Mulberry Bayswater vs. Hermès Birkin: Which one is better?

The Mulberry Bayswater and Hermès Birkin represent two distinct tiers of the luxury handbag world. The Bayswater, from iconic British brand Mulberry, is a respected and attainable icon of classic style, known for its durable construction and a price point between $1,000-$1,500. Conversely, the Birkin is the pinnacle of ultra-luxury, a handcrafted status symbol from Hermès that starts around $10,000 and is notoriously difficult to acquire, making it as much an investment asset as a handbag.

Here's everything you need to know about these two bags to determine which one aligns with your style, needs, and budget.

Mulberry Bayswater

The Bayswater is arguably Mulberry's most recognizable handbag, a champion of British design that balances practicality with timeless elegance. Launched in 2003, it quickly became a staple for those seeking a well-made, understated, and functional luxury bag that works for the office, weekends, and everything in between. It is defined by its signature Postman's Lock closure and structured, no-fuss silhouette.

• What it is: A structured luxury leather tote known for its versatility and classic design, making it a dependable workhorse bag.
• Key features: Signature front Postman's Lock closure, two top handles, internal belt straps for adjusting capacity, suede lining, metal feet on the base.
• Price: Typically $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the specific leather and size.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from high-grade leathers like natural grain, pebbled, or smooth calfskin, chosen for their appearance and ability to withstand daily wear. The construction is solid and designed for longevity.
• Sizing/Fit: Comes in several sizes, with the classic Bayswater measuring around 14 inches wide. It is designed to be carried by its top handles or in the crook of the arm.
• Pros: Attainable price for a luxury item, timeless and versatile design, excellent craftsmanship suitable for heavy use, easily purchased online or in-store.
• Cons: Can feel heavy, especially when full. Resale value is moderate and does not appreciate like ultra-luxury bags. Less exclusive than other high-end brands.

This bag is perfect for someone seeking a high-quality, stylish, and functional handbag that delivers timeless elegance without the five-figure price tag.

Shop this product: mulberry.com/us/shop/women/bags/the-bayswater

Hermès Birkin

The Hermès Birkin is more than a handbag, it's a cultural icon and a definitive symbol of wealth, status, and exclusivity. Born from a chance encounter between actress Jane Birkin and Hermès' chief executive in 1984, each Birkin is entirely handcrafted by a single artisan over many hours. Its value is solidified by its rarity, exceptional materials, and a purchasing process shrouded in mystery.

• What it is: An ultra-luxury, handcrafted top-handle bag known for its extreme scarcity, investment value, and status as the world's most coveted handbag.
• Key features: Flap closure with signature lock-and-key hardware (clochette), double rolled handles, trapezoidal shape, and feet (clou). Hand-stitched using saddle-stitching techniques.
• Price: Begins around $10,000 for a basic model and can quickly soar into six figures for exotic skins or special hardware.
• Materials/Construction: Made from the finest and rarest leathers in the world, such as Togo, Epsom, and Clemence, as well as exotic materials like ostrich and crocodile. Hardware is often plated with precious metals like gold or palladium.
• Sizing/Fit: Available in sizes measured by width in centimeters: 25, 30, 35, and 40. It is carried strictly by its top handles or in the crook of the arm.
• Pros: Unmatched status symbol, considered a tangible investment asset that often appreciates in value, unparalleled handcrafted quality, iconic and timeless design.
• Cons: Extremely high price, incredibly difficult to purchase directly from a boutique, impractical locking mechanism for quick access, and can be too precious for robust, everyday use.

The Birkin is for the serious collector, the investment-minded buyer, and individuals who prioritize ultimate exclusivity and artisanal perfection above all else.

Explore this brand: hermes.com/us/en

Mulberry Bayswater vs. Hermès Birkin Comparison

Price & Accessibility

This is the most significant difference. A Mulberry Bayswater can be purchased for around $1,500 directly from the brand's website or a department store today. It represents accessible luxury - a considered purchase, but one within reach for many professionals.

The Hermès Birkin exists in a different universe. Its starting price of $10,000+ is just the first hurdle. The main challenge is accessibility, you cannot simply walk into an Hermès store and buy one. Purchasing a Birkin typically requires building a significant spending history and a relationship with a sales associate, with no guarantee of being offered the bag you want.

Quality & Craftsmanship

Both bags are beautifully made, but the philosophy behind their construction differs. Mulberry focuses on creating a robust, durable product with excellent materials designed to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. The stitching is precise, and the leathers are chosen for both beauty and resilience.

Hermès, meanwhile, treats each Birkin as a work of art. A single artisan is responsible for crafting the bag from start to finish, a process that can take over 40 hours. This obsession with detail, from the hand-polished hardware to the hand-stitched seams, places the Birkin's craftsmanship in a category of its own.

Style & Aesthetics

The Bayswater offers a dose of classic, understated British style. It is structured, clean, and professional, making it a perfect companion for a corporate environment or a polished weekend look. Its single Postman's Lock is its main identifier.

The Birkin is the embodiment of quiet luxury. Its shape is simple yet perfect, and its luxury is conveyed through silhouette and materials rather than overt logos. To those in the know, its sangles, clou, and clochette are instantly recognizable signs of ultimate luxury and status.

Versatility & Daily Use

The Mulberry Bayswater is the clear winner for practicality. Its design is for a modern woman on the go, often with a simple flap that can be tucked in for easy access. It is sturdy enough to be used as a work bag, carrying laptops, documents, and daily essentials without worry.

While the Birkin is functional, its structure makes it less practical for daily dashing around. The two-strap and turn-lock closure system is not designed for quick access, and most owners are understandably careful with such a valuable item, reserving it for specific occasions rather than daily commutes.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are magnificent bags, but they are built for fundamentally different customers and purposes.

Choose the Mulberry Bayswater if:

• You want an elegant, high-quality, and reliable luxury bag for under $2,000.
• Your top priority is a versatile handbag that works seamlessly for office, travel, and daily life.
• You appreciate classic, understated British design and want a bag you can actually use without immense worry.
• You value the convenience of buying your chosen product directly from a store or website.

Choose the Hermès Birkin if:

• Exclusivity, status, and investment value are your primary concerns, and budget is not a limiting factor.
• You appreciate the absolute pinnacle of artisanal craftsmanship and own handbags as collector's items.
• You are seeking an asset that may appreciate in value over time.
• You are prepared for the unique, and often lengthy, journey required to acquire one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between a Bayswater and a Birkin?

The main differences are price, accessibility, and market position. The Bayswater is an accessible luxury bag costing around $1,500 that you can buy easily, while the Hermès Birkin is an ultra-exclusive investment piece starting at over $10,000 that is extremely difficult to purchase.

Is the Mulberry Bayswater considered a luxury bag?

Yes, absolutely. Mulberry is a well-respected luxury brand, and the Bayswater is one of its most iconic models. It sits comfortably in the accessible or contemporary luxury tier.

Why is the Hermès Birkin so expensive and hard to buy?

Its price reflects the cost of the world's finest materials and the many hours of labor by a single highly-skilled artisan. Its scarcity is a deliberate strategy by Hermès to maintain unparalleled exclusivity and demand, which in turn preserves its status and value.

Which bag is better for everyday use?

The Mulberry Bayswater is far superior for everyday use. It's designed to be a practical, durable workhorse, whereas the value and design of the Birkin make it less suited for the rigors of daily life.

Does the Mulberry Bayswater hold its value?

The Mulberry Bayswater has a respectable resale value for a handbag in its category, especially for classic colors and leathers. However, it should be considered a consumer good, not an investment asset that will appreciate.

Which one is a better investment?

The Hermès Birkin is arguably the best investment handbag in the world. Many styles appreciate in value over time and consistently sell on the secondary market for far more than their original retail price.

What kind of leather is used for the Bayswater?

Mulberry typically uses high-grade, durable leathers such as natural grain, small classic grain (pebbled), and smooth calfskin, all selected to balance beauty with longevity.

How do I shop for a Mulberry Bayswater?

You can purchase a Bayswater directly from Mulberry's official website, in its physical boutiques, or from licensed, high-end department stores like Nordstrom or Selfridges.

Is the Hermès Birkin worth the money?

Whether it's "worth it" is subjective. From a standpoint of pure function, an argument could be made that no bag is worth that price. However, as an investment, a work of art, and an unparalleled status symbol, many collectors and clients believe it is absolutely worth the price and effort.

What are the size options for each bag?

The Bayswater is offered in several sizes, including the classic Bayswater, the Small Bayswater, and a Mini Bayswater. Hermès Birkin bags are measured in centimeters and most commonly come in 25, 30, 35, and 40-centimeter widths.