Hermès is synonymous with craftsmanship, heritage, and luxury—refined over more than a century. At the heart of this legacy is Hermès leather, carefully sourced and expertly treated to create bags and small leather goods (SLGs) built to last.
Understanding different Hermès leather types helps collectors and buyers choose pieces that suit their lifestyle and aesthetic preferences. Whether you prioritise structure, softness, or vibrant colour, knowing the differences can guide your next investment.
Looking Beyond the Hype: Where Does Hermès Leather Come From?
When considering what leather Hermès uses for a particular item and where it comes from, rest assured that the brand maintains only the most stringent standards in their craftsmanship.
Hermès procures the finest hides globally from a robustly vetted supply chain ranging from crocodile and ostrich leathers from Africa to goatskin from India to lizard from Southeast Asia. The brand also has several in-house tanneries with their own specialities, such as box and calf leathers at Tanneries du Puy in France.
This dedication to sourcing is the foundation of Hermès’ reputation for elevated luxury, ensuring each and every piece meets their exacting standards. That’s why when people ask which leather is the ‘best’, the answer is genuinely subjective. There isn’t one definitive answer as it entirely depends on individual preferences, lifestyle demands, and the aesthetic one desires. Some prefer the structured resilience of Epsom, while others gravitate towards the soft, luxurious feel of Clemence. Yet, what remains consistent across all leather types is Hermès’ exceptional quality and their artisans’ masterful touch, ensuring longevity and beauty in every piece.
The Long-Standing Pillars of Popularity: Togo and Clemence
Of Hermès’ myriad leather offerings, Togo and Clemence stand out as perennial favourites. Both are exceptionally durable and scratch-resistance while being able to be refurbished, promising years of elegant use with proper care.
Pictured: Hermès Birkin 30 made from Togo leather
Togo is renowned for its distinctive fine, triangular grain, which lends itself beautifully to the structured silhouettes of the iconic Birkin and Kelly bags. This baby calfskin bears an impressive ability to maintain its shape amidst everyday wear and tear—excellent for everyday bags that evolve to withstand the demands of your lifestyle. Its soft yet durable nature also enables it to age gracefully, developing a gorgeous and subtle patina over time.
Pictured: Hermès Kelly 28 made from Clemence leather
In contrast, Clemence, though also derived from calfskin, offers a larger, softer matte grain. This results in a more relaxed and supple silhouette, perfect for bags meant to slouch beautifully and comfortably against the body. Clemence is also one of Hermès heaviest leathers, lending an easy, almost lazy luxury to its pieces.
The Modern Contenders: Epsom, Swift, and Evercolor
Beyond the classic duo of Togo and Clemence, Hermès continues to innovate with other remarkable leather types that bring their own distinct appeal.
Pictured: Hermès Constance 18 made from Epsom leather
Epsom is a heat-printed leather that results in a more rigid, structured look. It boasts exceptional resistance to scratches and water (for simple wipe downs with a damp cloth), making it a highly practical option for daily use bags that need to maintain a crisp, architectural shape. However, the embossed texture does make it more prone to minor imperfections at points of contact.
Pictured: Hermès Pochette Virevolte 35 made from Swift and Clemence leather
Then there’s Swift, celebrated for its fine-grained texture that’s buttery smooth to the touch. It’s particularly known for its vibrant colour absorption, allowing for bags and accessories that truly pop. This suppleness does mean the leather will show minor scratches more readily and begin to slouch over time, but the former can be buffed out with gentle refurbishment and care.
Pictured: Hermès Roulis Slim Wallet made from Evercolor leather
For a more recent addition, Evercolor strikes a beautiful balance. It has a much smaller grain with semi-matte finish and holds its shape well, making it a fantastic choice for smaller, more structured pieces where both durability and a soft touch are desired.
Each of these modern leathers requires specific care, but all of them undoubtedly enhance the beauty of any Hermès item in your collection.
Acquiring Your Dream Hermès Leather Piece in Singapore
For enthusiasts in Singapore eager to acquire an Hermès bag or SLG crafted from a specific leather type, the journey can sometimes be a test of patience given the high demand for new pieces.
This is where reputable Hermès resellers like LUX.R Singapore become an invaluable resource. We offer an exceptional avenue for discerning buyers to acquire pre-owned Hermès bags, providing access to a diverse range of styles and leather types that might otherwise be difficult to find at competitive prices.
Buying from us means benefitting from our rigorous authentication process where every luxury handbag is meticulously inspected for authenticity and condition. This offers peace of mind, allowing you to focus on choosing a leather that perfectly matches your preferences.
Book an appointment at our Far East Plaza outlet to see our collection in-person or explore our online catalogue to find your perfect pre-owned Hermès today.
