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Hermes Birkin 35: The Original Birkin Size
Updated 2/17/2026
The Size Jane Birkin Actually Wanted
The 35 was the original Birkin, designed after Jane Birkin complained to Hermes CEO Jean-Louis Dumas on an Air France flight in 1984 that she could not find a leather bag big enough. At 35 x 25 x 18cm (13.8 x 9.8 x 7.1 inches), it was designed as an everything bag. It held the standard Birkin position for almost 30 years before fashion's shift toward smaller bags in the mid-2010s elevated the 25 and 30. The 35 is now the best value in the Birkin lineup — it costs more to produce (more leather, more labor) yet sells for less than the 30 on the secondary market.
What It Fits
The Birkin 35 is the only standard Birkin size that comfortably fits a 13-inch laptop. It also holds a full-size water bottle, an iPad, a cosmetics bag, a wallet, sunglasses, keys, and still has room to spare. In Togo leather, it weighs approximately 1,050g (2.3 lbs) empty — heavier than the 30 but the weight distributes across a larger frame. The longer handles provide more clearance from the body, making it the most comfortable Birkin to carry by hand for extended periods.
Current Pricing — The Value Proposition
A Togo Birkin 35 in Noir currently trades at $9,000-$13,000 on the secondary market. The same bag in a 30 sells for $14,000-$17,000 and the 25 for $16,000-$22,000. This 30-50% discount versus smaller sizes exists purely because of fashion trends, not craftsmanship or quality. For buyers who care more about owning a handcrafted Hermes bag than following size trends, the 35 represents the best value in the entire Birkin lineup. Bold colors work beautifully on the larger canvas — a Birkin 35 in Rouge Casaque or Bleu Electric makes a statement that would be more subtle on a 25.
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Who Should Buy the 35
The 35 suits taller individuals (5'7" and above) best — on smaller frames it can look oversized. It is ideal for professionals who want one bag for office, lunch, and evening without swapping. Men have increasingly adopted the Birkin 35 and 40 as a unisex option. Collectors who want a rare or exotic leather Birkin often start with the 35 because the entry price is lower than smaller sizes. If you carry a lot and value function alongside luxury, the 35 is your Birkin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Birkin 35 too big?
It depends on your height and how you use it. On someone 5'4" or shorter, it can look like a travel bag. On someone 5'7" and above, it looks proportional. If you carry a laptop, water bottle, and daily essentials, the 35 is the right size. If you carry just phone, wallet, and keys, the 30 or 25 is better.
Will the Birkin 35 come back in fashion?
Larger bags are already showing signs of a fashion comeback as of 2025. Regardless of trends, the 35 remains the same expertly crafted bag it always was. Its current undervaluation makes it interesting for value-conscious buyers.
What leather is best for a Birkin 35?
Togo is the best all-around choice: scratch-resistant, structured enough to hold shape, and the most popular leather on the resale market. Avoid Clemence in the 35 unless you use an organizer insert, because the softness causes noticeable slouching at this size.