Hermes vs Chanel: Which Bag is for You? (A Luxury Guide)
Do you know which bag is for you? In this Hermes vs Chanel guide, you’ll get to see everything you need to know about these top luxury brands, so you know exactly which one is right for you.
About each brand: Hermes vs Chanel
Let’s start by looking at how each brand began.
About Hermes
The Hermes brand was founded in 1837 in Paris by Thierry Hermès, who started as a leather harness shop. In 1880, his son Charles-Émile moved the store to Rue du Faubourg, where it is still today.
From leather harnesses to saddlery, Hermes started to make leather bags and accessories in the 1920s. Then, in the 1930s, they introduced the Kelly Bag. Years later, in 1984, actress and singer Jane Birkin described the bag she wanted. Thus, the Birkin bag was born.
Currently, there are over 300 stores in the fashion world, and their Kelly and Birkin bags are among the most sought-after bags.
About Chanel
The 27-year-old Coco Chanel opened the first Chanel store in Paris in 1910. It initially sold hats, but 5 years later, she opened a couture shop that later introduced other items like perfume and cosmetics.
From the Ford Dress in 1926 to the 2.55 Flap Bag in 1955, this brand became an iconic name with many fans.
Style: Hermes vs Chanel
When it comes to handbags and other accessories, it’s important to find the style that you like. And Hermes and Chanel have their own signature look and style.
Hermes style
Both their Kelly and Birkin bags are spacious and well-structured handbags. Both bags are great for your essentials, and their leather and color combination make them look sleek and modern.
Hermes Kelly and Birkin tapered structured results in a more mature look, which makes a great work bag.
Chanel style
Chanel is known for its diamond quilting and chain-link shoulder straps. Thus, this style is chicer and more rebellious.
For many, Chanel's seasonal patterns and colors are fun to enjoy.
Compared to Hermes, Chanel is more of a entry level luxury brand, making them more accessible to everyday people.
Quality: Hermes vs Chanel
Both fashion houses are known for their craftsmanship and quality. Here is a quick summary for each brand:
Chanel
Most famously, they are known for lambskin, caviar leather, and tweed. Their luxurious leather feels buttery smooth, but it is more susceptible to scratches.
Chanel’s hardware, on their bags and accessories, is made from durable metals. But it can have scratches over time.
Hermes
Hermes, compared to Chanel, uses a different type of leather for their bags. Prefer to use Togo and Clemence leathers, which are more durable and scratch-resistant.
Hermès vs Chanel: Prices
Retail prices
Chanel
Retail prices are the cost of a new item at the store.
For Chanel, their retail prices have continuously increased each year. From the last decade to now, their prices have increased by 200%. Their most affordable bags can cost over $6000.
Hermes
For Hermes, their retail pricing is much more expensive than Chanel’s. And their pricing for their handbags has also increased per year.
Their least expensive bag is the Picotin, which already costs over $3500, and is rumored to increase to just over $4000. While their famous Birkin and Kelly will now cost over $15,000.
Preloved prices
Now preloved is where the real value is at.
Preloved bags are second-hand or pre-owned items that are significantly less than retail pricing, depending on the condition and rarity.
For preloved luxury, it can range from handbags, accessories, backpacks, and silk scarves.
Chanel
For Chanel, you can find many of their preloved handbag items for under $3,000. Pricing depends on the condition. That’s a 50% decrease from the original cost.
And many preloved Chanel jewelry costs between $300 to under $1000.
Hermes
Preloved Hermes is a bit harder to find, especially for their Birkin and Kelly. They are already far and few of them. For them to be in the preloved market is quite rare. But if you do see them, their prices can be about $8000, about 46% decrease.
But Hermes silk scarves, preloved, are the best in the world, even if they are secondhand.
Signature bags: Hermes vs Chanel
Both Hermes and Chanel have very iconic handbags throughout the years.
Hermès Birkin
By far, the Hermes Birkin is their signature bag. It is most famous because of its rarity and exclusivity, becoming a symbol of wealth and investment.
It is notoriously difficult to buy new ones, which drives the price and demand.
It’s so popular that many other luxury brands have made their own similar-looking Birkin alternatives that are more affordable and accessible to compete.
The Chanel Flap Bag
Chanel’s Flap bag is their signature bag that continues to grow in popularity and pricing each year.
The original flap was THE BAG to be worn on the shoulders, meaning people were able to use both hands freely. While simple nowadays, this invention revolutionized the fashion world.
Because of this legacy, it has become iconic and famous to have one. Chanel knows this since they’ve been making different versions.
Many other brands are aware of the Flap Bag legacy. So much so, you can find Chanel Flap bag alternatives for a similar style.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chanel higher than Hermès?
Pricewise, Hermes costs more than Chanel. Chanel’s starting cost for a handbag starts at about $6000, while Hermes Birkin and Kelly can start around $15,000.
Which is better Hermès or Chanel?
Both Hermes and Chanel have great leather quality. It depends on the type of leather they use because Chanel uses softer and smoother leather that is prone to damages while Hermes uses more sturdy leather that’s more durable.
In closing
We hope you're able to find your bag and style in this Hermes vs Chanel comparison guide. If you’re looking for preloved Chanel, Hermes, and other brands, check out WeeklyLuxDrop for the latest preloved items!