Hermès Birkin vs. Kelly: Which One is Harder to Get?
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Introduction
The Hermès Birkin and Kelly are two of the most iconic luxury handbags in the world, both crafted with exceptional craftsmanship and exclusivity. While both bags are highly sought after, one question frequently arises among collectors and first-time buyers:
Which is harder to get—a Birkin or a Kelly?
This article dives deep into the differences in wait times, availability, client allocation strategies, and resale trends to determine which of these two legendary handbags is more elusive.
1. The Hermès Birkin vs. Kelly: An Overview
Before comparing their availability, let’s take a quick look at the main differences between the Birkin and Kelly bags.
Key Differences Between the Birkin and Kelly
| Feature | Birkin | Kelly |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Open tote with two handles | Single top handle with a detachable strap |
| Closure | Flap with two leather straps | Flap with a single strap and turn-lock |
| Size Options | 25, 30, 35, 40 | 20, 25, 28, 32, 35 |
| Best for | Everyday luxury, travel, casual wear | Formal events, elegant styling |
| Strap | No shoulder strap | Includes a detachable strap |
Both bags are extremely exclusive, but their availability and wait times vary based on several factors.
2. Which Bag Has a Longer Wait Time?
Birkin Wait Time
- The Birkin is harder to get because fewer are produced each year compared to the Kelly.
- The average wait time for a Birkin is between 1-3 years, depending on the boutique and client status.
- VIP clients with a high purchase history may receive offers within 6-12 months.
Kelly Wait Time
- The Kelly is slightly easier to get than a Birkin, as more Kelly bags are allocated to boutiques.
- Some clients are offered a Kelly before a Birkin if they are new to Hermès or have a lower spending profile.
- The average wait time for a Kelly is between 6 months to 2 years.
Why is the Birkin Harder to Get?
- More exclusive – The Birkin is the ultimate status symbol, making demand higher.
- Fewer are made – The Birkin requires more craftsmanship, meaning fewer are produced than Kellys.
- Larger spending requirements – Clients must often spend 1x-3x the cost of a Birkin on non-quota items before getting an offer.
3. Why Some Clients Get Offered a Kelly Before a Birkin
Many first-time Hermès buyers are offered a Kelly bag before a Birkin. This is because:
- The Kelly is considered an entry-level quota bag at Hermès.
- It is more structured, elegant, and versatile, making it easier to match with clients’ preferences.
- Some Hermès boutiques prioritize Kelly sales first before offering a Birkin.
Looking for a pre-owned Kelly without waiting? Browse here: Shop Now
4. Which Colors Leathers Are Easier to Obtain?
Not all Birkins and Kellys are equally difficult to get. Certain colors and leathers are produced in larger quantities, making them more accessible, while others are highly exclusive and harder to find.
Easier to Obtain Colors
- Noir (Black) – A timeless classic and produced more frequently.
- Gold – A staple neutral color, making it readily available.
- Etoupe – A popular taupe shade that’s often easier to find than bright colors.
Harder to Obtain Colors
- Rouge Casaque – A deep red that is rarely produced.
- Bleu Nuit – A sophisticated dark blue, often reserved for VIP clients.
- Special Order Colors (Horseshoe Stamp) – Custom colors with two-tone finishes are extremely rare.
| Color | Birkin Availability | Kelly Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Noir | Moderate | Moderate |
| Gold | Moderate | High |
| Etoupe | High | High |
| Rouge Casaque | Rare | Rare |
| Bleu Nuit | Rare | Rare |
Easier to Obtain Leathers
- Togo Leather – The most common Birkin and Kelly leather, widely available.
- Epsom Leather – Used in many Kelly Sellier models, making it slightly easier to find.
Harder to Obtain Leathers
- Niloticus Crocodile – Found in high-end Birkins and Kellys, extremely rare.
- Ostrich Leather – A luxury exotic leather, limited in production.
- Box Leather – One of the oldest Hermès leathers, no longer mass-produced.
| Leather Type | Birkin Availability | Kelly Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Togo | High | Moderate |
| Epsom | Moderate | High |
| Niloticus Crocodile | Very Rare | Very Rare |
| Ostrich | Rare | Rare |
Browse exclusive Hermès bags in these leathers here: View Collection
5. Resale Market Comparison: Birkin vs. Kelly
Since both the Birkin and Kelly have long wait times, many buyers turn to the pre-owned market to find their dream bag immediately.
Resale Price Trends
- Birkin bags hold resale value better, with some models selling for 50-100% above retail price.
- Kelly bags have also risen in value, especially Kelly 25 Sellier models.
- Exotic leather versions of both bags command the highest resale prices.
| Bag Model | Retail Price (INR) | Resale Price (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Birkin 25 (Togo) | ₹9,00,000 – ₹12,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
| Birkin 30 (Togo) | ₹10,00,000 – ₹16,00,000 | ₹15,00,000 – ₹22,00,000 |
| Kelly 25 (Epsom) | ₹11,00,000 – ₹17,00,000 | ₹13,00,000 – ₹20,00,000 |
| Kelly 28 (Togo) | ₹9,00,000 – ₹15,00,000 | ₹12,00,000 – ₹18,00,000 |
Final Thoughts: Which is Harder to Get?
While both bags are exclusive, the Birkin is ultimately harder to obtain due to lower production numbers, higher demand, and stricter allocation strategies. However, the Kelly is also difficult to get, especially in popular sizes like Kelly 25 Sellier.
For those who don’t want to spend years on a waitlist, the pre-owned luxury market is the best way to own a genuine Birkin or Kelly without the hassle.
If you’re looking for authentic, pre-owned Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, visit My Luxury Bargain for a curated selection of hard-to-find luxury handbags.
