Hermès PM vs. GM: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès Picotin 18 and the Picotin 22 share the same understated bucket bag design, but their key difference lies in size and capacity. The Picotin 18 (PM) is a compact, petite carryall perfect for essentials, while the Picotin 22 (GM) offers significantly more room for daily necessities, making it a more practical everyday option.

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 smaller of the two sizes, embodying effortless elegance in a compact, lightweight design. Inspired by horse feed bags, its simple, unlined bucket shape and central leather strap closure create a minimalist silhouette. This size is ideal for those who carry just the essentials and appreciate an understated-yet-unmistakable touch of luxury.

• What it is: A small, minimalist bucket-style handbag designed for carrying daily essentials with a relaxed feel.
• Key features: Unlined raw leather interior, single strap for closure, two top handles, and protective palladium-plated feet at the base.
• Price: Starts at approximately $2,600 USD, varying by leather type.
• Dimensions: Approximately 7.5" L x 6" H x 4" W.
• Materials/Construction: Typically crafted from supple, durable leathers like Clemence or Togo, known for their resilience and beautiful grain.
• Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry, ideal for casual outings or evenings, offers a more accessible entry price for an Hermès bag, chic and discreet.
• Cons: Limited capacity only fits absolute essentials, open-top design may not feel secure enough for everyone, can be too small for daily work use.

This bag is perfect for minimalists who need a sophisticated, easy-to-carry bag for their phone, keys, cardholder, and lipstick.

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

Hermès Picotin 22

The Hermès Picotin 22 offers the same relaxed aesthetic as its smaller counterpart but in a more functional, everyday size. It maintains the signature bucket shape and high-quality craftsmanship while providing enough room for more than just the basics. This makes it a highly practical choice for those who need a versatile luxury bag that can handle a tablet, a larger wallet, and other daily necessities without appearing bulky.

• What it is: A medium-sized bucket bag that blends the Picotin’s casual style with greater everyday functionality.
• Key features: Same unlined design and central strap closure, wider base, same premium Hermès leathers and hardware, iconic padlock detail.
• Price: Starts at approximately $3,200 USD, depending on the specific leather.
• Dimensions: Approximately 9" L x 7" H x 4.5" W.
• Materials/Construction: Made from the same revered Hermès leathers like Clemence and Togo, ensuring longevity and a luxurious feel.
• Pros: Versatile size accommodates daily items including a small tablet or book, serves well as a work or travel bag, excellent balance of style and practicality, holds its shape well when full.
• Cons: Higher price point than the Picotin 18, can feel more substantial to carry, may still be too unstructured for those who prefer organized compartments.

This bag suits anyone looking for a stylish, practical, and understated luxury handbag that can seamlessly transition from work to weekend engagements.

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

Hermès Picotin 18 vs. Picotin 22 Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most significant difference is carrying capacity. The Picotin 18 is perfect for the minimalist, comfortably holding a smartphone, a small card case, keys, and a lipstick. Its petite frame makes it feel more like a chic accessory than a workhorse bag.

The Picotin 22, on the other hand, is built for a full day. It can easily accommodate everything the 18 can hold, plus a larger continental wallet, a small makeup pouch, sunglasses in a case, and even an iPad Mini or a book. This added space cements its role as a true everyday bag, rather than one reserved for light-carry occasions.

Price & Value

There is a notable price gap between the two sizes. The Picotin 18 starts around $2,600, while the Picotin 22 begins around $3,200. This difference of about $600 reflects the increased amount of premium leather and craftsmanship required for the larger size.

In terms of value, the Picotin 18 is an excellent entryway into the world of Hermès handbags, offering the brand's quality at a more accessible price. However, if practicality is your main concern, the additional cost for the Picotin 22 provides far more versatility and usability, potentially making it a better long-term investment for daily use.

Style & Aesthetics

Both bags share the exact same minimalist, elegant design, but their size impacts how they are perceived. The Picotin 18 has a daintier, more delicate presence. It looks particularly chic when carried in the crook of the arm and adds a quiet touch of luxury without overwhelming an outfit.

The Picotin 22 has a more substantial, grounded look. It still appears elegant but telegraphs a greater sense of purpose and practicality. It doesn’t feel oversized, but it has a definite presence that works well for both casual and professional settings.

Versatility & Daily Use

For versatility, the Picotin 22 is the clear winner for most users. Its ability to hold more makes it suitable for a wider range of activities, from running errands and heading to the office to weekend outings. It’s the kind of bag you can grab every day without having to edit your contents down to the bare minimum.

The Picotin 18 is less of an all-rounder. It shines for specific situations: a quick coffee run, a dinner date, or any event where you want to be unencumbered. While stylish, its limited capacity makes it less suitable as a primary, do-it-all handbag for someone with a busy lifestyle.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both sizes are excellent choices that reflect sublime craftsmanship, but they serve different needs.

Choose the Picotin 18 if:

• You carry only the bare essentials: a phone, keys, and a cardholder.
• You want a sophisticated, lightweight bag for evenings or casual weekends.
• You are petite and prefer bags that feel proportional to your frame.
• You are looking for your first Hermès bag and want a more accessible starting point.

Choose the Picotin 22 if:

• You need a practical bag that can hold a wallet, makeup, sunglasses, and a small tablet.
• You want one versatile luxury bag for work, travel, and daily errands.
• You prefer a bag with a more substantial presence and carrying capacity.
• Functionality is just as important to you as style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the Picotin 18 and 22?

The main difference is size and what each bag can carry. The Picotin 18 is a mini bag for essentials, while the Picotin 22 is a medium-sized bag designed for everyday use with an expanded capacity for things like a small tablet, larger wallet, and other necessities.

Which Picotin size is more popular?

Both sizes are highly popular, but the Picotin 22 is often considered more practical for daily use, making it a frequent choice for those looking for an everyday luxury bag. The Picotin 18's popularity has surged with the trend towards smaller handbags.

Can the Hermès Picotin 18 fit a phone?

Yes, the Picotin 18 can comfortably fit all modern smartphones, along with a few other small items like keys, a cardholder, and lipstick.

What does Hermès Picotin PM and GM mean?

In Hermès terminology, PM stands for "Petit Modele" (small model), which corresponds to the size 18. GM stands for "Grand Modele" (large model), which typically corresponds to the size 22. These are standard size identifiers across many of the brand's bag lines.

Is the Hermès Picotin a good investment?

Yes, the Picotin is considered a good investment. While it may not see the dramatic value appreciation of a Birkin or Kelly, it holds its value extremely well on the resale market due to the high demand for Hermès craftsmanship and its timeless, practical design.

What leather is best for the Hermès Picotin?

The Picotin is often made in Clemence or Togo leather. Clemence is a soft, supple, and heavy-grained calfskin that gives the bag a relaxed slouch. Togo is a bit more rigid and has a finer grain, which helps the bag maintain its structure well. Both are excellent, durable choices.

Does the Hermès Picotin have feet?

Yes, all Picotin bags are equipped with four metal "feet" or studs on the bottom. This is a crucial feature that protects the leather base of the bag from scuffs and dirt when it is set down.

Is the Picotin a heavy bag?

No, the Picotin is known for being one of Hermès' lighter handbag styles. Its unlined construction and simple design keep the weight down, making it comfortable to carry throughout the day, even in the larger Picotin 22 size.