The Different Types of Sought-After Birkins in The World

Julia Roxan
3 min readJan 23, 2023

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Lionised as a better investment than gold or equities, the Hermes Birkin bag is considered one of the world’s most expensive arm accessories. Ranging anywhere from USD$9,000 to $500,000 and beyond, these opulent handbags feature a range of material, design, and functionality across the portfolio — enabling consumers to own the ideal purse for any occasion. To help you out, here are some of the most coveted versions available.

Hermès Craie Togo Birkin 25cm Gold Hardware. Image by Madison Avenue Couture.

Togo Birkin

Regarded the most popular Birkin leather, Togo is renowned for its soft texture, durable nature, and intricate grain size. First introduced in 1997, the Togo Birkin is characterized by its natural-grained male calf leather which possesses fine, reflective, lightweight, and anti-scratch qualities.

Birkin Troika HAC Handbag Black. Image by Rebag.

Troika (Evercalf & Pony Hair) Birkin

Made from a combination of natural pony hair and evercalf leather in Ebene, the Troika is one of the rarest and most unique Birkin variations available on the market today. It boasts an incredible texture that patinas and grows more luxurious with time.

Himalaya Niloticus Crocodile Diamond Birkin 30. Image by Reuters.

Niloticus Crocodile Birkin

Sourced exclusively from crocodiles in the African Nile River region, the Niloticus Crocodile Birkin is best known for its unmistakably shiny finish and umlaut symbol which identifies quality. Most often seen on the Hermes Himalaya Birkin, this material is revered for remaining luminous and lustrous even under the harshest of weather conditions.

Hermes Birkin 25 Fuchsia Lizard. Image by Bag Hunter.

Lizard Skin Birkin

Crafted from the scarcest material used by Hermes, the Lizard Skin Birkin is harvested in Southeast Asia and easily distinguished by its gorgeous organic spots. Deemed one of the most coveted Birkins in the world due to the scarcity of its material, the Lizard Skin Birkin can be found sporting a variety of vibrant colourways including silver, and fuchsia pink.

Hermès Birkin Bag (Blue Sapphire) in Swift leather and Palladium hardware. Image by Bag Hunter.

Swift Birkin

Formerly known as the ‘Gulliver’, the Swift Birkin showcases a slightly relaxed silhouette with extremely soft leather and fine grains. Sharing close similarities with Togo and Clemence, Swift leather has the ability to absorb dyes better than others, making it an ideal choice for consumers who seek brighter, richer, and more iridescent designs.

Hermes Birkin 35 Clemence Taurillon Bougainvillea. Image by 1stDibs.

Clemence Birkin

Made from young bull skin, Clemence leather sports a slouchier and more malleable texture than other forms of soft Birkin bags. Showcasing larger and flatter grain with a slicker hand, the first Clemence leather Birkin was introduced during the 1980s and is regarded as the ideal material for daily use. Thanks to its significant density, the Clemence Birkin is also extremely durable, offering tough resistance against tarnishing.

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Julia Roxan
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