Hermès Togo vs. Clemence: What's the difference?

For connoisseurs of Hermès, choosing between Togo and Clemence leather is a classic debate. While both are premium calfskin, Togo is known for its pebbled, scratch-resistant texture and matte finish, making it a durable choice for everyday use. Clemence, in contrast, offers a smoother surface with a subtle sheen, providing more structure and a polished, formal appearance, although it's softer and more susceptible to showing marks.

Here’s everything you need to know to choose the right leather for your next Hermès handbag.

About Hermès Togo Leather

Togo is one of Hermès' most recognizable and sought-after leathers, celebrated for its perfect balance of softness and durability. Sourced from calfskin, its signature feature is a distinct pebbled grain that is soft to the touch yet remarkably resistant to daily wear. This makes it a go-to choice for frequently used bags like the Birkin and Kelly, as it ages beautifully while concealing minor scuffs.

• What it is: A popular, lightweight calfskin leather known for its soft, pebbled grain and semi-matte finish.
• Key features: Natural-looking pebble grain, excellent scratch resistance, lightweight feel, and supple texture that softens over time.
• Price: Premium pricing varies by handbag style but is generally comparable to Clemence, sometimes slightly higher due to its overwhelming popularity.
• Durability: Highly resilient against scratches and scuffs, which makes it incredibly practical for everyday use. Its texture helps hide imperfections.
• Feel & Weight: Soft, plush, and a bit more rigid than Clemence when new, but becomes more pliable with use. It's also lighter in weight.
• Pros: Extremely durable and scratch-resistant, easy to maintain, lightweight for comfortable carrying, ages gracefully without showing significant wear.
• Cons: A more relaxed, less formal appearance compared to smoother leathers, the veining can be pronounced, which might not appeal to everyone.

Choose Togo if you're looking for a versatile and forgiving leather that provides everyday luxury without needing constant attention.

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About Hermès Clemence Leather

Clemence is another iconic Hermès calfskin, prized for its exceptionally smooth texture and luxurious feel. Made from the hide of a young bull, it has a softer, less grainy appearance than Togo, resulting in a more refined and elegant aesthetic. Its suppleness can create a slightly slouched, relaxed look in larger bags over time, adding to its character.

• What it is: A smooth, heavy, and supple calfskin leather with a semi-matte, subtly glowing finish.
• Key features: Flat, even grain with a very subtle texture, heavier and more pliable than Togo, develops a handsome slouch over time.
• Price: Pricing is similar to Togo, determined more by the bag style and size than the leather choice itself.
• Durability: Durable for luxury leather, but it is softer and more sensitive than Togo. It can be more prone to showing scratches and is not water-resistant.
• Feel & Weight: Heavier, smoother, and more buttery to the touch than Togo. Can feel very substantial and luxe.
• Pros: Luxurious and smooth feel, elegant appearance suitable for formal styles, rich color saturation with a subtle sheen, drapes beautifully.
• Cons: More susceptible to scratches and surface marks, heavier than Togo, can lose some structure and slouch in larger bags over time.

This leather is ideal for those who prefer a sleek, polished aesthetic and are willing to provide a bit more care to maintain its pristine look.

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Hermès Togo vs. Clemence Comparison

Texture & Appearance

The most immediate difference between Togo and Clemence is the surface texture. Togo has a visible and tactile raised pebble grain with a distinct, semi-matte finish. This texture gives it a slightly more casual and ruggedly sophisticated look that is incredibly forgiving to daily contact. It looks natural and earthy, with subtle vertical veining that varies from skin to skin.

Clemence features a much finer, smoother grain that feels buttery and looks more uniform. It has a slightly glossier finish that provides a subtle sheen, lending it a dressier, more elegant appearance. This leather does not have the prominent veining of Togo, presenting a cleaner and more polished surface from a distance.

Durability & Wear

Durability is where Togo truly excels. Its textured grain is highly effective at camouflaging small scratches and scuffs, making it the superior choice for a daily-use handbag that will face regular handling. It's a workhorse leather that requires minimal fuss to keep looking great.

While still a durable luxury material, Clemence is softer and more easily marked than Togo. Scratches will be more apparent on its smoother surface. Furthermore, Clemence is not water-resistant and can develop blisters if exposed to rain, requiring careful handling in wet weather. Over many years, Clemence tends to soften and slouch more noticeably than Togo, which many find adds to its charm.

Feel & Weight

In hand, Togo feels light, supple, and slightly textured. It provides a good structure to the bag without feeling overly rigid. It strikes a balance between being substantial and comfortable to carry, a key reason it is popular for larger bags like the classic Birkin 35. Clemence, by contrast, feels heavier and has a rich, buttery softness. Its weight adds to the sense of luxury but can make larger bags feel more substantial to carry for extended periods. It is more pliable and less rigid than a brand-new Togo bag.

Price & Value

At the boutique level, the price difference between a handbag in Togo or Clemence is minimal to non-existent. The price of an Hermès bag is primarily dictated by its style (Birkin, Kelly, etc.), size, and hardware. Both leathers are considered excellent for holding value on the resale market, although Togo's popularity and reputation for durability sometimes give it a slight edge among buyers who prioritize resilience.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both Togo and Clemence are exceptional leathers symbolic of Hermès craftsmanship, but they cater to different preferences and lifestyles.

Choose Togo if:

• You plan to use your handbag frequently and want a durable, low-maintenance option.
• You prioritize scratch resistance and a lightweight feel for comfortable all-day carrying.
• You prefer a more casual, textured aesthetic over a formal, polished look.
• You value a material that holds its structure well over time with minimal slouching.

Choose Clemence if:

• You want a handbag with a sleeker, more elegant, and refined appearance.
• You love a buttery-soft and luxurious feel and don't mind the extra weight.
• You are generally careful with your bags and can protect them from scratches and rain.
• You appreciate the gracefully relaxed, slouched look that develops over years of use.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between Hermès Togo and Clemence leather?

The main difference is texture and durability. Togo has a visible pebbled grain, is highly scratch-resistant, and has a semi-matte finish. Clemence is smoother, has a fine grain with a slight sheen, is more susceptible to scratches, and feels heavier.

Which leather is more durable?

Togo is widely considered more durable and user-friendly. Its textured surface effectively hides minor scratches and scuffs, making it ideal for daily use.

Is Togo or Clemence more expensive?

The price for a new Hermès handbag in either leather is virtually the same. The cost is determined by the bag model and hardware, not the choice between these two classic leathers.

Which is better for a Birkin or Kelly bag?

Both are extremely popular choices. For a structured, everyday bag that withstands constant use, Togo is often recommended. For those who prefer a softer feel and a more relaxed, slouchy look as the bag ages, Clemence is an excellent option.

Which leather holds its shape better?

Togo tends to be a bit more rigid and holds the structure of a bag better over time, especially in larger sizes. Clemence is known for being softer and can lead to a more noticeable slouch with use.

Does Togo leather get softer over time?

Yes, Togo does soften and become more flexible with use, but it generally maintains its foundational structure better than Clemence.

How do you care for Clemence leather?

Clemence should be kept away from water and handled carefully to avoid scratches. Storing it properly stuffed in its dust bag is crucial. For any significant marks or conditioning, it’s best to entrust it to an Hermès spa treatment.

Which leather is heavier?

Clemence is a heavier leather than Togo. This can be a noticeable factor when choosing a larger handbag.