The Hermès Evelyne is one of the most recognisable and accessible bags in the Hermès lineup — a relaxed, crossbody design defined by its perforated H logo and effortless Parisian style. For anyone looking to buy their first Hermès bag without navigating the notoriously difficult Birkin or Kelly allocation system, the Evelyne represents a genuinely compelling entry point.
Yet despite its more approachable price, the Evelyne is unmistakably Hermès. It carries the same exceptional craftsmanship, the same carefully sourced leathers, and the same enduring resale value that defines the maison.
A Brief History of the Evelyne
The Hermès Evelyne was created in 1978 by Hermès designer Évelyne Bertrand, who gave the bag her name. Its original purpose was remarkably practical: it was designed as a grooming bag for equestrian use, intended to carry horse-grooming tools and supplies. The **perforated H** on the front panel was originally designed for ventilation, and the wide, adjustable shoulder strap echoes the functional design of riding equipment.
The perforated H has since become the Evelyne's signature. Unlike most Hermès bags, which are relatively understated in their branding, the Evelyne wears its identity openly — immediately recognisable and a favourite among buyers who want their Hermès to be identifiable at a glance.
Generations: Evelyne I, II and III
Evelyne I (original) — Features an open top with no closure, a simple adjustable shoulder strap, and the perforated H. The interior is a single compartment with no pocket. Less common on the resale market and sought after by collectors.
Evelyne II — Introduced a rear exterior pocket without altering the silhouette. Relatively uncommon as it was produced for a shorter period.
Evelyne III (current) — Features a snap-button closure at the top, a removable and adjustable canvas shoulder strap with leather trim, and a rear exterior pocket. The Evelyne III also introduced the option to wear the bag with the perforated H facing outward or inward, giving the wearer a choice between branded visibility and quiet discretion. The Evelyne III commands the strongest prices on the pre-owned market.
Sizes: TPM, PM, GM and TGM
Evelyne TPM (Très Petit Modèle) — Approximately 18 x 19 x 5 cm. The smallest Evelyne, a compact crossbody for essentials only. Increasingly popular as the trend toward smaller bags continues. Retail prices start at approximately £2,100.
Evelyne PM (Petit Modèle) — Approximately 29 x 28 x 10 cm. The most popular and versatile size. It comfortably fits a wallet, phone, sunglasses, keys and small cosmetics pouch. Retail prices start at approximately £2,850 to £3,200.
Evelyne GM (Grand Modèle) — Approximately 33 x 31 x 11 cm. Substantially more space, suited to those who carry more. Works well as a travel day bag.
Evelyne TGM (Très Grand Modèle) — The largest at approximately 40 x 37 x 8 cm. Uncommon and largely discontinued in recent production.
For most buyers, the **Evelyne PM** offers the best balance. The **TPM** is ideal for minimalist crossbody use.
Leathers
Clemence — Supple, grainy bull calf leather that is the most common choice. Durable, scratch-resistant and develops a beautiful patina over time. Slightly heavier weight gives satisfying heft.
Epsom — Pressed, rigid grain giving a more structured appearance. Lightweight, highly scratch-resistant and holds shape well. Colours appear particularly vibrant on Epsom.
Taurillon Maurice — Fine, uniform grain with a slightly matte finish. Lightweight and holds colour beautifully. Increasingly popular for the Evelyne.
Among these, **Clemence** remains the classic choice and the most liquid on the resale market. **Epsom** is best for structure and colour vibrancy.
The Crossbody Advantage
One of the Evelyne's greatest strengths is its **crossbody design**. The wide, adjustable strap sits comfortably across the body, distributing weight evenly and leaving both hands free. This makes the Evelyne one of the most practical bags in the Hermès range — genuinely suited to everyday use in a way that the Birkin and Kelly, with their handheld designs, are not.
For buyers in London who walk frequently, commute on public transport or simply value hands-free convenience, the Evelyne's crossbody functionality is a significant practical advantage.
Retail vs Pre-Owned Pricing
The Hermès Evelyne is one of the few Hermès bags that does not consistently trade above retail on the pre-owned market — which actually makes it an excellent buying opportunity.
Current retail prices range from approximately **£2,100 for the TPM** to **£3,200 for the PM** in standard leathers. On the pre-owned market, **pre-owned Evelyne PM bags in excellent condition** typically range from £1,600 to £2,800. This means you can often acquire a pre-owned Evelyne at a meaningful discount to current retail.
The **TPM** is the exception: due to its popularity and limited availability, pre-owned TPM prices often match or exceed retail in sought-after colours.
For the **GM and TGM**, pre-owned prices tend to fall below retail, reflecting the market's preference for smaller sizes. These larger sizes represent genuine value for buyers who need more capacity.
The Evelyne as Your First Hermès Bag
The Hermès Evelyne is frequently recommended as the ideal **first Hermès bag** for several reasons.
First, it is available without navigating the allocation system. Unlike the Birkin and Kelly, the Evelyne can typically be purchased directly in store.
Second, the price point is significantly more accessible. A pre-owned Evelyne PM can be acquired for under £2,000 — less than a third of the cost of a pre-owned Birkin 25.
Third, the Evelyne is genuinely practical. Its crossbody design, ample interior space and durable construction make it a bag you will actually use every day.
Evelyne vs Picotin: Which Entry Bag?
The **Picotin** is an open-top bucket bag with short handles, designed to be carried by hand. It has no closure and no crossbody strap. Ideal for quick errands and casual outings but less practical for commuting or situations where security is a concern.
The **Evelyne** offers a snap closure, a crossbody strap and a more structured interior. It is the more practical choice for daily use, particularly for buyers who need versatility from daytime to evening.
If you value **hands-free carry, security and versatility**, choose the Evelyne. If you prefer a **relaxed, open-top design for lighter use**, the Picotin may suit you better. Many collectors eventually own both.
Styling the Evelyne
In **neutral colours** — Noir, Gold, Étoupe, Gris Tourterelle — the Evelyne pairs effortlessly with both jeans and tailored trousers, making it a true day-to-night bag.
For those who want to make a statement, the Evelyne in **seasonal colours** — Bleu Zanzibar, Rose Sakura, Vert Jade — adds a striking pop of colour to minimal outfits. The perforated H logo makes even quiet colour choices visually distinctive.
The crossbody style lends itself particularly well to a **relaxed, European aesthetic** — cashmere knitwear, tailored coats and quality denim. In London, the Evelyne is a natural companion to the city's understated approach to personal style.
Making Your Purchase
The Evelyne offers a rare combination in the Hermès world: accessible pricing, genuine practicality and unmistakable design. It is a bag that earns its place through daily use, not through scarcity or status alone.
Evelyne Accessories and Customisation
The Evelyne lends itself well to personalisation through Hermès accessories. **Twillys** — Hermès' narrow silk scarves — can be wrapped around the strap for added colour and to prevent the canvas strap from rubbing against clothing. This is both a styling choice and a practical care measure that many Evelyne owners adopt.
Bag charms — such as the Hermès Rodeo horse charm or the Carmen keychain — attach beautifully to the Evelyne's handles or strap, adding personality and visual interest. These accessories are available in a range of colours and can be mixed and matched to create seasonal looks.
Some owners also invest in **strap replacements** or **custom straps** to change the character of their Evelyne. While Hermès does not offer custom straps as a standard service, the Evelyne III's removable strap means that aftermarket options exist for those who want to experiment.
The Evelyne in the Broader Hermès Collection
Understanding where the Evelyne sits in the Hermès hierarchy helps contextualise its value proposition. It occupies a unique position — more accessible than the Birkin, Kelly and Constance in both price and availability, yet unmistakably Hermès in quality and design.
For many collectors, the Evelyne serves as the everyday workhorse of their collection — the bag they reach for most often, precisely because it is practical enough for daily use without the anxiety that accompanies carrying a bag worth £15,000 or more. This daily usability is, for many owners, the Evelyne's greatest asset.
The Evelyne also serves as an excellent complement to a Birkin or Kelly. Where the Birkin is a statement piece for occasions that call for presence, the Evelyne is the reliable companion for everything else — errands, weekends, travel, casual dinners. Building a collection that includes both gives you versatility that neither bag alone can provide.
At JULL, we regularly source pre-owned Hermès Evelyne bags in all sizes and leathers, each personally authenticated in our London workroom. Contact us via WhatsApp to discuss your requirements.