Hermès Kelly 20 vs. 25 vs. 28 vs. 32: Detailed Comparison and Reviews 2024
- Buying your first Hermès Kelly is a milestone for any bag lover – this sophisticated style is a true design icon, after all. Kelly bags range from Micro – just 15 centimetres across – to the travel-ready Voyage and Relax editions, which measure 50 centimetres, so SIZE is an important factor. With the most common Kelly sizes being K25, K28, K32 and K35, landing somewhere in the middle could be just right for a first-time purchase. And are you planning to buy a Hermès Kelly Bag, but aren’t sure which size is suitable or how much money you should set aside? Or you maybe want to know: What is the difference between Kelly 25 and 28? Which size Kelly is best? Is Kelly 28 too big? If your answer to these question is yes, then this Hermes Kelly size Guide got you covered.
How About Hermès Kelly Bags?
Long lauded as a statement of timeless and effortless class, the Hermès Kelly bag remains an emblematic piece of modern glamour. The iconic Hermès handbag was introduced to the fashion world as the Sac à Dépêches in the 1930s. It became an international sensation when legendary beauty and fashion icon Grace Kelly used her favorite Sac à Dépêches to shield her baby bump from the Paparazzi.
Women all over the world soon clamored for the “Kelly bag”. For years, the classic purse was informally known as the Hermès Kelly bag, though it wasn’t until 1977 that the company made the rebranding official. Today, the Kelly bag has become synonymous with elegance, style, and glamour.
Every Kelly bag is handmade by Hermès artisans using luxurious leathers and palladium or gold-plated hardware.The iconic Hermès Kelly bag is instantly recognizable for its trapezoidal shape topped by a single rolled handle. Over the years, several different sizes, colors, and Hermès VIP or Special Order models have proven popular.
The smallest of the classic Kelly purses is the Hermès Kelly 20cm, also known as the Mini Kelly II. From there, the sizes range from the 25cm Kelly and the 28cm Kelly — which carry all your essentials for day or evening — to the roomier 32cm Kelly bag and the 35cm Kelly models, which are often used as travel bags in addition to day bags.
Popular Hermès Kelly Sizes
The Hermès Kelly bag comes in many sizes ranging from the Kelly 15 to the Kelly 50. The most popular Hermès Kelly bags are the Mini Kelly 20, Kelly 25 and the Kelly 28. These Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 sizes fit everyday essentials, with the Kelly 28 providing more room for necessities. The smaller Kelly sizes (the Kelly 15 and the Kelly 20) are trendier bags while the larger Kelly sizes (the Kelly 40 and the Kelly 50) are highly functional and recommended for use as travel bags. Kelly bag sizing is determined by the length of the bag’s base. For example, a Kelly 25 will measure 25 centimeters across the base.
Where to Buy Hermès Kelly Bags?
Buying in-store
As you may know already, buying a Kelly bag directly from an Hermès boutique is not as straight-forward as you’d hope. Hermès cultivate an air of rarity around their bags by not having them readily displayed on shelves, or available via systematic waiting lists – instead, these bags are cloistered away in a boutique’s private showroom, and are often only offered to clients once they have built up a loyal relationship with a sales associate.
Buying online
As such, the most realistic route for your first-time purchase is best found by shopping PRE-OWNED HERMÈS BAGS online, or via an auction house. An online secondhand shop like SACLÀB has the advantage of being entirely transparent, with incredibly thorough methods of authentication, so you can shop with confidence and ease.
Although some can feel squeamish about not buying ‘brand new’, rest assured, HERMÈS BAGS are one of the few secondhand items that truly hold their value, if cared for correctly.
Below are more online stores to get Hermès Kelly Bags:
vestiairecollective.com ($17- $21 cashback)
farfetch.com (8-10% cashback)
whatgoesaroundnyc.com (3-4% cashback)
collectorsquare.com (4-4.9% cashback)
Saving Tip: If you like online shopping, don't forget to sign up at Extrabux!(What is Extrabux) , then you can enjoy up to 30+% cashback on your purchase from Extrabux! Sign-Up Bonus: Free to join it & get $20 welcome bonus! Student Benefits:As long as you are a student at school, you can get a free whole year long VIP Card worth $199.
Extrabux.com cooperates with many merchants, such as:Sephora(4% -5% cash back),Dior (Up to 6% cash back), Moosejaw (5% -6% cash back), LOOKFANTASTIC (Up to 10% cash back), Microsoft (Up to 7% cash back) and so on.
Hermès Kelly 20 vs. 25 vs. 28 vs. 32 Overview
Hermès Mini Kelly 20 Review
What is Hermès Kelly 20?
Otherwise known as the Mini Kelly, the Kelly 20 is number one on most people's luxury shopping list. Despite its limiting size in terms of what you can fit inside, this mini must-have is the perfect crossbody addition to fit every style.
Delightful in size, the Mini Kelly proves huge popularity - it’s one of the most coveted handbag sizes Hermès has to offer. Sweet, petite, and so very chic, the Hermès Kelly 20cm bag packs a great deal of glam into such a small package. the Kelly 20, or the "mini Kelly 2" as it is widely and affectionately known, is the ideal day-to-evening bag for the fashionable woman who travels light.
Compared to its big sisters, the Hermès Mini Kelly bag is designed with a rather truncated trapezoid silhouette. The sharp edges (the reissued Mini Kelly II comes exclusively in the Sellier cut) exude ladylike chic and you can carry it by the curved top handle in your hand. Unlike larger Kelly sizes, however, the handle won’t fit your wrist or arm. But not to worry, the dainty shoulder strap is perfectly suited to carry the bag crossbody and keep your hands free.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hermès Mini Kelly
Pros | Cons |
High resale value Detachable shoulder strap provides versatile styling options High quality materials and construction ensure that Kellys will last a lifetime Metal feet protect the bottom of the bag from damage Part of Hermès’ Holy Trinity of bags, meaning it will remain stylish for many years |
|
Where to Buy Hermès Mini Kelly Cheapest?
vestiairecollective.com: from $25,472.91 ($17- $21 cashback)
1stdibs.com: from $31,342
Hermès Kelly 25 Review
What is Hermès Kelly 25 Bag?
The Hermès Kelly 25cm is an exquisite handbag of timeless style and distinction. Born as the Sac à Dépêches in the early 20th century, the company renamed the bag in 1977 after legendary actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. Yet, for years before the name change was made official, fashionable women the world over were seeking the Kelly bag. Today, the Hermès Kelly 25 is among the most highly coveted of this iconic style.
Measuring 9.8 inches wide, 7.5 inches high, and 3.5 inches deep, the Hermès Kelly 25 neatly secures your daily essentials. Always prized for its sophisticated style, the Kelly bag 25 was traditionally preferred by mature women, carrying it by its single rolled handle in the hand or slipped over the forearm. However, now that the company produces the Kelly 25 with a matching shoulder strap, these highly versatile Hermès bags have gained popularity with a younger audience as well.
The Hermès Kelly bag 25 is available in two styles; the highly structured Sellier, with external stitching, and the more relaxed-looking Retourne, with interior stitching. Both are rendered in luxurious leathers like Epsom, Chevre and Togo, and they feature hardware detailing in palladium or gold plating.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hermès Kelly 25
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Where to Buy Hermès Kelly 25 Cheapest?
mightychic.com: from $ 27,500
madisonavenuecouture.com: from $ 21,500
Hermès Kelly 28 Review
What is Hermès Kelly 28 Bag?
The Hermès Kelly 28cm handbag is an icon among luxury bags. Exquisite in its clean lines and unmistakable glamour, the Kelly 28 comes with its own fairytale history that adds luster to its appeal. Originally named the Sac à Dépêches, the “purist aesthetic” of the handbag was a distinct departure from the more ornate, embellished bags that were then in vogue.
In 1956, Grace Kelly, legendary beauty and actress, fell in love with the chic bag on set and refused to part with it. Later, she was photographed holding her purse to shield her baby bump, and fashionable women the world over demanded the “Kelly bag.”
Like all Hermès bags, the Hermès Kelly 28 is handcrafted by skilled artisans using sumptuous leathers. They create the Kelly in two styles, the Sellier and the Retourne. The Sellier features external stitching with sharp, clean structural lines, while the Retourne’s stitching is on the inside, lending a more relaxed look to the bag. Both styles come with an optional shoulder strap, which lends to the Kelly’s popularity among Hermès lovers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hermès Kelly 28
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Where to Buy Hermès Kelly 28 Cheapest?
collectorsquare.com: from $ 12,780 (4.9% Super Cash Back)
madisonavenuecouture.com: from $ 16,500
Hermès Kelly 32 Review
What is Hermès Kelly 32 Bag?
The Hermès 32cm Kelly bag is an extraordinary piece of fashion history. Not only is the Kelly 32 an exquisite example of artisan craftsmanship, durable luxury, and enduring style, it also has a romantic backstory: The iconic trapezoid shape of the Hermès Kelly 32 was a striking departure from the ornate handbag styles of the day. The chic look took the world by storm when legendary actress, and crowned princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly was photographed holding her Hermès Sac à Dépêches bag to shield her baby bump from the paparazzi.
The Hermès Kelly 32 bag is an ideal daily bag for the busy woman on the go. It is spacious enough to carry all your everyday essentials. As such, it does not transition into evening as well as the smaller Kelly 20 or Kelly 25, or even the Kelly 28.
The Hermès Kelly 32 measures approximately 12.75” wide, 9”high, and 4.75” deep. The shoulder strap makes it convenient to wear the Kelly 32 over the shoulder, while the rolled handle can be carried in the hand or slipped over your forearm. Like all Hermès bags, the 32cm Kelly bag in Sellier, a rigid style made by stitching the sides of the bag on the outside, and in Retourne, a relaxed style made by placing the stitches inside the bag.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Hermès Kelly 32
Pros | Cons |
|
|
Where to Buy Hermès Kelly 32 Cheapest?
1stdibs.com: from $12,341
vestiairecollective.com: from $7,894.45 (Up to $21 Super Cash Back)
Hermès Kelly 20 vs. 25 vs. 28 vs. 32:Comparison Side by Side
1.Size
The Kelly is available in sizes 20cm, 25cm, 28cm, 32cm, 35cm, 40cm, and 50cm. Below is Hermès Kelly 20, 25, 28 and 32 Bag sizes chart inches and in centimeters:
Hermès Style | Dimensions (centimeters) | Dimensions (inches) |
Kelly 20 | 20 x 16 x 10 cm | 7.8” x 6.3” x 4” |
Kelly 25 | 25 x 19 x 9 cm | 10” x 7.5” x 3.5” |
Kelly 28 | 28 x 22 x 10 cm | 11” x 8.5” x 4” |
Kelly 32 | 32 x 23 x 10.5 cm | 12.5” x 9” x 4” |
2.Leather and Color
Hermès Kelly 20
The Hermès Mini Kelly bag is available in two regular TYPES OF LEATHER, Chèvre Mysore and Epsom. Epsom is an embossed calfskin, lightweight and particularly scratch-resistant. Chèvre Mysore is most commonly used to line the inside of Hermès handbags, but the fashion house occasionally singles out the long-lasting goatskin for smaller bags.
Released in both seasonal and permanent Hermès shades, there’s a variety of colours available for the Mini Kelly bag. If you’re looking for a pop of colour, keep pinks and blues on your radar – both colourways are consistently popular with the French fashion house.
Hermès Kelly 25
When a Kelly 25 is offered in ostrich or lizard, it is generally crafted in a Sellier style. Lissé or shiny finished crocodile or alligator are also generally crafted in the Sellier style, whereas matte finish crocodile and alligator Kelly bags are crafted in the Retourne style.
While the Retourne is an immensely popular style, when Hermès VIPs choose a Kelly Hermès bag 25 for a special order or Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) bag, it is most often the Sellier they choose.
Hermès Kelly 28
The Kelly 28 is a favorite among the VIPs who order customized Hermès special order or Horseshoe Stamp (HSS) bags. Almost invariably, they choose the Sellier style.
While the Hermès bag Kelly 28 is often made in sturdy and luxurious leathers like Epsom and Togo, special orders may choose crocodile, ostrich, or other exotic skins. All exotic Hermès bags are made in strict compliance with CITES.
Hermès Kelly 32
Like all Hermès bags, the 32cm Kelly bag in Sellier, a rigid style made by stitching the sides of the bag on the outside, and in Retourne, a relaxed style made by placing the stitches inside the bag. Kelly 32 bags come in luxury leathers, such as Epsom, Chevre, Togo and Clemence.
They also are available in some exotic skins, including Nilo crocodile and Porosus crocodile.
3、Capacity and Practicality
Hermès Kelly 20
Despite Hermès Kelly 20 bag limiting size in terms of what you can fit inside, this mini must-have is the perfect crossbody addition to fit every style.
What can Kelly 20 hold?
E-s-s-e-n-t-i-a-l-s only: iPhone, card-holder, lipstick, keys, mini pouch.
Hermès Kelly 25
The Kelly 25 still feels like a mini bag when worn. Whilst it still has a handle drop of 9cm, the shoulder strap does come slightly shortened compared to the Kelly 28.
What can Kelly 25 hold?
Card holder, AirPods, keys, mini umbrella, very small water bottle and of course your iPhone.
Hermès Kelly 28
Not too big, not too small, the Kelly 28 is one of the most sought after sizes and bags amongst fashion lovers. It’s the perfect everyday bag which fits all your most important necessities and the slightly longer shoulder strap makes it compliment every outfit.
What can Kelly 28 hold?
Card holder, makeup essentials, water bottle, keys, mini pochette for coins, mini umbrella, AirPods.
Hermès Kelly 32
Spacious and ideal for accompanying you to those lunchtime meetings, the Kelly 32 is on par with the Birkin 35 in terms of similarity in size and what it can fit inside. However, please note due to the narrow top, laptops and documents are a no go.
What can Kelly 32 hold?
Card holder, makeup bag, keys, mini pouchette for coins, mini umbrella, AirPods, iPad or notepad.
4.Prices
Below, we’ve provided a list of the most up-to-date Kelly prices. Unless otherwise mentioned, these prices are for Sellier Kellys made out of Epsom leather.
Check out the table below for some current Kelly prices.
Kelly Bag Size | 2022 Price (USD) | 2022 Price (EUR) |
Mini Kelly 20 Epsom | $8,250 | €6,150 |
Mini Kelly 20 Chèvre | $8,900 | €6,650 |
Kelly 25 Togo Retourne | $9,900 | €7,400 |
Kelly 25 Swift Retourne | $10,300 | €7,700 |
Kelly 25 Epsom Sellier | $10,600 | €7,950 |
Kelly 25 Chèvre Sellier | $11,400 | €8,500 |
Kelly 28 Togo Retourne | $10,600 | €7,950 |
Kelly 28 Clémence Retourne | $10,600 | €7,950 |
Kelly 28 Epsom Sellier | $11,200 | €8,300 |
Kelly 32 Togo Retourne | $11,300 | €8,450 |
Kelly 32 Epsom Sellier | $12,100 | €9,050 |
5.Investment Value
The Resale Stats: The iconic Hermès Kelly bag comes in second place, and holds 92% resale value on average.
Smaller sizes like the Mini Kelly, the Kelly 25, Kelly 28 and the Kelly32 have the highest demand.
In order to purchase a Kelly bag, clients must build up a buying history at Hermès and cultivate a relationship with the sales associates at their nearest boutique. If all goes well, the sales associate will contact prospective customers when a bag becomes available. However, sales associates cannot order specific Kelly bags and rarely know what they’re receiving ahead of time.
So, if you’re lucky enough to get the chance to purchase a Kelly, don’t hesitate to pick up this gorgeous bag.
What dose the Hermès Kelly 20 resell for?
The industry standard for a store fresh Epsom leather Kelly 20 in 2022,
Retail price starts from: £6,150
Resell approximately between £20,000 - £25,000 - depending on spec
What dose the Hermès Kelly 25 resell for?
The industry standard for a store fresh Epsom leather Kelly 25 in 2022,
Retail price starts from: £7,950
Resell approximately between £20,000 - £26,000 - depending on spec
What dose the Hermès Kelly 28 resell for?
The industry standard for a store fresh Epsom leather Kelly 28 in 2022,
Retail price starts from: £8,300
Resell approximately between £17,000 - £24,000 depending on spec
What dose the Hermès Kelly 32 resell for?
The industry standard for a store fresh Epsom leather Kelly 32 in 2022,
Retail price starts from: £9,050
Resell approximately between £16,000 - £19,000 depending on spec
Tips for investing in a Hermès Kelly bag:
Hermès Kelly bags are timeless, but know your colors when investing. Long term investors should look at neutral colors such as gold, black, and etoupe
Short term investors can look at new and seasonal colors
Kelly and Birkin bags have been steadily increasing in value since the 1950s and 1980s respectively and are predicted by experts to continue this trend for the foreseeable future
Exotic skin and rare bags will increase in value at a faster rate than regular bags
The condition of the bag will affect its resale value
The secondary market is the easiest and most sensible way to purchase a Hermès bag
Be extremely careful of fraudulent bags on the secondary market
Deal only with trusted resellers and study the small details that show a bag as genuine or fake
Conclusion: Which is the Best Size for You?
Hermès Kelly 20
For whatever reason, this is currently the “hottest”, most in demand, and hardest to find bag.
The Mini Kelly only comes in the Sellier structure and it is the perfect little evening bag. It fits only the necessities and absolutely nothing more. Proportionally, it is very visually attractive, appealing to us in the way that perfect little dollhouse furniture and baby animals are attractive to us: tugging at our innate instinct to have the cute little small things, whatever they are.
From the sweet little turnlock to the perfect little strap, it’s adorable and fully functional. Perfect as a bag for formal events (unless you’re of the ilk that won’t carry a leather bag formally), it’s great for dinner, andit used as a very small daybag for travel sometimes.
Hermès Kelly 25
This size is very popular, and works well for both day and evenings (whether Sellier or Retourne) and dressier events (generally Sellier).
Again, it’s a great everyday size, if you don’t carry much. Using the strap makes this bag pretty easy and convenient
This bag is still on the small side, with the same watch-what you-carry caveats advised for the 25cm Birkin; you’re going to have to play a bit of Bag Tetris to get this to work, especially if you are new to smaller sizes. You need to be thoughtful when carrying a 25cm Kelly, although maybe a bit less so if it’s Retourne; a Sellier is not going to fit much more than a small wallet, keys, phone and small pouch.
Hermès Kelly 28
It is incredibly elegant in 28 size as a Sellier, and very pretty yet slightly cooler in this size as a Retourne.
This is what many people currently consider the “sweet spot” for Kelly sizes, although it’s a tough call between this size and the 32cm; like the 30cm Birkin it holds most of what you would need, but perhaps not quite, depending on how much you tend to carry (especially if it’s a Sellier).
the 28cm Kelly is possibly the best day-to-evening size where you don’t have to seriously compromise what you need to carry (not too much of a Bag Tetris quotient here).
Hermès Kelly 32
Formerly the “sweet spot” prior to the great bag downsize trend, the 32cm is still a fabulous size, especially if you need to carry more or are a bigger/taller person.
The 32cm Kelly is great (though maybe just a bit on the small side) for work and fabulous for travel. It will fit quite a bit while still remaining elegant (as a Sellier) or super cool (Retourne).
A 32cm Kelly is perfect for everyday and proportionally suits most people. Regardless of structure, this is definitely more of a day bag.
Read More:
Hermès Kelly vs. Birkin vs. Constance: Which One is Best to Invest in 2024?
Hermes Wallet Real vs. Fake Guide 2024: How to Tell a Hermes Wallet is Real?
Hermès Picotin Lock Bag Fake vs. Real Guide 2024: How can You Tell a Original?
2024 Hermes Evelyne Bag Real vs Fake Guide: How to Spot a Fake Evelyne Bag?
Hermès Lindy Bag Fake vs Real Guide: How to Authenticate Fake Hermes Lindy? (Sizes + 9% Cashback)
2024 Hermes Birkin Bag Real vs. Fake Guide: How to Authenticate A Birkin?
2024 Hermès Constance Real vs Fake: How To Spot A Fake Constance Bag?
3 Iconic Hermès Handbags You Won't Regret Investing In 2024
Extrabux is an international cashback shopping site, offering up to 30% cashback from 10,000+ Stores!
24S, SSENSE, MATCHESFASHION.COM, Shopbop, NET-A-PORTER, FARFETCH, YOOX, Eastbay, End Clothing, Macys, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks OFF 5TH, Bergdorf Goodman, Selfridges, Bloomingdales, Coggles, Harrods, Kohl's, Urban Outfitters, ASOS, Missguided, etc.
Join to get $20 welcome bonus now! (How does Welcome Bonus work?)
Recommendation
-
Is Turkish Airlines Good for International Flights?
-
10 Best & Stylish Winter Coats for Women on NET-A-PORTER in 2024
-
Top & Best 12 Sneaker Apps/Websites for Raffles, Releases & Restocks in 2024
-
7 Best Gift Card Exchange Sites - Buy, Sell and Trade Discount Gift Card Safely and Instanly!
-
Top 9 Professional Skincare Brands for Licensed Estheticians 2024