As one of the signature bags of Hermès, the Bolide continues to captivate collectors with its unique design and practical functionality. When purchasing, several factors can be considered: which size best meets your needs, which material suits your personal preferences and intended use, and what to keep in mind for long-term care.
This article takes a practical approach to explore the charm of the Bolide bag, providing a detailed analysis of the characteristics of various sizes and materials to help you find the ideal choice.
Hermès, once renowned for its equestrian gear, showcases its outstanding craftsmanship and spirit of innovation through creations like the Bolide.
In 1923, with the rise of automobiles, the Bolide bag was created. Its name comes from the French word 'Bolide,' meaning 'meteor' or 'race car,' reflecting Hermès' keen insight and forward-thinking vision in response to the changing times.
At that time, this bag was specifically designed for automobile travel and became the first bag to feature a zipper, marking a groundbreaking innovation.
This practical design emerged from an innovative mindset that broke free from conventional thinking, perfectly embodying Hermès' creativity and craftsmanship spirit.
The meticulously crafted quality by skilled artisans has been passed down for over 90 years, continuing to uphold its legacy. This timeless value elevates the Bolide bag beyond just a mere accessory.
The Bolide 1923 retains the classic charm of the original Bolide while incorporating more refined design details.
The Bolide 1923 series now features matte-finished hardware, giving it a contemporary impression. Through the distinctive craftsmanship of Hermès, it maintains its traditional elegance while presenting a more stylish appearance.
The interior design has been optimized for modern lifestyles, making it more convenient for storing small items.
The Bolide 1923 line updates its size range to suit modern lifestyles.
It offers three options: Mini (18cm), 25cm, and 30cm, showcasing more refined proportions. The different sizing, compared to the classic Bolide, caters to diverse needs.
How to Choose the Right Bolide for You?
If you're unsure which Bolide to choose, here’s a helpful guide:
For Customers Who Prefer the Classic Bolide:
For Customers Who Prefer the Bolide 1923:
What makes the Bolide charming is its design, which combines a sleek shape with practical functionality.
The Bolide combines a minimalist exterior with Hermès' practical ingenuity—the large zipper opening makes it easier to access and store items, while the interior structure ensures secure and stable storage.
Hermès offers different size ranges for the traditional Bolide and the Bolide 1923. You can select the optimal model and size according to your lifestyle and needs.
When selecting a Bolide size, we recommend to consider the following three factors:
Is it for daily commuting, business, or special occasions? If the bag will be used frequently, it's important to choose a size that offers both storage capacity and convenience.
Consider the items you typically carry (e.g., long wallets, small bags, notebooks, etc.) to determine the appropriate size, ensuring practicality for long-term use.
The bag size should complement your height and physique. For example, the Mini size is ideal for petite frames, while larger sizes are better suited for taller individuals or those who prefer larger bags.
Here are six particularly popular sizes, particularly popular and commonly chosen as a first Hermès purchase.
The Bolide 27 has dimensions of 19.5cm in height, 27cm in width, and 9.5cm in depth. Despite its compact design, it can securely store everyday essentials like a long wallet, small pouch, and folding umbrella, making it convenient to carry both by hand or on the shoulder.
It’s important to note that A4-sized documents won’t fit, so if you frequently carry documents, a larger size may be a better choice.
Ideal for:
The 31cm size is the most popular and classic style in the Bolide collection, often chosen as the first Hermès bag by customers.
With dimensions of 23cm in height, 31cm in width, and 14cm in depth, it is slightly smaller than an A4 document. In addition to a long wallet, small bag, and planner, it can also accommodate a tablet or laptop, making it suitable for business settings. Due to the bag's ample depth, its actual storage capacity exceeds the visual appearance.
However, when the bag is less full, it may appear slightly larger. To prevent the bag from losing its shape, it’s recommended to store it in its dust bag when not in use.
Ideal for:
The new 18cm size inherits the charm of the traditional Tiny Bolide while offering a more refined visual appeal. The added leather strap design retains classic elements while adding a modern touch. Despite its small size, it can still store essentials like a phone, mini wallet, and lipstick, making it perfect as a striking accessory for special outings or parties.
Ideal for:
The 25cm size has become the new standard for daily use and has gained significant attention. Compared to the classic 27cm version, it features cleaner, sleeker lines and a leather strap design that ensures smoother opening and closing.
It can easily store essentials such as a long wallet, phone, and planner, offering a compact design with ample storage space, making it suitable for a variety of occasions.
Ideal for:
The 30cm size continues the practicality of the classic 31cm version while refining design details for a sleeker visual appeal.
Ideal for business settings, it also features a leather shoulder strap, adding a touch of softness. The bag easily accommodates documents, a laptop, and everyday essentials, with a thick construction that provides more storage space than its appearance suggests.
Ideal for:
The Bolide is one of Hermès' classic bags. We recommend trying it on in person to experience the size and comfort, helping you select the perfect style for yourself. XIAOMA offers a wide selection of Bolide models, so feel free to visit and shop anytime.
▶Click here for a list of XIAOMA Hermès specialty stores
The Hermès Bolide showcases a versatile range of styles thanks to its different materials. Each type of leather has its unique characteristics, allowing you to choose based on the occasion and personal preferences. Since this is a bag designed for long-term use, careful consideration of the material is essential. Below, we introduce the features of several key materials and how they evolve over time.
Togo calfskin is one of Hermès' classic materials, known for its durability and aesthetic appeal.
Clemence calfskin offers a softer texture compared to Togo leather, along with a casual yet elegant vibe.
Epsom leather is a lightweight and durable material, combining practicality with elegance.
Swift calfskin is known for its smooth, delicate texture and excellent color vibrancy, making it particularly popular in bright-colored bags, showcasing a bright and lively hue.
As a handbag, the Bolide can showcase a variety of different styles. Below are suggestions on how to make the most of the Bolide for different occasions, along with tips on pairing and organizing items.
The Bolide’s simple and refined design allows it to make just the right impression in formal settings.
Particularly, the Bolide 35 can accommodate A4-sized documents and a 13-inch laptop, offering both ample space and practicality. On the other hand, the Bolide 31 is ideal for carrying lightweight documents and a tablet, making it especially convenient for occasions where only essential items are needed.
Complementing a Sleek Suit Style
The elegant curves of the Bolide enhance the streamlined and polished look of a suit. Black and Étoupe (Hermès classic neutrals) are especially favored by business professionals, as they suit a variety of formal occasions.
Color Selection Tips
Opting for darker tones creates a professional and sophisticated atmosphere, while vibrant colors add a personal touch and bring a lively accent to the overall outfit.
Efficient Storage Methods
Place files upright to make the most of the interior space and ensure easy access. It’s recommended to use inner pockets to protect your laptop and documents from wear and moisture.
Organizing Small Items
Use small pouches to organize pens, business card holders, chargers, and other everyday essentials, keeping the interior of your bag tidy and orderly.
The Bolide showcases its charm even in casual settings like weekend outings and shopping trips.
Complementing Relaxed Styles
The Bolide's minimalist design effortlessly complements casual outfits like jeans or a dress, showcasing a laid-back yet tasteful style.
Enhancing Functionality with a Shoulder Strap
Using the shoulder strap adds a light, relaxed feel to the bag. Carrying it on one shoulder or crossbody is especially practical for occasions that require greater mobility.
Playing with Color Variations
Choosing a bright or pastel-colored Bolide not only adds a pop to your outfit but also reflects your personal style.
Proper care and storage are essential to keep your Bolide beautiful for a long time.
After each use, it is recommended to gently wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and stains.
In rainy or humid environments, avoid exposing the leather to moisture. If it gets wet, immediately press with a dry cloth to absorb the water and allow it to air dry naturally in a cool, shaded area. Avoid direct sunlight and high-temperature environments to prevent the leather from fading or losing its shape.
Here are the basic care methods suitable for each material. For special care needs, we recommend consulting with Hermès or a professional care service.
When not in use, it is recommended to place stuffing (such as a bag pillow or soft fabric) inside the bag to help maintain its shape. Avoid using newspaper, as the ink may transfer onto the leather.
Store the bag in a dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and damp environments. The ideal way to protect it is to store it in the dust bag provided by Hermès.
The Bolide is a masterpiece that combines elegant design with practicality. By carefully considering the size, material, and purpose, you can select a bag that perfectly suits your lifestyle, making it a valuable companion for enriching your everyday life.
At the XIAOMA official online store, you can check the availability and detailed specifications of various Bolide models. Take this opportunity to find the perfect Bolide for you.
