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Brand Guide

Hermès

Storage, care, and preservation for every Hermès handbag — Birkin, Kelly, and beyond. Written for the specific leathers and construction of the House.

Founded1837, Paris
OriginParis, France
Signature leathersTogo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, box calf, Barenia, chèvre

Hermès handbags vary by model, size, leather, construction, age, and use, so storage guidance should begin with the specific bag rather than a universal preservation rule.

Birkin and Kelly bags can rest differently when empty depending on their leather and construction. Softer materials may relax more readily than firmer constructions, while structured versions may need less interior support. If a bag benefits from support, the goal is to help it rest naturally rather than force it into a rigid silhouette.

Hermès uses a range of leathers with different surface characteristics and care needs, including Togo, Clemence, Epsom, Swift, Box calf, Barenia, and chèvre. Follow Hermès's current care guidance for the specific material and avoid assuming that one humidity target, conditioner, or storage routine is correct for every leather.

For model-specific storage support, see Fabrinique's Birkin 25, 30 and 35 Purse Pillow guide and Kelly 25, 28 and 32 Purse Pillow guide.

Care & storage guides by model

Every Hermès bag is a different size, weight, and interior geometry. Each guide is written for the specific model.

Birkin 25

25 cm — the smallest Birkin

The most versatile Birkin size. Structured enough for daily use, small enough for evening. Requires a precisely sized insert — most generic pillows are too large.

Full care guide →

Birkin 30

30 cm — the flagship

The most popular Birkin size and the definitive Hermès silhouette. Every-day capable, holds shape best with a firm, weighted insert.

Full care guide →

Birkin 35

35 cm — the travel Birkin

Roomy enough for a laptop or a weekend's essentials. The largest common size and the most prone to front-panel sag without proper interior support.

Full care guide →

Kelly 25

25 cm — the sellier or retourné

The most collectible Kelly size. Rigid sellier construction shows every dent, so full-cavity support is essential in storage.

Full care guide →

Kelly 28

28 cm — the everyday Kelly

The most common Kelly on the wrist and shoulder. Softer than the 25 in retourné form; benefits from a fitted pillow that holds the base square.

Full care guide →

Kelly 32

32 cm — the larger Kelly

A statement size favored by collectors. Longer flap and wider base need continuous shape support to avoid softening at the corners.

Full care guide →

Storage principles for Hermès

Every Hermès handbag lives longest when four conditions are held stable:

  • Temperature between 60–70°F (15–21°C), with humidity between 40–55%. Above 60% humidity, mold and mildew begin to develop on natural leathers.
  • Complete darkness. UV light fades vachette trim and darkens some interior linings. Never store an Hermès in direct sun, and prefer a closed closet over an open shelf.
  • Full internal support at all times. Hermès leathers — especially Togo, Clemence, and Swift — remember every crease. A properly shaped pillow insert prevents the front and back panels from bowing inward.
  • Breathable cotton dust bags only. Never plastic. Plastic traps moisture against the leather and accelerates the breakdown of the coating.

The single most damaging habit is stuffing a Birkin with balled-up tissue paper for long-term storage. Tissue dries out, compresses, and leaves acid residue against the leather. A weighted, precisely-fit insert holds shape for years without any of these risks.

Find the right pillow for your Hermès

Our compatibility finder matches every Hermès model to a precisely sized Fabrinique pillow — sized to the centimeter, weighted to hold shape without stretching.

Open the compatibility finder

Frequently asked questions about Hermès

How should I store my Hermès Birkin when I'm not using it?
Store it upright in its Hermès orange cotton dust bag, in a dark closet at 60–70°F and 40–55% humidity, with a properly sized pillow insert filling the interior. Never stack anything on top, never use plastic, and never leave it stuffed with tissue paper for more than a few weeks.
Can I use tissue paper instead of a pillow insert?
For short storage — a few days to two weeks — tissue paper is acceptable. For long-term storage, tissue dries out, compresses, and can leave acidic residue against the leather. A weighted, breathable pillow insert holds shape indefinitely and doesn't need to be replaced.
Which Hermès leather is easiest to care for?
Epsom is the most durable and scratch-resistant Hermès leather — a stamped calfskin that essentially doesn't scratch. Togo and Clemence (both natural pebble-grain leathers) are next, though they can absorb water spots. Swift and box calf are the most delicate and require the most careful storage.
Do I need to condition my Hermès leather?
Rarely. Hermès leathers are finished at the tannery and do not need regular conditioning. Over-conditioning can darken or over-soften the leather and damage the finish. If leather feels dry after years of use, apply a leather-specific conditioner sparingly (a rice-grain amount for the whole bag), test on the bottom first, and never use household products or mink oil.
How do I prevent the front of my Birkin from bowing inward?
Front-panel sag is the single most common Birkin issue and it's fully preventable. The cause is storing the bag without internal support — the leather panels have no armature to hold them out. A properly sized pillow that fills the interior cavity prevents any inward pressure and keeps the front vertical. Address early sag by inserting a fitted pillow and letting the bag rest upright for 2–4 weeks.
Should I rotate my Hermès bags?
Yes. Even bags in storage benefit from rotation every 6–8 weeks: swap them into daylight (indirect only) for a few hours, gently wipe the exterior with a soft dry cloth, check for any humidity or mildew signs, and rotate the interior pillow to keep the shape even. Bags in active use should be rested (not carried) for at least one day between uses.
Is it safe to store multiple Hermès bags in the same closet?
Yes, provided each bag has its own dust bag and adequate space around it — no stacking, no leaning against other bags, no compressed shelves. The bigger risk is humidity buildup in a crowded closet. Add silica gel packs (replace every 3–4 months) and consider a small closet dehumidifier if you have more than a few bags in a small space.