Hermès Bastia vs. Calvi: What's the difference?

The Hermès Bastia and Calvi are two of the brand's most popular small leather goods, but they serve fundamentally different purposes. The Bastia is a coin purse crafted from a single piece of leather folded in an origami style, ideal for holding coins or small trinkets. The Calvi, on the other hand, is a dedicated card holder with two pockets designed specifically to store and organize credit cards or folded cash.

Here’s everything you need to know about these iconic accessories from Hermès to decide which one belongs in your bag.

Hermès Bastia Coin Purse

The Bastia is a masterclass in minimalist design and clever construction. Made from a single, unbroken piece of leather, it folds into a sleek envelope-like square secured by a single snap. Its primary function is to store loose change, keeping coins from rattling around in a pocket or bag without adding bulk.

• What it is: A compact, origami-style coin purse designed for carrying loose change.
• Key features: Unique single-piece leather construction, palladium snap closure, embossed "Hermès Paris Made in France" stamp on the interior.
• Price: Approximately $250 - $400 depending on the leather.
• Materials/Construction: Famously crafted from a single panel of Epsom or Chèvre Mysore leather, known for high durability and scratch resistance. Its beauty lies in its folded design rather than stitches.
• Sizing/Fit: Measures roughly 3.3" x 3.1", making it incredibly compact and easy to slip into any pocket or small handbag.
• Pros: Elegant and secure way to carry coins, highly durable construction, iconic and recognizable design, versatile for holding small items like rings or earbuds.
• Cons: Not designed for credit cards (they can fall out or bend), can become bulky if overfilled with coins, very specialized function.

This accessory is perfect for individuals who still carry coins or need a sophisticated pouch for tiny personal items like jewelry or a single key.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/category/women/small-leather-goods/

Hermès Calvi Card Holder

The Calvi is Hermès's answer to the perfect minimalist wallet. Outwardly, its snap-closure square silhouette looks similar to the Bastia, but inside, it opens to reveal two separate pockets. This bi-fold design makes it a functional and protective card case, built to organize credit cards, transit passes, business cards, and folded bills.

• What it is: A sleek, snap-closure card holder with two internal pockets.
• Key features: Bifold design for card organization, two distinct inner sections, slim profile, palladium snap closure.
• Price: Approximately $350 - $550 depending on the leather.
• Materials/Construction: Often made from durable Epsom leather but also available in other varieties like Chèvre. The construction features clean lines and perfectly glazed edges for a polished finish.
• Sizing/Fit: Measures about 4.1" x 2.8", making it slightly more rectangular than the Bastia but perfectly sized for standard credit cards. It remains very slim, even when full.
• Pros: Organizes cards effectively, slim and easy to carry, discreet elegance, protects magnetic strips and chips, functions as an excellent minimalist wallet.
• Cons: Not suitable for carrying coins, limited capacity (best with about 4-5 cards per side), more expensive than the Bastia.

The Calvi is a practical choice for anyone who primarily carries cards and wants a chic, durable holder that epitomizes understated luxury.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/category/women/small-leather-goods/

Bastia vs. Calvi Comparison

Design & Function

The most important difference between the Bastia and Calvi is their intended use, which stems directly from their design. The Bastia’s single-piece, unstructured interior creates one single compartment perfect for tumbling loose items like coins. There are no slots or dividers, just an empty space that securely closes.

The Calvi, in contrast, is fundamentally built for organization. It opens like a book to reveal two dedicated pockets, one on each side. This structure is designed to separate and hold cards flat, preventing them from mixing, bending, or getting damaged. It's a purpose-built card wallet, whereas the Bastia is a coin purse.

Capacity & Usability

Regarding capacity, each one excels at holding its intended contents. The Bastia can comfortably hold a significant amount of coins without straining the snap. You can also use it to hold a single pair of wireless earbuds, an AirTag, or a piece of jewelry you need to store safely.

The Calvi is built for flat items. It can comfortably hold up to 8-10 cards (4-5 per side) and a few folded bills before it starts to get tight. Its usability comes from this organization - you can place IDs and primary credit cards on one side and less-used cards on the other, ensuring easy access without needing to rummage.

Materials & Construction

Both the Bastia and Calvi are offered in nearly all of Hermès’s signature leathers, with Epsom (a stamped, scratch-resistant calfskin) and Chèvre Mysore (a supple and durable goatskin) being the most common choices for both. The quality of craftsmanship is identical, featuring the brand's iconic silver-toned palladium "Clou de Selle" snap closure.

The primary construction difference is the foundation of the design. The Bastia shows off masterful leather folding techniques, while the Calvi highlights Hermès's precision cutting and edge glazing for a classic wallet-style structure.

Price & Value

The Bastia is one of Hermès's most accessible entry-level small leather goods, typically starting around $250. This reflects its simpler, single-piece construction. The Calvi generally costs about $100 more, starting around $350, due to its more complex design. Both hold their value exceptionally well, true to the Hermès brand, making either a sound purchase.

Which One Should You Choose?

While both are beautiful and expertly crafted, they serve entirely different audiences.

Choose the Bastia if:

• You regularly carry loose change and want to keep it contained stylishly.
• You need a small, secure pouch for tiny items like an anxiety ring, earrings, or a key.
• You already own a card holder and need a complementary piece for coins.
• You appreciate the ingenuity of the single-piece origami design.

Choose the Calvi if:

• You are looking for a compact, minimalist wallet primarily for credit cards.
• You prioritize organization and quick access to your cards and folded bills.
• You need a slim accessory that will not create bulk in your pockets or small bags.
• You do not typically carry coins and need a solution for your essential cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Hermès Bastia and Calvi?

The primary difference is their function. The Bastia is an origami-style coin purse with one main compartment for coins or small items. The Calvi is a folded card holder with two dedicated pockets designed to organize credit cards and folded bills.

Can you use the Hermès Bastia as a card holder?

While you can technically fit a few cards inside, it's not recommended. The Bastia's unstructured interior doesn't hold them securely, and they can shift, bend, or even fall out when you open it.

Can you put coins in the Hermès Calvi?

It's best not to. The Calvi is designed for flat items, and coins can easily fall out from the sides of the pockets. Over time, coins can also create impressions and stretch the delicate leather.

Which one holds more?

Each holds more of its intended item. The Bastia can hold a large handful of coins, while the Calvi is designed to hold about 8-10 cards plus a few folded bills - far more than is advisable for a Bastia.

What is the most popular leather for the Bastia and Calvi?

Epsom and Chèvre (goatskin) leather are the most popular choices for both models. Epsom is highly praised for its rigidity and scratch resistance, while Chèvre is beloved for its soft feel, beautiful grain, and durability.

How much do the Bastia and Calvi cost?

The Bastia typically retails between $250 and $400, while the Calvi is slightly more expensive, ranging from $350 to $550, depending on the leather chosen.

Are they a good investment?

Yes, like most small leather goods from Hermès, both the Bastia and Calvi hold their value incredibly well and are popular on the resale market, especially in classic or high-demand colors.

Can you fit the Bastia inside the Calvi?

No, they are similarly sized when closed and are meant to be used as separate accessories. The Calvi is designed to be slim, and placing a filled Bastia inside would distort its shape.