Hermès In the Loop 18 vs. 23: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès In the Loop 18 and In the Loop 23 are distinguished primarily by their size and carrying capacity. The In the Loop 18 is a petite, minimalist bag designed for essentials only, making it a perfect evening or special occasion accessory, while the larger 23 offers enough space for daily necessities, bridging the gap between a compact purse and a functional day bag.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which modern Hermès bag is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Hermès In the Loop 18 Bag

The In the Loop 18 is the smaller, more refined version in this contemporary collection. Its compact 18cm size offers just enough room for the bare essentials, making it an elegant choice for minimalists and for occasions where you only need your phone, keys, and a cardholder. Its structured silhouette and signature circular handle provide a sophisticated and modern touch to any outfit.

• What it is: A compact, luxury handbag with a unique circular handle and structured, minimalist design.
• Key features: Measures approximately 18cm in diameter, features high-quality signature leather, and has iconic hardware details.
• Price: As a significant luxury purchase, pricing varies based on leather and availability but is lower than the 23.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Hermès’s finest leathers such as Epsom, Swift, or Tadelakt, known for their durability and luxurious texture.
• Sizing/Fit: Petite stature ideal for carrying in hand or on the arm, holds a phone, keys, lipstick, and a cardholder comfortably.
• Pros: Elegant and minimalist aesthetic, perfect for evening events, lightweight and easy to carry, makes a beautiful and subtle statement piece.
• Cons: Very limited capacity, not practical for daily use if you carry more than absolute basics, can feel too small for some personal preferences.

This size excels as a special occasion bag for those who appreciate understated elegance and want a hands-free accessory purely for essentials.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/in-the-loop-18-bag-

Hermès In the Loop 23 Bag

The In the Loop 23 strikes the perfect balance between style and everyday functionality. Measuring 23cm, it provides substantially more room than its smaller counterpart, easily accommodating daily essentials like a full-sized wallet, sunglasses, phone, and a small makeup pouch. This makes it a much more versatile option for those seeking a modern Hermès bag that can handle the demands of a busy day without sacrificing its sleek design.

• What it is: A mid-sized luxury handbag that combines the collection's modern style with practical, everyday usability.
• Key features: Measures approximately 23cm in diameter, offers a more spacious interior, maintains the signature circular handle and structured shape.
• Price: A higher price point than the 18, reflecting its larger size and increased leather usage.
• Materials/Construction: Built with the same exceptional Hermès craftsmanship and high-end leathers, such as Epsom or Swift.
• Sizing/Fit: A functional size for daytime use, large enough for daily items but still maintains a sleek, non-bulky profile.
• Pros: Much more versatile for day-to-night wear, holds everyday necessities comfortably, excellent balance of function and style, still feels modern and chic.
• Cons: May feel too large for certain evening events or formal occasions, higher price point, slightly heavier due to its size.

Choose this version for a sophisticated daily driver that blends modern design with the practical needs of everyday life.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/in-the-loop-23-bag-

Hermès In the Loop 18 vs. 23 Comparison

Capacity & Size

The core difference lies in the 5cm variance in diameter. The In the Loop 18 is strictly for essentials - think smartphone, a cardholder (not a full wallet), keys, and a lipstick. Its limited space makes it ideal for events where you want to be unencumbered.

The In the Loop 23, however, is significantly more practical. It can comfortably house all of the above plus a full-sized wallet, sunglasses in a case, a small pouch for cosmetics, and even a compact portable charger. This upgrade in capacity transforms it from a special occasion piece into a viable everyday handbag for most people.

Versatility & Use Case

When it comes to versatility, the In the Loop 23 has a clear advantage. Its ability to hold daily necessities means it works beautifully for the office, weekend errands, and lunch outings, while still being chic enough for a casual dinner. It handles a wider range of situations with grace.

The In the Loop 18 is more specialized. It shines brightest at weddings, dinners, cocktail parties, and other formal events where a large bag would feel out of place. While it could be used by a true minimalist during the day, its primary function is as an elegant, event-focused accessory.

Style & Presence

Both bags share the same modern, minimalist aesthetic, but their size gives them a different on-body presence. The In the Loop 18 is dainty and acts as a subtle accent. It complements an outfit without commanding attention, perfect for those who prefer understated accessories.

Conversely, the In the Loop 23 feels more like a substantial handbag. It has a greater visual impact due to its larger size and makes a more definitive style statement. It asserts itself as a central part of your look rather than just a supporting detail.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both sizes are beautiful examples of modern Hermès craftsmanship, but they serve very different needs.

Choose the In the Loop 18 if:

• You are looking for a dedicated elegant bag for evenings and special occasions.
• You have a minimalist style and only carry your absolute essentials.
• You prefer smaller, lighter bags that feel more like an accessory.
• You already have a primary everyday bag and want something unique for your collection.

Choose the In the Loop 23 if:

• You want a stylish and functional luxury bag for daily use.
• You need to carry items like a full wallet, sunglasses, and other daily items.
• You value versatility and want a bag that easily transitions from day to a casual evening.
• You are buying your first Hermès and want a piece you can use often across various settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the In the Loop 18 and 23?

The main difference is size and what each bag can realistically hold. The 18 is a mini bag for essentials only (phone, cardholder, keys), while the 23 is a small-to-medium day bag that fits daily necessities like a full wallet and sunglasses.

What fits inside the Hermès In the Loop 18?

The In the Loop 18 can typically fit a standard smartphone, a slim cardholder, a set of keys, and a tube of lipstick. Packing needs to be strategic and minimal.

What fits inside the Hermès In the Loop 23?

The In the Loop 23 holds much more: a smartphone, a full-sized wallet, a bulky key fob, sunglasses in a soft case, a small makeup pouch, and a hand sanitizer.

Which In the Loop size is better for evening wear?

The In the Loop 18 is the superior choice for formal evening events or a night out. Its petite size is more elegant and appropriate for dressier occasions, while the 23 can feel a bit too large and casual.

Is the In the Loop 23 large enough to be an everyday bag?

Yes, for most people the In the Loop 23 is an excellent everyday bag. It offers enough space for typical daily essentials without being large or cumbersome. However, it will not fit a tablet or laptop.

What types of leather are used in the In the Loop collection?

The collection is often crafted from durable and popular Hermès leathers like Epsom (a structured, scratch-resistant grained leather), Swift (a soft, fine-grained leather), or Tadelakt (a smooth, semi-shiny leather).

Is the Hermès In the Loop a good investment?

While newer than iconic bags like the Birkin or Kelly, any Hermès handbag is considered a luxury investment due to its exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design, and brand prestige. The In the Loop's classic-yet-modern appeal gives it strong potential to hold its value well over time.

How do you wear the Hermès In the Loop bag?

The standout feature is the chic circular handle for carrying the bag by hand. Most models also come with a detachable leather strap, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder or as a crossbody for hands-free versatility.