Hermès Roulis 18 vs. 23: Which size is right for you?

The Hermès Roulis 18 and the Roulis 23 both share the same understated, elegant design, but their 5cm size difference creates two distinctly different use cases. The Roulis 18 is an ultra-compact mini bag perfect for carrying only the absolute essentials for evenings or special events, while the Roulis 23 offers more practical space for daily items like a small wallet and sunglasses, making it a more versatile day-to-night option.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right Hermès Roulis for your collection and lifestyle.

Hermès Roulis 18

The Hermès Roulis 18 is a petite and highly refined handbag prized for its minimalist and discreet silhouette. With its clean lines and iconic "H" chain-link clasp, this bag is designed for those who appreciate quiet luxury and carry very little. Its compact size ensures it never overwhelms an outfit, functioning as a sophisticated accessory ideal for formal gatherings, dinners, and events where only keys, a phone, and a lipstick are needed.

• What it is: A compact, structured luxury crossbody or shoulder bag measuring 18 cm wide.
• Key features: Signature "H" clasp in palladium or gold-plated hardware, a flat back pocket, an organized interior compartment, and an adjustable leather strap for versatile wear.
• Price: As an Hermès piece, this is a significant luxury investment, typically starting in the high thousands depending on leather and availability.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from premium leathers like Evercolor, Swift, or Epsom, known for their durability and luxurious feel. The bag holds its shape beautifully.
• Pros: Ultra-minimalist and sleek aesthetic. Perfect for evening or formal occasions. Lightweight and easy to carry. Embodies the popular mini-bag trend with timeless elegance.
• Cons: Extremely limited capacity. Impractical for daily use if you carry more than a couple of small items. Its high desirability can make it difficult to find.

This bag is ideal for the minimalist who wants a timeless, elegant piece for special occasions or for moments when function takes a backseat to pure form.

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

Hermès Roulis 23

The Hermès Roulis 23 maintains the same refined design as its smaller counterpart but with added practicality. At 23 cm wide, it offers a noticeable increase in space, transforming it from a niche, event-focused bag into a viable option for daily use. It effortlessly accommodates everyday must-haves while retaining the chic, structured silhouette the Roulis is known for, making it a perfectly balanced accessory for work, errands, and nights out.

• What it is: A medium-compact luxury handbag designed for more versatile, everyday practicality.
• Key features: Same iconic "H" clasp and design elements as the 18 but in a larger 23 cm format. The adjustable strap allows it to be worn comfortably as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
• Price: A higher price point than the Roulis 18 due to its size, representing a substantial investment in an everyday luxury piece.
• Materials/Construction: Available in a range of durable and high-quality Hermès leathers such as Togo, Epsom, and Swift, ensuring resilience and a beautiful finish.
• Pros: More practical size holds everyday essentials like a phone, wallet, keys, and sunglasses. Versatile enough for both day and evening wear. Offers better "value" in terms of usable space. Still feels compact and sophisticated.
• Cons: Less discreet and "cute" than the mini 18. Might still be too small for those who prefer to carry larger items like a tablet or water bottle.

This size works beautifully for anyone seeking a sophisticated and functional daily luxury bag striking a perfect balance between elegance and practicality.

Shop this product: hermes.com/us/en/product/roulis-23-bag/

Hermès Roulis 18 vs. Roulis 23 Comparison

Size & Capacity

The most crucial difference is interior space. The Roulis 18 is strictly for essentials: a smartphone (a larger Max model will be snug), a cardholder, keys, and a lipstick. Its interior compartments are small and designed for minimal organization.

The Roulis 23 provides much more breathing room. You can comfortably fit all the items from the Roulis 18 and add a small continental wallet, a pair of sunglasses in a soft case, and other small personal items without straining the bag's structure. That extra 5cm elevates it from a specialty bag to a true daily companion.

Versatility & Use Case

The Roulis 18 shines brightest in formal or evening settings. It’s the perfect plus-one for weddings, dinners, and upscale events where you want your accessory to complement your outfit without being a focal point or a burden. While it can be used during the day for a minimalist look, its capacity limits its real-world practicality for most.

In contrast, the Roulis 23 is a chameleon. It's sophisticated enough for a client lunch, practical enough for a day of running errands, and elegant enough for a date night. If you're looking for one Hermès bag that can do almost everything (short of carrying a laptop), the Roulis 23 is by far the more versatile choice.

Aesthetics & Style

Both bags are defined by their timeless style, structured shape, and clean lines. The Roulis 18 leans into the mini-bag trend, offering a petite, almost jewel-like accent to an outfit. Its small proportions make it feel delicate and exceptionally chic.

The Roulis 23 presents a more substantial, yet equally elegant, profile. It doesn't have the "tiny" feel of the 18 but looks perfectly balanced when worn crossbody or on the shoulder. It reads as a practical, polished handbag rather than just an accessory.

Price & Value

Both sizes are significant financial investments. The Roulis 23 has a higher retail price due to its larger size and greater material usage. However, the value proposition differs. The 18, while less expensive, offers limited utility, making it a luxury for specific occasions. Strong demand for mini bags can sometimes give it a very high price on the resale market.

The Roulis 23 offers more functional value for your investment, as its usability spans across far more scenarios. For many buyers, the slight increase in price is justified by the massive leap in everyday practicality.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Roulis bags are stunning examples of Hermès craftsmanship, but they serve very different needs.

Choose the Roulis 18 if:

• You exclusively carry your phone, a slim cardholder, and your keys.
• You want a sophisticated and dedicated bag for evenings, weddings, or formal events.
• You adore the proportions of mini-bags and prioritize aesthetics over capacity.
• You already own a larger daily bag and are looking for something smaller to complement your collection.

Choose the Roulis 23 if:

• You need a versatile bag that can transition from daytime errands to evening outings.
• You want to carry everyday items like a wallet, keys, phone, and sunglasses.
• You prefer a balanced, functional crossbody that is luxurious but not restrictive.
• You are looking for one do-it-all bag from Hermès that is a non-quota option but just as beautiful.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Roulis 18 and Roulis 23?

The main difference is the size and carrying capacity. The Roulis 18 is 18 cm wide and fits only absolute essentials, making it an evening or special occasion bag. The Roulis 23 is 23 cm wide, offering enough space for daily items like a wallet and sunglasses, making it a much more versatile everyday bag.

What can you fit in a Hermès Roulis 18?

You can typically fit a standard smartphone, a slim card case or cardholder, a key fob, and a single lipstick. It is not designed to hold a wallet or sunglasses.

Is the Hermès Roulis 23 big enough for everyday use?

Yes, for most people, the Roulis 23 is an ideal size for everyday use. It balances a compact silhouette with enough room for a phone, a moderately sized wallet, keys, sunglasses, and other small personal items.

Can the Hermès Roulis be worn crossbody?

Yes, both the Roulis 18 and 23 come with an adjustable leather strap that is long enough to be worn comfortably either on the shoulder or as a crossbody bag, adding to their versatility.

Which Roulis size is more popular?

Both sizes are highly desired. The Roulis 18 is very popular with clients who follow the mini-bag trend and seek a dedicated evening bag. The Roulis 23 is popular among those looking for a practical, versatile, yet incredibly chic daily driver from Hermès.

Is the Hermès Roulis bag a good investment?

Hermès bags are widely considered excellent investment pieces as they tend to hold or even increase their value over time due to the brand's reputation for craftsmanship, exclusivity, and timeless design. The Roulis is no exception.

What kind of leather does the Roulis come in?

The Roulis is crafted from various premium Hermès leathers. Common options include Epsom (rigid and scratch-resistant), Swift (soft and fine-grained), and Evercolor (supple with a slight grain).

How does the Roulis compare to the Hermès Constance?

Both are flap bags with "H" hardware, but they have distinct styles. The Constance has a larger, more prominent "H" clasp that is part of the bag's structure, while the Roulis's Chaîne d'Ancre-inspired clasp is more subtle. The Roulis often has a slightly softer structure and more modern, understated appeal compared to the iconic, classic Constance.