The Hermès Kelly is one of the most coveted handbags in the world — but choosing the right size is a decision that will define how you carry it, what you carry in it and how much it will be worth in years to come. The Kelly is produced in four main sizes — the Mini Kelly, Kelly 25, Kelly 28 and Kelly 32 — each with a distinct personality, capacity and position on the resale market.
This guide compares the three most popular standard sizes — the Kelly 25, Kelly 28 and Kelly 32 — across every dimension that matters: physical measurements, capacity, weight, styling, construction and resale performance.
The Dimensions
Understanding the physical differences is essential before committing to a size.
Kelly 25 measures approximately 25 x 17 x 10 centimetres. It weighs approximately 600–700 grams depending on the leather. It is a compact, structured bag that sits neatly in the crook of the arm or hangs elegantly from the hand. The 25 is the smallest of the standard Kelly sizes and has a distinctly refined, jewel-like presence.
Kelly 28 measures approximately 28 x 22 x 11 centimetres. It weighs approximately 750–900 grams. The 28 is the Goldilocks of the Kelly range — noticeably more spacious than the 25 while retaining an elegant, proportioned silhouette. It has been the bestselling Kelly size for decades and is considered the classic format.
Kelly 32 measures approximately 32 x 23 x 13 centimetres. It weighs approximately 900–1,100 grams. The 32 is a proper day bag with room for everything you need. It has a more substantial presence on the body and works equally well as a professional bag or a weekend companion.
What Actually Fits Inside
Capacity is often the deciding factor, particularly for buyers who intend to use their Kelly daily rather than reserve it for special occasions.
Kelly 25 fits a phone, card holder, keys, lipstick and a small wallet. It will not comfortably fit a standard-size wallet, sunglasses case or anything bulky. The 25 is an edited essentials bag — you must commit to carrying only what you genuinely need. It works best for evening, events and occasions where you want to carry something beautiful without needing to be practical.
Kelly 28 fits everything the 25 holds plus a standard wallet, sunglasses in a slim case, a small cosmetics pouch and a passport. It is a genuine day bag that can handle everyday errands, lunch meetings and travel without feeling overstuffed. Most buyers find the 28 strikes the right balance between elegance and functionality.
Kelly 32 fits everything the 28 holds plus a small tablet or Kindle, a larger cosmetics bag, a small notebook and a light scarf or cardigan. It is a true carry-everything bag that works for the office, day trips and travel. The 32 is ideal for buyers who carry more throughout the day or who dislike the feeling of a stuffed bag.
Retourné vs Sellier Construction
Every Kelly comes in one of two constructions, and this choice interacts significantly with size.
Retourné is the soft, slouchy construction where the bag is stitched inside out and then turned right side out. It has a relaxed, organic shape that collapses slightly when set down. The Retourné works beautifully in all three sizes but is particularly flattering in the 28 and 32, where the softer silhouette prevents the bag from looking overly structured or boxy.
Sellier is the rigid, architectural construction where the bag is stitched externally with visible saddle stitching along the edges. It holds its shape firmly and has a more formal, polished appearance. The Sellier is stunning in the 25 and 28, where the structured lines create a jewel-like precision. In the 32, the Sellier can look quite substantial — magnificent for those who want presence, but worth trying on to ensure the proportions suit your frame.
On the resale market, the Sellier construction commands a premium over Retourné in the 25 and 28 sizes — typically 10–20% more. In the 32, the premium narrows or disappears, as buyers at this size tend to prefer the softer Retourné for daily comfort.
How Each Size Styles
The size you choose will determine how the Kelly sits with your wardrobe and frame.
Kelly 25 is a dressy, evening-appropriate bag that pairs beautifully with tailored clothing, cocktail dresses and formal outfits. It looks striking when carried by the top handle and can also be worn crossbody with the optional shoulder strap, though the proportions favour petite to medium frames. On larger frames, the 25 can look diminutive. The 25 reads as luxury jewellery — a statement piece rather than a utilitarian bag.
Kelly 28 is the most versatile across dress codes. It transitions from jeans and a blazer to a cocktail dress without feeling out of place. The 28 works with the top handle for formal settings and with the shoulder strap for casual days. Its proportions flatter nearly all frame sizes, which is one reason it has remained the most popular Kelly size for so long.
Kelly 32 is a confident, substantial bag that works best with structured outfits — tailored trousers, coats, blazers, professional attire. It carries a sense of authority and works beautifully for women who want their bag to be a focal point rather than a subtle accent. The 32 is particularly popular among professional women who need genuine carrying capacity without sacrificing style.
Resale Performance by Size
Size is one of the most significant factors affecting Kelly resale value, and the market currently shows clear preferences.
Kelly 25 commands the highest premiums relative to retail. Store-fresh examples in classic colours with gold hardware typically sell for 140–180% of retail price. The 25 Sellier in Noir or Étoupe is one of the most sought-after configurations on the entire pre-owned market. Demand consistently exceeds supply, and prices have appreciated steadily year over year.
Kelly 28 trades at strong premiums — typically 120–160% of retail for desirable configurations. As the most produced size, there is slightly more supply available than the 25, which moderates premiums. However, the 28 is also the most liquid size — it sells fastest because it appeals to the broadest audience. If you value easy resaleability, the 28 is the safest choice.
Kelly 32 trades closer to retail — typically 90–120% of retail. The larger size appeals to a narrower audience in today's market, where the trend toward compact bags has been dominant for several years. However, the 32 offers the best value proposition for buyers who actually want to use their bag daily. Purchasing a 32 at or slightly above retail provides genuine carrying utility at a price point where depreciation risk is minimal.
Which Size Should You Choose
The right Kelly size depends on three honest questions.
How will you use it? If the Kelly is primarily for special occasions, evening events and photography, the 25 delivers the most impact per centimetre. If you want an everyday companion that handles real life, the 28 is the answer. If you carry a lot and refuse to edit your essentials, the 32 will serve you best.
What is your frame size? Petite frames are flattered by the 25 and 28. Medium frames suit all three sizes. Taller or broader frames often find the 28 and 32 more proportionate. Try on all three sizes if possible — photographs can deceive, and the proportions on your body are what matter.
Is resale value a priority? If you are buying with future resale in mind, the 25 and 28 are stronger performers. If you are buying to keep and use indefinitely, the 32 offers the best utility for the price.
The JULL Recommendation
For most first-time Kelly buyers, we recommend the Kelly 28 in Retourné construction. It offers the ideal balance of elegance, capacity and resale strength. In a classic colour — Noir, Gold, Étoupe or Craie — with gold hardware, it is one of the most versatile and liquid luxury assets you can own.
For collectors who already own a 28 and want to add a second Kelly, the Kelly 25 Sellier is a natural complement — it covers formal and evening occasions where the 28 may feel too large.
At JULL, we carry authenticated Kelly bags in all three sizes. Every bag is personally inspected in our London workroom and priced competitively against the current market. Contact us to discuss which Kelly size is right for you.
