The rare and high quality leathers and colors used on Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags are among the signature features of these icons, contributing to making the bags so unique when compared to other luxury handbags. Hermès have led the way for many years when it comes to utilizing only the best and most exotic leathers and skins on their bags.

Finding the perfect leather for your Hermès bag is a challenge. There are many different leathers, exotic skins, and colors to choose from, each of which have their own characteristics and qualities. This guide is designed to help you make that all important decision with information and tips on all Hermès leathers.

A soft leather made of water buffalo, the buffalo skipper offers a medium sized grainy appearance. When this leather is dyed, it absorbs the chemical close to the center of the grain. This provides a somewhat spotted appearance and a classic look. This leather is ideal for heavy use as it is water resistant and scratches are buffed out without too much effort.

A material that differs from other leathers dramatically, the canvas isn’t really a true leather. However, the durable cloth is treated and combined with several other leathers to create an exterior that can withstand almost any force of nature. This material is among the easiest to clean and is one of the longest lasting materials produced by Hermès.

A strong and resilient goathide leather, this is the perfect option for those who plan to use their Hermès bag on a regular basis. The lightweight leather is ideal for carrying around on a daily basis and the smooth finish and soft texture is surprising when you consider how tough it is against scratches. This leather combines luxury and practicality to perfection and is a great option for any Hermès bag.

Made from baby bull, this leather has been on the scene since the 1980s and is very much a classic material. The heavy leather is extremely durable, offering tough resistance against tarnishing, although it tends to be one of the slouchier leathers. Many women see this as an advantage, especially when using the bag daily and any cracking that appears at the edges of the bag can be easily refurbished. Be careful with this material around water as water blisters are very difficult to remove.

A rare processed male cowhide, the Vache Trekking Leather is known for its fine press. Available since 2009, Hermès developed this leather for use on a select range of bags. Due to the nature of the grain it’s only available in a limited number of colors and is extremely rare to find on a Hermès bag.

Another leather introduced in 2012, the Grain d’H Calfskin is a processed male calf leather that features a finely structured press. It is used on a range of Hermès products including bags and wallets. The small grainsize on the leather provides a soft, yet textured feel, while the strength offers protection against scratches and other accidental damage.

Much like its sister, this skin also comes directly from Africa’s Nile River in a region of Zimbabwe. However, unlike the matte finish, this skin is treated to hours of buffing for a glossier and shiny finish. You will also find larger scales on this skin and it is also identifiable by locating two apostrophe signs somewhere in the finish nnear the Hermès logo. Much like its sister, be sure to keep it away from water.

Created by using wool felt and polishing the spots off with the use of gentle machinery, the Crocodile Porosus Matte Leather is finished up with a matte touch to create an iconic look. The saltwater crocodile of Australia and Southeast Asia is much sought after and the matte finish is one of the most popular skins crafted by Hermès.

Unlike other leathers which maintain the pattern from the skin they are taken from Epsom leather is an embossed leather. This means the pattern pressed into the leather isn’t the actual grain. However, this has some major benefits such as allowing the leather to hold its true shape in all circumstances and also means it is completely resistant to scratching. The material is also lightweight and cleans with a simple wipe using a damp cloth.

An unprocessed surface makes this leather extremely delicate. However, it also features a strong hardness which means as it matures through use and over time the color and texture of the leather also changes. A totally smooth finish makes this one of the softest leathers to the touch and it is a joy to run your fingers over the completely smooth surface of any bag featuring this material.

Crafted from a male calf, this leather is also known as unborn calf leather that has yet to be processed and dyed. The features it is best known for include its smooth texture and wonderful coat which is full of luster. A rare find, this type of leather is used on very few Hermès bags worldwide.

An adult calf leather, the fjord features a much flatter and wider grain than other leathers such as the Clemence. The texture of the leather is very soft to the touch, offering an elegant appearance and the exterior is completely water resistant. A small drawback is that this leather is slightly heavier than other leathers available, however, the classy finish counterbalances this and makes it well worth the weight.

It is easy to guess what skin this leather is made of from the name, but it is the characteristics of ostrich leather skin that makes it so intriguing. The leather skin has several pores throughout and actually darkens when it comes into contact with human skin and lightens when it is exposed to light, including both sunlight and a lamp. The leather skin is extremely durable and can be wiped down if wet to maintain its appearance.

Made from baby calf, the Togo is the half-sister to the Clemence which is made from the hide of a young bull. The Togo is lighter than the Clemence and holds it shape much easier. Many women choose the Togo for larger bags for this reason, although the decision is really a personal one if you prefer a slouchier look or a more rigid appearance. The exterior is defined by a soft pebbled finish that feels smooth yet grainy.

First making its appearance during the 2007 Fall/Winter collection, Lizard Leather has quickly become a favorite among Hermès lovers. This skin is extremely valuable and rare and is processed as little as possible to maintain its natural texture. It is common to find bags with a combination of Lizard Leather and other exotic skins due to the rarity of this particular material.

• Only the finest leathers and exotic skins are used to craft each Hermès bag. All stitching on the leather is done by hand, with every minute detail considered during the process.
• An Authentic Hermès bag will feature very few, or no, bulges in the leather or skin. It will sit upright on its own accord and offer a smooth silhouette.
• All exotic skin Birkin and Kelly bags are sold with a CITES, used for transportation. There are some countries which will not allow entry with an exotic bag unless it is accompanied with a passport.
• Tri-color and exotic skin marriage bags are among the rarest Birkins and Kellys.
• The leather strap at the front of the bag will always have clean edges.