The Hermès Birkin is a handbag that countless women around the world dream of owning at least once in their lives. But with prices easily reaching several million yen, it’s clearly in a league of its own—far above other luxury brands.
So, why is it so expensive? And more importantly, is it really worth the price?
In this article, we’ll explain the reasons behind the Birkin’s high price from five key perspectives. We’ll also break down the latest retail prices, resale values, and buying options, giving you clarity and confidence if you’re thinking seriously about getting one.
Birkin prices vary depending on size and material. Here's a reference guide to the 2025 retail prices in Japan (tax included):
※These are reference prices at the time of publication and are subject to change.
Togo leather is one of the most common Birkin leathers and often serves as the price benchmark due to its relative availability. On the other hand, Porosus crocodile is part of Hermès’ top-tier line, with retail prices easily surpassing 9 million yen. Depending on the size, hardware, and color, prices on the resale market can go even higher.
Recommended Read: [Birkin Prices in 2025: Full Breakdown by Size and Material]
The high price of a Birkin bag isn’t just about the brand name. Its value is built from a combination of multiple factors.
The materials used in a Birkin are some of the most luxurious leathers in the world. Calf leathers like Togo and Epsom are known for their durability and beautiful texture.
Exotic leathers such as crocodile (Porosus) and alligator are exceptionally rare, and no two patterns are ever the same.
These one-of-a-kind materials are a major reason behind the Birkin’s high price tag.
Each Birkin is handcrafted by Hermes artisans. It takes dozens of hours to complete one bag, making mass production impossible.
From each stitch to the attachment of hardware, every detail is meticulously finished, resulting in a level of craftsmanship often considered art.
This dedication to craftsmanship is the very essence of Hermes.
To prioritize quality, Hermes limits the number of bags produced each year. As a result, supply cannot keep up with global demand.
There’s also no guarantee that the same color or material will ever be restocked.
This makes the Birkin not a “bag you can buy whenever you want,” but a “special piece you must act on the moment you find it.”
The Birkin is more than just a luxury bag—it represents the core philosophy of the Hermes brand.
Hermes often varies which models are offered to customers, based on the trust and relationship built with them.
Rather than selling to just anyone, the brand takes the stance of offering bags to those who genuinely need or appreciate them.
This sense of rarity and exclusivity further enhances the value of the Hermes name.
Hermes Birkins are known for retaining their value, even after purchase.
Popular colors and unused pieces often sell for more than their original retail price.
It’s a rare item that’s not just a fashion piece, but also regarded as an investment.
That’s why so many people are eager to own one—even at a premium.
Birkins command high prices not only when new but also on the pre-owned market. This is due to several overlapping factors:
Classic colors like Etoupe, Black, Gold, and Nata are always in high demand.
Especially the Birkin 25 size is trending thanks to the mini bag boom, and unused or well-maintained pieces often sell for more than retail.
Hermes releases new colors every year but also retires some.
Once a color disappears from the market, it becomes very difficult to find again.
These discontinued colors and limited editions often come with a premium price tag in the resale market, driven by collector demand.
A bag’s resale value greatly depends on its condition and whether it comes with accessories.
Items with the original dust bag, box, and store card are rated more highly, and for some models, can even exceed retail value.
On the other hand, even minor scuffs or corner wear can result in price drops of hundreds of thousands of yen compared to bags in pristine condition.
In recent years, more people have begun viewing designer bags like stocks or real estate—as assets.
The Birkin in particular is highly liquid and in demand from overseas buyers.
Currency fluctuations and price increases also drive up the market price.
In short, the Birkin's high resale value isn’t just due to brand popularity—it’s backed by consistent demand, rarity, and strong asset value.
While the Birkin is a special bag that costs several million yen even at retail, with a bit of strategy, you may be able to find one under more affordable conditions.
Even in the resale market, new or unused (SA rank) Birkins are regularly sold at prices far above retail.
For example, an unused Birkin 25 (Togo leather) can range from 2.3 to 3.8 million yen—often 1.5 to 2 times the original price.
Popular colors and rare materials fetch even higher prices.
In other words, finding a brand-new Birkin in the resale market for less than retail isn’t a realistic expectation.
If you're okay with slight wear or corner scuffs, you might be able to find classic colors like Etoupe or Black at prices closer to retail.
Choosing an A to AB rank bag with minor signs of use lets you maintain investment value while keeping the price in check.
Balancing condition and price is key.
While there are apps and peer-to-peer resale platforms, the risk of counterfeit goods is high, and you may not get any guarantees.
For high-ticket items like the Birkin, it's best to go through a trusted specialty store that offers authentication and after-sales service.
These stores also make it easier to compare condition, price, and accessories so you can find a piece you’re truly satisfied with.
By being flexible about model, material, and condition, and using the resale market smartly—especially through reputable specialty shops—you can improve your chances of finding a Birkin at a more accessible price point.
Related Read:
5 Things to Know Before Buying a Pre-Owned Birkin | Price, Condition, and How to Judge Authenticity
There’s no strict rule, but since the Birkin can cost several million yen at retail—and even more in the resale market—it’s often said that many buyers have a household income of over ¥10 million.
That said, it’s not just about income. Whether you can afford a Birkin also depends on your overall financial priorities, lifestyle, and how you choose to allocate your assets.
The “30-minute rule” is an unspoken custom suggesting that when you're offered a Birkin at an official Hermès store, you should express your decision within 30 minutes.
Due to the limited availability, hesitating too long may result in the bag being offered to another customer.
It’s not an official policy, but rather a commonly accepted practice shaped by real customer experiences.
Related article: What Is the 30-Minute Rule for Birkins? Unwritten Rules & Tips for Your First Birkin
At Hermès, bags aren’t sold in the same way to everyone. The models offered to you may depend on your relationship with the brand and your purchase history.
This isn’t about “refusing to sell” but rather about the brand's philosophy: honoring craftsmanship and offering bags only to customers who truly value them.
Related article: Why Is It So Hard to Buy a Birkin? Real Buying Stories and Hidden Pitfalls
—The answer lies in the materials, craftsmanship, and investment value.
The reason behind the Birkin’s high price lies in the use of rare, carefully selected materials, meticulous handcrafting by skilled artisans, limited production and difficulty of acquisition, customer-by-invitation sales based on brand philosophy, and its strong asset value.
More than just a luxury bag, the Birkin is considered a lifelong possession and a unique investment piece—which is why it continues to capture admiration across the globe.
While finding your ideal Birkin at an official store isn’t always easy, there’s also the option of purchasing through a trusted specialty store that can help match you with the right one.
At Hermès specialty store XIAOMA, we offer authentic, guaranteed Birkins in a variety of styles.
You can easily check the latest arrivals through our official online store.
We’re here to help you discover the perfect piece—with peace of mind and confidence.
