The Complete Guide to the Hermès 24/24

The 24/24 Story

The Hermès 24/24 debuted in Pre-Fall 2018 as something of an experiment: what if Hermès created a bag that combined the elegance of their structured classics with the ease of a modern shoulder bag? The result was a "fusion" of the Birkin and Kelly — borrowing elements from both while carving its own identity.

Design Philosophy

According to Hermès, the 24/24 draws inspiration from menswear tailoring. The hidden back pocket is modeled after the interior pockets of fine suit jackets — a practical detail hidden in plain sight. The bag's name captures its intended use case: a bag you can carry 24 hours a day, from office to evening.

Evolution of the Line

• 2018: The 24/24 launches in two sizes — 29 and 35 — with dual leather construction (Togo body, Swift flap).
• 2020–2021: The 35 sees declining demand due to its heavy weight and lack of shoulder strap. Boutiques begin to phase it out.
• 2022: Hermès introduces the Mini 24/24 (size 21) with a longer adjustable canvas strap, enabling crossbody wear. It becomes immediately popular.
• 2024: The 24/24 remains in active production with the 21 and 29 as the core sizes. Limited "Touch" editions with exotic leather accents are occasionally released.

Design & Features

The 24/24 occupies a unique space in the Hermès lineup: structured enough to look refined, soft enough for casual appeal. Its distinctive trapezoidal shape features a reinforced base with a relaxed, supple upper body — what many describe as a "semi-slouchy" silhouette.

Minimal Hardware, Maximum Elegance

The 24/24 deliberately minimizes visible hardware. There's no padlock, no clochette, no dangling straps — just the centered turn-lock on the flap. This gives it a cleaner, more modern aesthetic than the Kelly. Hardware comes in palladium (silver-tone) or gold-plated, depending on the color palette.

Sizes & Dimensions

The 24/24 is available in three sizes, though the largest (35) has been largely phased out. Each size serves a different purpose and carry style.

Mini 24/24 (Size 21)

The Mini is the newest and most versatile size. Its adjustable canvas strap can be worn crossbody, doubled for a shorter drop, or even configured as a belt bag. Fits a phone, small wallet, keys, and lipstick — similar capacity to a Mini Lindy.

24/24 Size 29

The "standard" size, comparable to a Birkin 30 or Kelly 28 in general volume. Fits a long wallet, smartphone, keys, makeup pouch, and even a tablet (iPad Air fits snugly). The leather strap is shoulder-length only — too short for crossbody on most people. Notable: this size is quite tall (27 cm) relative to its width.

24/24 Size 35

The largest size was positioned as a work/travel bag capable of holding a 13" laptop. However, with no strap and significant weight, it proved impractical for many. Hermès has largely phased it out — rarely seen in boutiques since 2021, though pre-owned examples exist.

What Fits Inside (Size 29)

Materials & Leathers

The 24/24 is crafted with dual leather combinations — a deliberate design choice that creates both structure and elegant contrast. Typically, a durable grained leather forms the body while a smoother leather creates the flap and trim.

Common Combinations

• Togo + Swift: The classic pairing. Togo body provides durability; Swift flap adds sophistication.
• Clemence + Sombrero: Used on early models. Very relaxed, slouchy appearance.
• Evercolor + Swift: Common on Mini 21. Slightly more structured than Clemence.

Exotic Editions (Touch)

Hermès occasionally produces "Touch" versions of the 24/24 with exotic leather accents — typically alligator or lizard on the flap or handle while the body remains calfskin. These carry significant premiums (often 1.5–2× regular leather prices) and are produced in very limited quantities.

Colors & Hardware

The 24/24 is available in a wide range of Hermès colors. Classic neutrals (Noir, Gold, Etoupe) are most common, but seasonal colors and bi-color combinations are regularly released. Hardware is either gold-plated (with warm tones) or palladium (with cool tones).

Pricing Guide

Retail Prices (Boutique)

Hermès doesn't publicly post prices, but here are estimates based on recent customer reports. Prices can increase 1–2 times per year.

Regional variations: UK prices are approximately £7,880 for the 29 (including VAT). Singapore prices are around S$14,300–15,500. Europe may offer slight savings with VAT refund for tourists.

Resale Market Prices

Unlike quota bags (Birkin, Kelly, Constance), the 24/24 typically sells at or below retail on the secondary market. This is because it's readily available at boutiques — there's no artificial scarcity driving premiums.

Practical Ownership

Carry Options

• Hand Carry: All sizes have a top handle for hand-carry. The short drop means you hold it like a briefcase, not on your arm crook.
• Shoulder Carry: The 29 and 21 include straps for shoulder wear. The bag hangs at hip level for most women.
• Crossbody: Only the Mini 21 works crossbody thanks to its longer adjustable canvas strap. The 29's leather strap is too short.

Ease of Access

The single twist-lock is a major advantage over the Kelly. No belt straps to thread — just twist and open. However, when the bag isn't full, the soft body can sag away from the flap, making alignment slightly fiddly. The external back pocket is perfect for quick-grab items like your phone or transit card.

Weight & Comfort

The 24/24-29 weighs about 2.1 lbs empty — heavier than you might expect. This comes from the all-leather construction and substantial turn-lock plate. Loaded with everyday items, it can exceed 3 lbs. The 29's thin leather strap can dig into shoulders over extended wear. For all-day comfort, the Mini 21 with its wider canvas strap is the better choice.

Common Wear Points

• Corners: No protective feet means bottom corners can scuff on rough surfaces. Consider where you set it down.
• Flap scratches: Swift leather flaps can show fingernail marks from opening. Handle with care.
• Sagging: When not full, the bag will slouch and lose shape. Stuff with tissue when storing.
• Handle darkening: Light-colored handles may darken from hand oils over time.

Care & Storage

Store the 24/24 stuffed with acid-free tissue to maintain shape, especially under the flap. Keep in its dust bag away from direct sunlight. The Togo body handles everyday use well, but the Swift flap should be protected from rain and scratches. Condition the leather annually or send to Hermès Spa for professional care.

How the 24/24 Compares

24/24 vs. Kelly

This is the comparison most shoppers make, since the 24/24 is often called a "casual Kelly." Both are flap bags with turn-locks, but they serve different purposes.

The verdict: Choose the 24/24 if you want easier access, a relaxed aesthetic, and a bag you can actually buy without playing the quota game. Choose the Kelly if you want a timeless status symbol with rigid structure and investment potential.

24/24 vs. Birkin

While less directly comparable, some consider the 24/24-35 as a Birkin alternative for its similar capacity. Key differences: the Birkin is an open-top tote with two handles; the 24/24 is a flap bag with a single handle. The Birkin is more formal and highly sought-after; the 24/24 is accessible and casual.

24/24 vs. Louis Vuitton Capucines

Both are luxury top-handle flap bags meant for day-to-night use, but with different aesthetics:

The verdict: The Capucines is more affordable and structured, with built-in organization. The 24/24 offers Hermès craftsmanship, a more relaxed silhouette, and that coveted external pocket — but at nearly double the price.