For those of us lucky enough to experience it, the thrill of being offered a Hermès bag, especially a quota bag, is unmatched. Getting that message from your Sales Associate, being invited to the boutique for a coveted leather appointment, finding yourself ushered in, glass of champagne in hand, to see what gem awaits you in that orange box … 

But alas, the process of buying a Hermès bag is rarely this straightforward. There’s a labyrinthine of concepts to get your head around, like the Hermès lottery system, wishlists and Birkin bait. Plus, the tricky predicament of being faced with the possibility that you could be offered a bag only for it to end up being in a size, colour or leather you don’t want. Or you could be offered the wrong bag entirely. 

So it makes sense that so many Hermès shoppers turn to the next best thing – buying on the pre-loved luxury market. With so many trusted Hermès preloved companies and consigning platforms out there, if you do choose to go down the pre-loved route, you’re in good hands. In fact, there’s almost too much choice. So I’ve decided to curate a selection of the hottest pre-loved Hermès finds on the market. From classic Hermès icons to rare limited-edition gems you’ve previously only dreamt of stumbling across, and the coveted cult favourites that are almost impossible to score from the boutique (Mini Kellys, I’m talking about you). Here are the best pre-loved Hermès bags online right now. 

What’s better than a Birkin? As it turns out … not much. The Birkin bag is an undisputed jewel in Hermès’ crown and this extends to the preloved market, too. There are lots of great pre-loved options out there, especially in the most classic and popular Hermès leathers like Togo and Epsom. Revered neutral colours like Hermès’ Gold (a light brown) are notably harder to secure from the boutique. But sought-after shades like this are actually pretty prominent on the preloved market, providing you’re willing to pay a premium for them. 

My penchant for the smaller Birkin 25 size is clear from my selection, but I’ve also included the medium Birkin 30 and larger carryall versions too. My more spacious Birkin bags always prove amongst my most practical accessories, after all. It’s also important to note that you can get better deals on the larger Birkin 35 size. Sort of similar to how larger sizes are easier to score from the Hermès boutique (and I use the term easier lightly here because we’re discussing Hermès).  

It’s no surprise that the most classic and perhaps reinterpreted Hermès bag of all time, the Kelly, is another favourite on the luxury preloved market. You guys know how I love vintage Kelly bags, and you can find some true treasures when shopping pre-loved. For me, a vintage Kelly Sellier in a larger size made from Box leather is one of the most classic Hermès bags you can own (my vintage Hermès Kelly 28 in Rouge H is one of my most worn bags ever). There are some great finds online that tick all of these boxes and they come in under the £7,000 mark. 

It’s not just the most classic Kelly bags that have become big names in the preloved game. The cult appeal and strategically generated scarcity of brand favourites like the Mini Kelly have caused Hermès aficionados to flock to the pre-loved market in search of obtaining these increasingly elusive pieces. I’ve also uncovered coveted colourful options, including Kelly bags in Bleu Atoll and Rose d’Ete, plus new adaptations of the design like the Kelly Elan (a favourite of mine), particularly options in sought-after neutrals like Étoupe. 

Often referred to as the third bag in the Hermès Holy Trinity, along with the Birkin and Kelly, the Constance is a truly special piece in the maison’s offering. My Constance bags rank amongst my most worn Hermès pieces and my Constance in black Box leather has become an integral piece in my capsule wardrobe. So I’ll always shout my love for this style loudly and proudly. It’s sometimes considered a quota bag in boutiques so finding a Constance online on the pre-loved market is a good idea if you anticipate that it could be tricky to score one in-store. 

A notoriously underrated pick in comparison to its Birkin, Kelly and Constance big sisters, the Picotin is among Hermès’ newer and more understated bags. This, of course, reflects the price on the Hermès preloved market, with Picotins occupying the £2,000-£3,000 price point (not budget-friendly by a long shot, but certainly a far cry from Birkin and Kelly price tags). The Picotin makes a great starter bag for your Hermès collection, and the boxy shape and top-handle style give this design practical appeal and a unique look. 

This bag is a favourite for summer every year, particularly in pastel colours (I love the blossom pink Mauve Sylvestre). And I’ve also found picks in my go-to Hermès neutrals to satisfy those who want to embrace the Picotin’s minimalist aesthetic and invest in a style that will go with anything. 

The elusive world of rare Hermès exotics and limited-edition finds is where the pre-loved market really shines. If you’re after something unique and hard to source, even by Hermès standards, then think of the Hermès preloved market as your very own treasure trove of picks. From exotic matte alligator and Niloticus lizard, to heritage icons including the famous HAC. There are also newer cult favourites like the Cargo Birkin and rare retro finds even harder to uncover than the original vintage Hermès JPG Shoulder Birkin (guys – I’ve managed to find not one but two vintage Shoulder Kelly bags!!).  

By now my passion for Hermès clutches is well documented (check out my in-depth reviews on the Kelly Cut Clutch and Kelly Pochette if you haven’t already). But the one downside of Hermès clutches is that it’s pretty rare to be offered one from the boutique. That’s where the luxury preloved market comes in. I’ve found lots of clutch bag treasures there, particularly styles in bright colours that will prove a dream when accessorising this summer (and every other summer after that because once a Hermès clutch is in your collection, it stays for life). I’ve even managed to find a Hermès Shadow Clutch … so I suggest you run don’t walk to score it. 

Wallets can often be overlooked when it comes to buying Hermès. But, not only do they make great building blocks for your Hermès collection, wallets and SLGs (small leather goods) are likely to become the Hermès items that you end up using every single day. So, if you’re tempted, they’re definitely worth investing in. I’ve rounded up a selection of the best, including smaller options modelled after some of my favourite Hermès bags like the Constance, plus the exceptionally practical Evercolor Kelly To Go Wallet (in the wildly popular neutral Gold colour, no less). 

Read more shopping content:

Hermès Birkin Cargo Review

Hermès Oran Sandal Guide

Hermès Kelly Cut Clutch Review

Hermès Shoulder Birkin Review

Never miss a thing. My top shopping picks, styling inspo, bag reviews, beauty secrets & more, straight to your inbox.