Hermès Apricot vs. Orange: What's the difference?

Discover the subtle elegance between Hermès Apricot and Orange. Learn how these iconic hues define style - boldly confident or softly understated.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The iconic Hermès Orange is a vibrant, bold, and instantly recognizable color, serving as a powerful brand signature, while Hermès Apricot is its softer, more understated cousin - a muted, peachy-orange that offers a delicate and versatile warmth. Orange makes a confident statement, whereas Apricot delivers a whisper of sophisticated color.

Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose the Hermès hue that best fits your personal style.

Hermès Apricot

Hermès Apricot is a gentle, sophisticated shade that captures the essence of understated luxury. It offers a warm, peachy wash of color that feels both fresh and timeless, making it an incredibly wearable choice for those who appreciate subtlety.

  • What it is: A soft, muted shade of orange with delicate and warm peachy undertones.
  • Visual Vibe: Refined, elegant, and calm. It provides a subtle pop of color that complements a look rather than defining it.
  • Common Uses: Frequently found in silk scarves, small leather goods, and other accessories. It pairs beautifully with neutral tones like beige, white, cream, and brown.
  • Pros: Extremely versatile and easy to style for various occasions. The muted tone is sophisticated and timeless. Complements a wide range of skin tones and wardrobes. Works well for both professional and casual settings.
  • Cons: Less recognizable as a signature Hermès color compared to the classic orange. Might feel too subtle for those seeking a bold, statement-making piece.

This color is perfect for those who seek a piece that adds sophisticated warmth and quiet elegance to their collection.

Shop this product: https://www.hermes.com

Hermès Orange

Iconic and unmistakable, Hermès Orange is the brand's signature color. It's a vibrant, energetic hue that telegraphs confidence and a bold sense of style. This is the color found on the brand's coveted boxes and is a true collector's staple.

  • What it is: A bright, powerful, and saturated orange that is core to the Hermès identity.
  • Visual Vibe: Energetic, confident, lively, and attention-grabbing. It serves as an immediate focal point and fashion statement.
  • Common Uses: Famously used for all Hermès packaging and prominently featured on iconic leather goods like Birkin and Kelly bags, as well as silk scarves and enamel jewelry.
  • Pros: Instantly recognizable and strongly associated with the heritage of the Hermès brand. Makes a powerful and cheerful statement. Exudes a sense of fun and confidence. A highly sought-after color for collectors.
  • Cons: Can be overpowering for minimalist or classic wardrobes. Less versatile for formal or professional environments. Requires more intentional styling to avoid clashing.

This quintessential shade is the ideal choice for anyone wanting to own a piece of brand history and make a bold, vibrant style statement.

Shop this product: https://www.hermes.com

Hermès Apricot vs. Orange Comparison

Tone & Intensity

The primary difference lies in their saturation and brightness. Hermès Orange is a true, fully saturated orange - bright, bold, and impossible to miss. It has a high energy and stands out starkly against any backdrop.

In contrast, Hermès Apricot is a muted, toned-down shade. It has visible peach and pastel undertones, giving it a much softer and calmer appearance. Think of it as adding a touch of cream or beige to Hermès Orange, the intensity fades into elegant softness.

Versatility & Styling

Hermès Apricot is the clear winner in versatility. Its understated nature allows it to blend seamlessly with neutral colors like white, tan, gray, and brown. It can act as a gentle accent color in a professional setting or add a soft touch to a casual weekend outfit. It’s an easy color to incorporate into an existing wardrobe without much effort.

Hermès Orange is a statement piece by nature. It isn't meant to blend in, it's meant to be seen. Styling it often involves building an outfit around it, typically with a neutral base (like all-black, all-white, or denim) that allows the orange to be the hero. While less versatile for day-to-day wear, it excels at creating memorable, high-fashion looks.

Who Each One Works Best For

Choosing between these two beautiful colors ultimately comes down to personal style. Apricot is aimed at the individual with a classic, sophisticated aesthetic who prefers refined and timeless elegance. It’s for someone who appreciates luxury in a more private, understated way.

Hermès Orange is for the brand enthusiast and the fashion-forward individual who loves color and isn't afraid to stand out. It appeals to those with a confident, expressive, and energetic style who want to carry a recognized symbol of luxury.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both colors are beautiful, they cater to different style preferences and occasions.

Choose Hermès Apricot if:

  • You prefer subtle, understated elegance in your accessories.
  • You want a highly versatile color that complements a neutral and classic wardrobe.
  • Your personal style leans more towards sophisticated and timeless pieces.
  • You're looking for a warm, gentle hue that adds color without overwhelming your look.

Choose Hermès Orange if:

  • You want the iconic, instantly recognizable color of the brand.
  • You love making a bold, confident fashion statement.
  • Your style is energetic, and you enjoy incorporating vibrant pops of color into your outfits.
  • You're seeking a collector's piece that is synonymous with the Hermès identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between Hermès Apricot and Orange?

Orange is a vibrant, bright, and bold signature color that commands attention. Apricot is a much softer, muted, peachy-orange that offers a subtle and more understated elegance.

Is Hermès Orange the same color as their boxes?

Yes, the classic Hermès Orange is the signature color used for the brand's iconic packaging, including its boxes and shopping bags.

Which color is more versatile?

Hermès Apricot is significantly more versatile. Its muted, gentle tone pairs easily with a wide array of colors and neutrals, making it suitable for both professional and casual wear.

Which color is a better investment?

Both colors hold their value well because they are from Hermès. However, the signature Hermès Orange is more iconic and widely sought after by collectors, which may give it a slight edge in long-term recognizability and demand.

How do I style Hermès Apricot?

Pair it with neutral colors like cream, beige, white, tan, and olive green for a sophisticated look. It also looks beautiful with light-wash denim for a chic, casual style.

How do I style Hermès Orange?

Let it be the star of your outfit by pairing it with an otherwise neutral look, such as an all-black, all-white, or navy ensemble. For a bolder approach, you can color-block with complementary colors like royal blue or fuchsia.

Does the type of leather affect how these colors look?

Absolutely. Leathers with a grain, like Togo or Clemence, can give the color a richer, subtly textured appearance. Smoother leathers, such as Swift or Box, will make the color look more saturated and shiny. Epsom leather often holds color very brightly and consistently.

Which color is more popular?

The iconic Hermès Orange is more famous and widely recognized as the brand's signature. However, popularity in terms of personal choice varies, with many clients preferring the wearability of subtler shades like Apricot.