Hermès Double Sens 36 vs. 45: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès Double Sens 36 and 45 are minimalist, reversible totes that differ primarily in size and capacity. The Double Sens 36 is the smaller, more compact version designed for carrying daily essentials with understated elegance, while the larger Double Sens 45 serves as a spacious carry-all perfect for work, weekends, and travel.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which Double Sens size from Hermès best fits your lifestyle.

Hermès Double Sens 36

The Hermès Double Sens 36 is the epitome of discreet luxury and functional design in a compact package. As the smaller of the two sizes, it offers a lightweight and easy-to-carry silhouette that is ideal for daily errands and casual outings without feeling bulky. Its fully reversible nature, often featuring two distinct colors or leather finishes, makes it incredibly versatile.

• What it is: A small, minimalist, and fully reversible luxury leather tote with no hardware.
• Key features: Measures approximately 36cm (14") wide. The reversible design effectively offers two bags in one. It has an open top for easy access and two flat leather shoulder straps for comfortable carrying.
• Price: Available on the pre-loved market, prices typically range from $2,500 to $4,500 depending on leather, condition, and color combination.
• Materials/Construction: Most commonly crafted from soft and durable leathers like veal Sikkim or Toro Clemence, known for their beautiful grain and suppleness.
• Sizing/Fit: Its modest size fits comfortably on the shoulder and doesn't overwhelm smaller body frames. It’s perfect for carrying a wallet, phone, keys, small notebook, and a makeup pouch.
• Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry. Versatile two-in-one reversible design. Understated and chic aesthetic. Perfect proportion for petite individuals.
• Cons: Limited capacity - not large enough for a laptop or bulky items. Open top can be a security concern. Minimalist design lacks internal pockets or closures.

This size provides effortless elegance for the minimalist who carries just the essentials and values a clean, practical design.

Shop this product: As this model is discontinued, it's primarily available through reputable luxury resale sites.

Hermès Double Sens 45

The Hermès Double Sens 45 is the larger, more substantial version of the classic reversible tote. It offers ample space, making it a highly functional choice for work, travel, or anyone who needs to carry more than just the basics. Despite its generous capacity, it retains the same unlined, hardware-free simplicity that makes the Double Sens design so appealing.

• What it is: A large, spacious, and fully reversible luxury leather carry-all tote.
• Key features: Measures approximately 45cm (17.7") wide, offering significant interior space. Features the same fully reversible design, open top, and comfortable leather shoulder straps as the smaller version.
• Price: Available on the pre-loved market, prices generally range from $3,000 to $5,500+, varying with leather type, color, and condition.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from the same high-quality, supple Hermès leathers like Clemence or Sikkim, ensuring durability and a luxurious feel.
• Sizing/Fit: This is a true carry-all that can easily accommodate a standard laptop, files, a water bottle, a sweater, and more. The shoulder straps provide a comfortable drop length, though the bag can feel heavy when fully loaded.
• Pros: Extremely spacious and versatile. Functions perfectly as a work bag, weekend tote, or travel carry-on. The reversible feature offers great styling flexibility.
• Cons: Can become heavy and bulky when filled. Its larger size may overwhelm more petite frames. The open top can make items less secure in crowded spaces.

It's an ideal companion for the professional, the traveler, or anyone who appreciates a bag that combines high capacity with refined, minimalist style.

Shop this product: This discontinued model is best sourced from trusted pre-loved luxury retailers.

Hermès Double Sens 36 vs. Hermès Double Sens 45 Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most important distinction is the size. The Double Sens 36 measures 36cm wide, making it a perfect daily tote for essentials like a wallet, phone, keys, and a few small personal items. It is stylish and functional without being cumbersome.

In contrast, the Double Sens 45 boasts a 45cm width, transforming it from a daily tote into a true carry-all. It can comfortably house a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop, work documents, a change of shoes, or travel necessities. This extra 9cm completely changes its function, making it the clear choice for anyone needing significant carrying capacity.

Proportions & Aesthetic

The 36 has a sleek, vertical profile that looks chic and proportional on most body types, especially for those with a petite or average frame. It's a bag that complements an outfit without dominating it, aligning with a more understated "grab-and-go" look.

The 45 has a much larger presence. While still elegant, its scale creates more of a statement. On a smaller individual, it can look quite oversized, which may or may not be the desired effect. For taller individuals or those who prefer shoulder bags with more substance, the 45’s proportions are a perfect match.

Practicality & Use Case

The Double Sens 36 excels as a daily companion for errands, coffee runs, and weekend outings. Its lightweight nature makes it easy to carry for extended periods. It is the definition of a practical, everyday luxury tote.

The Double Sens 45 is built for bigger tasks. It's the ideal work tote for carrying your tech and files to the office, a stylish gym bag, or a fantastic personal item for air travel. If your daily life requires you to be prepared with more than the bare minimum, the 45 offers the utility you need.

Price & Value

On the pre-loved market where these bags are now found, the Double Sens 45 consistently commands a higher price than the 36. This is due to its larger size, which required more leather to produce. The true value, however, comes from utility. If you primarily need a large carry-all, the 45 is a better investment for your lifestyle. If you need a versatile, chic daily bag to use frequently, the 36 will provide superior value through regular use.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both Hermès Double Sens models offer exceptional quality and timeless style, but they serve very different needs.

Choose the Double Sens 36 if:

• You prefer smaller, lighter bags for daily use.
• You have a minimalist carry style and only need your essentials.
• You have a petite frame and worry about larger bags looking overwhelming.
• You want a discrete, understated luxury tote for casual outings and errands.

Choose the Double Sens 45 if:

• You need a bag that can hold a laptop, documents, or other work necessities.
• You're looking for a versatile travel bag or a chic weekend carry-all.
• You are taller or prefer the look of an oversized tote.
• You want maximum capacity and functionality for a busy lifestyle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the Hermès Double Sens 36 and 45?

The main difference is size and capacity. The 36 measures 36cm wide and is best for daily essentials, while the 45 is 45cm wide and functions as a large carry-all suitable for work, travel, or carrying a laptop.

Are Hermès Double Sens bags still available in stores?

No, the Hermès Double Sens has been discontinued. Both the 36 and 45 sizes are primarily found on the pre-loved luxury market through reputable resellers.

Are all Double Sens bags reversible?

Yes, the key feature of the "Double Sens" (which means 'double meaning' in French) is its fully reversible design. Most feature contrasting colors and sometimes different leather types, offering two distinct looks in one bag.

Can the Double Sens 45 fit a laptop?

Yes, the 45 size is large enough to comfortably fit most standard laptops, including 13-inch and 15-inch models, along with other work essentials like a notepad and charger.

Is the Double Sens a good investment?

Like most Hermès bags, the Double Sens holds its value well on the resale market, especially in classic colors and good condition. Its timeless design and practicality ensure continued demand.

Which size is better for travel?

The Double Sens 45 is the clear winner for travel. It’s spacious enough to serve as an excellent personal item on a plane, holding everything from travel documents and electronics to a change of clothes.

Does the Double Sens bag have interior pockets or a zipper?

No, the design is supremely minimalist. It is an open tote with no interior pockets, compartments, or zipper closure. Many users opt to add a separate handbag insert or organizer to keep their items secure and organized.

Is the Double Sens heavy to carry?

Due to its hardware-free and unlined construction, the Double Sens is relatively lightweight for its size. However, the larger Double Sens 45 can become quite heavy when filled to capacity due to the volume of items it can hold.