What’s Better: Kelly or Birkin?

Decisions, decisions …

Hermès quota bags – they’re about as much steeped in intrigue and mystery as any other facet of the great Hermès machine. And, like many things about the way the Hermès brand operates, the concept can be tricky to get your head around. Once you understand what an Hermès quota bag actually is there’s the tough question of which Hermès quota bag to buy first? It’s quite the luxury fashion conundrum and one that, lucky for you guys, I myself have faced. So to all the Hermès fanatics out there – I’ve got you covered!

When I was falling for the Hermès brand, coming to understand the significance of the Hermès pre-spend that’s needed before you can be offered a bag was one thing. But then add on the concept of quota bags and the whole process of shopping at Hermès begins to feel like a crazy handbag labyrinthine. Well, as it turns out, that’s exactly the point. The Hermès quota bag system and the subsequent complication of our Hermès shopping experience is one of the many ways that the Parisian brand adds further intrigue and mystery to its already enigmatic reputation. It’s just another part of playing the Hermès game. So, if you’re up for the thrill, let’s get into it! I’m going to talk you guys through what exactly is an Hermès quota bag and which designs qualify, and then look a little closer at two of my top recommendations for your first Hermès quota bag.

What Is An Hermès Quota Bag?

The first big question to get out of the way – what is an Hermès quota bag? Technically speaking, an Hermès quota bag is any Birkin or Kelly (including a Mini Kelly). But (and this is where it can get a little tricky) some Hermès boutiques also class the Constance as a quota bag. Sometimes other variations of the Kelly (such as the Kelly Pochette and the Kelly Danse) or simply other popular Hermès styles are also considered quota bags. It really does depend on the specific Hermès boutique you’re shopping at.

So what does a design being classed as a quota bag actually mean? Quota bags are used to signify the most highly sought after and exclusive Hermès designs. You can only purchase up to two Hermès quota bags per year and this is across all of the Hermès boutiques worldwide. Hermès keeps a record of each shopper’s purchasing history to not only calculate your pre-spend which will determine whether you are offered a bag in the first place, but to also ensure that you cannot buy more than two quota bags per year, regardless of which Hermès boutique you buy them in. Hermès limits the production of quota bags and this has notoriously driven the already high demand to unparalleled levels. This quota system is key to maintaining the famed exclusivity of Hermès bags.

The two quota bags per year rule is a hard and fast one. But it’s worth mentioning that each shopper’s purchasing record is personal so bags can be bought for you as gifts by a boyfriend, fiancé, husband or friend etc and these will be recorded under their allotment of quota bags.

A couple of things which are important to note are that Hermès shoppers navigating the quota bag system have already gone through the often vigorous process of gaining favour with an Hermès SA (Sales Associate) in order to start being offered bags in the first place. And, while there’s a lot of exclusivity placed on Hermès quota bags, these days, even bags which are not considered quota bags (like the Picotin or Lindy) can still prove pretty hard to get offered.

So Which Hermès Quota Bag Should You Buy First?

Let’s take a look at the top contenders …

Although Hermès quota bags are technically only the Birkin, Kelly and sometimes other popular styles, this only whittles down the choices so far. If you guys have read any of my Hermès comparison guides looking at different styles and sizes of the famous Birkin and Kelly bags then you’ll know that there are key things to consider. And when it comes to buying your first ever quota bag, choosing the right design for your lifestyle and collection is even more important. I remember how big of an investment my first Hermès quota bag was for me so I understand wanting to purchase wisely. I have two recommendations that I’m going to delve a little deeper into … the Birkin 30 and the Kelly 28.

Hermès Birkin 30

The story of the Hermès Birkin is among the most widely beloved fashion lore so I won’t go over the basics that we all know already, but it’s needless to say that this bag is a true icon. The 30 size isn’t the original (the bag first designed for Jane Birkin herself was a Birkin 35) but the Birkin 30 is the medium option and largely considered the most popular and versatile. It’s ideal for everyday use and is widely considered to suit every body type. For me, it proves a great happy medium between a compact essentials-only style and a bulkier design that’s for work or travel. But some people see this as a negative claiming that the Birkin 30 is either too big or too small. Regardless, I’ll always root for the Birkin 30 as the perfect introduction to owning a Birkin.

Key Takeaways:

More casual that the Kelly

Ideal everyday bag

In-between size that’s not small but not big either

Hermès Kelly 28

Of course Grace Kelly’s namesake bag is the most refined and sophisticated option! And the 28 size is perfect for carrying everything I need without being too bulky which I think is crucial for the Kelly’s refined design. I’m a Kelly Sellier girl through and through (this is the version of the Kelly bag with the stitching on the outside to give it more of a rigid, boxy structure). But the Retourne version of the Kelly 28 offers a slightly more casual looking style for your first Hermès quota bag. For me, the 28 size has the best classic Kelly look out of any Hermès Kelly bag, particularly the Sellier option.

Key Takeaways:

More formal that the Birkin

Sophisticated and practical

Great size that fits the essentials but isn’t too bulky

Comes with a detachable shoulder strap

Let’s Compare

The Birkin 30 and Kelly 28 are both such great options as your first Hermès quota bag for essentially the same reasons. They’re both that super practical everyday size that’s neither too big nor too small and both the Birkin and Kelly bags are undisputable Hermès icons that are great to either start or continue your Hermès collection. Both bags have earned spots in mine and I adore each. But if you’re choosing one as your first Hermès quota bag, it’s really all about your lifestyle, wardrobe and preferences.

If your style tends to lean more casual, I’d recommend going with the Birkin 30. If you want a more casual bag but love the Kelly’s design, the Retourne option is probably your best bet. Unlike the Birkin, the Kelly 28 comes with a detachable shoulder strap which gives you an additional carry option other than just top handle. So if you want added practicality, or you predict that you’ll find having to constantly carry a bag in the crook of your arm uncomfortable, then the Kelly 28 is a good choice for you.

Birkin 30

Kelly 28

My Decision

If I had to pick just one style to recommend as the perfect first Hermès quota bag … it would have to be the Kelly 28. You’ve got the option of choosing between the more structured Sellier version or slightly more casual Retourne, and both come with a shoulder strap for added practicality. But, of course, the Birkin 30 is also a great option and if this is the design you’ve always dreamed of then rest assured it’s another wise choice as your first quota score. Happy Hermès hunting!