Hermès Birkin 25 vs. 30 vs. 35: Which Size Should You Choose?

When it comes to luxury bags, few names that evoke the same level of admiration and awe as the Hermès Birkin. Over the last few decades, the Birkin has evolved to become more than just an accessory – it's a fashion icon, a status symbol, and a very very smart investment. See, with the prices of the Birkin going up over time and so many limited-edition and rare versions being introduced, a Birkin isn't just a fashion purchase anymore– it's an asset. 

Before we begin, let's rewind a little

The Backstory : The “Birkin” was named after Miss Jane Birkin, an actress, singer, and an ultimate style influencer of her time. On an Air France flight from London to Paris, she found herself sitting next to none other than Mr Jean-Louis Dumas, the chairman of Hermès.

During the flight, Jane’s wicker bag fell on the floor spilling the contents everywhere and she expressed how hard it is to find a leather bag that's not only beautiful to look at but also practical and reliable.

She and Dumas started talking and Dumas began sketching the perfect leather bag of her dreams, right there on the plane. And so, in 1984, the Hermès Birkin was introduced, one of the most coveted bags in the world today.

Related Guide:  Gucci Belt Size Guide

Signature Features

The Birkin is a gorgeous structured tote-style bag with two sturdy top handles, a flap closure, a lock and clochette, and the iconic tourette fastening on the front. 

Over time, Hermés has used a variety of luxurious leathers for the Birkin such as Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, and Box calf. Certain limited-edition Birkins were crafted using exotic skins too like crocodile and ostrich. The bag is available in an extensive palette of colours from classic black and white to various seasonal hues.

Ofcourse, this versatility extends to the Birkin sizes as well. If you're lucky enough to be in the market for a Birkin, it's important you first get your head around the different sizes. The right size can make or break how much you actually use this stunning bag.

If you're a lucky Birkin owner, it's a given that the bag should suit your lifestyle and all your practical needs. Let's quickly walk you through this Hermès Birkin size guide to make your decision easier

BIRKIN 25

Starting with the smallest (excluding the rare, custom bags), we have the Birkin 25 or B25. It measures around 10” W x 8” H x 5” D with a 4” handle drop. It's a mini bag designed to be worn either on your wrist or carried by the hand, mostly worn for evening outings or special events. 

Now despite its compact size, it can fit in slightly more than other minis on the market. You can easily carry a wallet, phone, and keys plus a lipstick to go. That said, B25 is rare and mostly available in the Asian market for VIP clients. 

BIRKIN 30

The Birkin 30, measuring 11.5” W x 9” H x 6” D with a 4” handle drop, is a popular size and fit for everyday use. While it is indeed compact, it's still more roomy than B25 and you can fit more than just a wallet, phone, and keys. You can conveniently add a small notepad, or a water bottle, maybe even a lightweight sweater. It's easily styled and carried either by hand or on the forearm. 

BIRKIN 35

The B35 is relatively larger and more spacious than its smaller counterparts, making it an ideal bag for someone who needs a little bit more room. Measuring 14” W x 10” H x 7” D with a 4” handle drop, you can carry it hand-held or on the wrist. 

The B35 was actually the first-ever Birkin size created for Jane Birkin herself, back in the day. While smaller sizes like B25 or B30 are more trendy, the B35 is more practical for an everyday bag for work and travel. You can fit in your daily must-haves plus additional items to go. If you're someone who's always on the move, the B35 is a lifesaver. The bag is especially loved in the US and Europe.

BIRKIN 40

The B40 is the largest of the commonly available sizes, albeit less requested. It's more popular among men and clients who like a bold, oversized look. The bag can be safely used as a weekend bag, or for a long day at work when you need to juggle multiple tasks and need extra essentials. It's got fairly spacious dimensions of  16” W x 12” H x 8” D size and a 4.5” handle drop.

The roomy interior is great for travelers or anyone with specific needs really. You can fit a phone, wallet, keys, a makeup bag, a book, a small laptop plus a water bottle. 

BIRKIN 42

The B42 was designed by Jean- Paul Gaultier in 2005. This size was Hermès’ answer to all those who wanted the Birkin in a more adaptable, shoulder-friendly design. What makes the B42 standout is the slightly larger base width so it's longer in length but shorter in height. The measurements are 16.5” W x 9.5” H x 7” D. It's the only design that comes with a shoulder strap and can also be styled slung around the shoulder. 

BIRKIN 45

The B45 is the ultimate oversized option in the Birkin lineup with impressive dimensions. Measuring around 17.7” W x 12.2” H x 9.1” D with a 4.7” handle drop, this bag is made to hold a substantial amount of belongings. It's a great option for travelers and people who like ample storage. You can easily fit in a weekend worth of clothes, a small vanity case, plus your essentials. 

BIRKIN 50

The Birkin 50, also called the HAC (Haut à Courroies) Birkin takes the standards of luxury to the next level, offering the most generous size and space within the Hermès Birkin collection. Measuring around 19” W x 17” H x 10.5” D with a 5” handle drop, it’s designed for those who can't have enough space for their belongings. 

What sets the B50 apart in history is that it was originally designed in the 1800s as an equestrian bag. It's taller than the standard Birkin with a longer handle drop, giving it a unique silhouette. As you can guess, the B50 is a rare and exclusive design, and is usually sought-after by collectors or those who enjoy their luxury bag standing out in a crowd. 

HERMÈS BIRKIN BAG SIZE COMPARISON

WRAPPING UP

Hope this Hermès Birkin size guide was helpful. 

To wrap it up, picking up the right size of your Hermès Birkin really depends on how you plan to use it. Whether you prefer the mini B25 or need the regular B30 or B35, it's all about your individual needs. 

If you are tired of the long waiting lists and hefty price tags, hit us up at Dallas Designer Handbags for 100% authentic and pre-owned luxury bags. We aim to make your luxury purchase easier, more convenient, and more budget-friendly!