Leather is at the heart of Hermès' identity. Each type of skin has its own texture, care requirements, and character. Here's an overview of the most common leathers used on Hermès bags. The swatches below are temporary — they will be replaced with actual macro photos as soon as available.
Togo
Grained calfskin, very durable and lightweight. Its natural grain makes it particularly resistant to scratches and water, making it one of the most popular leathers for everyday use. It does not polish and maintains a matte appearance.
Epsom
Embossed calfskin, treated to be stiffer and more structured than Togo. Its grain is uniformly printed, giving it a neat and well-defined look. Very scratch-resistant, often chosen for rigid-structured models.
Clémence
Calfskin (Taurillon Clémence), more supple and thicker than Togo, with a more pronounced grain. Supple and soft to the touch, favored for more casual models like the Evelyne.
Swift
Smooth and fine calfskin, without visible grain, with an elegant and shiny finish. Lighter than other leathers, but also more sensitive to scratches and moisture, requiring more careful maintenance.
Evercolor
Calfskin with a tight grain and a satiny finish, soft to the touch. More structured than Swift while remaining supple, often used on Kelly, Constance, and Lindy models.
Barenia
Vegetable-tanned calfskin, lightweight, scratch- and water-resistant. It develops a natural patina and darkens with time and exposure, making each piece unique.
Chèvre (Mysore)
Lightweight and supple goatskin, with an irregular and slightly iridescent grain. Very popular for smaller models like the Mini Kelly or Mini Bolide.
Negonda
Calfskin with a more pronounced and structured grain than Togo, water-resistant. Historically associated with the Garden Party bag.
Box
Glazed calfskin, smooth and shiny, tanned using traditional methods. Historically used on vintage Kelly and Constance bags, it develops a beautiful patina over time but is sensitive to water and scratches — a leather mostly reserved for dressy pieces, not heavily used daily.
Fjord
Calfskin with a pronounced and textured grain, matte and robust. Very resistant to water and abrasion, it is perfectly suited for intensive daily use on models like the Birkin or Evelyne.
Choosing the right leather for your needs
For intensive daily use, Togo, Epsom, Barenia, or Fjord are recommended for their durability. For a dressier piece that is less exposed to wear and tear, Swift, Evercolor, Chèvre, or Box offer a more refined look.
Are you unsure about the leather of your next Hermès piece, or do you want to authenticate one you already own?
Our Entrupy authentication service verifies the authenticity of your Hermès leather goods. Discover our selection of Hermès bags certified by GABY PARIS.
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