The Ultimate Guide to Hermès Leathers
Hermès is renowned for its masterful craftsmanship, and one of the defining factors of its handbags is the variety of exquisite leathers used. Each Hermès leather has unique characteristics – some are soft and supple, others are structured and durable, and select few are exceptionally rare. If you’re investing in an Hermès bag or simply want to refine your knowledge, here’s how to distinguish these luxurious materials and understand their significance across different models.
Togo Leather – The Classic Choice
Togo leather is one of the most popular Hermès leathers, prized for its durability and slightly pebbled texture. It is made from calfskin and has a slight sheen, but it retains a structured shape while still being soft to the touch. Togo is resistant to scratches and slouching, making it an ideal choice for everyday use.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly, and Evelyne bags.
Clemence Leather – The Softer Alternative
Clemence leather, made from baby bull calfskin, has a larger grain than Togo and more matte finish. It is softer and more relaxed, giving bags a slightly slouchier look over time. While luxurious, Clemence is more prone to scratches and water stains than Togo.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags.
Epsom Leather – The Structured Staple
Epsom leather is embossed calfskin with a fine grain, giving it a slightly rigid structure. It holds its shape exceptionally well, resists scratches, and is lightweight, making it a practical choice for structured bags. Epsom leather is known for showing colour more vibrantly than other leathers.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags.
Swift Leather – The Smooth and Elegant Choice
Swift leather has a buttery-smooth texture with a slight sheen, making colours appear especially vibrant. It is soft and delicate, more prone to scratches than other leathers, but minor marks can often be buffed out.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly, and Constance bags.
Box Calf Leather – The Timeless Classic
Box Calf is one of the oldest Hermès leathers, known for its smooth surface and sophisticated, vintage appeal. While it develops a beautiful patina over time, it is prone to scratches, which can add to its charm.
Commonly found in: Kelly and Constance bags.
Chèvre Leather – The Lightweight Luxury
Chèvre (goatskin) is known for its natural sheen, fine grain, and resistance to scratches. It is one of the lightest leather Hermès offers, making it a great option for those who want a durable yet elegant finish.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags.
Hermes Leathers: Aligator, Swift, Togo, Cherve, Buffalo, Clemance, Bache Trekking, Liard, Epsom, Evergrain, Crocodile.
Exotic and Rare Hermès Leathers
Hermès also offers highly exclusive exotic leathers that are rare and extremely valuable.
Crocodile and Alligator – The Ultimate Luxury
Hermès offers two types of crocodilian skins:
- Niloticus Crocodile: Comes from the Nile River region and has a large, well-defined scales.
- Porosus Crocodile: Found in Australia and Asia, this leather has smaller, more symmetrical scales and is considered the most premium.
Alligator is slightly softer and come from the United States, distinguishable by its square scales. These leathers develop a luxurious patina over time and are available in a glossy Lisse finish or a matte Mat version.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags.
Ostrich – The Distinctive Textured leather
Ostrich leather is recognisable by its unique quill follicle bumps, giving it a distinctive texture. It is highly durable and absorbs colour beautifully, but it can darken over time with exposure to oils.
Most commonly found in: Birkin, Kelly, and Bolide bags.
Lizard – The Exquisite Mini Leather
Lizard leather, primarily sourced from Niloticus lizards, is one of the rarest Hermès materials. It has a small, delicate scale pattern and is usually reserved for smaller bags and accessories. Due to its fragile nature, it requires special care to prevent drying out.
Most commonly found in: Mini Kelly, Mini Constance, and small leather goods.
Each Hermès leather tells a story, from the structured elegance of Epsom to the Ultra-rare exclusivity of crocodile. Whether you’re looking for a durable everyday bag or a collector’s piece, understanding these materials ensure you choose the right investment. If you’re ever unsure about the leather of your Hermès bag, LEX is here to authenticate and verify your piece with expert precision.
