Louis Vuitton Hampstead PM vs. MM: Which size is right for you?

The Louis Vuitton Hampstead PM and Hampstead MM share the same elegant, structured design but are built for entirely different purposes based on size. The Hampstead PM is a compact, petite bag perfect for carrying absolute essentials, while the larger MM offers substantially more room, easily fitting a tablet and other daily necessities for work or longer outings.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which Louis Vuitton Hampstead size is the right investment for your lifestyle.

Louis Vuitton Hampstead PM

The Hampstead PM ("Petit Modèle") is the smaller sibling in the collection, designed for sophistication and portability. Its compact footprint makes it an ideal companion for events, dinners, or days when you only need to carry a few key items. This bag delivers Louis Vuitton's signature structured style without the weight or bulk of a larger tote.

• What it is: A small, structured top-handle handbag crafted from Louis Vuitton's durable coated canvas with leather trim.
• Key features: Measures approximately 10" x 7" x 4". It features a classic silhouette with a top handle, a removable shoulder strap, and Louis Vuitton's signature turn-lock closure on the front plaque.
• Price: As this model is discontinued, prices vary significantly on the pre-owned market, depending on condition and material.
• Materials/Construction: Typically found in Damier Ebene or Monogram coated canvas, known for outstanding durability and resistance to wear.
• What it fits: Essentials only - a small wallet or cardholder, phone, keys, and a lipstick. It is not large enough for a tablet or full-size wallet.
• Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry. Elegant, compact look perfect for evenings and special occasions. The structured shape maintains its form. Less cumbersome than larger bags.
• Cons: Limited capacity means it's not practical for work or all-day use for most people. Cannot hold larger items like tablets, water bottles, or notebooks.

This size works perfectly for those who prefer carrying a minimal set of items or need a polished, smaller bag for specific occasions rather than an everyday workhorse.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/hampstead-pm

Louis Vuitton Hampstead MM

The Hampstead MM ("Moyen Modèle") is the medium-sized, more practical version of the two, offering a generous increase in space and versatility. It retains the same chic, structured look as the PM but provides enough room to serve as a reliable daily bag for work, weekends, and even light travel. Its utility makes it a highly sought-after size on the resale market.

• What it is: The larger, more versatile version of the structured Hampstead top-handle bag, designed for daily use.
• Key features: Measures approximately 13" x 9" x 5". It includes the same top handle, removable shoulder strap, and LV turn-lock plaque as the PM, but with a more spacious interior.
• Price: A higher initial investment than the PM on the pre-owned market due to its larger size and practicality.
• Materials/Construction: Also crafted from highly durable Monogram or Damier Ebene coated canvas with smooth leather trim.
• What it fits: All your daily essentials plus larger items like an iPad or other standard tablet, a larger wallet, a makeup pouch, and sometimes even a small water bottle.
• Pros: Highly versatile for work, daily errands, and weekend use. Spacious interior fits a tablet and more. Still sophisticated and structured, making it suitable for professional settings.
• Cons: Can feel heavier and bulkier, especially for petite individuals. The larger size can encourage overpacking, adding to the weight.

This is the go-to choice for anyone needing a polished luxury bag that can handle the demands of a busy daily schedule without sacrificing style.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/hampstead-mm

Hampstead PM vs. Hampstead MM Comparison

Size & Capacity

The primary difference between the two bags boils down to their dimensions and what they can hold. The Hampstead PM's approximate 10-inch length is purely for essentials. It's the bag you grab when you want to travel light. You can comfortably fit your phone, keys, a cardholder, and a lip balm, but not much else.

In contrast, the Hampstead MM, at around 13 inches long, offers significantly more utility. Its spacious interior can accommodate everything the PM can hold, plus a tablet, a full-size wallet, a notebook, cosmetics, and other personal items. This makes the MM a true daily driver, while the PM functions more as an event or occasion bag.

Style & Aesthetics

While both bags share the same DNA - the structured shape, elegant top handle, and distinctive front plaque - their size influences their overall look and feel. The Hampstead PM has a more delicate, formal appearance due to its compact proportions. It sits neatly on the arm or shoulder and never feels overwhelming, making it a great choice for polished evening looks.

The Hampstead MM projects a more business-casual, commanding presence. Its larger size gives it the feel of a small tote, making it look at home in an office setting or carried during a busy day of errands. It looks more like a primary-use handbag, whereas the PM can appear more like an accessory.

Versatility & Daily Use

When it comes to versatility, the Hampstead MM is the clear winner. Its ability to hold a tablet and other daily necessities makes it perfectly suited for a 9-to-5 workday followed by after-work plans. It can easily function as your single, go-to bag for most situations, including serving as a personal item during travel.

The PM is inherently less versatile due to its size constraints. It's an excellent choice for a dedicated "going out" bag or for those who practice a minimalist lifestyle. However, if your daily carry requires anything more than the bare minimum, you will likely find the PM's capacity restrictive.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both models are timeless choices, but they cater to very different needs. Your decision should come down to how you plan to use the bag.

Choose the Hampstead PM if:

• You prefer smaller, lightweight bags that carry only the essentials.
• You need an elegant handbag for dinners, events, or weekend brunches.
• You have a petite frame and find that larger bags look out of proportion.
• You already own a larger daily bag and want a smaller, classic style to add to your rotation.

Choose the Hampstead MM if:

• You need a sophisticated handbag with enough space for daily work essentials.
• You carry a tablet (like an iPad), a full-size wallet, or a makeup pouch regularly.
• You want a single, versatile luxury bag that transitions from the office to the weekend.
• You value practicality and capacity as much as you value high-end style.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the Hampstead PM and MM?

The main difference is size and carrying capacity. The PM measures around 10 inches wide and holds only essentials, while the MM is about 13 inches wide and can fit a tablet and other daily items, making it far more suitable for everyday use.

What do PM and MM stand for?

In Louis Vuitton's naming convention, PM stands for "Petit Modèle" (Small Model) and MM stands for "Moyen Modèle" (Medium Model).

Which Hampstead size is better for work?

The Hampstead MM is unequivocally better for work. Its ability to hold a tablet, notebook, and other professional items makes it the practical choice for a commuting bag.

Can the Hampstead PM fit an iPad?

No, the Hampstead PM is too small to fit an iPad or any standard-sized tablet. You would need the Hampstead MM for that.

Are the Louis Vuitton Hampstead bags discontinued?

Yes, the Hampstead line has been discontinued by Louis Vuitton. Both the PM and MM sizes can now only be found on the pre-owned luxury market.

Which size is more popular on the resale market?

The Hampstead MM is often more popular and sought-after on the resale market due to its greater versatility and practicality as an everyday handbag.

Do both Hampstead sizes come with a shoulder strap?

Yes, both the PM and MM models were designed with a removable, non-adjustable leather shoulder strap, allowing them to be carried by the top handle, on the shoulder, or crossbody (though the drop may be short for crossbody wear on some body types).

What materials are Hampstead bags made of?

Hampstead bags are most commonly found in Louis Vuitton's durable Damier Ebene (brown check) or Monogram canvas, both featuring smooth leather trim and handles.