Hermès Kelly 25 Price by Material: Popularity Explained

Alongside the Birkin, the Hermès Kelly bag is considered one of the brand’s true icons, loved worldwide for its refined silhouette and exceptional quality. Among them, the Kelly 25 is especially popular among women due to its compact size, which suits petite frames beautifully.

The Kelly bag is available in a wide variety of materials and colors, allowing you to choose one that best suits your personal style. Whether you want a casual look that complements everyday outfits or a chic option that highlights timeless elegance, the choice of material makes all the difference. Thanks to its simple design, just changing the color or leather can bring out a completely different charm.

On this site, we take a closer look at why the Kelly 25 is so beloved, highlight its most popular materials, and provide detailed explanations of the current retail prices.

What Is the Kelly 25 Bag and Why Is It So Popular?

The origins of the Kelly bag can be traced back to the actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly. In 1956, when she married Prince Rainier III, Grace drew worldwide attention as a Hollywood star who had become royalty. During her pregnancy, she famously used a Hermès bag to cover her stomach discreetly.

When Robert Dumas, the fourth-generation head of Hermès, saw this, he immediately contacted the Princely Family of Monaco to request permission to name the bag after her. Thus, the name “Kelly” was officially given, forever linking the bag to Grace Kelly, an icon who stepped from Hollywood into royalty and whose name embodied glamour and admiration.

Thanks in part to this story, the Kelly bag became, alongside the Birkin, one of Hermès’ most emblematic creations, and it continues to captivate women around the world today.

The Kelly bag is defined by its distinctive trapezoid shape. Known for its compact size, which fits comfortably in a woman’s hand, and its sturdy structure that stands upright even when placed on the floor, its beauty never fades. Another appeal lies in the craftsmanship, which combines both inside and outside stitching to enhance the bag’s refined design. It will no doubt continue to be cherished for years to come as one of Hermès’ most iconic creations.

The Kelly bag comes in a wide range of sizes, but in Asia, where body frames tend to be smaller, the 28 and 25 are especially popular. In particular, the Kelly 25 enjoys high demand and consistently commands strong prices in the resale market.

What Is the Hermès Kelly 25 Retail Price? A Breakdown by Material

The Kelly 25 is a bag whose look changes dramatically depending on the material. Among its wide range of variations, we highlight three of the most popular options here.

1. Togo

Estimated Price: $11,600 USD (Sellier/Inside Stitch)

Among the many leathers Hermès uses, Togo is one of the most widely featured. Togo is calfskin from young bulls, formally called Veau Crispe Togo. In Kelly bags, it is often crafted with “inside stitching” (Sellier), where the thread remains hidden.

First introduced in the Hermès collection in 1997, Togo is finer-grained than the equally popular Taurillon Clemence, with a softer, more flexible feel. A distinctive trait is the faint appearance of vein marks on the surface. Togo also develops a subtle sheen when it catches the light and deepens beautifully with age, making it a leather that perfectly reflects Hermès’ dedication to quality.

While Togo works well with any color, its Gold hue is especially stunning. The matte dye enhances both elegance and richness, elevating the simple Kelly design into something timelessly chic.

The texture of Togo varies slightly depending on when the bag was made: older Togo shows more pronounced raised grains, while newer versions appear more compact and embossed. This evolution reflects Hermès’ continuous pursuit of innovation, and comparing different vintages side by side reveals subtle but fascinating contrasts.

2. Taurillon Clemence

Estimated Price: $11,600 USD (Sellier/Inside Stitch)

Taurillon Clemence is another type of leather frequently used in Kelly bags, sourced from bullhide. Known as one of Hermès’ softest materials, it has been beloved since its introduction in 1992.

At first glance, Clemence looks similar to Togo. However, it has slightly larger grains, is more durable, and is more resistant to scratches. This makes it a practical choice for those who want to use their Kelly bag on a daily basis. That said, it is less resistant to water, so prompt care, such as wiping moisture immediately, is necessary.

The texture conveys softness not only to the touch but also in appearance, with colors taking on a gentle luster that exudes Hermès’ signature luxury. Unlike Togo, Clemence does not show vein lines, making it popular among those who prefer a cleaner look. On the other hand, it is heavier than Togo, so it’s best not to overfill the bag when carrying it for long periods.

This also helps prevent one of Clemence’s tendencies: losing shape when overloaded. Proper care ensures the bag maintains its elegant silhouette for years to come.

3. Epsom

Estimated Price: $12,120 USD (Sellier Stitching)

Epsom, formally known as “Veau Epsom,” is made from male calf leather that has been finely embossed. Among embossed leathers, it is one of the most popular and has long been cherished worldwide as a classic Hermès material. Its delicate, refined grain embodies the elegance that is quintessentially Hermès.

A key feature of Epsom is its resistance to aging. While many leathers soften and risk losing their shape over time, Epsom maintains moderate firmness, making it resistant to deformation as well as highly water-resistant. For those who wish to enjoy their Kelly not only on special occasions but also in daily life, Epsom is an excellent choice.

Another appeal is its light weight, which makes carrying belongings easier compared to other leathers. Epsom also absorbs dye evenly, producing a subtle sheen that enhances deep colors such as black. In particular, the shade “Etain” (French for tin) is admired for its subdued sophistication and is highly favored by Hermès enthusiasts.

Price Difference Between the Kelly 25 and Kelly 28

Product Name	Price (as of 2024)
Kelly 25 (Togo Sellier)	$11,600 USD
Kelly 28 (Togo Sellier)	$12,270 USD

 

When comparing the Togo Sellier versions, the price difference between the Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 is around $680 USD. In terms of size, the Kelly 25 measures 25cm x 19cm x 9.5cm, while the Kelly 28 measures 28cm x 21cm x 11cm. The Kelly 28 tends to be more popular overall, though the 25 enjoys strong support from petite women.

One crucial point is that both the Kelly 25 and 28 continue to see price increases, and they are scarce to find in boutiques. In recent years, Hermès has frequently raised prices, with another increase announced in February 2024. Before the adjustment, the Kelly 25 was priced in the 9,520 USD range and the Kelly 28 in the $10,200 USD range. Afterward, retail prices rose by about $1,360 USD.

Reasons for these increases include Hermès’ further move toward ultra-luxury positioning, rising material and labor costs, and currency fluctuations. Prices are expected to keep growing, so for those wishing to purchase a Kelly directly from a Hermès boutique, buying sooner rather than later is recommended.

However, when purchasing in-store, keep in mind that the bag you want may not be in stock. It is also said that Hermès considers purchase history, meaning that even if a Kelly arrives, clients without a prior buying record may not be shown the item. While the Kelly is less affected by this compared to other models, regular clients often have an advantage.

If you want to secure a Kelly before the subsequent price increase, considering trusted luxury resale shops may also be worthwhile.

How to Purchase the Kelly 25 at a Lower Price

For those who wish to purchase the Kelly 25 at the best possible price, we recommend using the Gallery Rare official online store. At Gallery Rare, all items are carefully appraised by experienced staff, ensuring you can find the bag you are looking for with confidence.

Although Hermès has seen repeated price increases leading to soaring retail prices, demand has not slowed down. On the contrary, popularity, particularly among wealthy clients, continues to grow, making it increasingly difficult to find the bag you want. The Birkin and Kelly remain especially coveted, with fans constantly searching for them.

With Hermès consistently raising its retail prices, this trend is expected to continue. There is always the possibility that “by the time you finally find your dream, Kelly 25 in-store, the price has already increased by several thousand USD.” For those who want to secure the bag while keeping costs as low as possible, purchasing from a trusted luxury resale shop early is highly recommended.

The Gallery Rare official online store offers a wide selection of Kelly 25 bags, allowing you to find the perfect piece from a broader range of options. Their staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns or inquiries.

Resale Value of the Kelly 25: Can It Sell for More Than Retail?

Product Name	Gallery Rare Purchase Price
Hermès Kelly 25 Sellier (Sellier Stitching) Cumin Epsom with Silver Hardware W Stamp	$18,710 USD (May 2024)
Hermès Kelly 25 Rose Azalee Swift with Silver Hardware C Stamp	$12,240 USD (June 2023)
Hermès Kelly 25 Black Epsom with Gold Hardware U Stamp	$18,770 USD (May 2023)

On the Gallery Rare official buying site, the Kelly 25 is available for purchase at prices ranging from the upper $6,800 USD level to over $20,410 USD. While the exact amount depends on the item’s condition, leather, and color, considering the current retail price is approximately $11,560 USD, it is possible to receive an appraisal higher than the retail value.

The Gallery Rare buying site also takes extraordinary measures to ensure high purchase prices. By minimizing advertising costs and redirecting those savings into higher payouts, they provide more competitive appraisals. Instead of relying on short-term campaigns, they build trust through consistent, sincere service that encourages repeat customers.

They also constantly monitor global currency markets, resale trends, and fashion movements, quickly reflecting them in their appraisals. By maintaining an international perspective and adjusting to regional market demands, they can conduct evaluations that place strong emphasis on brand value. These ongoing efforts allow them to achieve higher purchase prices.

If you are considering selling your Kelly 25, the Gallery Rare official buying site is a trusted choice. Appraisals are available via LINE, phone, email, or in-store evaluations. Any questions or concerns will be addressed with sincerity, so please feel free to contact us anytime.

Conclusion: Decoding the Hermès Kelly 25 Price

• The Kelly 25 is one of the most popular items alongside the Birkin.
• Hermès prices continue to rise and are likely to keep increasing.
• For those seeking a Kelly 25, using trusted luxury resale shops is recommended.
  

With each Hermès price revision, the retail price of the Kelly 25 continues to rise, and this trend is expected to continue. Both the Kelly 25 and 28 are extremely popular in Asian countries, and there are times when they are not available in Hermès boutiques. For those who wish to secure a Kelly 25 before the subsequent price increase, we recommend considering the Gallery Rare official online store.

At the Gallery Rare official online store, you will also find Kelly 25 bags crafted from highly sought-after leathers such as Togo, Taurillon Clemence, and Epsom. With a wide selection available, you are sure to find the Kelly 25 that perfectly suits your taste.

In addition, the Gallery Rare official buying site offers high-value purchase options for the Kelly 25. You can begin by choosing an appraisal method to determine the current value of your bag. Any questions or concerns will be answered sincerely by experienced staff. We invite you to make use of the Gallery Rare official buying site with confidence.

*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 June 2025. Prices on the sales site include customs duties and shipping fees. Actual exchange rates may vary.