Are you stumped on which Hermes color and leather combo to choose?
Navigating the dynamic interplay between Hermes colors and leathers requires a depth of knowledge. Among seasoned Hermes collectors, the art of choosing the right pairing of leather type and color is a highly regarded skill because Hermes colors can appear differently on different leather types, which adds a layer of complexity to the selection process. But fret not. Whether you’re a seasoned Hermes aficionado or new to the world of Hermes, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Hermes colors and leathers – ultimately preparing you for your Hermes Holy Grail.
Watch this before you buy an Hermes bag!
The Most Well-known Hermes Leather Types
Hermes is a storied French house renowned for its use of the most luxurious materials. After all, leather is the heart of Hermes, with so many options to choose from. Some leathers and materials are offered more frequently than others. The following are some of the most well-known Hermes leathers.
Hermes Togo Leather
Togo is renowned for its resilience. Made of baby calfskin, Togo leather is both smooth and strong and has a raised grain, making it great for holding shape and handling everyday wear. It is a popular choice for many Hermes items, like the famous Birkin and Kelly bags and smaller leather goods.
Hermes Taurillon Clemence Leather
Taurillon Clemence, resembling Togo at first glance, can often lead to confusion due to their similar grain patterns. However, a key distinction is that Hermes Togo is crafted from female calf leather, while Taurillon Clemence, also known as “TC” or Clemence, is made from male calf leather. To differentiate between the two, closely inspect the grain pattern – Hermes Taurillon Clemence boasts a larger, more irregular grain pattern, a result of the “drumming” technique used to soften the leather. This uniqueness, along with its remarkable durability and matte finish, contributes to TC’s widespread popularity.
Hermes Epsom Leather
Another popular grained leather is Epsom. Hermes Epsom is also made of calf leather and has exceptional strength with an ability to retain structure over time. It is a great choice for those seeking long-lasting luxury.
Hermes Swift Leather
Formerly known as “Gulliver,” Swift leather is a type of calfskin and has a smooth texture with a semi-matte finish. Hermes Swift leather is a bit more prone to scratches since it has very light grains. But people still love it for its soft and slouchy look and refined appearance.
Hermes Chevre Mysore Leather
Hermes Chevre Mysore is a type of goatskin and has a fine grain and a lustrous finish. It’s very supple and ages very well over time. Hermes uses several types of goatskin, but Chevre Mysore is one of the more commonly used ones due to its durability and resistance to scratches.
Hermes Evercolor Leather
Hermes Evercolor is a pressed calf leather with a tight grain, and this leather type has a tendency to soften over time. Evercolor has a supple texture as well and is known for absorbing color in a way during the dying process that really lets the color shine!
Hermes Exotic Leathers
Hermes also offers an assortment of exotic skins for their handbags and small leather goods. Those include ostrich, alligator (both shiny and matte), and lizard skin.
Now that you are more familiar with the common Hermes leather types let’s get to the bottom of why choosing the right one is so important when it comes to deciding a color!
Hermes Color Chart
Hermes leathers are truly unique. Part of that is because the color you choose and how it turns out depends entirely on the leather type you opt for. For example, you may love Hermes Rose Lipstick, but that color on Togo is not going to look the same on Swift. The way Hermes’ colors turn out all boils down to how the leather absorbs them. Refer to the Hermes colors below for more information.
Different Hermes Pink Colors
For a list of Hermes pink colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes pinks.
Different Hermes Red Colors
For a list of different Hermes red colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes reds.
Different Hermes Orange Colors
For a list of different Hermes orange colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes oranges.
Different Hermes Yellow Colors
For a list of different Hermes yellow colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes yellows.
Different Hermes Beige Colors
For a list of different Hermes beige colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes beiges.
Different Hermes Green Colors
For a list of different Hermes green colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes greens.
Different Hermes Blue Colors
For a list of different Hermes blue colors, reference this comprehensive guide to Hermes blues.
Comparing Hermes Colors & Leather Combos
Now that you have some resources that share more about some of your favorite Hermes colors let’s see how these colors appear depending on which leather type it is applied to. Reference this chart below for a quick glance at how the same colors differentiate depending on which Hermes leather type is chosen. Pro tip: Screenshot this to keep handy when shopping!
It’s essential to bear in mind that Hermes colors vary in appearance depending on the leather types, introducing an extra dimension of complexity to the decision-making process. However, this complexity should not deter you; instead, it only makes the journey more exciting!
