Looking to purchase a Hermès replica bag? I have experience shopping for them, and wanted to create this guide to help you know exactly what to look for when shopping for one. We’ll cover everything from the basics such as what a Hermès replica bag is, to where you can buy the best ones.
Unlike purchasing an authentic Hermès bag, shopping for a replica bag is not a straightforward exercise (regardless of the brand you are shopping for) and requires you to be a well informed shopper before you take the plunge and make any sort of buying decision.
Understanding the Hermès Brand
Before we get into more details on what to look for when shopping for a Hermès replica bag or where to buy one let’s first go over the Hèrmes brand and the legacy it carries…
Quick Summary of The Hermès Legacy
Hermès is not just a brand.
It is arguably the brand when it comes to luxury shopping. The Hermès brand was established in Paris in the year 1837 and set the gold standard when it comes to designer bags and accessories. Hermès prides itself on craftsmanship, and shoppers eagerly pay thousands of dollars to get a piece from the fashion house that exudes this craftsmanship.
The most popular Hermès items (likely ones you have heard of) are their Birkin and Kelly bags. The Birkin was named after the actress and singer Jane Birkin while the Kelly was named after the Prince of Monaco Grace Kelly (formerly an American actress).
Now given this information, it may be unsurprising to you that you cannot simply waltz into a Hermès boutique and purchase one of their coveted Birkin or Kelly bags. These iconic bags are not simply sold on demand, and require a shopper to have a history at a local boutique before they are eventually offered the opportunity to purchase a bag.
This means that if you are lucky enough to own a Birkin or Kelly you have joined an exclusive club – one that signals you really know the ins and outs of luxury fashion.
Celebrity Influence
Hermès used to be a brand that was only recognized by fashion fanatics who could afford to indulge in these pricey pieces.
However in the last couple of years (in unison with the rise of social media) Hermès has undoubtedly become more mainstream, and the Birkin bag has become a sort of cultural icon in the sense that it represents the creme de la creme of designer bags, and signals both a sense of financial and fashion finesse.
Celebrities unsurprisingly have become obsessed with Hermès Birkin and Kelly bags, and by frequently rocking these Hermès bags they have helped both the Birkin and Kelly bags’ status as cultural icons only become further cemented.
From Victoria Beckham’s well-publicized collection of Birkins to Kim Kardashian’s customized pieces, celebrities have made these bags even further synonymous with glamour, wealth, and sophistication.
Generally, when a celebrity is seen with a Birkin or Kelly, it’s not just a fashion statement; it’s a proclamation of their place in the hierarchy of fame and success. It’s no wonder replica Hermès bags are becoming so popular.
What exactly is a Hermès Replica Bag?
Hermès replicas bags are a copy of their authentic counterparts which are often sold at a fraction of the cost. Replica bags make the Hermès experience more attainable for a wider range of shoppers.
Hermès’ own employees were even busted in 2011 for reproducing their bags and selling them as replicas in a wild story I read on the Daily Mail.
High-quality Hermès replicas are meticulously crafted to mimic the design, texture, and even the minutiae like stitching and hardware of authentic Hermès bags.
This level of detail appeals to both fashion enthusiasts who appreciate the artistry in a well-made bag, Hermès addicts who want to add replicas to compliment their authentic collection of bags, as well as practical shoppers who desire the Hermès aesthetic without necessarily wanting to spend tens of thousands on an authentic bag.
Why Choose a Hermès Replica Over Authentic Bags
Why are some people, even the wealthy, leaning towards replicas? Here’s why.
Accessibility:
Authentic Hermès bags are not only expensive but also notoriously difficult to acquire. Waiting lists can stretch on for years, and there’s no guarantee of eventually getting the exact design or material you desire. High-quality replicas offer immediate availability.
Economic Sense:
While a genuine Hermès bag could be considered an investment, its high upfront cost and the uncertainty of resale value can be off-putting. Replicas, being significantly less expensive, offer a way to enjoy the prestige and design without the hefty financial commitment.
Experimentation:
Before investing in a real Birkin or Kelly, some choose to try out a replica to gauge if the style suits their needs and lifestyle. The replica serves as a “test run.”
Fear of Damage or Loss:
Owning a high-end luxury bag comes with its own set of anxieties like damage or theft. With a replica, the emotional and financial risks are significantly reduced.
Social Flexibility:
The social circles of the wealthy can be surprisingly diverse. In settings where flaunting a five or six-figure bag might be considered gauche or attract unwanted attention, a high-quality replica offers a convenient compromise.
Fashion Fluidity:
Fashion trends evolve rapidly. Investing in an authentic luxury bag that might go out of vogue can seem unwise to those who prefer to keep up with the latest styles. Replicas offer a way to adapt to changing tastes without financial repercussions.
Indistinguishability:
Advances in manufacturing have led to replicas that are almost indistinguishable from the real thing in terms of craftsmanship and quality, making them an attractive option for discerning buyers.
Storytime: Read about my friend who bought a replica of her $85,000 Birkin bag…
Now if you have thousands laying around and want to buy the real deal, all I have to say to you is, “all the power to you”! Spend your money as you wish. However I know for a fact that there are a lot of rich socialites who are exclusively buying replica Hermès bags ever since they have discovered how close they are to the real deal.
I mean I can even share with you that I know one lady who is a multi-millionaire in the Southwest, lives in a huge mansion, has real Hermès bags, and still purchases copies of her original Hermès bags as replicas. This includes a stunning crocodile Rose Mexico Shiny Porosus Crocodile Birkin 30 PHW.
Yes my friends – this means that this individual who could afford and did buy a Hermès Birkin that was worth over $85,000 USD actually purchased a copy of her said $85,000 bag in order to prevent her real one from being needlessly damaged.
You and I both know there is a stigma around replica bags, and luxury puritans can get very obsessive and combative when the idea of a replica is even discussed around them. However in the “real world” there are discreet multi-millionaires who are indulging in replica Hermès bags as much as they are indulging in authentic Hermès bags.
And I mean who can blame them? If you are purchasing authentic Hermès bags it is akin to an investment. Why not get a replica Hermès bag made for 10% of the price to use in order to protect your investment in an authentic bag which you may only want to use a few times a year?
Quality differences between Hermès Replica Bags
Please note that there are different qualities of replica bags, and when it comes to Hermès replica bags there is no exception in terms of navigating these different types of qualities. Understanding the difference in quality can save you from a lot of regrets. What do I mean by this?
Well there are two types of Hermès replica bags (machine made and handmade) as outlined in the chart below:
Handmade bags are superior in every way as they are made using the same techniques as official Hermès workshops. However in the world of replicas we all know that the devil is in the details and there is even a difference between a good handmade Hermès replica versus a less good one.
What Makes a Good Handmade Hermès Replica?
In order to score the best quality handmade replica Hermès handbag you will need to ensure that you know how to judge a replica bag. This involves being educated on everything about Hermès bags when it comes to their construction and design including:
- bag shape or structure,
- top handle shape or structure
- leather types,
- leather sources,
- hardware materials, and
- stitching.
I know it isn’t easy to pick up on spotting quality differences right away, and that a person usually needs to buy a couple of replica bags before they are really able to pick up on these qualitative differences. Below you will see photos of replica Hermès bags I actually purchased – one of which is not so great (a Kelly replica) while the other is a stunning handmade replica Birkin bag.
Although in pictures you may not be able to distinguish the quality differences between the bags, in person I can tell you that it is very apparent which bag was handmade with extra effort (as the structure and overall look/feel of the bag reflect this extra care taken with it).
The photo above is of one of my bags which is a Hermès Birkin 30 Replica Bag which I purchased. It is a premium quality replica (also known as a super fake) that was hand sewn and uses the exact same quality of materials as authentic Hermès bags (including leather that is imported from Europe). The bag is stunning and you can read a full review of the bag on the blog here!
The photo above is of a Hermès Kelly replica bag. This was one of the first replica bags I ever purchased and boy oh boy did I learn a lot from this “lemon”. Click here to read the full review.
Generally there is a big difference between a replica Hermès bag that you can buy on Canal Street versus one you can purchase from an artisanal factory in Asia that seeks to mimic the original product to the closest degree possible.
What to Expect When Shopping for a Hermès Replica Bag
Navigating through the buying process requires some know-how. Here’s what to expect.
Choosing the Right Seller
When shopping for replica Hermès bags you can expect to deal with sellers which are primarily located in Asia. These sellers have a wide range of experience and you should aim to shop with the ones that have been crafting replica Hermès handbags for years.
Such dealers are usually the ones with the best product as they have perfected the craft of remaking Hermès bags including paying attention to the finer details that really point to whether a bag is authentic or replica. So when shopping make sure that you always ask a seller how long they have been making Hermès replicas.
Understand Order Timelines
If the bag you are purchasing will be custom made or handmade then you must also take note that it will take time for your bag to be completed. This is a much different experience than simply purchasing a replica Hermès bag off the shelf.
Top tier replica dealers usually have workshops which are identical to that of Hermès itself. It is within these workshops that bags are made, and timing wise it can take up to two months (in my experience) for a bag to be completed. Of course different factors can influence timing (e.g. whether you are buying during a more busy or less busy period). When you are shopping for a replica Hermès bag make sure to keep these sort of timelines in mind.
Payment Methods
In terms of payment, shopping for replicas differs from shopping for authentic designer handbags in that you must be prepared to pay through non-traditional routes. I personally have had to pay through money transfer services as well as Bitcoin for replica products in the past. Sometimes however you may get lucky and are able to pay through more traditional (and simpler) means such as a credit card or Paypal.
Generally, there is a lot to keep in mind when shopping for any replica product – let alone a Hermès replica handbag. Scroll down below to read five important shopping tips that I’d suggest you have at the forefront of your mind when considering shopping for a Hermès replica.
Shopping Tips for Hermès Replica Bags
If you think you are ready to explore the world of Hermès replicas, and are contemplating buying a replica Hermès handbag (whether it be a Birkin, Kelly, or otherwise) then make sure you pay attention to the following tips:
Don’t cheap out – buy a high quality replica Hermès bag
The most important piece of advice I can offer you is: if you are thinking about buying a replica Hermès bag do not do so unless you are ready to invest between $1500 to $2500 in a very high quality replica Hermès bag. To spend any less means you will likely get burned, and waste your money. If you are thinking about ordering a Hermès bag made from an exotic leather then you can expect to pay up to 10% of the authentic bag’s price tag (yes that means some replica Hermès bags go up to $10,000 if they are made of the more pricey exotic leathers).
There is a reason why Hermès bags are expensive in the first place, and if you want a high quality product then you need to spend the requisite amount of money on a Hermès replica to ensure you end up with a good quality replica handbag.
Pay attention to the leather
Hermès bags are fairly simplistic in terms of design, and it can be argued that what ultimately ‘make’ their bags iconic is their leather quality and structure. Hermès is known for its use of premium leathers. Replica Hermès manufacturers that are serious about their bags typically source leathers from Europe. This includes the following heritage leathers that Hermès is most known for: naturelle leather, box leather, barenia leather, butler leather, and tadelakt leather.
When you are shopping for a replica Hermès bag make sure you ask the replica seller what quality their leather is, and where their leather is manufactured. Keep in mind that when it comes to the more exotic leathers such as crocodile or ostrich, these leathers are often sourced from non-European countries including as far as in the continent of Africa.
Examine the stitching – Hermès bags are stitched by hand
As a fan of Hermès, I can say that what I adore most about Hermès bags (regardless of whether it is an authentic or replica Hermès bag) is the stitching on the bag. I love how the stitching looks, and my favorite Hermès bags are the ones with stitching that contrasts with the color of the leather on the bag (as pictured below). On their official website it is stated that, “an icon of its time and for all time, a Hermès bag is the fruit of many hours at an artisan’s table, whose every stitch is applied by hand in a precise and constantly repeated gesture.”
Check the hardware – it should be either gold plated brass or silver palladium
The hardware on a Hermès bag is just as important as every other feature on the bag. Authentic Hermès bags are made from either gold plated brass (called GHW for short) or from palladium (called PHW for short). For Hermès bags with gold hardware 18-karat gold plating is typically used, however it is important to note that some rarer styles may actually come with 24-karat gold plated hardware.
If you are buying a top quality replica Hermès bag then the replica manufacturer should note that they sell hardware made from the exact same materials as Hermès bags, and this includes being placed with REAL gold for bags that are made with gold hardware. If you come across a replica manufacture that looks like the real deal otherwise but does not have this kind of hardware then you are NOT buying a top quality Hermès replica handbag.
Start simple
If you find a replica manufacturer or dealer who looks legit and you feel like you are ready to take the next step and purchase a bag from them I suggest that you go “light” at first by which I mean that you should order a more simple bag at first. That means I don’t suggest purchasing a more pricey exotic leather Birkin or Kelly as your first replica Hermès purchase, but instead perhaps you should go for the more simple leathers.
My golden rule when shopping for replica items (whether it be a replica bag, replica shoe, replica watch, replica scarf, replica jewelry or whatever) is to start small, vet a seller, and then order more if I am happy with the quality.
Where to Buy High-Quality Hermès Replica Bags
By now if your interest in replica Hermès bags remains piqued and you are ready to shop for one yourself then you are probably wondering what dealers or sellers are a safe bet. In other words you are probably wondering, “where the heck can I buy the best Hermès replica bag?” This a great question, and as you may (or may not know) replica dealers popup and disappear all the time.
My personal philosophy is to try to establish a relationship with a reputable seller whom I can return to time after time again. To this end, I have compiled a list of sellers that are tried, tested, and true (based on my experiences as well as the experiences of other trusted friends who are experienced with shopping for replicas). You can see that list of trusted dealers by clicking the link below:
You can also read reviews I have done on my purchases of the following Hermès replica bags:
- Hermès Mini Evelyne (Très Petit Modèle) TPM Replica Bag Review (photo below)
- Hermès Constance 18 Replica Bag Review (Epsom Black with Gold Hardware) (photo below)
Price Guide for Hermès Authentic and Replica Bags
Below you can find a price guide for Hermès bags (both authentic and replica). I have only given my knowledge of pricing on superfake Hermès bags since those are the only type of Hermès replica bags I personally shop for. So keep in mind you can find cheaper replicas out there but that comes at the cost of precision and accuracy (which I am personally a stickler for as a dual authentic/replica designer bag lover).
| Bag Model | Description | Approximate Price Range for Authentic (as of my last training in 2022) | Replica Bag Prices (superfakes/fully hand stitched) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin | One of the most iconic and sought-after Hermes bags. Named after Jane Birkin. | $10,000 – $500,000+ depending on material and rarity | $1,000 to $10,000 (depending on materials) |
| Kelly | Classic handbag named after Grace Kelly. | $9,000 – $400,000+ depending on material and rarity | $1,000 to $10,000 (depending on materials) |
| Constance | A crossbody bag with a large H buckle. | $4,000 – $30,000+ | $1,000 t $1,800 |
| Evelyne | Casual crossbody with perforated H logo. | $1,500 – $5,000+ | $1,000 to $1,700 |
| Garden Party | A tote bag, usually made of canvas or leather | $1,500 – $3,500+ | $1,000 to $1,500 |
| Herbag | Often called the “Kelly’s little sister” | $1,500 – $3,000+ | $800 to $1,200 |
| Jypsiere | Crossbody that looks like a casual Kelly | $5,000 – $9,000+ | $1,000 to $1,800 |
| Bolide | Structured top handle bag. | $6,000 – $10,000+ | $1,000 to $1,900 |
| Lindy | Slouchy and casual tote/satchel. | $5,500 – $10,000+ | $1,000 to $1,900 |
| Picotin | Bucket bag style. | $2,500 – $5,500+ | $1,000 to $1,400 |
Final Thoughts: Are Hermès Replica Bags Worth It?
A Hermès replica bag is not a cheap knock off – it is a high quality handbag that should be almost identical to an authentic Hermès bag. As explained above Hermès replica bags are not cheap, and are a mini investment in and of themselves. However when you compare the price of a Hermès replica handbag to that of an authentic Hermès handbag then you will realize that you are usually saving up to 90% while getting a bag that is pretty damn close to the original.
The savings are mouthwatering when it comes to Hermès replica handbags, and it is hard not to drool when thinking of how many Hermès replica bags you can add to your collection without breaking the bank. This likely explains why shopping for Hermès replicas has become almost a sort of “sport” amongst replica enthusiasts.
