Hermès Picotin 18 Review: The Best Entry-Level Hermès Bag

Why the Picotin 18 Is the Perfect First Hermès Bag

If you've been dreaming about owning your first Hermès bag but the Birkin's price tag feels like a stretch, the Picotin 18 is where most Hermès journeys begin. It's charming, practical, beautifully made — and priced at a fraction of the Birkin or Kelly.

What Is the Hermès Picotin?

The Picotin Lock (formally known as the Picotin Lock 18 PM) is a compact open-top bucket bag inspired by a horse feed bag. It features a simple, unfussy design: a rectangular body with a flat base, two short handles, and a leather strap with palladium or gold turn-lock closure. Despite its simplicity, it's unmistakably Hermès in its leather quality, stitching and proportions.

Size & Dimensions

The Picotin 18 measures approximately 18cm wide × 17cm tall × 13cm deep. It's compact but deceptively spacious, comfortably fitting:

• iPhone (any size)
• Compact wallet or cardholder
• Keys
• Lip balm and small cosmetics
• Sunglasses in a soft case

For reference, the Picotin 22 (MM) is noticeably larger and fits more, but the 18 is the more popular and sought-after size.

Leathers Available

The Picotin 18 is most commonly produced in:

• Clemence — The most common Picotin leather. Soft, textured and develops a relaxed slouch. Very forgiving with scratches.
• Swift — Smoother and more refined. Shows scratches more easily but has a luxurious feel.
• Barenia — Rare in Picotins. Develops a stunning patina over time.

Special editions like the Cargo Picotin (canvas pockets) and Picotin Touch (exotic trim) are produced in limited quantities and command significant premiums.

Best Colours for the Picotin 18

The Picotin works beautifully in both neutrals and colours:

• Best neutrals: Noir, Gold, Etoupe, Trench, Biscuit, Craie
• Best colours: Rose Sakura, Vert Jade, Bleu Nuit, Chai, Beton
• Best for value retention: Noir, Gold and Etoupe hold their value most consistently

How Much Does a Picotin 18 Cost?

In Australia, expect to pay:

• Retail (Hermès boutique): ~$5,200 AUD (when available — which is rarely)
• Pre-owned (standard colours): $3,500–$6,000 AUD
• Pre-owned (sought-after colours): $5,000–$8,000 AUD
• Pre-owned (Cargo/Touch editions): $8,000–$15,000+ AUD

Picotin 18 vs Picotin 22

The Picotin 22 is larger and more spacious, but the 18 is the better choice for most people. The 18's proportions are more balanced and it works better as a grab-and-go bag. The 22 is excellent if you need to carry more (think water bottle, small umbrella) and prefer a less compact look.

What to Look for When Buying Pre-Owned

• Base shape: The Picotin's base should sit flat. Check for corner wear and base scuffing.
• Handle condition: The handles see the most wear. Look for darkening, cracking or peeling at stress points.
• Turn-lock mechanism: The Picotin Lock's turn-lock should rotate smoothly and hold securely.
• Interior: Check for pen marks, staining or lip balm residue on the unlined interior.
• Date stamp: Verify the stamp matches the claimed age. Newer stamps (within 5 years) are preferred by most buyers.

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