Why Are Hermès Birkin Bags So Expensive?

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Get the inside scoop on these luxury handbags

Co-authored by Melissa Young and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: January 17, 2024 Fact Checked

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Reasons Birkin Bags are So Expensive

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Cost of Birkin Bags

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Expert Interview

The Birkin bag is probably one of the most iconic, sought-after, and expensive accessories out there. But why are Birkin bags so coveted, and what makes them so pricey? If you want to learn more about the Birkin's hefty price tag, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll take you through the reasons Birkins are so expensive, from craftsmanship and materials to scarcity and high-profile customers. We’ll also go over how much Birkins typically cost, so keep reading!

Things You Should Know

Birkin bags are so expensive because of the level of time and craftsmanship required to make them, as well as the use of premium materials.
The scarcity and exclusivity of Birkins, as well as their iconic status in the fashion world, also contribute to their high price tag.
Depending on size, materials, and whether or not the design is limited edition, Birkins can cost anywhere from $10,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Section 1 of 2:

Reasons Birkin Bags are So Expensive

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History & iconic status The story of the Birkin bag has taken on a mythical status in the fashion world. According to legend, actress Jane Birkin was sitting next to the head of Hermés, Jean-Louis Dumas, on a flight in 1984. Birkin mentioned that she couldn't find a bag that fit everything she needed as a young mother, and Dumas sketched one that would suit her needs. This became the famous Birkin, named after Jane herself!^{[1]
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- In the following years, Birkin bags grew in popularity and prestige. They are now considered iconic pieces of fashion history, which likely contributes to their high price tag.
Each Birkin is made by a master craftsperson, who undergoes 2-6 years of training before working in the Hermés workshop.^{[2]
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Research source} The artisan is responsible for everything, from picking the leather to hand-stitching the seams.^{[3]
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Research source} This process takes 12-18 hours.^{[4]
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Research source} Given the amount of time and skill it takes to make a Birkin, it makes sense that they’ve become one of the priciest accessories in the world!

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Materials Hermés uses premium materials to craft each Birkin, which also drives up their price. Birkins are available in many types of fine leather, including togo, alligator, ostrich, and crocodile.^{[5]
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Research source} The hardware, which includes a front-facing lock closure, a set of keys, and “feet” on the bottom of the bag, is also made out of pricey materials, such as 18-karat gold or palladium.^{[6]
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- Rarer hardware options, like rose gold or diamond-encrusted white gold, lead to even higher prices!^{[7]
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Exclusivity & scarcity Due to the amount of work and skill required to make Birkins, only a limited quantity are available at a time. This makes them notoriously hard to acquire. The process of buying the bag is mysterious, but according to rumor, you must establish a purchase history with Hermés before requesting one.^{[8]
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Research source} You may then need to wait months (or even years!) before one becomes available.
- This level of exclusivity contributes to the Birkin’s prestige, and by extension, its price tag.
- Fashion enthusiasts, celebrities, and other wealthy individuals are willing to pay top dollar for this status symbol.
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Resale value Because Birkins are so hard to find, they also have a very high resale value. Birkins often resell for 2-3 times their retail price, and those with rarer design combinations or more exotic leathers can sell for 4-5 times their retail price!^{[9]
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- As a result, many people who buy Birkins see them as not only a stylish fashion accessory, but also a savvy investment.^{[10]
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Birkin bags have been spotted on the arms of several high-profile celebrities, including Victoria Beckham, Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and Gigi Hadid.^{[11]
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Research source} These A-list customers make Birkins even more popular and coveted, which could be another reason for their high cost.

Section 2 of 2:

How much does a Birkin bag cost?

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This depends on several factors, including size, color, and the type of leather and hardware.^{[12]
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Research source} For example, a basic leather Birkin from the Hermés store can cost around $10,000. A crocodile leather Birkin with diamond-encrusted hardware, on the other hand, may cost you over $200,000.^{[13]
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Resale prices of Birkins vary depending on several factors. These include the bag’s condition, color, leather and hardware type, and whether or not the style has been discontinued.^{[14]
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Research source} Simpler resale Birkins cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000.^{[15]
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Research source} More exotic Birkins resell for hundreds of thousands of dollars. In fact, the super-rare Diamond Himalaya Birkin sold at auction in 2022 for over $450,000!^{[16]
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- If you’re hoping to purchase a secondhand Birkin, look for a reputable reseller to guarantee authenticity.
- Ask for detailed information about the available bag’s condition, and look at several photos before making your purchase.^{[17]
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