Hermès Picotin vs. Lindy: Which one should you buy?

The Hermès Picotin is defined by its understated, bucket-bag simplicity, offering casual elegance and effortless access, while the Hermès Lindy features a more complex, contemporary design with multiple carrying options and a secure zip closure. The Picotin serves as a minimalist's go-to for daily ease, whereas the Lindy is a versatile, fashion-forward statement piece known for its unique, slouchy-yet-structured silhouette.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which iconic handbag is the right investment for your collection.

Hermès Picotin

The Hermès Picotin is the essence of understated luxury, drawing its design inspiration from a horse's feed bucket. It's a simple, unlined bucket bag with no hardware other than four base studs and a small lock. Its clean lines and minimalist aesthetic make it a versatile and discreetly elegant companion for everyday wear.

• What it is: A lightweight, open-top bucket bag with two top handles and a simple leather strap closure.
• Key features: Minimalist design, unlined raw leather interior, leather strap closure with a central lock, four protective bottom studs. The bag's shape is held by its handles.
• Price: Ranges from approximately $4,000 to $4,500 for standard leather models.
• Materials/Construction: Typically crafted from durable and soft leathers like Clemence or Togo, known for their resilience and grainy texture. Its construction is famously simple, showcasing the raw beauty of the leather.
• Sizing/Fit: Most common sizes are 18cm (perfect for essentials), 22cm (a great all-around daily size), and 26cm (offers substantial room for more items).
• Pros: Lightweight and comfortable to carry, provides easy access to contents, elegant minimalist aesthetic, often a more accessible entry point to Hermès handbags.
• Cons: The open-top design is less secure than a zippered bag. The unlined interior offers no pockets or organization. Can lose its shape if improperly stored or overfilled.

Ideal for those who value casual elegance, practicality, and a classic design that flies under the radar.

Shop this product: hermes.com/bags-and-small-leather-goods

Hermès Lindy

The Hermès Lindy is a more creative and modern design that offers exceptional versatility. Its unique shape - structured at the top with a soft, slouchy body - features two top handles for hand carry and an attached shoulder strap for shoulder carry. This innovative construction makes it a favorite among fashion-conscious individuals who need a bag that adapts to their lifestyle.

• What it is: A versatile and fashion-forward handbag with a distinctive silhouette that can be carried by hand or over the shoulder.
• Key features: Unique inward-folding shape, two side slip pockets, zippered top closure with a turn-lock clasp, two top handles, and an integrated shoulder strap.
• Price: Generally ranges from $4,500 to $6,000, depending on size and material.
• Materials/Construction: Also commonly made from Togo or Clemence leather, but its complex design involves more hardware, stitching, and a full lining.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes like 26cm and 30cm. The design allows it to expand, offering generous interior space while maintaining its shape.
• Pros: Highly versatile carrying options, secure zipper closure protects belongings, a recognized yet unique fashion statement, spacious and functional interior with external pockets.
• Cons: Higher price point than the Picotin, heavier due to the extra leather and hardware, the unique shape may not appeal to those seeking a purely classic bag.

This bag suits the modern luxury buyer who wants a statement piece celebrated for its smart design, security, and versatility.

Shop this product: hermes.com/bags-and-small-leather-goods

Hermès Picotin vs. Hermès Lindy Comparison

Style & Aesthetic

The core difference between these two bags lies in their style. The Picotin is the definition of casual elegance. Its simple, clean lines make it a timeless piece that doesn't scream for attention. It's the bag you grab for a farmer's market run, a casual lunch, or daily errands, always adding a quiet touch of luxury to your outfit.

In contrast, the Lindy is a head-turner. Its design is more complex and contemporary, instantly recognizable to those in the know. With its interesting shape and polished hardware, it makes more of a fashion statement. The Lindy feels more intentional and styled, easily elevating a casual outfit or complementing a more polished look.

Functionality & Versatility

Functionally, the Lindy offers more features. The zip-top closure provides peace of mind that your belongings are secure, while the two external pockets give quick access to a phone or cardholder. The dual carrying option is its biggest advantage, you can carry it in the crook of your arm for a sophisticated look or sling it over your shoulder for hands-free convenience.

The Picotin's functionality is in its simplicity. It’s an easy-access tote - you can reach in and grab what you need without fussing with zippers or clasps. This makes it incredibly practical for an on-the-go lifestyle where convenience is key. However, its open top makes it less than ideal for crowded places or traveling where security is a concern.

Price & Value

The Hermès Picotin is one of the more attainable handbags in the brand's lineup, with pricing typically starting around $4,000. Its simpler design requires less labor and materials, making its price point more accessible for those beginning their Hermès journey. It holds its value exceptionally well due to high demand and timeless appeal.

The Lindy comes at a higher price, often starting around $4,500 and going up, reflecting its more complex construction and greater functionality. It is considered a strong investment, with excellent resale value that sometimes exceeds retail for popular colors and sizes due to its popularity among collectors and fashion lovers.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both bags are exceptional pieces of craftsmanship, but they cater to very different needs and personal styles.

Choose the Hermès Picotin if:

• You prefer understated, minimalist designs over statement pieces.
• You need an effortless and lightweight bag for everyday use.
• Easy and quick access to your belongings is your top priority.
• You're looking for a more accessible price point for a new Hermès bag.

Choose the Hermès Lindy if:

• You want a modern, fashion-forward handbag with a unique silhouette.
• Security is a top concern, and you need a bag with a full zipper closure.
• You value versatility and want a bag you can carry in multiple ways.
• You appreciate having extra organizational features like external pockets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Hermès Picotin and Lindy?

The main difference is in design and functionality. The Picotin is a simple, unstructured, open-top bucket bag epitomizing casual, minimalist chic. The Lindy is a more intricate, contemporary bag with a secure zip closure, external pockets, and the versatility to be carried by its handles or over the shoulder.

Which bag is more practical for everyday use?

This depends on your definition of practical. The Picotin is practical for its lightweight feel and easy access, making it great for routine errands. The Lindy is practical for its security, organization, and multiple carrying styles, making it better for a longer day or situations requiring more versatility.

Is the Picotin secure enough without a zipper?

The Picotin has a simple leather strap that cinches the top slightly and can be secured with the provided lock. However, it remains an open-top bag. It's generally fine for daily activities but may feel less secure in crowded urban environments or while traveling.

Which bag holds its value better?

Both bags have excellent resale value, as is typical for Hermès. The Lindy, due to its complexity and strong demand in the fashion world, can sometimes see a higher resale value, often fetching a premium over its original retail price.

What leather is best for the Picotin or Lindy?

Clemence and Togo are the most common leathers for both bags. Both are durable, scratch-resistant, and have a beautiful textured grain. Clemence is slightly heavier and softer, leading to a more relaxed slouch, while Togo is lighter and holds its structure a bit better over time.

Which bag is heavier?

The Lindy is significantly heavier than the Picotin of a similar size. This is due to its lining, zipper, additional hardware, and more complex structure.

Can you wear the Lindy crossbody?

The standard Lindy strap is designed for shoulder wear and is typically too short for most people to wear crossbody. Hermès does offer a longer strap that can be swapped in for crossbody use on some models, or you can purchase a third-party strap.

Which size is most popular for each bag?

For the Picotin, the 18 is very popular for its cute, compact style, while the 22 is coveted for its perfect everyday balance of size and capacity. For the Lindy, the 26 is highly sought-after as it's an ideal size for daily essentials without being too bulky.