“If you’re buying Hermès for the first time, which color is the right choice?”
There are quite a few people with this dilemma. While classic popular colors like black, Etoupe, and gold are well-established, in recent years, white-based and pink-based colors have also been gaining attention.
In this article, we’ll introduce popular Hermès colors in a ranking format. From staple colors ideal for a first Hermès to popular shades that let you enjoy individuality, we’ll clearly explain the key points for choosing a color you won’t regret.
When selecting a color for your first Hermès, it’s important not to decide based solely on preference but to balance factors like “asset value,” “suitability for various scenes,” and “ease of acquisition.”
A first Hermès purchase is a once-in-a-lifetime buy. There are many cases of regret where someone chose a bold color and later thought, “I didn’t use it as much as I expected…”
Precisely because it’s an expensive item, it’s safer to consider classic colors first.
Popular colors like black, Etoupe, and gold tend to be in high demand, which means they are also frequently traded at high prices on the resale market.
When choosing your first Hermès, keeping in mind “colors that don’t lose asset value easily” is a reassuring factor.
If you want to know more about a wide range of colors, be sure to check out the “Hermès Color List” as well.
From here, we’ll introduce the most popular Hermès colors in a ranking format. First, the top 5 classic colors recommended for your first Hermès, followed by popular additional colors that let you enjoy individuality.
Gold is so symbolic that it’s often said, “When you think of Hermès, you think of this color.” The warm brown deepens in character the more it’s used and is supported by all generations.
If you're unsure about your first Hermès, this color provides a sense of security and should definitely be a candidate.
Black is the most formal and versatile among Hermès colors. Since it can be used for a long time without being limited by occasion, it is often chosen as a first Hermès.
It is the perfect choice for those who “don’t want to make a mistake.”
Softer than black, lighter than brown. Etoupe has enjoyed long-standing popularity as a versatile color that naturally blends with a wide range of fashion.
Recommended for those seeking a calm and composed impression.
“Craie,” meaning “chalk” in French, is a white color with a slight grayish tint.
Among Hermès' white-toned colors, it is especially popular, elevating the wearer’s presence with a sophisticated impression.
Recommended for those who want to balance cleanliness and elegance.
Gray tones are lighter than black and more chic than beige. They are a consistently popular color group within Hermès.
The colors ranked from 1st to 5th introduced so far are “foolproof classics you can’t go wrong with.”
From here, we’ll introduce popular colors for those who want to enjoy individuality based on their preferences.
Soft pinks are special colors that can instantly lift your mood. Among them, Rose Sakura and Rose Confetti are widely loved for their gentle and charming aura across generations.
Blue tones are a consistently popular category within Hermès. Especially Bleu Nuit and Bleu Indigo, which are close to navy, offer a formal feel like black while still expressing individuality.
Among beige tones, Trench has been gaining popularity in recent years. A calm beige with slight gray undertones, it exudes a nuanced, mature vibe.
Choosing a popular color offers peace of mind, but there are also points to be cautious about. To avoid regrets with your first Hermès, it's important to understand both the benefits and the risks in advance.
Popular colors are in high demand, so they often sell for stable, high prices in the secondhand market. Especially “Black,” “Etoupe,” and “Gold” are top-tier classics, and highly recommended in terms of asset value.
The main appeal of popular colors is their versatility with fashion and long usability. They work across business, formal, and everyday situations, reducing the chance of regret from “I couldn’t really use it.”
However, popular colors are often harder to get at official stores. If you really want a certain color, consider using the resale market wisely. At reputable specialty stores, you can compare models and colors to find the one that satisfies you.
You may wonder, “Are there even unpopular colors in Hermès?” In reality, there are colors considered “polarizing” in terms of popularity. These are sometimes chosen deliberately, so there's no need to view them negatively.
Trend-heavy colors can be hard to incorporate into outfits and often aren’t ideal for a first Hermès. That said, they may be chosen by those who want to express their individuality.
Colors close to beige or white are sometimes avoided due to how easily they show dirt or their coordination difficulty. However, they still have loyal fans who appreciate their elegance.
Don’t get too caught up in market popularity or asset value — whether you like the color should also be a key decision factor. Even non-classic colors can be cherished long-term if you truly love them — that’s the charm of Hermès.
Color popularity varies slightly by model, which is part of Hermès’ unique appeal. Here’s a breakdown of trends by popular bag type:
Since Birkins are often bought with asset value in mind, timeless colors like Black, Gold, and Etoupe dominate. The overall impression also changes based on size and hardware combinations.
Kelly bags are frequently used in formal settings, making Black, Gray, and dark Blue tones like Bleu Nuit consistently popular. Pink and pastel colors are also in demand for those wanting a feminine touch.
The casual, easy-to-carry Picotin pairs well with bright colors like blues and pinks. Since its structure is simple and suited to everyday use, many people choose playful shades for this model.
One of Hermès’ charms is how different colors shine in different scenarios. For those considering their first Hermès, here are recommended colors based on “business,” “daily use,” and “party” situations:
In business or formal settings, Black (Noir) is the unshakable standard. Calm gray tones are also recommended, as they give an intelligent and trustworthy impression.
Because they can also be used for ceremonial occasions, these colors are often chosen as a first Hermès.
For daily use, Etoupe and Gold are basic yet blend easily with a wide range of outfits — from jeans and dresses to smart casual looks.
If you prioritize frequency of use, these are the colors to consider first.
For parties or occasions where you want to make a statement, white tones like Craie or saturated colors like blue and pink are recommended.
These not only add a pop to your outfit but are also loved as “colors that make your special day even more special.”
If you’re curious about seasonal recommendations, check the related articles below:
Especially for the classic popular colors, demand is stable in the secondhand market, so high resale value can be expected if you decide to sell later.
Here’s a resale-value-based ranking of the top Hermès colors:
Essential for formal scenes, black consistently holds demand and strong appraisal value.
In good condition, a Birkin 25 in Togo leather (retail price: ¥1,881,000) can fetch approx. ¥3.6M–¥3.9M, or about 1.5–2x the retail price.
Truly an “asset color” you can choose with confidence.
A signature greige tone loved by many age groups, Etoupe is very stable in the secondhand market.
In good condition, a Birkin 25 in Togo (retail price: ¥1,881,000) can sell for around ¥2.8M–¥3.5M — a top-tier resale performer alongside black.
Recommended for those who think “black feels too heavy, but I still want asset value.”
Symbolic of “Hermès-ness,” Gold also maintains consistently high ratings on the resale market.
In good condition, a Birkin 25 in Togo (retail: ¥1,881,000) can go for approx. ¥2.7M–¥3.3M.
Especially when paired with classic leathers like Togo or Epsom, the combination is highly valued — with exceptional asset value.
Limited colors like Himalaya or special personal order shades have huge demand among collectors.
Sometimes they’re traded for several times the retail price — but their extreme rarity means they’re difficult to obtain.
These colors fall into the category of “high asset value if acquired, but extremely hard
So far, we’ve introduced Hermès' popular color rankings and asset value considerations, but in the end, the most important thing is “whether the Hermès color suits you.”
The three classic colors (Black, Etoupe, and Gold) offer unbeatable peace of mind, while Craie and Blue tones strike a great balance between personality and popularity.
However, even the same color can give off a completely different impression depending on the material and hardware pairing.
At official Hermès boutiques, it’s difficult to compare multiple colors side-by-side, but at the Hermès specialty store XIAOMA, you can actually hold the bags, look in the mirror, and enjoy the color selection process.
Even those considering buying from an official boutique often visit first “just to try on different colors.”
If you're unsure about your first Hermès, refer to this popular color ranking to find the perfect Hermès color just for you.
▶︎ Check your ideal popular color at the XIAOMA official online store
▶︎ Find your perfect Hermès color at a XIAOMA store near you (Click here for the store list)
▶︎ Click here for the guide on how to choose your first Hermès and 5 recommended bags
