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Hermès Picotin Bag Full Review & Guide : Is It Really Worth It?
Like many of Hermès’ handbags, the Picotin Lock bag owes its design the brand’s rich equestrian history. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Picotin bag including its history, materials, sizes, and prices.
About the Hermès Picotin Bag
Hermès first introduced the Picotin bag in 1958. However, the model didn’t become popular until 2002. At that time, Hermès added the iconic ‘H’ fastener and re-christened the bag as the Hermès Picotin Lock.
Like many of the brand’s creations, both the name and the design features are inspired by equestrianism. In fact, ‘Picotin’ is the French term for the measurement unit of daily horse feed.
Moreover, the bucket shape was inspired by a horse’s feedbag. These bags have a strap that hooks over the horse’s ears, allowing the animal to eat and move simultaneously.
Other notable features include the four protective metal base studs and the signature Kelly lock. The studs reinforce the base and keep the bag upright, while the Kelly lock adds an elegant touch to an otherwise simple design.
Picotins’ Materials
Picotins are most often made using Clémence or Epsom leather.
Clémence is flat-grained, resistant to scratches, and has a matte finish. Epsom is lighter than Clémence and not as soft. However, it’s still durable and easy to care for. Regardless of the exterior materials, Picotins are all unlined.
Although Clémence and Epsom are the most popular Picotin materials, some special edition bags are made from canvas, suede, calfskin, and ostrich leather.
Hardware options include gold or palladium.
The Picotin comes in staple colors like noir (black), etain, etoupe, and gold, as well as brighter options like abricot, blue jean, vert cypress (green), and jaune de naples (yellow).
On occasion, Hermès produces bi-color versions with a leather shell and a different colored lining.
Hermès Picotin Sizes
Historically, the Picotin Lock Bag has come in three sizes: 18 cm, 22 cm, and 26 cm, with the Picotin 18 being the most popular size. A fourth size, the Micro Picotin, was released in a Swift Leather daisy pattern in 2022.
Check out the table below to see the dimensions of each size.
| Picotin Bag Size | Dimensions LxHxW (inches) | Dimensions LxHxW (centimeters) |
| Picotin Lock Micro | 4.7” x 4.7” x 3.5” | 12 x 12 x 9 |
| Picotin Lock 18 | 7” x 7” x 5” | 18 x 18 x 13 |
| Picotin Lock 22 | 8.5” x 9” x 7” | 22 x 23 x 18 |
| Picotin Lock 26 | 10.1” x 10.1” x 8.2” | 26.7 x 26.7 x 22 |
Hermes Picotin Prices
Like the Evelyne bag, the Picotin is considered an entry-level Hermès model – see our full article about the best entry-level Hermès bags. See the table below for a breakdown of the prices for the Picotin Lock bag in Clémance leather. Prices for the Micro size are not listed as this appears to be a special-edition model.
Please note that due to price fluctuations and country-to-country price differences it’s difficult to get accurate, updated costs. As a result, some of the prices below are estimates. They are designated with an asterisk (*).
| Picotin Bag Size | 2021 Price (USD) | 2022 Price (USD) | 2023 Price (USD) |
| Picotin Lock 18 | $2,875 | $2,950 | $3,120 |
| Picotin Lock 22 | $3,000 | $3,150 | $3,325 |
| Picotin Lock 26 | $3,500 | — | $3,880 |
If you’re interested in a breakdown of the prices of the most popular Hermès bags, check out this article.
Buying an Hermès bag under $3,500 seems quite a steal, especially in comparison with their more expensive handbags that are at least double the price.
Is the Hermès Picotin Worth It?
Even though the Picotin is one of Hermès’ least expensive models, it’s still worth doing your research before buying. Probably one of the first questions you have is whether this bag is worth the investment.
As with almost all of the brand’s products, the answer is a resounding yes. With its simple closure and spacious interior, this bag is functional, casual, and can adapt to whatever you’ve got going on each day.
In addition to its practicality, the Picotin Lock Bag is lightweight, a feature that will allow you to comfortably carry it throughout the day.
Similarly, you can wear the Picotin in a number of ways: by hand, in the crook of your arm, or as a crossbody by attaching your favorite strap.
Finally, you can style the Picotin to match any outfit or occasion by adding an Hermès twilly or a charm.
Is It Hard to Get a Picotin?
Compared to Birkins and Kellys, Picotins are fairly easy to purchase. This style is usually available at Hermès boutiques.
You also might be able to find the Picotin Lock 18 PM or the 22 MM sizes on the Hermès website from time to time. Check out our guide on how to score an Hermès bag directly from the website.
Alternatively, you can usually find a second-hand bag from an online marketplace.
While more readily available than other Hermès products, the Picotin has become more difficult to find since the start of the pandemic due to limited stock.
It’s also worth noting that the amount of stock depends on the country. For example, this bag is very popular in Asia, specifically the Middle East. Unsurprisingly, it’s more difficult to purchase the Hermes Picotin in these regions.
Buyers from these areas often travel to the United States or the United Kingdom in order to purchase a bag. This results in more limited availability in these countries as well.
Picotin Resale Value
The Picotin Lock bag holds its value well. On average, this style has an average resale value of 72 percent.
That said, there are certainly some size and color combinations that are in higher demand, resulting in an above-average resale value.
Usually, Picotin Lock 18s made of regular leather in a classic color like Noir or Gold hold their value best on the resale market.
Check out these amazing pre-loved Hermes Picotin bags here:
Picotin Gallery
Hermès Picotin Conclusion
You really can’t go wrong when purchasing an Hermès bag and the Pioctin Lock is no exception. This entry-level bag is beautiful, wearable, and will accompany you on all of life’s adventures.
What’s more, this style is relatively easy to find in stores or online and holds its value in case you decide to swap it for another model later on.
Check out our other Hermès bag guides:
Hermès Lindy
Hermès Evelyne
Complete Guide To Hermes Leathers In 2023Hermès Jypsiere Bag Guide: Size, Price & More – Is It Worth the Price?
