Hermès luxury handbags are undeniably the most sought-after in the world. Their extraordinary value stems from various factors, with the exceptional qualities of the diverse Hermès leathers used in crafting each bag being a top reason. Each type of leather has its own unique character, enhancing the beauty of the bags it is featured in.
Our comprehensive guide covers nearly all of the leathers and skins Hermès has used to create their leather goods (excluding rare vintage leathers that are now illegal to use).
Whether a leather is showcased in an iconic Birkin or Kelly bag or serves as a trim for a wallet or small accessory, you'll find its detailed profile here. We've included insights on each leather's appearance, feel, weight, texture, and durability. This guide will also be updated seasonally as Hermès introduces new leather types.
The 10 Most Sought-After Hermès Leathers
Hermès Barenia Leather
Renowned for its smooth finish, water-resistant properties, and elegant neutral tone, it’s no surprise that Hermès originally used Barenia leather for saddles. It remains one of the brand’s most durable leathers. Barenia leather absorbs natural oils from the skin, developing a patina over time—a feature that can be seen as either a drawback or a benefit, depending on personal preference.
Hermès Box Calf Leather
Box Calf, also known as Veau Leather, is the oldest leather Hermès has used in its handbags. This fine-grain leather develops a beautiful patina over time. Box Calf leather is notably "boardy," a term that refers to its stiffness and ability to maintain shape, making it ideal for structured bags like the Kelly Sellier.
While the surface of Hermès Box Calf leather is delicate and prone to scuffs, scratches, and even blisters when exposed to water, many of these marks can be reduced by expert reconditioning or treatment at the Hermès spa.
Hermès Chèvre de Coromandel Leather
Chèvre de Coromandel is one of the most sought-after leathers from Hermès. Sourced from male mountain goats, it stands out for its remarkable durability, setting it apart from other Hermès leathers. Its slight grain and iridescent finish give it a unique appearance. Despite being lightweight and soft to the touch, the textured surface makes it highly resistant to scratches and blemishes.
Thanks to these exceptional qualities, Chèvre de Coromandel is among the more expensive leathers offered by Hermès and is widely regarded as one of the finest choices.
Hermès Chèvre Mysore Leather
Chèvre Mysore, another goat-hide leather from Hermès, is a more refined version of Chèvre de Coromandel. It features a slightly larger grain but maintains the same desirable qualities—lightweight and highly resistant to scratches.
Hermès Epsom Leather
Epsom is a heat-pressed leather with a firm texture, featuring a fine, cross-hatched grain and a subtle sheen. It's highly popular due to its ability to showcase colors more vibrantly than many other leathers. Introduced in 2004, Epsom replaced the discontinued Courchevel leather.
Bags made from Hermès Epsom leather maintain their shape over time. Its embossed surface makes it waterproof and less prone to scratches. Lightweight and easy to clean, it only requires a quick wipe with a damp cloth. Epsom is commonly used in the production of Kelly and Birkin Sellier bags.
Hermès Evercolor Leather
Introduced in 2013, Hermès Evercolor is a pressed leather with a fine, tight grain. It has a soft, smooth feel with a slight satiny sheen.
Like other pressed leathers, Evercolor is highly durable. Initially used for small leather goods, it has since become a popular choice for Kelly, Constance, and Lindy handbags.
Hermès Swift Leather
Previously known as Gulliver, Hermès Swift leather was discontinued in 1999 but reintroduced in 2005 under its current name. (Both Gulliver and Swift, along with the Jonathan leather released in 2018, are named after Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver’s Travels.) Swift leather has a fine natural grain, offering a soft and supple texture. Its smooth surface has a slight sheen and absorbs colors beautifully, making it a favorite among Hermès enthusiasts who love vibrant hues.
Hermès Taurillon Clemence Leather
Also known as Veau Taurillon Clemence or simply TC, Hermès Taurillon Clemence leather was first introduced in the 1990s and is now commonly referred to as Hermès Clemence leather. It features a semi-matte, smooth, pebbled-grained surface that gives handbags a slightly slouchy and relaxed appearance.
While both Clemence and Togo are natural leathers and quite similar, Clemence is smoother to the touch, has slightly larger grains, and lacks the veining found in Togo.
Hermès Tadelakt Leather
Veau Tadelakt is one of Hermès' most popular leathers, often mistaken for Box Calf due to their many similarities.
Both leathers feature a smooth, glossy finish, making them prone to scratches and blistering when exposed to water. However, Tadelakt is significantly more lustrous than Box Calf, primarily because it has no visible grains. Its silky texture, glossy appearance, and excellent color absorption give Tadelakt handbags a more elegant look compared to Box Calf or Swift leather, the other leather it is frequently confused with.
Hermès Togo Leather
Launched in 1997, Hermès Togo leather is among the brand's most popular options. It features a natural pebbled grain with a matte finish and visible veining. Due to its textured surface, Togo is less prone to showing scratches compared to many other leathers. It is also simple to maintain, as most stains can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
Togo is a durable leather, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance option.
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