Last Updated on March 31, 2025 by Eve Dawes
Hermès Constance: A fashionista’s dilemma – Which bag to buy?
Hermès Constance bags are one of Hermès’ “Big Three” handbags: the Kelly bag, the Constance, and the Birkin bag. When it comes to luxury handbags, few names evoke the same level of admiration and desire as Hermès. Among their iconic offerings, the Hermès Constance stands out as a timeless piece that effortlessly blends elegance with functionality. However, with various styles, colors, and sizes available, deciding which Constance to invest in can be a daunting task. In this review, I’m sharing everything you need to know before you buy. Including the features, sizes, and Hermès Constance prices to help you navigate the options and find the perfect bag that complements your personal style and lifestyle.
This article contains affiliate links.
How did Hermès Constance get it’s name
The information on the history of the Hermes Constance bag is incorrect in a lot of places so I asked Hermès directly as some sites say it was launched in 1959 which is wrong. It was actually 1967 when the Executive Chairman of Hermès, Jean-Louis Dumas, asked the designer Catherine Chaillet to create a bag for Hermès. Catherine Chaillet was pregnant at the time of designing the bag and named it after her new daughter, Constance.
Thank you for visiting Hermes.com! Our team is delighted to assist with your inquiry. The Hermes Constance bag was introduced to the collection in 1967 and was the first to feature the now iconic H clasp! Hermès.
Why is the Hermès Constance so popular
The Constance is part of Hermès’ “Big 3” handbags: the Kelly, Constance, and the Birkin bag and has been loved by celebrities since it’s release. Fashion-forward celebs like Jackie Kennedy, Victoria Beckham, Sarah Jessica Parker, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez have all been seen with this handbag. It’s one of those versatile shoulder bags people love for their practicality that is instantly recognizable as Hermes from the “H” clasp.
Hermès Constance sizes
Besides all of the color and leather options, the Hermès Constance comes in several sizes:
- The standard Classic Constance 24: 24 cm or 9” x 7.25” x 2.75”.
- Hermes Mini Constance 18: 7.5” x 5.5” x 1.75”.
- Hermes Micro 14 Constance: 5.5” x 4.5” x 1”.
- Hermès Constance Elan 24 (rectangular design).
- Hermès Constance Wallet To Go.
- Constance Cartable 29.
- Constance 1-24 (a slimmer version of the Constance 24 with 1 gusset instead of 2).
Although expect this to keep changing as Hermès is always adding and discontinuing styles.
Hermès Constance Wallet To Go
The Constance Hermès wallet is more practical than a lot of other wallets on a chain as it’s actually large enough for your smart phone which my other WOCs aren’t. You can either tuck it into your Hermès bag to stay organized, carry it as a clutch or attach the leather strap and carry it as a shoulder or crossbody bag. It’s the ideal evening out or city break bag or everyday bag for running errands when you’re just taking the essentials. I really like the elegant rectangular shape of the Epsom and Espom Constance Wallet To Go.
Pros and cons
Like all bags there’s going to be some pros and cons to splurging on any of these Hermès handbags:
- Superior quality.
- Because of it’s popularity it’s one of the most sought after Hermès bags.
- Its size and elegant structured shape make it a style than can be worn for both the day and night.
- Price – there are so many other options for bags for this price point that I think are more covetable and higher up on my wishlist e.g. a Kelly.
- The hardware does scratch easily, so as careful as you are with it, you have to be ok with it getting fingerprints and scratches.
How to choose the right size Hermes Constance for you
When it comes to choosing the right size, any size Constance bag is a timeless classic that exudes sophistication and elegance and both the Hermès Constance 24 and 18 bag have the same boxy shape.
However, if you’re looking for something roomier and like to carry more things the Hermès Constance 24 is going to be better for you as the 18 only measures 18cm so you’re not going to be able to fit much in there. If you’re looking for something that’s just for the evening or just for your essentials, the Hermes Micro 14 Constance or To Go Wallet will probably work better for you.
How to authenticate your Hermès Constance bag and wallet
There are several ways to help to tell if your Hermès bag is real or fake:
Hermès wallets are hand-stitched using saddle stitch which is a small, regular, and slightly angled stitch versus fakes which are typically machine-sewn with a straight stitch. Matching stitching or loose threads are a give away.
The quality doesn’t just include the leather but also the hardware. The zipper should run smoothly, the snap and the clasp be easy to use and it definitely shouldn’t peel or look or feel like plastic.
The heat stamp should look like this and everything should be in capital letters center justified with each line getting progressively smaller. Check the grave over the E is going in the right direction and is printed without an angle. In the word FRANCE on the last line, the R and the A are connected if you look closely.
You can also check the wheels on the carriage pictured on your dust bag and box. The front right wheel has 10 spokes and is slightly smaller than the rear wheel which has 12 spokes. It’s these small details that are often missed on fakes.
The Hermes date stamp has been on every real Hermès piece since 1945, so if you have leather goods produced after that date, chances are it’s a fake.
Hermès Constance prices | How much does It cost?
Right now you can expect to pay these prices for a new Hermès:
- Constance 24: $8700-$16,000
- Hermès Constance 18: $9000-11,000
- Hermès Constance Wallet: $6,450
If you’re buying pre-loved, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1325 for a compact wallet to $100,000 for the Matte Niloticus Crocodile Himalayan Constance 24. Hermès Constance prices will depend on it’s condition, the material and if it’s limited edition.
Is Hermès Constance hard to get | Is it a quota bag?
This can vary from country to country but The Hermès Constance bag is not typically a quota bag unless it’s an exotic. Although it can still be tricky to get a brand new Hermès Constance bag from an Hermès store. Certain boutiques where they have limited stock and high demand will treat it as a quota bag, in a similar way to the Birkin and Kelly which are quota bags. Even the Kelly Pochette has become a quota bag in some places as it’s become so popular.
A ‘quota bag’ means you need an established relationship or purchase history with the boutique to have the option to buy one which Hermès is notorious for.
Where to buy Hermès Constance bags
If it’s not a quota bag in your closest Hermès boutique and you’re wanting brand new that’s one option. Otherwise the pre-loved market has so many options available, some in giftable condition and some that you can no longer find in stores.
Follow
Want to stay updated on the latest fashion trends and see how I style my favorite pieces, including the iconic Hermès Constance? Follow me on Instagram for outfit inspiration, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, and tips to elevate your wardrobe! Join our fashion community and let’s connect over our shared love for style!
