The Hermès Evelyne is a leather crossbody with a wide canvas strap, a perforated H, and an open top secured by a snap tab. It keeps your hands free and your belongings close to your body, but the tab leaves gaps on either side. If you want a bag that zips fully shut for crowded journeys, that is its main limitation.
Size makes a bigger difference than the shared shape suggests. The 16 holds a phone, card case, and keys; the 29 has room for a tablet and water bottle. The 23 sits between them and adds an adjustable strap and rear pocket to a smaller bag.
The Evelyne is sold in boutiques and on hermes.com, though stock varies by size and color. Pre-owned prices also differ by size, so compare the bag you want with its retail price before paying a premium. If you're torn between the 16, 23, and 29, see the Evelyne size comparison guide. For the canvas-and-leather variant, see the Neo Evelyne guide.
The Evelyne Story
The Evelyne was introduced in 1978 and named after Évelyne Bertrand, head of the Hermès Riding Department. It was a utility bag for groomers carrying brushes, sponges, and picks around the stables. The open shape and ventilation holes suited that job.
Every design element traces back to this origin:
- The perforated "H": The holes allowed air to circulate around damp grooming tools. Originally, the H faced inward toward the body.
- No lining: The interior is raw leather (suede side up) to keep the bag lightweight and breathable. Pocket layouts depend on the generation.
- Saddle silhouette: The messenger shape mirrors equestrian saddlebags. The top closure is a simple leather tab — easy to undo with one hand.
Later versions added a rear pocket and then an adjustable strap. Those changes matter when buying pre-owned: two bags with the same width can have different pocket layouts and strap lengths.
Those features still affect daily use: the unlined interior has little built-in organization, and the snap tab gives quick access without enclosing the contents. A small pouch keeps loose keys and cosmetics together.Size Guide: Finding Your Match
The size numbers refer to width in centimeters. Start with what you carry: a phone and card case need much less room than a tablet and bottle. The larger sizes also sit farther down your hip, so compare both height and width with a bag you already use.
Size Comparison at Scale
| Size | Dimensions (cm) | Also Called | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | 16 × 18 × 5 | TPM, Mini Evelyne | Essentials only: phone, card case, keys |
| 23 | 23 × 24 × 6 | Evelyne 23 | Essentials + sunglasses, slim wallet |
| 29 | 29 × 30 × 8 | PM, Medium | Daily carry: tablet, water bottle, wallet |
| 33 | 33 × 31 × 8 | GM, Large | Work bag: laptop (vertical), documents |
| 40 | 40 × 44 × 10 | TGM, Extra Large | Travel / unisex: gym gear, overnight |
What Fits Inside Each Size
Size Recommendations
The TPM 16 suits short trips with a phone, card case, and keys. A bulky phone case or sunglasses case can use most of the remaining space. It is the smallest and lowest-priced standard leather Evelyne; check the fixed strap length before buying because you cannot shorten it like an Evelyne III strap.
The Evelyne 23 gives you room for a wallet and sunglasses while taking up less space against your body than the 29. It is a useful size if the 16 cannot hold your daily things and you do not carry a full-size tablet.
The PM 29 is the size I would start with if you carry an iPad, water bottle, and wallet. The wider opening makes them easier to reach. Check pre-owned prices alongside retail: used examples can cost less, particularly when they show corner wear or have older date stamps.
The GM 33 and TGM 40 are less common. The GM works as a work bag (fits a 13-inch laptop vertically), while the TGM is essentially a weekender. Both are popular for unisex styling.
Generations: I, II, III & Sellier
The Evelyne has evolved through three main generations, plus a distinct "Sellier" variant. Understanding these differences matters when shopping pre-owned.
The Evolution
- Evelyne I (Un)
- No exterior pocket. Fixed, non-adjustable canvas strap. Vintage only — discontinued.
- Evelyne II (Deux)
- Added an exterior rear pocket for quick access. Strap is still fixed. Vintage only.
- Evelyne III (Trois)
- Current standard. Exterior pocket AND adjustable canvas strap. The strap can be shortened for shoulder carry or lengthened for crossbody wear.
- Evelyne Sellier
- Introduced around 2016. Structured, rigid leather (Epsom). The "H" is embossed (H diamant), not perforated. No rear pocket.
Which Generation to Choose?
For most buyers, the Evelyne III is the most useful starting point. The adjustable strap is a significant upgrade — you can wear it as a shoulder bag or crossbody, and customize the drop to your height. The rear pocket is convenient for tickets, phone, or transit cards.
The Evelyne Sellier appeals to those who prefer structure. It holds its shape better than Clemence-leather models and looks slightly more polished. However, the lack of a rear pocket is a trade-off, and the embossed H has no ventilation holes.
Vintage Evelyne I and II models are mostly collector's items. They can be found at lower prices, but the fixed strap is a functional limitation.
Leathers & Materials
The vast majority of Evelynes are made from Taurillon Clemence — a soft, heavy calfskin with a pebbled surface. The Sellier variant uses Epsom for its structured look.
Taurillon Clemence
Standard for Evelyne III · Soft & slouchy
Heavy, matte, flat-grained bull calfskin. Very soft.
- • Scratches blend into grain
- • Softens with use
- • Matte, pebbled surface
- • Molds to your body
- • Will slouch over time
- • Heavier than Epsom
- • Shows water spots
Taurillon Clemence in Bleu Hydra
Epsom
For Sellier models · Structured & rigid
Pressed, embossed grain. Lightweight and rigid.
- • Keeps a firmer shape
- • Water resistant
- • Lighter weight
- • Low maintenance
- • Stiffer against body
- • Scratches can't be buffed
- • Firmer surface
Epsom in Mauve Sylvestre
The Strap: Canvas vs. Amazone
Most Evelynes come with a matching or contrasting canvas strap. It's durable, comfortable, and the adjustable buckle makes customization easy.
The Amazone strap is a popular variation — a patterned or bi-color canvas strap that adds visual interest. It's most commonly paired with the TPM 16. Some buyers specifically hunt for Amazone versions.
Want to compare colors? Browse real Evelyne photos in our Hermès Color Explorer or compare colors side-by-side.
How Much Is a Hermès Evelyne in 2026?
US retail as of August 2026: the Evelyne 16 Amazone is $2,525, the Evelyne 23 is $4,275, the PM 29 is $4,425, and the GM 33 is $4,850. The Sellier TPM 16 in Epsom is $3,975. Boutique and hermes.com prices are the same, and US prices are quoted before sales tax. Hermès raises them most years, sometimes twice.
| Size / Model | Material | US Retail | Resale Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPM 16 (Amazone) | Clemence | $2,525 |
$3,000–$4,250 premium |
| TPM 16 Sellier | Epsom | $3,975 |
$3,800–$4,200 near retail |
| Evelyne 23 | Clemence | $4,275 |
$3,500–$6,350 above retail |
| PM 29 | Clemence | $4,425 |
$2,500–$3,900 below retail |
| GM 33 | Clemence | $4,850 |
$2,000–$2,900 well below retail |
The Resale Reality
Compare asking prices by size and condition: small sizes can be listed above retail, while used 29 and 33 bags often cost less. The ranges above are asking prices, not completed-sale prices or a forecast of what you could recover when selling.
Larger sizes like the PM 29 and GM 33 often sell for below retail on the secondary market, especially in neutral colors and good condition. If you want value, the PM 29 is your best bet — you get a practical daily bag, often at a discount.
Evelyne stock appears online without warning
The Evelyne does appear on hermes.com, but listings go up with no schedule and the popular sizes and colors do not stay long. Restock alerts tell you when one shows up in a market you can buy from.
How to Get an Evelyne
Is It a Quota Bag?
The Evelyne is usually called a non-quota Hermès bag. It is sold online without a boutique offer. Stock and regional purchase limits still apply, including Japan’s separate annual restriction on selected models.
Ask for the size and colors you would actually use. If none are available, compare another store, online stock, and pre-owned listings rather than buying a different size solely because it is in stock.
Where to Buy
- Hermès Boutique: Walk in and ask. PM 29 and GM 33 are frequently available. TPM 16 is luck-dependent. Building a relationship helps for color requests.
- The Hermès Website: Evelynes do appear online, but sell out fast — especially TPM. Check when Hermès drops bags online for the best times to look, or set up Evelyne alerts to be notified within minutes.
- Pre-Owned Market: Fastest route to your exact color and size. TPM will cost a premium; PM 29 and larger often sell at or below retail. Search Evelyne listings.
How Evelyne Compares
Shoppers often cross-compare the Evelyne with other casual Hermès bags. Here's how they stack up:
Evelyne vs Picotin
| Feature | Evelyne | Picotin |
|---|---|---|
| Carry Style | Crossbody (strap included) | Hand / forearm only |
| Closure | Leather tab snap (open) | Padlock strap (open) |
| Logo Visibility | Perforated H on exterior | No large exterior logo |
| Price (Aug 2026) | $2,525–$4,850 | $3,900–$4,500 |
| Best For | Hands-free convenience | Hand carry without a large logo |
The verdict: Need hands-free? Get the Evelyne. Want no visible logo and don't mind hand-carrying? The Picotin is your bag. Read our Picotin Complete Guide for more.
Evelyne vs Jypsière
| Feature | Evelyne | Jypsière |
|---|---|---|
| Silhouette | Messenger / saddle bag | Messenger Birkin (structured) |
| Closure | Open top with snap tab | Flap with turn-lock (secure) |
| Weight | Lightweight (no lining) | Heavier (more hardware) |
| Formality | Casual / sporty | Casual but polished |
| Access Speed | Very fast (open top) | Slower (flap + lock) |
The verdict: The Jypsière encloses your belongings under a flap, making it a better choice when closure matters more than quick access. You have to undo that flap to reach inside; the Evelyne’s snap tab is faster at a checkout counter.
Evelyne vs Constance
| Feature | Evelyne | Constance |
|---|---|---|
| Formality | Casual / daytime | Day-to-evening versatile |
| Closure | Snap tab (quick) | Large H clasp (statement) |
| Price (Aug 2026) | $2,525–$4,850 | $9,000–$12,000+ |
| Availability | Non-quota, accessible | High demand, harder to find |
| Best For | Errands, travel, daily | Polished occasions + everyday |
The verdict: The Constance has a firm body and a flap that closes over the contents. Its larger price is worth considering only if you want those features and its prominent metal H clasp. For carrying a bottle, wallet, and tablet on errands, the Evelyne 29 offers more useful room at a lower price.
For buyers who want a zip-top Hermès shoulder bag rather than an open snap tab, the discontinued Massai is a quieter crossbody option from the late 1990s — a tall zip-top bag that shares the Evelyne's close-to-the-body carry but closes more securely and is now a resale-only find.
Wear & Care
Clemence softens and slouches with use. Supporting the bag during storage helps preserve its shape, while keeping it away from water and dark denim reduces the chance of marks on the leather.
Care Tips
- Shape
- Clemence leather will slouch. Use a felt bag insert for structure, especially for PM and GM sizes. Store stuffed with tissue.
- Strap Care
- The canvas strap is durable but can pill delicate fabrics (cashmere coats) with friction. Be aware of what you're wearing.
- Snap Closure
- Don't overstuff (especially the TPM). Straining the snap tab can stretch the leather permanently.
- Rain
- Not waterproof. If caught in rain, blot immediately with a soft cloth (don't rub) and let air dry. No heat.
- Color Transfer
- Dark denim can transfer onto light-colored Clemence. Be careful with new jeans.
Small marks can be less conspicuous on grained leather, but avoid trying to rub out scratches or applying household care products. Ask a Hermès boutique about repair options for damaged corners, straps, or hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Find Your Evelyne?
Whether you're hunting on the Hermès website or exploring pre-owned options, BagUSeek helps you find it faster. We monitor inventory across 32 countries and aggregate listings from trusted resellers.
- Hermès restock alerts — Get notified within minutes of new inventory
- Search pre-owned Evelyne — Find your exact color and size now
Key Takeaways
- The TPM 16 holds small essentials: Start here for a phone, card case, and keys. Check the fixed strap length and compare resale asks with the $2,525 base retail price.
- The PM 29 is the value pick: Practical for daily use, fits tablets and water bottles, often available at or below retail on the secondary market.
- The new 23 bridges the gap: More room for a wallet and sunglasses than the 16, with less bulk than the 29.
- Evelyne III is the standard: Look for the adjustable strap and rear pocket. Gen I and II are vintage-only.
- Clemence rules: Most Evelynes are soft, slouchy Clemence leather. Sellier uses structured Epsom.
- Not a quota bag: It is sold online without a boutique offer; stock and regional purchase limits still apply.