The Hermès "Dogon" is one of the brand’s wallets that has been beloved for many years due to its functionality and refined design. For those considering purchasing one, this article provides a thorough explanation of the Dogon’s various types, storage capacities by size, and its most popular materials and colors.
We’ll also introduce the many charms of the Dogon from every angle, including why now is the time to buy and its value as an asset.
The Dogon wallet was introduced by Hermès in connection with their 1997 annual theme, “Africa.”
The name “Dogon” comes from the Dogon people, an ethnic group in Africa. The wallet’s range of colors and design reflects the rich hues and cultural elements of Africa.
Among Hermès wallets, the Dogon is especially well-regarded as a model that becomes more attractive with use over time.
Its rounded silhouette, simple yet luxurious leatherwork, and generous storage capacity define its appeal. Some models even feature a detachable coin pouch, highlighting its functional design.
While other Hermès wallets like the Kelly Wallet and Béarn are known for their refined, relatively formal designs, the Dogon stands out with a more casual and unisex character.
The Dogon comes in multiple sizes and configurations, allowing you to choose according to your lifestyle or the size of your bag.
Here, we’ll outline the main models and their distinguishing features.
Image credit: Hermès
The most compact and lightweight model is the "Dogon Card Case." Although it is called a "card case," it has a wide gusset and can actually be used as a mini wallet to store coins and folded bills.
It is the slimmest of the current lineup and does not take up much space in your bag.
The Dogon Compact is a model with more full-fledged wallet functionality.
The coin purse is integrated into the main body, and there are multiple card slots.
It fits easily into a mini bag or pocket, making it a recommended size for today's cashless society.
Image credit: Hermès
The Dogon Duo (GM) has the most storage capacity.
Its long size allows you to store your bankbook and passport, and it also comes with a removable coin case, so you can use it for different occasions.
Some users even use the coin case on its own.
When discussing the appeal of the Hermès Dogon, one cannot overlook the wide variety of available materials and colors. These choices are central to the Dogon’s charm, and the presence of rare models further enhances its sense of exclusivity.
One of the key attractions of the Hermès Dogon is the beauty of its leather and the wide range of options to suit different lifestyles.
The main materials currently available on the market include Togo, Evercolor, and the rare Alligator (an exotic leather).
Togo
The most classic and widely used material, Togo is known for its soft, natural grain texture. It is resistant to scratches and maintains its shape well even after years of use. With a balanced thickness and softness, it is a practical and popular choice for both men and women.
Evercolor
Compared to Togo, Evercolor has a smoother surface and more vivid color expression. It offers a refined sheen and is relatively lightweight, which adds to its appeal. This leather is often used for lighter, brighter colors and gives off a stylish, modern impression.
Alligator
A luxurious crocodile leather, Alligator is distinguished by its unique scale pattern and glossy finish. It conveys a strong sense of presence and status. Rather than for daily use, this material is often chosen for its collectible appeal and high resale value.
Among the Dogon color options, the three most popular are Etoupe, Gold, and Black.
Some Dogon models stand out due to their unique combinations of materials and colors.
Examples include:
These rare models are produced in very limited quantities, so if you come across one, it's worth considering a quick decision.
The price of the Hermès Dogon varies greatly depending on the model, material, and color. Here, we summarize the price trends, from official retail prices to the secondhand market.
Below is a summary of the retail and secondhand prices for Dogon wallets made with standard materials (Togo and Evercolor).
※Please note that the above prices are for reference only as of the time of this article's publication and may vary depending on the material used, condition, and other factors. For the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking in-store.
At official Hermès boutiques, the retail price for the Dogon typically ranges from around ¥200,000 to ¥400,000.
In the secondhand market, prices can vary significantly depending on the condition, year of manufacture, material, and color. For example, popular colors like Etoupe or Gold, as well as unused or like-new items with minimal signs of wear, are often sold for prices exceeding the original retail.
Key factors that heavily influence pricing include the presence of scratches, date stamp (year of production), inclusion of accessories, and popularity of the material. Understanding these elements will make it easier to find the best piece within your budget.
The Dogon series is loved not only for its visual elegance but also for its ease of use in everyday life. Here, we’ll take a closer look at its storage capacity, the functionality of each component, and overall usability from a user’s perspective.
Let’s revisit the size and structure of each Dogon model, including features such as coin pouches and the number of card slots.
The greatest feature of the Dogon series lies in its balance between practicality as a wallet and refined design.
The simple flap-and-strap closure may appear classic at first glance, but once you're accustomed to it, it can be operated smoothly with one hand. The interior layout is designed for clear visibility and easy access to contents.
In terms of storage capacity, each model has its own characteristics. For example, the Dogon Compact includes 4 to 6 card slots, a bill pocket, and a coin compartment—smartly organized to cover the essentials. It is especially well-received among those who prefer a cashless lifestyle.
On the other hand, the **Dogon Duo** offers greater capacity and is distinguished by its detachable coin case. This unique feature allows the coin pouch to be used on its own, making it especially convenient as a secondary wallet for travel or business trips.
Image credit: Hermès
The feel of use also varies slightly depending on the material.
Togo has a soft, supple texture that becomes even more pliable and gains a richer sheen with continued use.
Evercolor, on the other hand, offers a smooth and firm texture that becomes more flexible and lustrous over time.
Some users have noted that "the strap can be a bit cumbersome to open and close" or that "the wallet feels heavy when it holds many coins."
However, these impressions largely come down to personal preference, and such concerns often improve as the leather softens and the wallet becomes more broken in.
Although the Hermès Dogon may appear feminine at first glance, its simple and functional design has earned it a strong following among male users as well.
Here, we introduce models recommended for men and ways the Dogon can be used in a unisex fashion.
Among Hermès wallets, the Dogon stands out for its minimal embellishment and clean, efficient form. Its understated look makes it easy to use for both casual and business settings, and its subtle branding is actually one of the reasons it appeals to men.
The most popular model among male users is the Dogon Duo. Its ease of one-handed opening and its well-organized layout for cards, coins, and bills make it especially attractive to men who value neatness and practicality.
As for colors, more subdued tones like Black and Bleu Nuit (navy blue) are particularly favored.
Image credit: Hermès
Another appealing feature of the Dogon is that it's well-suited for shared use between couples or spouses. Thanks to its gender-neutral design, it doesn’t lean heavily toward one particular style, making it a popular choice as a “shared wallet” between partners.
The Dogon Duo in particular stands out and remains practical even when used by two people. Depending on the situation, the detachable coin case can be removed and used separately by each person.
Additionally, more and more people are choosing to pair Dogon wallets as memorable gifts for anniversaries or birthdays—fulfilling the dream of “owning Hermès someday” together.
There are two main ways to purchase an Hermès Dogon: through an official boutique or via the pre-owned (secondary) market. Each option offers distinct advantages and points to keep in mind. Choose the method that best fits your preferences and purpose.
The greatest benefit of purchasing from an official Hermès boutique is the peace of mind in knowing the item is genuine and brand new. This is especially important when buying a Dogon as a gift for a special occasion or anniversary.
However, while the Dogon is a standard model, popular colors and materials are not always readily available. Depending on the store, purchase may be limited to reservation or referral systems. To increase your chances, it's recommended to book an appointment in advance and communicate your preferences to the staff.
The pre-owned market offers a broad range of Dogons—from brand-new and unused items to gently used pieces and vintage models. This wide selection is its biggest appeal.
You may also come across rare items that are no longer in production or were custom-made (personal orders)—pieces you won’t find in official stores.
However, caution is key: always verify authenticity and choose a reputable seller. Since counterfeit Hermès products are widely circulated, make sure to purchase from shops that provide professional authentication. It’s also important to check small details like the placement of stamps, hardware finishing, and stitching precision.
Recently, consignment services that search for specific items based on your preferences have gained popularity.
At XIAOMA, a global platform with networks in places like Hong Kong and Singapore, professional concierges can help source your desired Dogon wallet from both domestic and international inventories. Even first-time Hermès buyers can feel at ease thanks to the personalized support provided.
The Hermès Dogon is gaining attention not only for its refined design and high functionality, but also as a wallet with strong investment potential—capable of retaining value over time. In this section, we explore why the Dogon is considered a sound investment and highlight the characteristics of models that tend to perform well on the resale market.
Hermès products, in general, tend to retain high resale value in the secondary market compared to other luxury brands. The Dogon, in particular, stands out for its practical usability as a wallet—making it easy to “use while maintaining value.”
Additionally, each Dogon comes with a date stamp (alphabet code) that indicates the year of manufacture, making it easier for buyers and sellers to assess its market value. Naturally, newer items fetch higher prices, while certain years can gain premium value due to their vintage appeal.
Moreover, the Dogon lineup is relatively limited in terms of model variety. This concentrated demand, especially for popular colors and materials, helps maintain a stable value in the resale market by keeping supply tight.
Certain Dogon models consistently command strong resale prices due to a combination of desirable features. Models with the following characteristics are particularly sought after:
Among these, the Dogon Duo in Étoupe (Togo leather) is especially known for maintaining high resale prices. For this reason, choosing a Dogon model with resale in mind is not only practical but also a strategic purchase decision.
The Hermès Dogon isn't just a wallet—it's a refined, minimalist piece that, depending on the material and color chosen, can also serve as a long-term investment with promising resale value. It’s a wallet that evolves with you, becoming more beautiful and personal as you use it daily. Choosing such an item can inspire a renewed appreciation for the value of what you carry every day.
At XIAOMA, we leverage our extensive domestic and international network to offer a wide variety of Dogon models. We also carry brand-new and unused items, making them ideal for gifting. Feel free to contact us for assistance or product inquiries.
In addition, we also offer buyback services for your pre-owned Hermès Dogon. Whether you're curious about its current market value or considering selling, we welcome your inquiries. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
