Which Hermès Birkin Colors are Popular or Unpopular?

The Hermès Birkin bag stands at the top of luxury handbags. With its elegant design and rarity, it has remained a timeless symbol of aspiration for women across generations. One of the most outstanding features of the Birkin is its extensive color selection. With over 200 color variations available, many people wonder, "Which colors are popular, and which are less favored?"

In this guide, we’ll explore both the most popular and least popular Birkin colors, along with tips on how to protect their color and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Be sure to check it out.

Values of Hermès Colors

Only five colors were available when Hermès handbags were first released, and these colors still make up the majority of the brand's classic shades today.

Noir (89), Rouge H (46), Etoupe (18), Gold (06), and Orange H (93) were among the original colors, later expanded to include Blanc (01), Etain (8F), Rouge Casaque (Q5), Craie (10), and Blue Nuit (2Z).

Although Blanc and Orange H are typically produced each year, they have become harder to find recently as Hermès releases new colors with each season, bringing excitement to fans worldwide. Meanwhile, some popular seasonal shades remain in production for several years. However, many colors may not be created for over a year, while others are permanently discontinued.

Of course, retired colors become the rarest, but while shortage can impact the resale value of Hermès items, the best investment colors are often timeless classics or standard shades, likely because they are more flexible and easier to coordinate with other pieces.

Two Colors That Are Considered Less Popular

Although the two colors introduced here are considered less popular than others, this does not mean they lack style or appeal, as it simply indicates that their resale value in the pre-owned market is generally lower than that of classic shades.

Since the Birkin itself is a highly sought-after bag, any color in good condition will generally find a buyer quickly.

Less Popular Color 1: White Shades

White Birkins may be seen as a less popular choice, as while they exude elegance and refinement, their most significant drawback is that they show stains and dirt easily, which can be a concern for buyers. Since Birkins are high-value luxury items, many people tend to choose colors that are easier to maintain. White shades, however, require extra care, as dirt and discoloration are more noticeable.

To enjoy a white Birkin for many years, it’s essential to take extra precautions compared to other colors.

Less Popular Color 2: Green Shades

Green Birkins are sometimes considered difficult to style, leading some to avoid them. The idea that only fashion experts can pull off a green Birkin may make potential buyers hesitant. While it’s true that green is a bold color that doesn’t seamlessly match every outfit, Hermès offers a wide range of green shades, from soft pastels to deep tones and muted hues. This variety means there is likely a green Birkin to suit your taste, so if you're interested, it's worth exploring different shades to find one that matches your style.

What Are the Most Popular Birkin Colors? The Top 7 Classic Shades

Here, we highlight some of the most popular Hermès Birkin colors, with classic shades being in the highest demand and often retaining a higher resale value in the pre-owned market.

Popular Color 1: Black

A timeless classic, black is a versatile color that suits casual, business, and formal occasions. With its luxurious finish and refined quality, it remains stylish and never goes out of fashion. Additionally, as a unisex color, it is highly popular among men as well.

Popular Color 2: Gold

In Hermès terms, gold is a shade of brown often referred to as camel. This refined and adaptable color blends seamlessly with both elegant and casual outfits, while also highlighting the natural texture of the leather and concealing scratches and stains, making it a practical choice.

Popular Color 3: Blue

Blue is a refreshing and clean-looking color often associated with freshness. Its shade depth significantly impacts its impression, with darker blues bringing a calm and elegant look that is easy to coordinate, while lighter blues add a pop of color to outfits.

Popular Color 4: Etoupe

Etoupe is a soft and feminine shade that is well-known as a Birkin classic, alongside Black and Gold. This blend of gray and beige is delicate yet versatile, making it ideal for both daily wear and business settings, as it pairs seamlessly with other colors and serves as a go-to neutral shade.

Popular Color 5: Green

Green Birkins show freshness and originality, attracting fashion lovers who seek a unique touch. While green can be tricky to coordinate depending on the season and outfit, its eye-catching presence sets it apart from classic shades. For those looking for a unique piece or who prefer one-of-a-kind bags, a green Birkin is an excellent choice.

Popular Color 6: Gris Tourterelle

Gris Tourterelle is a soft, elegant neutral shade that appears as a mix of gray and beige and is known for its timeless appeal and flexibility, similar to Etoupe, as it perfectly matches any outfit, making it a popular choice year after year.

Popular Color 7: Etain

Etain, meaning “tin” in French, is a cool-toned gray with a unique metallic depth that adds a luxurious and excellent edge. One of its key characteristics is how its depth shifts depending on lighting, creating a rich, multidimensional effect that only Hermès can achieve, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a rare and exclusive Birkin color due to its limited availability.

Why an Unpopular Birkin Color Might Still Be a Great Choice

The ideal Birkin color depends on the individual’s style and wardrobe, so choosing a shade that suits your look and skin tone is key, and even less popular colors can be an excellent choice for different occasions, whether formal or casual, making it essential to consider where and how you’ll use your Birkin before purchasing.

Three Recommended Colors and Classic Options for Your First Birkin

If you're buying your first Birkin, here are three recommended color and material combinations to consider. Whether you're making your first Birkin purchase or looking for an investment piece, this guide will help you choose the perfect one.

Recommended First Birkin 1: Black with Gold Hardware (Togo Leather)

If you're getting your first Birkin, the classic combination of black with gold hardware is a timeless choice. Black is a versatile color that suits both daily use and formal occasions, while the gold hardware beautifully complements the black leather, creating a luxurious and elegant look that stands out. Widely owned and universally loved, black Birkins remain a timeless choice regardless of trends, making them a true classic. When crafted in Togo leather, they offer a perfect balance of softness and structure, with a natural texture that enhances their appeal. The grained, embossed surface also helps resist scratches and stains, ensuring durability and long-lasting beauty.

Recommended First Birkin 2: Etoupe with Silver Hardware (Taurillon Clemence Leather)

Etoupe is another excellent choice for a first Birkin, offering a soft and refined look, especially when crafted in Clemence leather, which is known for its smooth and feminine feel and gains a rich luster over time. Similar to Togo leather, Clemence features a pebbled texture that enhances its resistance to scratches and wear, making it an excellent option for everyday use. The silver hardware adds a sophisticated touch that naturally elevates any outfit.

Recommended First Birkin 3: Gold with Silver Hardware (Togo Leather)

Gold in Togo leather is a neutral tone that pairs seamlessly with various outfits, making it a versatile choice for any season. Its natural camel-toned color also suits a wide range of skin tones, adding to its popularity. Togo leather offers a luxurious feel while remaining easy to handle, making it ideal for daily use. Its timeless elegance elevates any look, no matter the occasion.

How to Keep Your Birkin’s Color Vibrant and Long-Lasting

Leather products can fade or lose their brightness over time if not correctly cared for, which can diminish their appeal, so here we’ll explore how to preserve the beautiful color of your Birkin for years to come.

Get Professional Maintenance at a Hermès Boutique

Hermès provides maintenance services at their official boutiques for a fee, often called "polishing" by Hermès fans, which includes cleaning and hardware polishing but does not offer color restoration, though regular cleaning can help refresh the bag’s appearance and restore its original brightness.

Prevent Discoloration by Wiping with a Soft Cloth

To maintain the stunning color of your Birkin, protecting it from fading is essential. This can be done through simple routine care, such as gently wiping it with a soft cloth and avoiding creams or care products that may alter delicate leather. Store it in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, covered with a non-woven fabric, and keep it separate from other bags to prevent color transfer.

Be Cautious of Color Transfer from Clothing

Light-colored leather, such as white or beige, tends to absorb color transfer from clothing, especially with dark-colored denim, which can cause stains over time. To prevent this, it's best to carry your Birkin by hand rather than over your shoulder when wearing clothing that may cause transfer.

Does Color Impact Birkin's Resale Value? Are Less Popular Colors Priced Lower?

In the resale market, neutral and monochrome shades tend to be valued the highest. If you’re looking to resell your Birkin at a premium price, classic colors like black, greige, and brown are the best choices. In contrast, bold and unique colors generally receive lower offers since non-traditional shades are harder to predict in terms of demand, making it difficult to establish a stable market price.

On the other hand, colors that gain popularity may occasionally see dramatic value increases. For example, resale prices for pink Birkins have spiked in recent years due to strong demand, particularly among tourists. If resale value is not a priority, it’s best to choose a color that truly suits your taste rather than focusing on market trends.

Conclusion: Popular and Less Popular Birkin Colors

• Less popular colors include white tones and green tones.
• Popular colors are black, gold, and Etoupe.
• Classic monochrome shades tend to have the highest resale value.

In this guide, we have explored both popular and less popular Birkin colors. White shades are often avoided due to their tendency to show dirt easily. At the same time, green tones, though stylish, are considered more challenging to pair with outfits and are typically favored by fashion lovers rather than casual buyers. On the other hand, colors like black, gold, and Etoupe remain highly popular for their adaptability and ease of matching with different outfits and occasions. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider whether the color you choose suits your wardrobe and lifestyle.

If you're looking for a Birkin, be sure to explore Gallery Rare to find your perfect color. At Gallery Rare, we provide detailed descriptions of pre-owned items and offer them at fair prices.

*Please note that the prices listed in our blog are for reference only and are converted from Japanese Yen (JPY) to US Dollars (USD) using the exchange rate of April 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.