There are handbags… and then there is the Hermès Birkin.
Born in 1984 from a chance encounter between Jane Birkin and Hermès’ then-CEO Jean-Louis Dumas, it has since become the most coveted accessory in the world, it is a piece of craftsmanship so precise it takes a single artisan up to 48 hours to complete.
But for the uninitiated, stepping into the world of Birkins can feel like entering an exclusive club without the secret handshake. Sizes, leathers and prices, it’s a language of its own. This guide is your translator, your confidante, your ticket to speaking fluent Birkin.
The Birkin Size Chart — Know Your Numbers
Birkins are named for their length in centimetres at the base. The most common sizes are:
1. Birkin 25
2. Birkin 30
3. Birkin 35
4.Birkin 40
Birkin 25 The Miniature Statement
Compact yet commanding, the Birkin 25 has emerged as one of the most coveted sizes in recent years. Its petite frame lends itself perfectly to evening events, formal occasions, and the current trend for smaller silhouettes. Demand has outpaced supply to such an extent that resale prices often double retail figures, particularly for sought-after colours and exotic leathers.
- Dimensions: 25 cm x 20 cm x 13 cm
- Retail Price 2025: from $10,400 USD in Togo or Clemence leather
- Resale Outlook: Exceptional — especially in neutrals and limited editions
Birkin 30 The Modern Classic
Regarded by many as the most versatile Birkin, the 30 offers balance — refined proportions without compromising functionality. It fits the essentials, maintains elegance in scale, and works as effortlessly in the office as it does at a weekend brunch. Demand for neutral tones in this size continues to exceed supply, ensuring strong value retention.
- Dimensions: 30 cm x 22 cm x 16 cm
- Retail Price 2025: from $11,200 USD
- Resale Outlook: Consistently high; particularly strong in Black, Gold, Etoupe
Birkin 35 The Heritage Size
Once the most popular Birkin size, the 35 was the original power bag — the choice for women who valued practicality without sacrificing presence. While fashion trends have shifted towards smaller silhouettes, the 35 still commands attention, especially in vintage and collectable colours. It remains an excellent travel or work bag.
- Dimensions: 35 cm x 25 cm x 18 cm
- Retail Price 2025: from $12,000 USD
- Resale Outlook: Moderate to strong; vintage neutrals and rare hues lead the market
Birkin 40 The Travel Icon
The largest standard Birkin, the 40 is built for the jet-setter. Elegant yet commanding, it functions as both a handbag and a carry-on, making it a statement piece in every airport lounge. Due to its size, it appeals to a niche clientele, but rare exotics in this dimension are among the most valuable in the Birkin universe.
- Dimensions: 40 cm x 30 cm x 21 cm
- Retail Price 2025: from $13,000 USD
- Resale Outlook: Strong in exotics; niche demand in standard leathers
Birkin Prices in 2025 — What to Expect
Disclaimer: Birkin prices vary depending on leather, hardware, and market demand — and in Hermès boutiques, prices are famously discreet. But here’s the average boutique pricing for standard leather models in 2025:
- Birkin 25 (Togo/Clemence Leather) — from $10,400 USD
- Birkin 30 (Togo/Clemence Leather) — from $11,200 USD
- Birkin 35 (Togo/Clemence Leather) — from $12,000 USD
- Birkin 40 (Togo/Clemence Leather) — from $13,000 USD
Exotic Leather Pricing (2025 Estimates)
Crocodile, alligator, ostrich, and lizard Birkins command astronomical prices:
- Birkin 25 in Shiny Niloticus Croc — from $50,000 USD
- Birkin 30 in Matte Porosus Croc — from $65,000 USD
- Special Order / Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) exotics — often $80,000–$150,000 USD depending on rarity.
Factors That Affect Birkin Value
- Leather Type — Togo is the most popular for its scratch resistance, Swift for its softness, exotics for investment potential.
- Hardware — Gold, palladium, and rare rose gold can shift desirability.
- Color — Neutrals like Black, Gold, and Etoupe hold value best; rare seasonal shades can skyrocket in resale value.
- Condition — Pristine, store-fresh bags fetch the highest resale prices.
- Provenance — Original receipt, box, dust bag, and rain cover matter more than you’d think.
Resale Market Insights for 2025
Hermès’ tight control on Birkin supply means resale demand is perpetually high.
- 1. Brand-new Birkin 25s in popular colors are selling for 50–100% above retail.
- 2. Rare exotics can command 3–4x their boutique price.
- 3. Vintage Birkins in discontinued colors are attracting both collectors and style icons looking for “one no one else has.
LuxeLog Tip: If you’re offered a Birkin in a neutral, classic leather at retail, please take it. You can always trade or sell later for the color or leather of your dreams.
