Do you dream of owning a Hermès Kelly bag but haven't been offered one by your personal shopper yet? While you patiently wait for your dream bag, why not consider adding another Hermès handbag to your collection? Enter the Hermès Herbag, often referred to as the affordable cousin of the Kelly. Not only does it offer the same iconic shape, but it also comes at a fraction of the price. And the best part? You can usually purchase it immediately at Hermès, without the need to wait for ages. However, before making your decision, let's dive into everything you need to know about the Herbag.
Hermès Herbag History
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Though not much is known about the origins of the Hermès Herbag, we do know that the design has been around for at least four decades. In fact, you can still find vintage versions from the 80s and 90s on the pre-loved market today. However, Hermès temporarily discontinued the Herbag around the early 2000s, only to bring it back in 2009 with a slightly updated look and a new name - the Herbag Zip. This newer version retained much of the original design, but added a few elements such as a zipped back pocket and a removable interior pouch.
Hermès Herbag Design Features
The Hermès Herbag shares a trapezoid shape, top handle, and detachable shoulder strap with the iconic Kelly. Side by side, they look remarkably similar. However, upon closer inspection, you'll notice some notable differences, the most significant being the material. While the Kelly is made entirely of leather, the Herbag features a combination of leather and canvas. And here's the exciting part: the top part of the Herbag can be detached from the body, allowing you to mix and match with other Herbags if desired. Many Herbags also come with a reversible body, giving you two bags in one. Additionally, the Herbag features the clou de selle closure and a zipped pocket at the back, although this pocket is only present in newer versions.
Hermès Herbag Materials
As mentioned earlier, the Herbag combines canvas for the body with leather for the trim. The canvas options include the durable and sturdy Hermes Officier or Military canvas. The top part of the handbag features Vache Hunter Leather, another material known for its durability. While most Herbags come in solid colors, there are occasional limited edition styles with exquisite designs on the canvas. One standout limited edition version is the Pegase Pop, featuring a flying pegasus image on the front. Palladium plated hardware is the usual choice for Herbags, although gold hardware options also exist.
Hermès Herbag Sizes
The Herbag is available in four main sizes to suit different needs. The smallest size, the Herbag Zip 31, measures 31 cm in length, 25 cm in height, and 10 cm in depth. This size is perfect for everyday use. If you carry a laptop, the Herbag Zip 39 might be a better fit, measuring 39 cm in length and 32 cm in height. It offers enough space for a laptop and other office essentials. For travel purposes, the Herbag Zip Cabine and Weekend Bags are ideal. The Herbag Zip Cabine is designed to be taken on the plane, while the Herbag Zip Weekend Bag provides more room for overnight stays. If you prefer a backpack-style option, consider the Herbag Backpack, measuring 29 cm in length and 38 cm in height.
See the table below for specific measurements of each size:
| Style | Measurements (cm) | Measurements (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| Herbag Zip 31 | 31 x 25 x 10 | 12.2 x 9.8 x 3.9 |
| Herbag Zip 39 | 39 x 32 x - | 15.4 x 12.6 x - |
| Herbag Zip Cabine | - x - x - | - x - x - |
| Herbag Zip Weekend Bag | - x - x - | - x - x - |
| Herbag Backpack | 29 x 38 x - | 11.4 x 15.0 x - |
Hermès Herbag Prices
Now let's talk about the all-important question: How much does the Herbag cost? Compared to the Kelly, the Herbag is one of Hermès's most affordable bags, thanks to its canvas construction. As of August 2022, the Herbag Zip 31 in Military Canvas and Vache Hunter Leather retails for $2,675 plus tax in the United States. In contrast, the Kelly 28 in Togo Leather is priced at $10,600 plus tax, resulting in a significant price difference of $7,925 between the two bags. The Herbag Zip 39 in Military Canvas and Vache Hunter Leather currently retails for $2,900 plus tax. The travel sizes, Herbag Zip Cabine and Zip Weekend bags, are priced at $3,850 and $4,225 respectively. The Herbag Backpack costs $3,150 plus tax.
Would you opt for a Herbag instead of a Kelly? Or perhaps you'd consider owning both? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Disclaimer: The prices mentioned in this article are for informational purposes only and may vary in boutiques.
