A Guide to Hermes Leather Types

Hermes leather embodies a captivating blend of timeless beauty and exquisite craftsmanship.

Leather is the heart of Hermes, and with so many options to choose from, each leather type possesses its own unique set of characteristics and allure. Whether it is the luxurious smoothness of Togo, the refined grain of Epsom,  the supple allure of Swift, or the distinctive texture of Taurillon Clemence, each Hermes leather type possesses its own unique character and showcases the brand’s unparalleled dedication to quality and artistry. If you’re looking to explore the captivating world of Hermes, this post identifies the various leather options out there that you can shop for!

Hermes Box Leather

Renowned as one of Hermes’ oldest and most cherished leathers, Box calfskin delights with its timeless allure and unmistakable luster. Revered for its impeccable smoothness and a noticeable sheen that catches the light, Box leather epitomizes elegance and sophistication. Its refined surface showcases meticulous craftsmanship, making it a cherished choice for iconic Hermes creations. With a rich history and an undeniable charm, Box leather continues to captivate discerning connoisseurs with its enduring beauty and undeniable prestige.

Hermes Tadelakt Leather

Hermes Tadelakt leather embodies a distinctive blend of smoothness, elegance, and versatility. With its grain-free surface and semi-glossy finish, this calfskin leather bears a resemblance to the classic Box Calf, yet offers a softer touch. While frequently found in small leather goods, Tadelakt leather occasionally graces the creation of petite bags as well.

Hermes Sombrero Leather

Hermes Sombrero leather, a relatively new addition to their collection, entices with its softness, smoothness, and matte finish. Crafted from calf leather, this exquisite material delivers a refined and understated aesthetic. However, it is worth noting that Sombrero leather is susceptible to scratches, requiring gentle care and maintenance to preserve its pristine appearance.

Hermes Vache Hunter Leather

Hermes Vache Hunter leather, similar to Vache Naturelle, is a popular choice for adorning and accentuating Hermes’ range of Herbag bags. Vache Hunter exudes a distinct charm and versatility. Renowned for its durability and rugged appeal, Vache Hunter leather adds a touch of understated elegance to the iconic Hermes designs. This common leather trim exhibits a unique patina that develops beautifully over time, further enhancing its character. 

Hermes Chevre Mysore Leather

Introduced in the 1990s, Hermes Chevre Mysore leather has quickly gained recognition for its luxurious appeal and fine craftsmanship. Sourced from goats, this exquisite leather showcases a fine grain that adds a touch of refinement to Hermes creations. With its sumptuous texture and lustrous finish, Chevre Mysore embodies the perfect balance between elegance and durability. Its supple nature allows it to gracefully age over time. To this day, Chevre Mysore leather continues to captivate discerning connoisseurs with its timeless beauty and unmistakable quality. 

Hermes Tauirllon Clemence Leather

Introduced in 1992, Hermes Taurillon Clemence leather, also known as TC or Clemence, offers a captivating alternative to the popular Togo leather. Known for its distinctive characteristics, Taurillon Clemence showcases a wider and more irregular grain pattern, devoid of veins. This unique texture adds a touch of individuality and visual interest to each piece crafted from this exquisite leather. Sharing similarities with Togo in terms of durability and resilience, Taurillon Clemence stands as a testament to Hermes’ dedication to exceptional materials and meticulous craftsmanship. 

Hermes Vibrato Leather

In 2000, Hermes introduced Vibrato, a remarkable suede-like material with thin colorful stripes. This unique fabric was crafted by layering and pressing together multiple pieces of Chevre goat leather, resulting in vibrant patterns. Vibrato was utilized to create a wide range of handbags and accessories, with the most coveted pieces being the Birkins, HACs, and Kellys in various sizes. Hermes embraced the multicolored potential of Vibrato, offering an extensive array of color combinations and trimming options in Box and Togo leathers. Though production ceased in 2007, the legacy of Vibrato lives on through its symphony of colors and masterful craftsmanship in Hermes’ iconic designs.

Hermes Epsom Leather

If you’re wondering what Epsom leather is, it is a popular calf leather that has become synonymous with durability and resilience. Hermes Epsom leather was introduced in 2004. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Hermes Epsom, although lightweight, exhibits exceptional strength with an ability to retain structure over time, making it an ideal choice for those seeking long-lasting luxury. With its rigid structure and semi-matte finish, Epsom leather exudes a refined and contemporary aesthetic. Its stamped texture and ability to resist scratches and wear make it a practical and versatile option for a wide range of Hermes bags and accessories.

Hermes Swift Leather

Introduced in 2006 as a successor to the beloved Gulliver leather, Hermes Swift leather exudes a distinct combination of elegance and versatility. With its smooth texture and semi-matte finish, Swift leather captures attention with its understated allure. Its refined appearance lends a touch of sophistication to a wide range of Hermes creations, from handbags to small leather goods.

Hermes Togo Leather

Introduced in 2007, Hermes Togo leather has swiftly gained recognition for its exceptional durability and natural elegance. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this leather showcases a distinctive pebbled grain that adds depth and character to its appearance. Renowned for its remarkable resilience, Togo leather effortlessly withstands the test of time while maintaining its refined charm. Its smooth yet sturdy nature makes it a popular choice for a wide range of Hermes creations, from iconic Birkin and Kelly bags to small leather goods.

Hermes Barenia Leather

Hermes Barenia leather, a highly coveted and water-resistant leather, exudes both strength and a remarkable softness. Barenia’s supple nature and luxurious touch make it a preferred choice for various applications, including horse-riding saddles.

Hermes Evercolor Leather

Introduced in 2012, Hermes Evercolor leather has captivated enthusiasts with its unique qualities. This pressed grain leather boasts a remarkable supple and soft texture. Known for its ability to showcase bright and vivid colors, Evercolor leather allows Hermes creations to radiate unparalleled vibrancy.

Hermes Exotics

These include Ostrich, Lizard, Matte Alligator, Shiny (Lisse) Alligator, Matte Niloticus Crocodile, Shiny Niloticus Crocodile, Matte Porosus Crocodile, and Shiny Porosus Crocodile.

With so many luxurious options to choose from, leather is the heart of Hermes. Other honorable mentions for Hermes leathers include Buffalo, Chamonix, Chevre de Coromandel, Doblis Suede, Evercalf, Evergrain, Fjord, Sikkim (a very soft and buttery leather), Taurillon Cristobal (often used for Hermes men’s leather accessories), and even discontinued Hermes Vache Ardennes and Beluga, which is a type of whale leather seen on a number of vintage Hermes pieces. 

Perfect your knowledge of Hermes in this guide to different types of Hermes hardware, and if you can’t get enough, here are the top Hermes colors to buy.