One of the most desirable, talked about and iconic handbags Hermes carries is the Hermes Birkin Bag. There are numerous questions, mysteries, and secrets surrounding this bag. At the time of the original September 2023 article, I had owned my Birkin for more than five years; I wanted to write an honest article about the 5 Pros and Cons of a Hermes Birkin Bag.
Diane wearing the Birkin 30 in Black Togo Leather
Consideration: Resale value is uncertain
Black Togo Leather Birkin 30 © emilyerkel
A Birkin purchase does not guarantee an immediate profit. Advertised resale prices do not establish completed sales or net proceeds. Condition, leather, colour, size, selling fees and market demand all affect what a seller might receive.
Make the purchase work within your budget without depending on a profitable resale. You may enjoy the bag for years, but a future buyer and price are not guaranteed.
Pro: The Hermes Birkin bag is Timeless
One of the biggest pros about the Hermes Birkin bag is how timeless it is. This bag was launched in 1984 and almost 40 years later it remained extremely popular when I first wrote this in 2023. In my opinion, The Hermes Birkin will continue to be a popular, timeless bag for years to come. It’s a great handbag to pass on to future generations given its high quality craftsmanship. I’ve even had friends in Paris who have inherited a vintage Birkin bag from the 90s and it was in incredible condition.
Pro: The Hermes Birkin bag is a Quiet Luxury bag
Birkin 25 Verso Blue Lin & Beige de Weimar, Togo © ginza.xiaoma
Another advantage of the Hermes Birkin bag is it is considered a quiet luxury bag. Unless you are an avid handbag collection or in the luxury space, many people won’t be able to recognize that you are carrying a Hermes Birkin bag. Hermes is notorious for being a quiet luxury brand, and many people who purchase their bags don’t want to wear flashy logo bags. The Hermes Birkin is the epitome of a quiet luxury handbag which is a timeless, classy, understated handbag.
Pro: The Hermes Birkin bag is Extremely desired
Exotic Hermes Birkin size 25 ostrich blue glacier © moonluxury.finds
The Hermes Birkin bag is desired by so many which is another positive factor when considering purchasing a Birkin bag. It is one of the most coveted and lusted after handbags to have you in wardrobe. I’ve known people who have had their name on a waitlist at their local Hermes stores for over 3 years and have still never been offered a Hermes Birkin bag.
Ask a sales associate about the size and leather you want. Availability varies; the experience of another shopper does not establish how long your own request will take.
Pro: The Birkin bag is Easy to style and wear
Birkin 40 Caban in Togo leather © ginza.xiaoma
A big pro to the Hermes Birkin bag is how easy it to style and wear. The Birkin bag is known for its relaxed look and can be used as an everyday tote bag. I’m constantly using my Birkin bag to walk around the city, go shopping, and even meet up with friends. I find that the Birkin can easily elevate any outfit I’m wearing, even if it’s a casual outfit. The smaller sizes such as the Birkin 25 and the Birkin 30 are great for an evening out, while the Birkin 35 and Birkin 40 are perfect for traveling. The Hermes Birkin bag gives off the cool it Parisian girl vibe.
Con: The Hermes Birkin is Expensive and only getting more expensive with time
Hermes Birkin 25 Chai in Togo leather © ginza.xiaoma
One of the biggest cons about the Hermes Birkin bag is how expensive it is, and every year it continues to get more and more expensive. The original 2023 article used $10,400 as a Birkin 25 price reference. That is a historical figure, not a current quote; ask the boutique for the exact specification.
I remember thinking my Birkin was expensive when I bought it. I would compare a current quote with my budget and likely use rather than make a rushed purchase to avoid a speculative price increase.
Con: The Birkin is Hard to purchase in store
One of the biggest challenges is actually being able to purchase a Hermes Birkin bag in store. Even if you have the money and are willing to purchase a bag immediately, there is a bit of a “Hermes game” you have to play to be offered this coveted Hermes bag. I’ve written entire articles to explain how to buy a Hermes Birkin Bag in Paris and how to buy a Hermes Bag in the store that I highly recommend you read.
Con: The Birkin doesn’t come with a shoulder strap
Orange Birkin 25 © elegancebyjuliet
One of the biggest drawbacks to the Hermes Birkin bag is there is no shoulder strap or strap to wear it as a crossbody. You can only wear the Hermes bag by its top handles. This can be challenging if you need to carry something else or if you have kids. This is one of the main reasons why so many people purchase a Hermes Kelly Bag instead of a Birkin Bag.
Con: The Hermes Birkin bag Heavy even without anything in it
© jane.in__
One of the most overlooked cons of the Hermes Birkin bag is that it is heavy even with nothing inside the bag. The Hermes Birkin size 30 weighs roughly 2 lbs, which doesn’t seem like a lot of weight until you start filling it up with your belongings. On average, with everything inside my Birkin it weighs about 3-4 lbs. Since there is no crossbody or shoulder strap, wearing this bag for hours can get heavy in the nook of your arm.
Con: The Hermes Birkin is not sold on the Hermes Website
© manishakarani
Hermès confirms that Birkin, Kelly and Constance bags are sold through its stores in its availability FAQ, checked September 6, 2026. If you are wanting to purchase the Birkin from the convenience of your home, then you’ll have to turn to the vintage market to do so. My favorite places to buy authentic vintage Hermes Birkin bags include Fashionphile and Rebag. Hermes does sell other popular bags on their website just not the Hermes Birkin bag.
Is the Hermes Birkin Bag worth it?
Birkin 30 © salisach
After analyzing all the pros and cons I can, without a shadow of a doubt say that the Hermes Birkin bag is worth it. It’s easily my favorite bag and I wear it all the time. Despite all the cons of the Hermes Birkin bag, I would definitely purchase another one in the future. There are so many different Hermes Birkin size options, that I’d love to expand my collection to the Hermes 25 or even the newly launched Hermes 20. Do you think the Hermes Birkin Bag is worth it?
Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of a Hermes Birkin Bag
Before you make any large purchase, you should always weigh the pros and cons. I hope this Hermes Birkin bag guide helped you in determining if a Hermes Birkin bag is right for you! For the first-person account behind this checklist, read my Birkin ownership review.
Sincerely Petite in Paris, Diane
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