Price of Prestige: Why Hermès Birkin Bags Are So Expensive
The Hermès Birkin is known worldwide for its prestige and iconic status, but it’s also famous for its high price tag. So, why exactly is the Birkin so expensive?
In this article, we’ll break down the reasons behind the Birkin bag’s high cost, explore the factors driving recent price increases, and compare its retail pricing. Read on to discover what makes the Hermès Birkin so valuable—it might just help you make a more informed decision if you're considering purchasing one.
What Is a Birkin Bag?
The Birkin is a luxurious handbag known for its exceptional quality and a wide range of sizes that suit different needs. It’s one of Hermès’ most iconic bags and is often sold at a premium due to its rarity and high demand.
The Birkin was born in 1981, when Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas happened to be seated next to actress and singer Jane Birkin on a flight to London. At the time, Jane was carrying an overstuffed wicker basket, and Dumas noticed her struggling with it. He offered to design a handbag that could actually hold everything she needed. That promise led to the creation of the Birkin.
Today, it’s considered one of the most coveted luxury bags in the world, but knowing its romantic origin makes it all the more special. In the next section, we’ll explore why the Hermès Birkin commands such a high price. Be sure to read through to the end!
Why Is the Birkin Bag So Expensive?
Even the most affordable Hermès Birkin bags start at over $6,900 USD, making them one of the most expensive handbags in the world. But what exactly makes them so pricey? Here are nine key reasons for the high cost of a Birkin.
Artisan Handcrafted Bags
Every Birkin bag is handmade from start to finish by a single Hermès artisan. This process requires immense time, precision, and craftsmanship, which drives the price. It’s said that each Birkin takes more than 48 hours to complete, and annual production is limited to around 12,000 pieces, making them extremely exclusive.
Because each bag is crafted individually by hand, Hermès does not assign serial numbers like Rolex watches or model codes like other brands. These bags are often referred to as modern-day artisan works, setting them apart from other luxury labels.
Only the Highest-Quality Materials Are Used
Hermès uses only top-tier, globally sourced materials for the Birkin. No shortcuts are taken—only the finest leather parts are selected, contributing to the premium price. About 20 different types of leather are used across Hermès products, and even within the Birkin line, the leather varies by model. Here are three of the most well-known:
Togo
Togo leather comes from young male calves and is considered one of the rarest types of cowhide. Its full name is Veau Crispé Togo, and it's frequently used not just for Birkins but across the Hermès product line. It features a grainy surface texture known as "grains," which makes it resistant to scratches and scuffs. Togo leather is flexible and retains shape, making it perfect for roomy bags like the Birkin.
See More Hermès Birkin Bags in Togo Leather
Chevre Mysore
Chevre Mysore is made from the hides of smaller female goats. Because of its size, it’s often used for small leather goods but also in compact Birkin models like the Birkin 25. This leather is known for being lightweight, durable, and soft, perfect for everyday use.
Alligator
This leather is sourced from alligators that live primarily in the Mississippi River region of the United States. Exotic skins like alligator are rare and highly prized, making them one of the most luxurious options for a Birkin. Hermès applies a finishing technique called Lissé, where each scale is polished with an agate stone, creating a rich, glossy finish. The result is a brilliantly elegant look that stands out.
Hermès’ Long History
Hermès products command high prices partly due to the brand’s long-standing reputation and deep-rooted trust. The brand was founded in 1837 by Thierry Hermès as a harness workshop and has over 180 years of heritage. Throughout that time, Hermès has endured economic downturns and even World War II, emerging stronger and building its prestige through resilience. Hermès is also one of the rare luxury brands that has remained a family-run business for six generations (with Patrick Thomas being the only exception), proudly preserving its traditions and values.
Demand Far Exceeds Supply
Since a single artisan handcrafts every Birkin, production is limited. Only around 12,000 Birkins are made annually, with each boutique receiving just about 40 bags annually. As a result, they often sell out immediately after arriving in stores, which drives up the price even further.
Exceptional Aftercare and Customer Support
Hermès operates 12 repair ateliers worldwide, where highly skilled craftsmen handle everything from re-stitching seams to replacing zippers. In some cases, Hermès can even identify the original artisan from the bag’s stamp and have that same person perform the repair. This level of long-term aftercare adds to the cost, as it includes significant labor and service expenses.
Limited Production Volume
Since one artisan handles every step of the production process, only a small number of Birkins can be made. This limited output naturally explains why Birkin bags cost so much.
Low Availability Even in the Resale Market
Because of their exclusivity and durability, many view Birkins as a lifelong investment and rarely sell them. That means there are fewer bags in circulation on the secondhand market. Even when they appear, demand is so high—and boutique purchases so difficult—that many pre-owned Birkins are sold at higher prices than retail!
You Must Be a VIP Customer to Buy One
Birkins typically arrive in boutiques only once or twice a year; even then, not every store gets them. When they do arrive, demand far outweighs supply. To even be considered for a Birkin, you must first become a Hermès customer, not just any customer. The bags are typically offered to VIPs with extensive purchase histories.
To reach VIP status, you may need to spend several thousand dollars on other Hermès products first. Even then, you can’t freely choose your preferred size, leather, or color, so luck plays a significant role in securing your ideal bag. Also, Hermès limits each customer to just two Birkin purchases per year. Since October 2023, presenting a photo ID has become mandatory for Birkin purchases, making access even more restricted.
Birkin Bags Are Built to Last
One of Birkin’s biggest advantages is its durability. Made from high-quality leather, the bag retains its shape even when filled with heavy contents. This makes it not only stylish but also highly practical for everyday use—perfect for those who want a bag that stays beautiful over time.
High Popularity Among Celebrities
Another major reason for Birkin bags' soaring value is their popularity among high-profile celebrities. From style icons like Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham to global influencers like Pippa Middleton, many of the world’s most visible women are known Birkin collectors.
Their public appearances with the bag—whether on the streets of Paris or via Instagram posts—only add to its mystique and desirability. As these figures set trends and drive demand, the Birkin becomes more than just a handbag; it symbolizes status, taste, and aspiration. The ripple effect is powerful—when a celebrity is seen carrying a Birkin, the bag’s cultural cachet spikes, fueling demand across luxury markets and social media. This heightened visibility makes it even more challenging to obtain, further justifying its premium price and cementing its place as the ultimate “It bag.”
Birkin Prices Continue to Rise
Several key factors are driving up the price of Hermès Birkin bags:
- Regular price increases by Hermès
- Production cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- More people recognize Birkins as a valuable asset
Let’s break each of these down in more detail.
Ongoing Price Revisions by Hermès
Another reason Birkin bags are so expensive is that Hermès raises its prices several times a year, typically by 5% to 10% each time. For example, the Birkin 25 in Togo leather used to retail for $7,990 USD, but it rose to $8,330 USD in 2022 and then jumped to $10,100 USD by January 2023.
Lower Production During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 outbreak began in 2020, Hermès temporarily halted production. Making the already hard-to-get Birkin even more scarce, significantly increasing its retail and resale value.
Rising Demand Driven by Investment Value
Luxury handbags generally retain value, but Birkins stand out thanks to their timeless design and consistently high demand. Many buyers view them as assets, not just fashion pieces. It's not uncommon for a Birkin to sell at a higher price than its original retail, earning the nickname “wearable investment.”
Birkin Price Changes by Size and Material
Here’s a breakdown of how Birkin prices have risen across different sizes and leather types. This list may help you better understand current pricing if you're considering purchasing one.
Birkin 25
| Material | Previous Price | Revised Price |
| Togo | $9,160 USD | $10,100 USD |
| Taurillon Clémence | $9,160 USD | $10,100 USD |
| Swift | $9,540 USD | – |
| Ostrich | $17,800 USD | – |
| Niloticus (Crocodile) | $41,100 USD | – |
| Epsom | – | $9,920 USD |
Both the Togo and Taurillon Clémence versions increased by around $960 USD. These leathers are widely used across Hermès bags and accessories, which has led to higher demand and price hikes.
Birkin 30
| Material | Previous Price | Revised Price |
| Togo | $10,100 USD | $11,300 USD |
| Taurillon Clémence | $10,100 USD | $11,300 USD |
|
Niloticus (Crocodile) |
$47,200 USD | – |
| Epsom | $10,000 USD | $11,100 USD |
Similarly, the Togo and Clémence versions of the Birkin 30 rose by about $960 USD. Epsom also saw a $1,030 USD increase. Known for its firmness, Epsom leather helps bags hold their shape and is highly sought-after for both bags and small leather goods.
Birkin 35
| Material | Previous Price | Revised Price |
| Togo | $11,200 USD | $12,420 USD |
|
Taurillon Clémence |
$11,200 USD | $12,420 USD |
| Epsom | $12,000 USD | – |
The larger Birkin 35 requires more leather, which naturally increases its cost. The cost of both the Togo and Clémence models rose by around $1,170 USD.
Birkin 40
| Material |
Previous Price |
Revised Price |
| Togo | $12,120 USD | $13,410 USD |
| Taurillon Clémence | $12,120 USD | $13,400 USD |
The Birkin 40 also saw a price increase of roughly $1,240 USD. Its size makes it an excellent option for travel, and the amount of leather required explains the higher price tag.
Conclusion: Why Birkin Bags Are So Expensive
- Hermès Birkins are beloved for their quality and various sizes that suit any lifestyle.
- Each bag is handcrafted by a single artisan, which limits production and increases value.
- Hermès regularly increases retail prices, and global events like the pandemic have increased values.
We hope this guide has helped you understand why Birkin bags cost so much and how price increases vary across different models. Thanks for reading, and may it serve as a helpful reference as you consider buying your own authentic Hermès Birkin bag.
*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.