Hermès Gris Tourterelle vs. Trench: What's the difference?

Two of the most sought-after neutrals from Hermès, Gris Tourterelle and Trench, are often mistaken for one another, but their undertones create distinctly different looks. Gris Tourterelle is a soft dove grey with warm brownish-beige ("greige") undertones, making it a true chameleon color that shifts in the light, while Trench is a warmer, creamy beige with subtle yellow undertones, reminiscent of a classic trench coat.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which of these iconic Hermès neutrals is the perfect addition to your collection.

Hermès Gris Tourterelle

Introduced in the Fall/Winter 2011 season, Gris Tourterelle (often called Gris T) is a French term for "Turtle Dove Grey." It's a quintessential warm grey that has become a staple for its incredible versatility and sophisticated appearance. This color is prized for its ability to change depending on the lighting and the hardware it's paired with, making it one of the most dynamic neutrals in the Hermès library.

• What it is: A timeless, warm-toned grey with noticeable beige or taupe undertones, creating a "greige" effect.
• Key features: Highly versatile and adaptable color that can appear more grey or more beige depending on the light. It's considered an elegant, year-round neutral.
• Price: The color itself does not change the retail price of an Hermès bag, but its high demand can contribute to a stronger resale value on the secondary market.
• Appearance in Different Leathers: Appears slightly deeper and richer in grained leathers like Togo and Clemence, and a bit crisper and brighter in Epsom leather.
• Pros: Exceptionally versatile with any wardrobe palette, pairs beautifully with both Gold (GHW) and Palladium (PHW) hardware, and maintains excellent resale value due to its popularity.
• Cons: Can be difficult to acquire due to high demand. Its chameleon-like nature means it might not be the "true grey" some are looking for.

Gris Tourterelle is ideal for those who want a single, go-to luxury bag that works with absolutely everything, from professional attire to casual weekend wear.

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Hermès Trench

First released for Fall/Winter 2015, Trench quickly became a favorite for its classic and chic character. The color is named after the iconic trench coat and perfectly captures that timeless, creamy beige shade. It’s a warmer and lighter option compared to other Hermès beiges like Etoupe, offering a clean, bright, and sophisticated look that is perfect for any season.

• What it is: A creamy, warm beige color with slightly yellow undertones that stays true to its beige identity in all lighting conditions.
• Key features: Polished, elegant, and classic. It offers a fresh, bright neutral alternative to greys or darker browns.
• Price: Like other colors, Trench doesn't affect the retail price of a bag from the boutique, but its status as a desired neutral helps maintain strong value in the resale market.
• Appearance in Different Leathers: Varies slightly by leather type, looks soft and inviting in Clemence, structured and bright in Epsom, and has a classic feel in Togo.
• Pros: Incredibly chic and sophisticated, brightens up any outfit, pairs beautifully with Gold Hardware for a warm, classic look, and works well year-round.
• Cons: The distinct warm/yellow undertones might not suit every skin tone or wardrobe. It is lighter in color, which could show dirt or wear more easily over time.

This color is perfect for those who love classic, warm neutrals and want a bright, sophisticated bag that feels both timeless and modern.

Shop Hermès bags: hermes.com/us/en/

Gris Tourterelle vs. Trench Comparison

Undertone & Hue

The primary difference between Gris Tourterelle and Trench lies in their dominant undertones. Gris Tourterelle is fundamentally a grey color that is warmed up by significant beige and taupe undertones. This gives it the famous "greige" quality, allowing it to shift between grey and beige. In cool, indoor lighting, the grey is more prominent. In warm, natural sunlight, the beige undertones come forward.

In contrast, Trench is firmly in the beige family. It's a creamy, inviting neutral with warm, slightly yellow undertones. Unlike Gris T, it does not read as grey in any lighting, it is consistently a warm beige. If you place them side-by-side, Gris T will look distinctly grayer, while Trench will look warmer and more yellow-toned.

Versatility & Styling

Both colors are incredibly versatile, but they serve slightly different purposes in a wardrobe. Gris Tourterelle is a true chameleon that can pair with both warm and cool-toned outfits due to its complex blend of undertones. It effortlessly complements black, navy, white, pastels, and even bold jewel tones. It’s arguably one of the most adaptable colors Hermès has ever produced.

Trench, being a warmer beige, pairs exceptionally well with other warm colors like brown, camel, cream, and olive green. It also creates a stunning, high-contrast look when styled with black, navy, or denim. It brings a touch of warmth and brightness to outfits and is often favored by those with a classic and polished style aesthetic.

Hardware Pairings

Hardware can dramatically change the look of these neutral handbags. Gris Tourterelle is famous for looking equally stunning with both Gold Hardware (GHW) and Palladium Hardware (PHW). PHW leans into its cooler, grey side, creating a modern, sleek look. GHW emphasizes its warm, beige undertones, resulting in a slightly dressier and more traditional feel.

Trench is most popularly paired with Gold Hardware. The warm gold complements the color's creamy, yellowish undertones perfectly, creating a rich, cohesive, and classic vibe. While it also works with Palladium Hardware for a more contemporary contrast, the GHW combination is widely considered the quintessential pairing for this color.

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, both are beautiful and highly sought-after neutrals, but they cater to slightly different preferences.

Choose Gris Tourterelle if:

• You're looking for the ultimate "go-with-everything" color.
• Your wardrobe has a mix of both warm and cool tones.
• You love chameleon colors that shift and look different in various lighting.
• You want the flexibility to choose either Gold or Palladium hardware without a clear preference.

Choose Trench if:

• You prefer warm, creamy beiges over greys.
• Your personal style leans classic and polished.
• You primarily wear warm colors like cream, camel, and brown.
• You adore the timeless combination of a beige bag with Gold Hardware.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Gris Tourterelle and Trench?

The main difference is the base color and undertone. Gris Tourterelle is a warm-toned grey ("greige") that can look more grey or beige depending on the light. Trench is a true warm beige with light yellow undertones and always looks beige.

Is Gris Tourterelle a warm or cool color?

Gris Tourterelle is considered a warm grey. The prominent beige/taupe undertones give it a warmth that cool greys like Gris Perle or Beton lack.

Which Hermès color is closer to Trench?

Colors like Nata (a creamier off-white) and Craie (a chalky off-white) are in the same light neutral family, but Trench is a more straightforward beige. Etoupe is a popular comparison, but it's a much darker, earthy taupe-brown with grey undertones.

Which color holds its value better?

Both Gris Tourterelle and Trench are highly popular and in-demand neutrals, so they both have excellent resale value on the secondary market. Their value is generally comparable and depends more on the bag's model, size, leather, and condition.

Is Trench too yellow?

Trench has subtle yellow undertones that give it warmth and a creamy appearance, but it’s not an overtly yellow color. The yellow is more apparent when compared to cooler neutrals but on its own, it reads as a classic, rich beige.

Does Gris Tourterelle look different on different leathers?

Yes. On grained leathers like Togo and Clemence, Gris T can appear a bit deeper and the warmth of the undertones is more pronounced. On a stiffer, fine-grained leather like Epsom, the color appears slightly lighter and the grey base is more apparent.

Is Trench easy to keep clean?

As a lighter beige, Trench has the potential to show marks or color transfer more easily than a darker color. However, Hermès leathers are durable, and any minor issues can usually be addressed with a visit to the Hermès spa. Regular care can keep it looking pristine for years.

Which color is more classic?

Both are considered modern classics in the Hermès neutral palette. Trench pays homage to a timeless fashion staple (the trench coat), giving it a classically chic feel. Gris Tourterelle's versatility has made it an enduring staple that transcends seasons and trends.