How to Choose Your First Hermes Bag with a $3,000+ Budget

She loves talking about fancy bags. Today, she wants to help people who are thinking about buying their very first Hermes bag. Hermes is one of the top bag brands in the world, and many bag lovers dream of owning one someday.

 

But Hermes makes so many different kinds of bags! Which one should a first-time buyer choose? She’s going to share five Hermes bags that are worth buying, divided into two budget groups: around $3,000 and over $30,000. This way, readers can look at options that match what they can spend.

 

Budget Around $3,000

 

1.0 The Picotin (The “Basket Bag”)

 

The Picotin looks like a cute little bucket or basket. It costs a bit over $3,000, which makes it one of the more affordable Hermes bags. She loves how it’s made completely of leather but still has a simple, clean look. The bag opens and closes easily with a simple toggle, making it super convenient for everyday use.

She remembers seeing a woman at a cafe last summer with a bright orange Picotin. The bag sat happily on the table while its owner enjoyed her coffee. It wasn’t trying too hard to be fancy – it was just naturally cool.

 

One thing to know about the Picotin: the popular colors sell out really fast! Also, because it’s one of the less expensive Hermes bags, you might see other people carrying the same one. But she thinks that’s okay – it’s like being part of a special club of people with good taste!

 

The Picotin comes in different sizes (18, 22, and 26), and she thinks the middle size (22) is just right for most people. It can hold a phone, wallet, keys, and even a small water bottle. The simple design means it works for both casual days and slightly dressier occasions.

 

2.0  The Evelyne

 

The Evelyne is even more budget-friendly, costing around $2,300. What makes this bag super special is the cut-out “H” design on one side. This “H” isn’t meant to show off the brand – it was actually designed to let air flow through the bag, which originally carried horse grooming tools (Hermes started as a company making horse riding gear).

She especially loves the mini version of the Evelyne. It’s young-looking and cute, perfect for weekend outings or casual dinners. The crossbody strap makes it easy to wear while shopping or walking around the city.

 

However, she wonders if such a small bag is exciting enough to be someone’s very first Hermes purchase. The moment of buying your first Hermes should feel special and thrilling! The mini Evelyne might be too casual for such an important purchase.

 

Still, the Evelyne is a great everyday bag that doesn’t scream “expensive” too loudly. It’s perfect for someone who wants quality and the Hermes name without drawing too much attention.

 

 Budget Over $30,000

 

If money isn’t a big concern, these next three bags are the true Hermes icons that most bag lovers dream about.

 

1.0  The Birkin

The Birkin is probably the most famous Hermes bag. She recommends the 25cm or 30cm sizes, which are the most popular. The Birkin has an amazing presence – carrying one makes any outfit look more expensive and important.

She’s noticed that certain features affect how well Birkins keep their value over time:

 

– Hardware value retention: Gold hardware > Silver hardware

– Size value retention: 25 > Mini > 30 > 35 > 40

– Leather value retention: Box > Togo > Epsom > Swift

 

The Birkin wasn’t always so famous. It was created in 1984 when actress Jane Birkin sat next to Hermes’s boss on an airplane and complained about not finding a good leather weekend bag. Now it’s one of the most wanted bags in the world!

 

The Birkin opens wide at the top, making it easy to see everything inside. It has a lock and key for security, and the famous “flap” design that folds over the front. Getting a Birkin isn’t as simple as walking into a store with money – usually, you need to build a relationship with Hermes by buying other products first.

 

2.0  The Kelly

 

The Kelly was actually Hermes’s first famous bag, created long before the Birkin. She suggests choosing the 25cm size with gold hardware in a classic color like chalk white, elephant gray, black, or gold-brown. These colors and features make the bag a “sure thing” that will keep its value over time.

The Kelly got its name after Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco used it to hide her baby bump from photographers in 1956. The pictures went around the world, and the bag (previously called the Sac à Dépêches) was renamed in her honor.

 

Compared to the Birkin, the Kelly has a more structured shape and always needs to be carried with the flap closed and locked. This makes it slightly less convenient for everyday use but gives it a more formal, polished look. The Kelly comes with a shoulder strap, which the original Birkin doesn’t have.

 

She thinks the Kelly is perfect for someone who appreciates classic style and history. It’s less showy than the Birkin but just as recognizable to those who know bags.

 

3.0 The Constance

 

The Constance is the third member of what bag lovers call the “Hermes Big Three.” It has a simple, clean design with the famous “H” clasp on the front – the only Hermes bag that obviously shows its brand logo.

What’s amazing about the Constance is how it manages to hold quite a lot while still looking small and neat. It can be worn on the shoulder or across the body, making it more versatile than the Birkin.

 

The Constance keeps its value well and is easy to sell later if needed. It’s slightly less famous than the Birkin and Kelly, which means it might be easier to get from the store. However, it’s still rare enough to feel special.

 

She thinks the Constance is perfect for someone who wants a bag that works for both day and evening. The clean lines and obvious “H” make it a status symbol without being too loud about it.

 

Final Thoughts on Choosing Your First Hermes

 

After sharing all these options, she has some advice for first-time Hermes buyers:

 

1. Think about your lifestyle – do you need an everyday bag or something for special occasions?
2. Consider your wardrobe – which bag shape and color would match most of your clothes?
3. Be honest about your budget – Hermes bags are investments, but they should still fit your financial situation

She believes that your first Hermes should make your heart beat faster when you see it. It should feel special every time you carry it.

 

And about that comment saying “If you need to think about budget, you’re not Hermes’s target customer” – she disagrees! Even wealthy people make budgets and plan their purchases. Being smart with money is how many people can afford luxury items in the first place.

 

So, which Hermes bag would be your first choice? The simple Picotin, the practical Evelyne, the iconic Birkin, the classic Kelly, or the elegant Constance? Whatever you choose, she hopes it brings you joy for many years to come!