How to Buy a Birkin Bag, According to an Expert

Publish date: 2024-04-16

If you're ready to invest in a designer purse, you may want something that feels rare, unique, and also holds value. Enter: the Hermès Birkin bag. Aside from its expensive price point, this celebrity-approved, highly sought-after design can be pretty hard to snag—which yes, is also part of the appeal. But purchasing one comes with its own set of rules. So, if you're wondering how to buy a Birkin bag, there are some things to know before racing to the closest Hermès boutique.

Firstly, what makes a Birkin bag so unique? While celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, Cardi B, and Kendall Jenner all own a coveted Birkin, some other specific qualities and details make this bag so desired and valuable. So to find out everything there is to know about this covetable designer tote, we tapped expert Julia Rose for her industry insight and buying tips.

Meet the expert

Julia Rose is the owner of Julia Rose Boston, a curated shop of chic designer accessories. She is also a trusted designer reseller.

What Is a Birkin Bag?

"The Hermès Birkin is arguably the most iconic bag produced. It was named after Jane Birkin," says Julia Rose. "It has a unique, defined shape with double handles, no strap, and an interior zip pocket. There are variations to the size, color, leather, and, with limited edition pieces, the design."

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Types of Birkin Bags

One of the first steps in purchasing a Birkin bag is deciding which size you're looking for. According to Rose, the most popular size for a Birkin is the 25cm bag, which is known as the Birkin 25. Other options include the 30cm (Birkin 30) and the 35cm (Birkin 35).

"They [also] come in variations of leather, including Epsom, togo, swift, alligator, ostrich, lizard, box calf, and crocodile, among others," says Rose. The Birkin 25 is also available in wicker, she adds. "Hardware options include gold, palladium, rose gold, and permabrass, among others."

The classic Birkin colorways are black and caramel-toned gold, which are both produced every season. But each spring and fall, Hermès also releases a variety of a brand-new selection of shades. So if you aren't finding what you want, it's worth it to wait until the latest options are revealed.

However, if your goal is to get a really rare find, keep your eyes open for the colors that are occasionally re-released, "such as gris tourterelle or gris asphalt," Rose tells us.

The Cost of a Birkin

You've probably heard that Birkin bags don't come cheap — far from it. "The retail prices for the most popular models are around $10,145 for a Birkin 25, $11,200 for a Birkin 30, and $12,450 for a Bikin 35," says Rose. "These vary by country and tax rate." Even still, the resale value for a Birkin can be two to three times the retail price depending on the rarity and popularity of the combination. For example, Birkins with more exotic leathers will retail for four to five times the cost of one with togo and Epsom leathers.

The Best Way to Buy One

Even though color, size, and hardware are all important factors, Rose urges potential Birkin buyers to do extensive research before shelling out their money and deciding on a budget. Once you've settled on your choice, though, buying a Birkin bag isn't as easy as heading to the Hermès store. You will first have to check in with a sales associate at that location to see if the specific bag you are looking for is in stock or arriving. While the fashion house says there is no special waiting list to purchase a bag, finding one in such a limited market will require patience and diligence.

In some cases, it is easier and takes less time to purchase Birkin bags secondhand—but be diligent. "It's critical to purchase from reputable companies who guarantee authenticity and have a history of selling Hermès," emphasizes Rose. Should you be worried that you're buying a fake, you can always authenticate your purchase through an established company such as Bababebi," she adds.

It's also important for secondhand buyers to ask for detailed photos of the Birkin bag, along with disclosures of any flaws and odors such as perfumes or smoke. "Some flaws can be repaired at the Hermès spa, such as corner scuffs or scratches or tarnish to the hardware," Rose says. However, handles and interior wear cannot be fixed, especially if another company has already restored them.

Frequently Asked Questions

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