The Best Birkin Sizes for Your Lifestyle

Brief History of the Iconic Birkin

The Hermès Birkin bag made its debut in 1984, priced at a modest $2,000. The creation of the Birkin was the result of a serendipitous meeting between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on a flight from Paris to London. Birkin shared with Dumas her frustration at not having a practical yet stylish bag that suited her fast-paced lifestyle. Inspired by this conversation, Dumas designed the Birkin bag, drawing influence from the Hermès Haut à Courroies (HAC) bag. The first Birkin, the Birkin 40, was born, featuring a practical flap design, two rolled handles, “clou” feet, and a lock closure. The Birkin's enduring appeal is a testament to its practicality and timeless design.

While the first Birkin was the only version to feature a shoulder strap, all subsequent Birkins are designed with two handles, in part to prevent competition with the Hermès Kelly bag, which remains one of the brand’s most iconic offerings. Over the years, the Birkin has evolved in size, style, and color, with each new iteration adding to its legacy as a symbol of exclusivity and luxury.

The Hermès Birkin bag is a timeless symbol of luxury, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. With its iconic design and enduring appeal, the Birkin is more than just a handbag; it’s a statement piece. But with so many sizes to choose from, finding the perfect Birkin to match your lifestyle can be a daunting task. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a busy professional, or someone who simply loves to indulge in exquisite fashion, understanding the different Birkin sizes is essential. In this guide, we’ll explore the history of the Birkin, the details of each size, and help you determine which one is right for you.

What are the Different Hermès Birkin Bag Sizes?

The Hermès Birkin bag comes in a variety of sizes, each designed to suit different needs, preferences, and lifestyles. From the compact Birkin 20 to the spacious Birkin 40, these bags offer a wide range of options, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your personal style and daily routine. While the larger sizes were once the most popular, smaller Birkins have gained considerable traction in recent years, thanks to changing fashion trends and shifting practical needs. Understanding the dimensions and unique characteristics of each size is essential when choosing the right Birkin for you. Whether you need a bag for everyday use, a chic evening accessory, or a functional travel companion, Hermès offers a Birkin size that will meet your requirements with unmatched elegance.

Birkin 20

The Birkin 20, also known as the Mini or Baby Birkin, was first released in 2019 as a limited edition called the Birkin 20 Faubourg. This special edition was inspired by the façade of Hermès’ flagship boutique at 24 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré in Paris. The Faubourg Birkin 20 features luxurious details like Matte Alligator flaps, Madame calfskin bodies, Epsom glass, and a Sombrero leather base, with the brand's signature Orange H Swift used for the awnings. This version is highly sought after, making it a prized collector's item.

In 2021, Hermès introduced two new variations of the Birkin 20 Faubourg: Midnight (Minuit) and Snow (Neige). The Midnight version is mostly black with Matte Alligator Flaps and PVD Hardware, reminiscent of the So Black collection, while Snow features a Matte Alligator body and Togo leather flap. The Birkin 20 Faubourg has become an obsession among collectors, with prices reaching over $115,000. Sotheby’s sold a Vert D'eau Matte Alligator Birkin 20 for 889,000 HKD in Hong Kong. This size remains one of the most exclusive Birkins and is best suited as an evening or special occasion bag due to its small size.

So far the Baby Birkin hasn't been seen in leather, but with the recent release of the leather Birkin 20 Faubourg, it's likely that a leather version of the Birkin 20 will be introduced soon. Given the strong demand for the compact Hermès Mini Kelly 20 in leather, it seems only natural that the Birkin 20 will also be crafted in Epsom leather, just like the Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 Sellier models.

Birkin 25

The Birkin 25 was introduced in 2004 as smaller bags began to gain popularity, with smartphones and other devices reducing the need to carry large items. Initially, it took time for the Birkin 25 to become popular, but today it is the most sought-after size. The Birkin 25 is the smallest standard size, measuring 25 cm across the top. It has a strong following, especially in Asia, where smaller bags are preferred, though it also remains highly desirable in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.

While the Birkin 25 is a petite daily bag or casual evening bag, it is not large enough to hold a laptop or substantial daily items. The handles on the Birkin 25 are smaller than on larger models, so it is often carried by hand, although it can fit over the wrist for those with smaller hands. The Birkin 25 is often priced at a premium compared to the Birkin 30 or larger sizes due to high demand and limited supply.

Birkin 30

Introduced in 1996, the Birkin 30 is the most popular and versatile size of the Birkin family. It has become the go-to choice for many buyers due to its ability to comfortably hold daily essentials, including a small laptop. The Birkin 30 is a favorite for both casual and professional settings, striking a perfect balance between size and functionality.

The Birkin 30's handles are long enough for most people to carry it over the wrist, which is a preferred method for many buyers. While the Birkin 30 is highly coveted, it is generally more expensive than the larger Birkin sizes due to higher demand. A pristine Birkin 30 in a neutral or current Hermès color can sell for $28,000 to $30,000 in the secondary market. Sotheby’s often sells more Birkin 30s than any other size due to its global popularity and availability.

Collectors often gravitate toward purchasing multiple Birkin 30s, with many preferring this size over the Birkin 25, as the smaller handles on the Birkin 25 make it less practical for those with larger hands.

Birkin 35

The Birkin 35, which closely resembles the original Birkin made for Jane Birkin in 1984, was the "standard" size for many years. Despite a decline in popularity due to the trend toward smaller bags, the Birkin 35 still holds a special place among fans of the original design. It is large enough to carry a laptop and all daily essentials, making it an excellent choice for those needing extra space.

The Birkin 35 is a great weekend bag or travel bag, especially for those with a second home or those who don’t need to carry a laptop daily. It is more popular in regions like the United States and Europe, where larger bags are often used. In Asia, however, the Birkin 35 is less popular, and increasingly, it is being purchased by men. In the secondary market, the Birkin 35 generally sells for less than the Birkin 25 but remains pricier than the Birkin 40 due to demand.

Birkin 40

The Birkin 40 is the largest standard Birkin size, introduced alongside the Birkin 35 in 1984. While it has always been less popular than the 35 cm version, the Birkin 40 is still favored by those needing a larger bag for travel or business. However, it is generally considered too large for everyday use by most buyers. The Birkin 40 is ideal for weekend trips, overnight bags, or when carrying more substantial items.

The Birkin 40 is particularly suited to buyers who need a spacious bag or those in less urban areas where cars are the primary mode of transportation. It is increasingly becoming a popular choice among male buyers. In the secondary market, the Birkin 40 is generally priced lower than the smaller sizes due to lower demand, making it a more accessible option for those seeking a larger Hermès bag.

Birkin JPG — Hermès Birkin 42 JPG Shoulder Graphite Matte Porosus Crocodile

Shoulder Birkin

The Shoulder Birkin, created by Jean Paul Gaultier during his first Hermès runway show in fall 2004, is a unique version of the Birkin with shoulder straps. Unlike the classic Birkins, the Shoulder Birkin was designed to be worn comfortably over the shoulder. While it remains one of the least popular Birkin sizes, it has a niche following due to its relaxed and casual nature.

Produced in two sizes, 40 cm and 42 cm, the Shoulder Birkin was discontinued in 2013, though Hermès re-released it in 2024 in Swift leather and indigo denim. The Shoulder Birkin is particularly appealing to those looking for a less structured and more practical Birkin for everyday use. Prices for the Shoulder Birkin from 2004-2013 are typically lower than the Birkin 35, with some models selling for less than a Birkin 40 from the same time period, depending on their condition.

How Do I Know Which Birkin Bag Size to Choose?

Selecting the right Birkin bag comes down to balancing style, practicality, and personal lifestyle. Whether you need a compact and elegant Mini Birkin for special occasions, a versatile Birkin 30 for everyday wear, or a spacious Birkin 40 for travel, each size offers distinct advantages. Consider how you plan to use the bag, your carrying preferences, and the materials or colors that best suit your wardrobe. With demand for Birkins continually rising, choosing the right size ensures a functional and stylish accessory that will remain a timeless piece in your collection.

Advantages to Buying Hermès Birkin on the Secondary Market

1. Access

Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Birkin bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Birkin bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Birkin bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Birkin bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès Birkin bags.

2. Flexibility

Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase Birkin bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Birkin bag that isn't available at auction or online.

3. Value

While Birkin bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Birkin bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Birkin Bag at an Hermès boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Birkin that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Birkin bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Birkin.

4. Discovery

One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Birkins or rare limited edition Birkin bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Birkin bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.

Buy and Sell Hermès Birkin Bags at Sotheby's

Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès Birkin bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.

Prices for Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 at the low end for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.

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