Hermès Jypsière 28 vs. 31: Which size is right for you?
The Hermès Jypsière 28 and Jypsière 31 are distinguished primarily by their size, with the 31 offering more capacity for work or travel essentials, while the 28 provides a more compact, lightweight experience ideal for daily use. This 3-centimeter difference in width dictates not just what the bag can hold, but also its overall look and feel, making the 28 a modern crossbody and the 31 a more substantial shoulder bag.
Here is a detailed guide to help you select the right Hermès Jypsière for your needs.
Hermès Jypsière 28
The Jypsière 28 is the smaller of the two popular sizes, offering a chic and streamlined take on the brand's classic saddle-bag silhouette. Its compact dimensions make it an exceptionally comfortable and versatile crossbody bag, perfect for those who prioritize ease of wear and carry only their daily essentials.
- What it is: A luxury crossbody and shoulder bag featuring a flap closure, sangles, and a touret clasp, inspired by classic hunting bags.
- Key features: Dimensions are approximately 28 cm x 22.5 cm x 12.5 cm. Comes with a thick, adjustable wool and leather shoulder strap that can be worn on the shoulder or crossbody.
- Price: As an Hermès piece, pricing is high and varies based on leather and hardware. It is generally less expensive than the larger Jypsière 31 model.
- Materials/Construction: Meticulously handcrafted in France using premium leathers like Clemence or Togo, known for their durability and supple texture. The bag features Hermès' signature crisp saddle stitching.
- Sizing/Fit: Its smaller size sits neatly against the body without adding bulk. It is especially well-proportioned for petite frames or for an understated, minimalist look.
- Pros: Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear. The crossbody style offers hands-free convenience. Its compact size forces you to pare down essentials, keeping the bag light. Versatile enough for both casual outings and more polished looks.
- Cons: Limited capacity, it will fit a phone, small wallet, keys, and a few beauty items, but not a tablet, book, or water bottle. May feel too small on taller individuals.
This size works perfectly for someone seeking a sophisticated, hands-free daily bag that holds just the essentials with unparalleled style and craftsmanship.
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Hermès Jypsière 31
The Jypsière 31 offers a noticeable increase in capacity while retaining the same elegant, equestrian-inspired design as its smaller counterpart. This size hits the sweet spot for those who need to carry more than just the basics, making it a functional choice for work, travel, or days that demand extra organization and storage.
- What it is: A medium-sized luxury shoulder and crossbody bag with a utilitarian-chic aesthetic and exceptional craftsmanship.
- Key features: Dimensions are approximately 31 cm x 25 cm x 14 cm. It includes the same iconic closure system and adjustable wide strap for comfortable wear.
- Price: Positioned at a higher price point than the Jypsière 28 due to its larger size and the additional material required.
- Materials/Construction: Crafted from the same high-quality leathers (Clemence, Togo, Epsom, etc.) as the 28, ensuring it will withstand daily use while maintaining its shape and luxurious feel.
- Sizing/Fit: Noticeably more substantial, this bag makes more of a statement. It works well as a shoulder bag and can still be worn crossbody, though its larger size may feel bulky on more petite frames.
- Pros: Spacious interior comfortably fits an iPad or small tablet, small water bottle, book, and all other daily necessities. Serves as an excellent alternative to a traditional work tote. The size is well-proportioned for taller individuals.
- Cons: Can become heavy when filled. Crossbody wear may feel cumbersome for smaller individuals. Higher price point.
This is the ideal choice for those who need a versatile, spacious, and luxury bag that transitions seamlessly from the office to the weekend.
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Hermès Jypsière 28 vs. 31 Comparison
Size & Capacity
The most important difference between the Jypsière 28 and 31 is carrying capacity. The Jypsière 28 is perfect for essentials: a smartphone, a compact wallet, keys, sunglasses, and lipstick. It enforces a minimalist approach and keeps the bag incredibly lightweight.
The Jypsière 31, with its extra 3 cm of width and added height and depth, opens up more possibilities. It can accommodate everything the 28 holds, plus a wallet, a small tablet like an iPad Mini, a paperback book, a small cosmetic pouch, and even a compact umbrella or small water bottle. This makes it a far more functional choice for a workday or for use as a personal item while traveling.
Look & Feel on Body
How each size sits on the body is another key consideration. The Jypsière 28 is praised for being a perfect crossbody bag. It lays flat against the hip and has a modern, understated profile that doesn’t overpower your frame, which is particularly beneficial for those with a petite stature.
The Jypsière 31 feels more substantial. While it can be worn crossbody, many find it more comfortable as a shoulder bag due to its size and potential weight when full. On taller individuals (approx. 5'7" and above), the 31 often appears more balanced and proportional, whereas the 28 might look small. Conversely, the 31 can look overwhelming on a smaller frame.
Versatility & Use Case
Both bags are extremely versatile, but they excel in different scenarios. The Jypsière 28 is the ultimate bag for weekends, errands, lunch dates, or evenings out. Its hands-free convenience and chic, compact size make it an effortless companion for activities where you want to be unencumbered.
The Jypsière 31 is the workhorse. It shines as a sophisticated work bag that isn't a traditional tote, a stylish travel companion for carry-on essentials, or for parents who need a bit of extra room. If your daily life requires you to carry tech gadgets, documents, or personal items beyond the bare minimum, the 31 is the more practical option.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both sizes are excellent choices that reflect incredible quality, but they are built for different organizational needs and body types.
Choose the Jypsière 28 if:
- You prefer carrying a lightweight, compact bag.
- You value hands-free convenience and primarily wear bags crossbody.
- You only carry absolute essentials like a phone, keys, and small wallet.
- You have a petite frame and find larger bags can be overwhelming.
Choose the Jypsière 31 if:
- You need a bag with enough capacity for a tablet, book, or small water bottle.
- You want a versatile luxury bag that works for the office or travel.
- You have a taller frame and prefer a bag with more presence.
- You don't mind a slightly heavier bag in exchange for more space.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Jypsière 28 and 31?
The main difference is size and capacity. The Jypsière 28 is 28 cm wide and is best for your daily essentials. The Jypsière 31 is 31 cm wide and offers more room for items like a tablet, a book, or a water bottle, making it more suitable for work or travel.
Can the Jypsière 31 fit a laptop?
No, a standard laptop will not fit in the Jypsière 31. However, it can comfortably accommodate a small tablet such as an iPad or an e-reader.
Which size is more popular?
Both sizes are very popular, but preference often depends on current trends and individual needs. Recently, the demand for smaller, crossbody bags has made the Jypsière 28 highly sought after for its chic, practical wearability.
Is the Hermès Jypsière a good investment?
Generally, Hermès bags hold their value exceptionally well due to the brand's prestige, quality craftsmanship, and controlled supply. While classic models like the Birkin and Kelly see higher appreciation, the Jypsière has a strong resale market and is considered a solid luxury investment.
How do you wear the Hermès Jypsière?
The Jypsière is designed to be worn both as a shoulder bag and a crossbody bag. The adjustable strap allows for customization to find the most comfortable fit. The 28 is often preferred for crossbody wear, while the larger 31 works well for both styles.
Is the Jypsière 28 too small?
Whether the Jypsière 28 is "too small" is subjective. If you need to carry more than a phone, small wallet, keys, and one or two cosmetic items, you will likely find it too small. It's best suited for those who prefer a minimalist approach to what they carry.
Do both sizes come in the same leathers and colors?
Yes, Hermès typically offers both the Jypsière 28 and 31 in a wide array of its signature leathers and colors, though availability will vary by boutique and season.
How does the Jypsière compare to the Kelly or Birkin?
The Jypsière is considered a more casual, practical, and understated bag compared to the formal structure of the Kelly or the iconic status of the Birkin. With its top flap and crossbody strap, it offers a functional ease-of-wear that is different from the handheld elegance of the Birkin and Kelly.