Hermès Birkin 35 vs. 40: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès Birkin 35 and the Birkin 40 primarily differ in size, weight, and function. The Birkin 35 offers a classic, balanced proportion that makes it an incredibly versatile day-to-night handbag, while the Birkin 40 is a substantially larger bag designed for carrying more, making it an ideal choice for work or travel.

Here is a complete guide to help you choose the right Birkin size from Hermès for your personal needs and style.

Hermès Birkin 35

The Birkin 35 is often considered the quintessential size and for many years was the most requested model. Measuring 35 centimeters at its base, it strikes a perfect balance between a spacious interior and an elegant, manageable silhouette. This makes it an incredibly versatile daily handbag that can hold all your essentials without feeling cumbersome.

• What it is: A medium-sized, iconic handcrafted tote bag known for its elegant proportions and daily-use practicality.
• Key features: Measures approximately 35cm x 25cm x 18cm. Features double rolled handles, a flap top with swivel closure, lock and key (clochette), and a spacious single-compartment interior.
• Price: Typically ranges from $12,000 to $15,000 USD for standard leathers like Togo or Clemence.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from premium leathers like Togo (textured, anti-scratch), Clemence (softer, with a matte finish), or Epsom (rigid and lightweight). Each bag is hand-stitched by a single artisan.
• Sizing/Fit: Sits comfortably in the crook of the arm and is well-proportioned for most body types. It’s substantial enough to hold everything you need for a workday but not so large that it feels out of place at dinner.
• Pros: Highly versatile for work, casual outings, and travel. Proportional look that complements many body frames. Holds a significant amount, including a tablet and daily necessities, without being overly bulky. Great investment value due to classic appeal.
• Cons: May not comfortably fit a larger work laptop. Can still become quite heavy when filled.

This size is the definitive choice for those seeking a highly versatile, classic bag that balances daily functionality with timeless luxury.

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Hermès Birkin 40

The Birkin 40 is the original size designed for Jane Birkin and is the largest standard Birkin available. Its generous dimensions make it a powerful statement piece and an exceptionally functional travel or work bag. Best known for its ability to hold everything - from a laptop to a change of clothes - it's designed for those who need utility without sacrificing high style.

• What it is: A large, structured tote that functions as a sophisticated weekender, travel companion, or serious work bag.
• Key features: Measures approximately 40cm x 29cm x 22cm. Shares the same design as the classic Birkin, including a vast interior well-suited for larger items.
• Price: Retails for slightly more than the 35, generally from $13,000 to $17,000 USD depending on the material and hardware.
• Materials/Construction: Built with the same exceptional hand-stitching and premium leathers as the Birkin 35, ensuring durability that stands up to frequent use and travel.
• Sizing/Fit: As a much larger and heavier bag, it creates a bold, powerful look. It can sometimes feel overwhelming on more petite frames and gets very heavy when full, making it a true hand-carry or crook-of-the-arm bag.
• Pros: Immense capacity can easily accommodate a laptop, files, a sweater, and even shoes. Excellent for use as a carry-on or for weekend trips. Makes a very strong fashion statement. Often called the "travel Birkin."
• Cons: Its weight is a major drawback for some, as it's hefty even when empty. Less versatile for evening use or quick, casual outings. Its sheer size can be cumbersome for daily errands.

This is the ultimate selection for those who prioritize carrying capacity, travel utility, and the commanding presence of a statement-sized luxury bag.

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Hermès Birkin 35 vs. Birkin 40 Comparison

Size, Dimensions & Capacity

The most crucial difference lies in the dimensions. The Birkin 40 is not just wider - it's also taller and deeper than the 35, transforming its interior capacity significantly. While a Birkin 35 might fit a small tablet or a 13-inch laptop at a squeeze, the Birkin 40 easily accommodates larger laptops, legal files, jackets, or an entire assortment of travel essentials. This 5 cm of extra length makes the 40 a true carryall, whereas the 35 remains a very spacious handbag.

The trade-off for this capacity is weight. A Birkin 40 in Togo leather can weigh over 3 pounds even when completely empty, which can become considerable once you fill it. The Birkin 35 is lighter and more manageable for all-day carry, making it a more comfortable choice for daily use.

Style, Proportions & Presence

Each size offers a distinct aesthetic. The Birkin 35 has a perfectly balanced vertical-to-horizontal ratio, making it an undisputed classic that looks polished and proportionate in most situations and on most body types. It functions as a structured yet elegant accessory that complements your outfit.

The Birkin 40, in contrast, is an outfit-making statement piece. Its presence is powerful and commanding, projecting a sense of purpose and sophistication. On taller individuals, it can look elegantly oversized, but on petite frames, it may feel overwhelming. Its primary appeal is less about being an accessory and more about being a beautiful and functional piece of luxury luggage.

Versatility & Everyday Use

The Birkin 35 is the clear winner for versatility. It excels as a daily workhorse, effortlessly transitioning from business meetings to weekend brunch or even an elegant dinner. Its size is large enough to be practical but small enough to not seem out of place in more formal or relaxed settings.

The Birkin 40 is a more specialized bag. It's a fantastic solution for air travel, business trips, or for professionals like lawyers who need to carry extensive documents. However, its significant size and weight make it less practical for simple errands or social outings where you don't need to carry as much.

Price & Value

Financially, both bags are outstanding investments, often retaining or appreciating in value on the resale market. Retail prices see the Birkin 40 costing slightly more due to the larger amount of material required. The value proposition largely depends on your use case. If you need maximum capacity, the Birkin 40 provides immense value. If you need a single luxury bag to handle nearly every situation, the 35 offers superior value due to its exceptional versatility.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are exceptional investments, but their suitability ultimately hinges on your lifestyle necessities and personal style.

Choose the Birkin 35 if:

• You need a sophisticated and highly versatile bag for everyday work and personal use.
• You prioritize a balanced, classic silhouette that looks appropriate in nearly any setting.
• You're of average or petite stature, and you're concerned about a bag overwhelming your frame.
• You want a bag that carries all your essentials without becoming excessively heavy.

Choose the Birkin 40 if:

• Capacity is your number one priority for work, travel, or as a parent.
• You need to regularly carry a large laptop, documents, or an extra set of clothes.
• You are taller or prefer the look of a bold, oversized statement handbag.
• The bag’s substantial weight is not a major concern for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Birkin 35 and 40?

The main difference is size and intended function. The Birkin 35 is a versatile, large handbag suitable for many occasions. The Birkin 40 is a significantly larger and heavier bag, designed primarily as a work or travel tote with maximum capacity.

Can the Hermès Birkin 35 fit a laptop?

The Birkin 35 can sometimes fit a small or ultra-thin laptop (like a 13-inch MacBook Air) if placed diagonally, but it will be a snug fit and leave little room for much else. The Birkin 40 is the much better option for securely carrying laptops.

Is the Birkin 40 too big for everyday use?

For most people, yes. Its size and weight can make it cumbersome for quick trips, daily errands, or social outings. It excels in specific situations like travel or carrying work materials but is often considered too substantial for casual, everyday wear.

Which Birkin size is more popular?

Historically, the Birkin 35 was the most sought-after size. In recent years, trends have shifted towards both smaller bags (like the Birkin 25 and 30) and large totes. The 35, however, remains a timeless and popular choice for its classic versatility.

Which size holds its value better?

Both the Birkin 35 and 40 are incredible investments that hold their value exceptionally well in the pre-owned luxury market. Demand for specific sizes can fluctuate with trends, but both are considered "holy grail" bags in the luxury market. Certain color and leather combinations in either size can command prices well above retail.

Can you wear a Birkin on your shoulder?

No, neither the Birkin 35 nor the 40 is designed to be a shoulder bag. The handles have a short drop meant for hand-carrying or wearing the bag in the crook of your arm. Forcing them onto the shoulder is not practical and can damage the bag over time.

How heavy is the Birkin 40?

The exact weight varies by leather type, but a Birkin 40 can weigh over three pounds (approx. 1.5 kg) completely empty. When full, it can easily exceed ten pounds, making its weight a significant consideration for potential buyers.

How can I decide if the bag will be too big for me?

A helpful tip is to use a tape measure and mark out the dimensions (40cm x 29cm x 22cm) to get a tangible sense of its size. You can also mock up the size with a cardboard box or compare its measurements to a bag you already own.