Hermès Picotin 18 vs. 22: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès Picotin 18 and Picotin 22 share the same understated, bucket-bag silhouette, but their key difference lies in capacity and daily function. The Picotin 18 is a compact bag perfect for carrying absolute essentials with a minimalist feel, while the larger Picotin 22 offers more practical space for everyday items, making it a more versatile workhorse.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Hermès Picotin size for your lifestyle.

Hermès Picotin 18

The Hermès Picotin 18 is the smallest and most compact option in the Picotin family. This bag is prized for its dainty, chic proportions and lightweight feel, making it an elegant choice for those who subscribe to a minimalist approach or want a subtle luxury bag for evenings and special events. Its design is focused on carrying only the bare necessities.

• What it is: A small, open-top bucket bag known for its single handle and iconic Hermès lock and key closure system.
• Key features: Measures approximately 7.1" L x 7.3" H x 5.3" D. Features raw hide interior, palladium-plated hardware options, and a simple leather tab closure.
• Price: Price varies significantly based on leather type, hardware, and availability, but generally starts in the high thousands on the retail market.
• Materials/Construction: Most commonly crafted from supple Clemence leather - which gives it a signature relaxed slouch - or the more structured and scratch-resistant Epsom leather.
• Capacity: Limited to essentials: a smartphone, a slim cardholder, keys, and lipstick. A full-size wallet or sunglasses case will not fit comfortably.
• Pros: Extremely lightweight and easy to carry, discreetly elegant, on-trend "mini bag" aesthetic, perfect for evenings or light outings.
• Cons: Limited capacity is impractical for daily use for many, open-top design is not very secure, can be difficult to fit standard-sized essentials.

This bag is perfect for the minimalist who values form and elegance over carrying capacity, or for someone seeking a sophisticated companion for events where only a few items are needed.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/picotin-18/

Hermès Picotin 22

The Hermès Picotin 22 offers a more practical and versatile take on the classic design, striking an ideal balance between style and everyday functionality. This size is often considered the go-to choice for a daily driver, as it accommodates more essentials without appearing bulky or overly large. It retains the signature relaxed look of the Picotin while providing the space most people need for a typical day.

• What it is: A medium-sized, open-top bucket bag that serves as a stylish and practical tote for daily use.
• Key features: Measures approximately 8.7" L x 8.7" H x 6.7" D. It features the same unlined interior and leather tab closure with the Hermès lock and key.
• Price: Priced higher than the Picotin 18, with final cost depending on material and market dynamics.
• Materials/Construction: Also widely available in Clemence and Epsom leathers, showcasing Hermès' commitment to superior craftsmanship and durable materials.
• Capacity: Comfortably fits daily essentials including a full-size wallet, smartphone, keys, sunglasses in a case, a small makeup pouch, and even a small water bottle.
• Pros: Ideal size for everyday use, offers much more practical capacity than the 18, versatile enough for work, errands, and casual outings, maintains an elegant profile.
• Cons: Open-top still lacks security for crowded environments, can develop a more pronounced slouch over time (if in Clemence leather), takes up more space than the 18.

Ideal for those who need a functional, stylish handbag for daily wear that seamlessly blends luxury with practicality, making it a reliable choice for almost any occasion.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/picotin-22/

Hermès Picotin 18 vs. Picotin 22 Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most crucial difference is, of course, size. The Picotin 18 (7.1" x 7.3") is explicitly a small bag for just the essentials - think phone, keys, and cardholder. Trying to fit more results in a cramped, misshapen look. Many standard long wallets won't fit, nor will a bulky sunglasses case.

In contrast, the Picotin 22 (8.7" x 8.7") provides a significant capacity upgrade. That extra inch-and-a-half in each direction opens up its usability immensely. It holds everything the 18 can, plus a full-size continental wallet, sunglasses, a small water bottle, and other daily necessities without feeling overstuffed. This makes it a far more practical choice for anyone who needs to be prepared for the day.

Use Cases & Versatility

The Picotin 18 shines in specific scenarios: evening dinners, events, or quick errands where you're traveling light. It functions beautifully as a "car-to-door" bag and its petite silhouette adds a touch of refined elegance to an outfit without being overwhelming. However, its lack of space makes it less versatile for a full workday or a day of shopping.

The Picotin 22 is the undisputed winner in versatility. It’s polished enough for a business-casual office, practical for a weekend brunch, and spacious enough for travel as a personal carry-on item. If you're looking for one understated luxury bag that can handle the demands of a busy lifestyle, the 22 is the more logical option.

Aesthetic & Proportions

Choosing between the two also comes down to personal style and body frame. The Picotin 18 aligns with the popular mini-bag trend and can look more proportional and chic on petite frames. Its small size gives it a daintier, more accessory-like appearance.

The Picotin 22 has a more traditional tote presence. It looks balanced on average to taller frames and communicates a sense of effortless, utilitarian chic. While still compact compared to other totes, it makes a more definitive statement as a primary handbag.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both sizes offer the unique craftsmanship and timeless appeal of an Hermès bag, but they serve very different needs.

Choose the Picotin 18 if:

• You have a minimalist carry style and only need your phone, keys, and cards.
• You want an elegant, lightweight bag for evenings, brunch, or special events.
• You primarily plan to use it as a secondary bag or for short outings.
• You have a petite frame and prefer the proportions of a smaller bag.

Choose the Picotin 22 if:

• You need a practical and functional bag for everyday professional or personal use.
• You carry a full-size wallet, sunglasses, and other daily necessities.
• You're looking for one versatile luxury bag to serve multiple purposes.
• You prefer a bag with a more substantial presence that still feels understated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Picotin 18 and 22?

The main difference is size and carrying capacity. The Picotin 18 is sized for absolute essentials and is quite small, while the Picotin 22 offers significantly more room, making it suitable for practical, all-day use.

Can the Hermès Picotin 18 fit a phone?

Yes, a Picotin 18 can comfortably fit most modern smartphones, including larger models. However, capacity for much else is very limited.

Can the Picotin 22 fit an iPad or small laptop?

The Picotin 22 will likely fit an iPad Mini. It will not fit a standard-sized iPad or any laptop due to its square proportions and flexible structure.

Is the Hermès Picotin a good investment?

Hermès bags are widely considered excellent investment pieces as they hold their value incredibly well and often appreciate over time. The Picotin, being a popular and classic style, shares in this reputation.

Which size is more popular?

The Picotin 22 has historically been the most popular size due to its practicality for everyday use. However, the Picotin 18 has gained immense popularity in recent years due to the ongoing trend of "mini bags."

Is the Picotin bag's open top secure?

No, the Picotin has an open top that is cinched by a leather strap and toggle. It does not have a zip closure, making it less secure than other bag styles. It's best carried in environments where pickpocketing is not a concern, and often users will add a bag organizer to create more secure compartments.

Can you wear the Picotin on your shoulder?

The handles on both the Picotin 18 and 22 are too short for shoulder carry. They are designed to be carried by hand or in the crook of the arm.

Clemence vs. Epsom leather: which is better for a Picotin?

It depends on your preference. Taurillon Clemence is a soft, heavy, and pebbled leather that develops a desirable slouch over time, enhancing the bag's casual nature. Epsom is a rigid, lightweight, and embossed leather that is highly resistant to scratches and helps the bag maintain its structure permanently.