Hermès Chèvre leather
Goatskin from India: the lightest leather owners have weighed.
Hermès works goatskin under the name chèvre, from hides that come from India. Two finishes matter for bags. Chèvre Mysore, named after a city in southern India and dated by Hermès to the 1990s, has an irregular but harmonious grain raised by a traditional "boarding" process. Chèvre Chamkila, from 2018, takes its name from the Hindi word for shiny: a small, smooth, very glossy grain.
Since May 2020 the house has owned the Mégisserie Jullien in Chabris, its goat specialist for about a century, which Hermès credits with particular expertise in Mysore and Coromandel goatskins.
A few things worth knowing
- All Hermès goatskin comes from India, according to its product descriptions.
- Mysore is dated to the 1990s; Chamkila appeared in 2018; Chamkilight, a metallic finish, in 2024.
- A Birkin 35 in Mysore weighed by its owner, as reported on a forum, came in at 995 g, the lightest of all the bags weighed.
- In January 2026, goat was reported about 7% to 9% above Togo or Epsom at US boutiques for the same bag.
Chèvre (goat) at a glance
- Family
- Goat leathers
- Since
- 1990s (Mysore), 2018 (Chamkila)
- Grain
- Fine natural grain
- Boutique price versus Togo
- About 7% to 9% more
- Resale versus Togo
- 0.87 times Togo
- Share of listings
- about 2%
Our ratings
- Scratch resistance
- 8/10
- Holds its shape
- 6/10
- Lightness
- 9/10
- Rain and water
- 7/10
- Easy care
- 6/10
- Color depth
- 7/10
- Patina
- 3/10
- Visible natural grain: yes
- Embossed grain: no
- Structured look: yes
- Made for daily use: yes
- CITES paperwork to travel: no
Our take. These ratings are MyQuotaBag's editorial view, built from the sources listed below and from collectors' experience. They are not measurements. Resale versus Togo and share of listings are measured from public listings.
On this page
Origin and history
The house uses goat mainly for small, structured bags and small leather goods: Mini Kelly, Kelly 20 and 25, Constance, wallets. In 2022 its registration document still named Mysore among its emblematic leathers, which contradicts a reseller's claim that Chamkila replaced it. Chèvre Coromandel, another goat, returned to the collections in 2019; Hermès praised its natural grain and its distinctive patina. It was not new: an auction house sold an Étoupe Coromandel Kelly 28 dated 2008.
Look and feel
Mysore has a lively, slightly shiny grain and softens with time; some bags show a faint central "spine" line from the hide. Chamkila is glossier and smoother, with subtly contrasted color.
How it wears
Scratches. Mysore resists scratches well but can dent; its corners can fold. Chamkila's gloss shows scratches and creases more: owners find it more delicate than Mysore.
Water. Fairly tolerant: owners describe surviving several showers without wiping.
Shape. Firm, but it keeps the imprint of what you carry and can mark under studs or a strap.
Weight. The lightest leather weighed by owners. This is its most repeated praise.
Patina. Hermès says Chamkila has a high propensity to develop a patina and that Mysore grows more supple and satiny with time. Owners rarely mention a visible change.
Care
A dry cloth; keep it away from water, oils, perfume, acetone, sun and heat. Owners differ on how well goat corners can be restored at the spa. The metallic Chamkilight has lost its coating with use on at least one owner's bag.
Who it suits
Small bags, wallets, light travel and anyone who wants the lightest possible bag.
Where the sources disagree
- Introduction of Mysore. The 1990s for Hermès; 2002 on the Birkin line in some guides.
- Repair. Some owners say goat is hard to restore; others report perfect corners.
- Chamkila. Described as glossy by its name, but some owners find it more matte than Mysore.
- Patina. Hermès's product description says Chamkila develops a strong patina; owners rarely mention it.
Chèvre (goat) resale prices
Median asking prices, October 19, 2026. US dollars, from public resale listings, not confirmed sale prices.
On the resale market, a Chèvre (goat) bag is listed at about 0.87 times the price of the same bag in Togo, same model, size and condition. This is the median over 7 comparable groups.
| Bag | Condition | Median asking | Same bag in Togo | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin 25 | Pristine | US$34,200 | US$30,900 | fewer than 20 |
| Birkin 30 | Pre-owned | US$20,000 | US$23,000 | about 20 |
| Birkin 35 | Pre-owned | US$12,600 | US$18,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 20 | Pristine | US$38,500 | – | about 20 |
| Kelly 20 | Pre-owned | US$30,800 | – | about 40 |
| Kelly 25 | Pristine | US$28,900 | US$28,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 25 | Pre-owned | US$23,500 | US$25,300 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 28 | Pre-owned | US$15,100 | US$20,000 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 32 | Pre-owned | US$12,000 | US$15,600 | fewer than 20 |
| Constance 18 | Pristine | US$18,100 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Constance 18 | Pre-owned | US$13,600 | – | about 60 |
Think of these figures as a snapshot of the market rather than a valuation of any particular bag. Explore resale prices by bag, size and year.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chèvre leather durable?
Mysore resists scratches and light rain well, but dents and folds at the corners. Chamkila is more delicate.
Is goat lighter than calf?
Yes. It is the lightest leather weighed by owners.
What is the difference between Mysore and Chamkila?
Mysore has a raised, lively grain; Chamkila is smoother and glossier, introduced in 2018.
References
- Hermès, product descriptions of Chèvre Mysore and Chèvre Chamkila (Geta bag, Mini Médor, Kelly Pocket wallet).
- Hermès International, Universal Registration Documents 2019, 2020, 2022 and 2025; Document de référence 2018.
- PurseBop, "An Insider's Guide to Hermès Leathers" and Hermès US price reports, January 2026.
- PurseForum, owner discussions on goat leather and bag weights.
- Artcurial, Kelly 28 in Chèvre Coromandel, 2008.
About this guide
MyQuotaBag brings together what is known about each Hermès leather, from brand material, tanneries, regulators, the press and collectors. It also says where the sources disagree. Ratings are our own view. Resale figures are public asking prices, not confirmed sales or valuations.
MyQuotaBag is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Hermès.
How to cite: MyQuotaBag, « Hermès Chèvre (goat) leather », Hermès Leathers, resale snapshot of 2026-10-19. https://myquotabag.com/leathers/chevre/