratch to the final product, unlike other brands where a bag switches hands during the manufacturing process.   

An artist takes more than18 hours to create a Birkin bag. Each piece is hand-sewn, buffed, painted, and then polished. It is then tagged with a code representing its creation year, the workshop it was made in, and the artisan’s name. 

It all starts from choosing and cutting the leather. Then the bag is properly stitched with uniformity followed by creating and placing the handle. Every bag is then inspected before being sold. An imperfect Birkin bag is destroyed or discarded, or sometimes used as display bags that are never sold to customers.

What is So Special About Birkin Bags?

The most special things about Birkin bags are their limited availability and scarcity. 

It is hard to obtain a bag as Hermes carefully controls their production and distribution. 

Birkin bags are subject to a tough quota system. The brand prohibits anyone from purchasing more than two quota bags in a calendar year.  

So, if you already bought two Birkin bags this year, you will have to wait until next year to add another to your collection. 

This bag is considered a prized possession for many. Many people get their Birkin bags made on order, with waiting lists spanning many years. 

Birkin Bags Available Sizes

A Birkin bag isavailable in different sizes. The smallest is known as Birkin 25. It measures around 10” W x 8” H x 5” D and comes with a 4” handle drop. The bag is rare. 

Birkin 30 is slightly bigger with dimensions 11.5” W x 9” H x 6” D, while Birkin 35 is a medium-sized bag that measures around 14” W x 10” H x 7” D. 

Birkin 40 is a medium-sized bag with 16” W x 12” H x 8” D dimensions and a 4.5” handle drop.

In 2005, Jean-Paul Gaultier designed Birkin 42, which measures around 16.5” W x 9.5” H x 7” D to hold your makeup, keys, and a small book. 

Birkin 45 is one of the largest bags with measurements of 17.7” W x 12.2” H x 17.7” W and a 4.7” handle drop. You can use it to fit a weekend’s clothes and vanity. 

Birkin 50 is the largest bag of the series with 19” W x 17” H x 10.5” dimensions and a 5” handle drop. This is a perfect bag for a weekend getaway!

Birkin Bag Materials

The timeless classic bags are made from a variety of materials, including leather and exotic skins. In some cases, Hermès goes to great lengths to buy limited-edition material releases for its Birkin bags. 

The leather is sourced through alligator, ostrich, and calf for its rarity, durability, and exceptional beauty. 

Every material used in a Hermès Birkin bag is meticulously inspected to meet the brand’s high expectations. 

You can get a Birkin bag in many colors, including caramel-toned gold and black. These classic colors are produced throughout the year. 

However, if you are looking for certain brand-new shades, Hermes releases them every spring and fall. 

Birkin Bags Prices

We can’t complete this Hermès Birkin bag guide without highlighting the price of this timeless asset. 

Any new Hermès Birkin bag may be worth anywhere between$10,400 to almost $2 million. They can even cost more depending on their material, size, and color. 

Theretail prices for a few sizes are approximately as follows:

• $10,145 for a Birkin 25
• $11,200 for a Birkin 30
• $12,450 for a Bikin 35

However, the auction prices can vary depending on their demands. 

In fact, aBirkin 20 bag from 2021 topped the charts as the most expensive Hermes bag sold in an auction in 2023. It was sold for $280,000 during the April sale in Hong Kong. 

This takes us to our next question:Why are Birkin bags expensive?

Birkin bags are expensive due to their signature saddle stitching, making them one-of-its-kind. The attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship are what make these bags unique. 

Is it Worth Investing in a Birkin Bag?

Yes, a Birkin bag is worth the investment, and here’s why. 

• The bag’s limited supply impacts its resale value, making it much more worthy than its original price. 
• Its exclusivity and durability are matchless, making Birkin bags a less risky investment than gold. 
• A Birkin can last you a lifetime if given great attention and care. You can then resale it or pass it on to your next generation. 

Birkin bags hold value and, in most cases, consistently appreciate with time compared to other luxury brand bags. 

Hermès is a good luxury brand that has a long history of producing high-quality bags only. The brand’s commitment to sustainability and high quality has maintained its matchless reputation, making it a choice for many consumers worldwide.

Where to Find Your New Hermes Birkin Bag?

Has this Hermès Birkin bag guide tempted you to get your handbag immediately? Luxury handbags can be bought from various resellers and auction houses. 

However, if you are on the hunt for carefully selected and authenticated Birkin bags, explore our collection. You will definitely find a bag worth your budget and taste. 

So, fill the cart now and enjoy wearing your Birkin bag.