Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags are much-loved and much-coveted luxury handbags known for their exceptional craftsmanship, superior quality, and iconic reputation. Although they bear certain resemblances, they possess unique features that clearly differentiate the two.
To differentiate between a Birkin and a Kelly bag, one must carefully observe their shapes, sizes, handle designs, and closure styles. Consider the bag’s designated purpose and overall visual appeal to aid in identifying which iconic Hermès bag would best match your needs!
Shape and Size: Birkin
The Birkin bag features a rectangular shape with softly rounded corners and a broader opening. It offers a range of sizes, including 25cm, 30cm, 35cm, and 40cm.
Shape and Size: Kelly
In contrast, the Kelly bag boasts a more defined trapezoidal form, highlighted by a gracefully curving top flap and a singular top handle. It is available in smaller sizes than the Birkin, with choices such as 20cm, 25cm, 28cm, and 32cm.
Closure: Birkin
The Birkin bag is distinguished by its dual-rolled leather handles and a front-facing turn-lock closure. It can be firmly sealed using a padlock and keys, which are threaded through the hardware of the front closure.
Closure: Kelly
The Kelly bag, on the other hand, is characterized by a solitary top handle and a unique turn-lock closure, frequently adorned with a belt strap that gracefully drapes over the top flap. Like the Birkin, it can be locked securely using a padlock and keys.
Handle: Birkin
The Birkin bag boasts two top handles, often longer and more versatile, allowing for various carrying options like handheld or resting on the crook of the arm.
Handle: Kelly
In contrast, the Kelly bag showcases a single, shorter top handle, traditionally designed for hand-carrying or draping on the arm.
Wear Style: Birkin
The Birkin bag is celebrated for its casual and adaptable design, rendering it well-suited for everyday use and travel.
Wear Style: Kelly
In contrast, the Kelly bag is frequently regarded as more formal and elegant, making it a favored option for special occasions or as a standout fashion statement.
Shoulder Strap: Birkin
They typically lack an integrated shoulder strap; however, you can purchase separate straps for specific Birkin models.
Shoulder Strap: Kelly
Some Kelly bags include an optional shoulder strap that can be affixed for hands-free carrying.
Accessories
Both bags offer the option to embellish them with a padlock and keys, but the positioning of these accessories varies.
In the case of the Birkin, the padlock is affixed to the front closure.
On the Kelly, it dangles gracefully from the leather belt strap.
Interior
Both bags have well-designed interiors incorporating pockets and compartments; however, the interior features may differ depending on the bag’s size and style.
Material and Colors
Both Birkin and Kelly bags offer a wide selection of materials, encompassing leather types like Togo, Clemence, and Epsom, as well as exotic skins such as alligator and crocodile. Additionally, they present various colors and color combinations to cater to individual preferences.
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