Hermès Haut à Courroies vs Birkin: Which Bag Is Right for You?

Hermès, a brand that many aspire to own at least one luxury product from, provides a wide range of bag collections. Among them, the Birkin is one of the most sought-after designs, often compared to the similar-looking Haut à Courroies (HAC). If you’re unsure about their differences, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key distinctions between the Hermès Birkin and Haut à Courroies, including a thorough comparison of their materials. Use this guide to find the perfect bag that suits your lifestyle.

Haut à Courroies vs Birkin: Which Bag Is Right for You?

While the Birkin and Haut à Courroies share a similar design at first glance, they each have unique characteristics and advantages. With a variety of sizes available, they can be chosen based on different needs and purposes.

Who Should Choose the Birkin?

The Birkin is ideal for those looking for a stylish, everyday bag that also serves as a status symbol. As one of Hermès’ most iconic bags, carrying a Birkin adds a touch of luxury to your daily life. Beyond its design, the Birkin is highly functional, offering ample storage space for essentials. Its practicality makes it perfect for various occasions, from casual outings to business settings.

Who Should Choose the Haut à Courroies?

The Haut à Courroies is an excellent choice for those seeking a travel-friendly bag. Known for its exceptional storage capacity, it has long been a popular travel companion. With a history spanning over 100 years, Haut à Courroies carries a vintage appeal, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate classic or antique aesthetics.

Haut à Courroies vs Birkin: Key Features of the Hermès Birkin

Let’s review the key features of Hermès’ famous Birkin bags.

A Timeless Hermès Icon

Introduced in 1984, the Birkin remains one of Hermès’ most sought-after bags. Its creation was inspired by a chance encounter between then-Hermès CEO and actress Jane Birkin on a flight. Upon noticing that Birkin struggled with her belongings, he envisioned a bag that combined elegance with superior storage capacity.

Designed to meet Jane Birkin’s request for a spacious, durable, and functional handbag, the bag was named after her and quickly became a global sensation. With its timeless design and exceptional quality, the Birkin continues to be a beloved classic nearly 40 years after its debut.

A Rare and Exclusive Bag

• Handcrafted individually by skilled artisans (not mass-produced)
• Rarely displayed in Hermès boutiques
• Availability is limited to select customers
  

Despite being Hermès’ flagship bag, the Birkin is notoriously difficult to acquire. The main reasons for its rarity include the meticulous craftsmanship involved—only highly skilled artisans can produce it. Each Birkin is made from start to finish by a single artisan, resulting in limited production and a lengthy manufacturing process.

Even in official Hermès boutiques, Birkins are rarely displayed. Customers must inquire about availability. Even if the bag is in stock, only specific clients will be offered the opportunity to purchase it. Furthermore, the timing of restocks is unpredictable, with some reports suggesting that new stock arrives only twice a year. There are no reservations, and only select customers receive restock notifications.

Due to its limited production and exclusive purchasing process, the Birkin remains one of the most highly coveted and rare handbags in the world.

Exceptional Functionality

• Wide, adjustable gussets for increased storage
• High durability that resists shape distortion
• Spacious opening for easy access to belongings
• Secured with a flap to keep contents private
• Metal feet at the base to prevent direct contact with surfaces
• Multiple pockets for organizing small essentials
  

The Birkin is not just about style—it’s designed for practicality. Its exceptional durability, large storage capacity, and well-thought-out features make it a versatile choice for everyday use, business settings, and even travel.

Whether you’re looking for a status symbol or a functional luxury bag, the Birkin continues to stand the test of time as one of the most coveted handbags in the world.

Haut à Courroies vs Birkin: Key Features of the Hermès Haut à Courroies

Among Hermès bags, the Haut à Courroies (HAC) stands out for its long and distinguished history.

Over 100 Years of Heritage

The HAC was first introduced in 1892 and has remained a timeless classic for over a century. Designed initially as a saddle carrier during the era when horse-drawn carriages were the primary mode of transport, it later evolved into a versatile travel bag.

The iconic Birkin bag was developed as a more compact and user-friendly adaptation of the HAC. Without the HAC’s influence, Hermès' legacy in luxury handbags might not have reached its current level of prestige. Its enduring appeal continues to captivate generations of enthusiasts.

A Larger-Than-Average Bag in the Hermès Collection

Model	Dimensions (W x H x D)
HAC 28	28 x 25 x 14 cm
HAC 32	32 x 27 x 16 cm
HAC 40	40 x 40 x 23 cm
HAC 45	45 x 28 x 24 cm
HAC 50	50 x 41 x 26 cm
HAC 55	55 x 45 x 28 cm
HAC 60	60 x 48 x 30 cm

The HAC is known for its larger dimensions compared to other Hermès bags. With its variety of sizes, the HAC serves different needs. The HAC 45, which can accommodate A4-sized documents, is ideal as a business bag, while the larger HAC 50 is a favorite among men for its spacious interior. Recently, the more compact HAC 28 has been added to the lineup, making it suitable for daily use.

A Taller and More Elongated Design

Haut à Courroies 40	Birkin 40
40 x 40 x 23 cm	40 x 30 x 21 cm

Compared to the Birkin, the HAC is noticeably taller. For instance, the HAC 40 measures 40 cm in width and height, whereas the Birkin 40 is only 30 cm tall. This vertical design enhances its storage capacity, making it particularly well-suited for travel.

Hermès Haut à Courroies vs Birkin: A Price Comparison

Hermès bags vary in price depending on size and material. Below are the general price ranges for both models:

Estimated Birkin Prices

Model	Price
Birkin 25	$12,140 USD
Birkin 30	$13,300 USD
Birkin 35	$12,600 USD
Birkin 40	$13,600 USD

The Birkin’s price range typically falls between $11,900 USD～$13,300 USD. Hermès frequently adjusts its pricing, with the most recent increase occurring in February 2024.

Estimated Haut à Courroies Prices

Model	Estimated Price
HAC 28	$13,100 USD
HAC 32	$11,500 USD
HAC 40	$13,800 USD
HAC 45	$10,500 USD
HAC 50	$11,500 USD
HAC 55	$8,070 USD
HAC 60	$9,840 USD

 

Unlike the Birkin, Hermès does not officially disclose prices for the HAC. However, popular sizes typically sell for around $11,200 USD～$14,000 USD.

Birkin vs Haut à Courroies: Material Differences

One of the most appealing aspects of Hermès bags is their diverse range of materials. The same design can take on a completely different look and feel depending on the material used. Choosing the right material allows you to find a bag that feels uniquely yours.

Common Birkin Materials

Material	Characteristics
Togo	Classic calf leather
Taurillon Clemence	Soft, supple calf leather
Swift	Smooth calf leather with excellent color vibrancy
Alligator	Expensive, rare crocodile leather

The most popular material, Togo, is known for its durability and resistance to scratches. As a signature Hermès leather, it is commonly used not only for Birkin bags but also for other bags and small accessories. Taurillon Clemence is equally sought after, offering a soft, slouchy structure that suits casual styles. Swift leather, often used in bright-colored Birkins, boasts a luxurious sheen but is more prone to scratches. For those seeking ultimate luxury, Alligator leather is among the most prestigious and difficult to acquire.

Common Haut à Courroies Materials

Material	Characteristics
Box Calf	Glossy, elegant leather
Ardennes	Sturdy female calf leather
Buffle Skipper	Water-resistant water buffalo leather
Vache	Uncoated female calf leather

The HAC is often crafted with refined materials that reflect its historical prestige. Box Calf leather, known for its smooth surface and rich patina development, enhances the vintage appeal of the HAC. Ardennes leather is made from the hides of female calves found in the Ardennes region of southern Belgium. It's a durable, firm material that helps maintain the bag's shape. Although it's no longer in production, you can still find it on the resale market relatively easily.

Water buffalo leather, used in the "Buffle Skipper," offers excellent water resistance, making it perfect for everyday use. Its shiny finish and softness are key characteristics of this material. Meanwhile, Vache leather is a material that allows you to enjoy the natural aging process. While it tends to show marks from scratches or rain, making it better suited for experienced users, it's ideal for those who want a truly unique and personal piece of Haut à Courroies.

Top 3 Most Popular Birkin Models

Birkin bags come in a variety of sizes, making them suitable for a range of occasions, from everyday use to professional settings.

1. Birkin 30

Estimated Retail Price: $13,300USD
The Birkin 30 is the perfect blend of practicality and style, making it an excellent choice for first-time Birkin buyers. If you’re unsure about which size to choose, you can’t go wrong with the Birkin 30.

It offers enough space to fit all your daily essentials, including a smartphone, a long wallet, a planner, and a tablet. It can even accommodate a 500ml water bottle, making it a great companion for outings.

2. Birkin 35

Estimated Retail Price: $12,600 USD
With enough space to hold A4-sized documents, the Birkin 35 is ideal for use as a business bag. Slightly larger than the Birkin 30, it can easily store work documents, a laptop, and other office essentials.

Its structured design ensures that even bulkier items fit comfortably. This size is also perfect for those who carry a lot on a daily basis and is a favorite among celebrities.

3. Birkin 25

Estimated Retail Price: $12,100 USD
The Birkin 25 is the most compact option among the three, yet it still offers ample storage for essentials like a smartphone and a pouch. Despite its smaller size, it features a structured width and depth, making it large enough to hold a long wallet.
With its elegant proportions, the Birkin 25 serves as a stylish accent to any outfit.

Choosing one in a bold or vibrant color can add an extra touch of sophistication to your look.

Top 3 Most Popular Haut à Courroies (HAC) Models

The Haut à Courroies (HAC) collection offers a wide range of sizes, from travel-friendly options to those suitable for daily use.

1. Haut à Courroies 40

Estimated Retail Price: $1,980,000 USD
The HAC 40 embodies the essence of the Haut à Courroies line, making it a staple choice for enthusiasts. With excellent storage capacity, this size is perfect as a travel bag—its original intended purpose. However, its versatility also makes it suitable for daily use, adding to its broad appeal.

2. Haut à Courroies 32

Estimated Retail Price: $1,647,800 USD
The HAC 32 maintains the signature storage capacity of the line but comes more compact, making it easier to incorporate into daily life. It retains the vintage aesthetic that defines the HAC collection, while featuring a slightly lighter and more approachable design. This makes it a particularly popular choice among women.

3. Haut à Courroies 50

Estimated Retail Price: $1,650,000 USD
The HAC 50 is one of the largest Hermès bags available, offering both presence and functionality. Due to its substantial size and weight, it is especially popular among men.

With its exceptional storage capacity, it's perfect for carrying everything needed for short business trips or weekend getaways.

Conclusion: Haut à Courroies vs Birkin

• For everyday use, the Birkin is the best choice.
• For travel, the Haut à Courroies is the ideal option.
• Both offer a wide range of materials and sizes.
  

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of the Birkin and Haut à Courroies bags, highlighting their distinct advantages.

With a wide range of sizes to choose from, these bags can be tailored to meet your specific needs and lifestyle. Plus, the diverse selection of materials ensures that you'll find the perfect piece to complement your style. If you're looking for one of these iconic bags, be sure to check out Gallery Rare's selection for a curated collection of luxury pieces.

*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.