Hermès Clemence Leather vs. Togo: What's the difference?

The main difference between Hermès Clemence and Togo leather lies in their structure and texture. Togo is a firm, structured calfskin with a pronounced pebbled grain that makes it incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, while Clemence is a softer, more supple calfskin with a flatter grain, resulting in a heavier, more relaxed drape.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Hermès leather for your next investment piece.

Hermès Clemence Leather

Clemence is a rich, supple leather derived from the hide of a young bull. It’s known for its incredibly soft touch and semi-matte finish, which gives it a refined and elegant appearance. Popularized in the 1990s, Clemence has a less uniform, somewhat flatter grain compared to Togo, which contributes to its unique ability to drape and slouch beautifully over time.

• What it is: A soft, smooth-grained calfskin leather with a semi-matte finish and a luxurious hand-feel.
• Key features: Very supple and flexible, leading to a relaxed silhouette in bags. The grain is less pronounced and has a softer texture than Togo.
• Texture &, Feel: Exceptionally soft and buttery to the touch. It feels smooth despite its visible graining.
• Pros: A beautiful soft drape that gives bags a relaxed aesthetic. The grain offers good scratch resistance. It’s known for its rich color saturation over time.
• Cons: Softer structure means bags can lose their shape and slouch more over time. It is also sensitive to water, which can cause blistering if not wiped away immediately. Tends to be one of the heavier leathers.

This leather is ideal for those who prefer a less rigid look and appreciate the casual sophistication of a softer, slightly slouched bag.

Shop Hermès Clemence products: hermes.com/us/en/category/leather/calfskin/clemence/

Hermès Togo Leather

Introduced in 1997, Togo is Hermès's most famous and sought-after calfskin leather. It strikes the perfect balance between structure and suppleness, with a characteristic raised grain that feels more textured to the touch. This pebbling makes it incredibly resilient against daily wear, making it a favorite for workhorse bags like the Birkin and Kelly.

• What it is: A processed calfskin leather famous for its visible, textured pebbling and scratch-resistant quality.
• Key features: A distinct raised and uniform grain pattern. Holds its shape exceptionally well over years of use. Matte finish.
• Texture &, Feel: Textured and slightly bumpy due to the visible pebbling. It feels firm, dry, and structured.
• Pros: Highly durable and scratch-resistant, making it perfect for daily use. Maintains the bag's structure and shape for years. Easy to clean and refurbish. Resists wear gracefully.
• Cons: Heavier than some other leathers like Epsom. While rare, veins or fine lines in the leather can sometimes become visible over time.

Perfect for an everyday bag, Togo is the go-to choice for those who value durability, structure, and a material that stands up to the rigors of frequent use.

Shop Hermès Togo products: hermes.com/us/en/category/leather/togo/

Hermès Clemence vs. Togo Comparison

Texture & Feel

The most immediate and discernible difference between Clemence and Togo is their feel. Running your hand over Togo leather reveals a textured, grainy surface that feels dry and firm. It's a satisfyingly hearty texture that signals its durability.

In contrast, Clemence leather feels smoother and softer. While it has a visible grain, it's flatter and less pronounced, providing an almost buttery sensation. This suppleness contributes to bags feeling more pliable and soft "off the shelf."

Structure & Weight

Structure is the main point of divergence. Togo is beloved for its ability to hold a bag's shape impeccably. A Togo Birkin will stand upright and maintain its sharp, iconic silhouette for years, even with regular use. This rigidity comes at the cost of some weight, as it is a denser leather.

Clemence is naturally less structured. Its softness and flexibility mean that bags made from it will develop a slouch over time, particularly in larger sizes like a Birkin 35. Many collectors adore this relaxed, broken-in look, which adds a touch of effortless French chic. However, Clemence is also surprisingly heavy, sometimes even heavier than Togo, due to its oil absorption.

Durability & Scratch Resistance

Both leathers are durable options from Hermès, but Togo has the edge. Its raised, pebble-like grain is excellent at hiding minor scratches and scuffs that come with daily use. It’s a very forgiving material, making it ideal for those who don’t want to be overly precious with their bag.

Clemence is also quite resilient, but its smoother grain means deeper scratches might be more noticeable. Its biggest vulnerability is water, moisture can create water spots or "blisters" on the surface if an item is not wiped down promptly. Togo is slightly more resistant to water damage, although both should be protected from rain.

Who Each One Works Best For

Choosing between them often comes down to aesthetic preference and lifestyle. Togo is the clear winner for someone who uses their handbag every day and wants it to remain structured and relatively pristine-looking with minimal fuss.

Clemence is a better fit for someone who appreciates a softer, more pliable handbag that develops character over time. It's for the person who loves a less formal, more lived-in luxury aesthetic and is comfortable with their bag developing a unique slouch.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are exceptional leathers that embody Hermès craftsmanship, but they cater to very different tastes.

Choose Clemence leather if:

• You prefer a softer, more luxurious feel.
• You love a relaxed, slightly slouchy silhouette in your bags.
• Your bag won't be exposed to rain frequently.
• You appreciate how a bag develops a unique, lived-in character over time.

Choose Togo leather if:

• You prioritize durability and scratch resistance for everyday use.
• You want your bag to maintain its original, structured shape.
• You prefer a classic, structured look that always feels classic.
• This will be your primary, go-to designer bag for work and daily errands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Hermès Clemence and Togo?

The main difference is structure and texture. Togo is a firm, structured leather with a raised pebble grain, making it durable and scratch-resistant. Clemence is a soft, supple leather with a flatter grain that creates a relaxed, slouchy shape over time.

Which leather is more durable?

Togo is considered more durable and forgiving for daily use. Its pronounced grain is excellent at camouflaging minor scuffs and scratches.

Does Clemence leather slouch?

Yes, Clemence is known for its tendency to slouch, especially in larger bag sizes. This gives bags a more casual, relaxed appearance that many collectors highly value.

Which leather is heavier?

Both are relatively heavy leathers, but Clemence can sometimes be heavier than Togo due to the way it is treated and its higher absorption of oils during the tanning process.

Is Togo or Clemence better for a Birkin?

This is a matter of personal preference. Togo is the classic choice for a Birkin, as it holds the iconic, structured silhouette. Clemence is preferred by those who want a softer, more informal Birkin with a beautiful drape.

How can you tell the difference between Clemence and Togo?

The easiest way is by feel and sight. Togo leather has a more visible, raised, and bumpy grain. Clemence has a smoother feel with a flatter, less uniform grain pattern.

Which Hermès leather is more popular?

Both are extremely popular. However, Togo is often considered the most iconic and classic workhorse leather from Hermès, especially for Birkin and Kelly bags.

Do both leathers scratch easily?

Neither scratches easily compared to smooth leathers like Box Calf. However, Togo is more scratch-resistant than Clemence because its pronounced texture helps disguise wear and tear.