Hermès Clemence leather
A generous grain and a bag that settles into itself.
Taurillon Clemence comes from young bulls. Hermès dates it to 1992 and says it was developed for luggage, named after the daughter of the designer who introduced it. Its grain is larger and flatter than Togo's, without the veins; the leather is heavy and soft. Over time a Clemence bag relaxes into a rounder, more casual shape.
A few things worth knowing
Clemence at a glance
- Family
- Calf and cowhide leathers
- Since
- 1992
- Grain
- Natural, large and flat
- Boutique price versus Togo
- Not published
- Resale versus Togo
- 0.87 times Togo
- Share of listings
- about 31%
Our ratings
- Scratch resistance
- 8/10
- Holds its shape
- 4/10
- Lightness
- 4/10
- Rain and water
- 5/10
- Easy care
- 7/10
- Color depth
- 8/10
- Patina
- 5/10
- Visible natural grain: yes
- Embossed grain: no
- Structured look: no
- 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
Clemence began as a luggage leather, which explains its weight and resilience. It became the natural choice for soft, unstructured bags. In our resale data it is the most frequently named leather of all, because the Evelyne, Picotin and Lindy come in it so often.
Look and feel
The grain is broad, flat and irregular, with a semi-matte surface. Hermès describes it as generous and irregular, with a yielding hand that grows more supple with time. The leather is soft from the start and softens further with use. Many owners find that colors look deeper on Clemence than on Togo.
How it wears
Scratches. The large grain hides marks well. Owners often call it the winner for daily wear.
Water. More sensitive than Togo or Epsom: a drop left to dry can mark. Yet several owners report bags soaked through that came back intact after drying slowly, away from heat.
Shape. The leather that slouches most, especially in large sizes. Stuffing the bag in storage helps.
Weight. Heavy. Birkin 35 bags weighed by owners and reported on a forum came in between 1,209 and 1,271 g.
Patina. Clemence develops a soft, velvety sheen.
Care
The same care as Togo: a dry cloth, a damp one for light marks. After rain, blot gently, never apply heat and let the bag air for at least a day. Keep it filled with tissue in storage.
Who it suits
Soft, everyday bags (Evelyne, Picotin, Lindy) and anyone who accepts some weight for a leather that shrugs off scratches.
Where the sources disagree
- Introduction. 1992 for Hermès; the mid-1980s or the 1990s in collectors' guides.
- Water. Resellers warn about water marks; owners report soakings with no damage.
- Slouch. Most owners see it; one reports none after ten years.
Clemence resale prices
Median asking prices, October 19, 2026. US dollars, from public resale listings, not confirmed sale prices.
On the resale market, a Clemence 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 10 comparable groups.
| Bag | Condition | Median asking | Same bag in Togo | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin 30 | Pristine | US$26,300 | US$30,800 | fewer than 20 |
| Birkin 30 | Pre-owned | US$18,900 | US$23,000 | about 130 |
| Birkin 35 | Pre-owned | US$16,500 | US$18,500 | about 160 |
| Birkin 40 | Pre-owned | US$13,400 | US$19,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 28 | Pristine | US$27,500 | US$27,500 | about 20 |
| Kelly 28 | Pre-owned | US$19,400 | US$20,000 | about 60 |
| Kelly 32 | Pre-owned | US$12,800 | US$15,600 | about 60 |
| Kelly 35 | Pre-owned | US$12,300 | US$13,500 | about 50 |
| Picotin 18 | Pristine | US$6,000 | – | about 210 |
| Picotin 18 | Pre-owned | US$4,500 | US$4,300 | about 550 |
| Lindy 20 | Pre-owned | US$8,100 | – | about 50 |
| Lindy 30 | Pre-owned | US$7,100 | – | about 120 |
| Garden Party 30 | Pre-owned | US$2,300 | US$4,300 | fewer than 20 |
| Bolide 35 | Pre-owned | US$4,100 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Jypsière 28 | Pre-owned | US$5,900 | – | 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
What is the difference between Clemence and Togo?
Clemence has a larger, flatter grain without veins, is heavier and slouches more. Togo is lighter and keeps its shape longer.
Is Clemence good for a Birkin?
It works well for owners who like a relaxed shape. Large Birkins in Clemence slouch noticeably over time.
Is Clemence waterproof?
No leather is. Wipe drops quickly; a drop left to dry can leave a mark.
References
- Hermès, product descriptions of Clemence bags (Picotin Lock, Evelyne III, Lindy).
- 1stdibs, "The Definitive Guide to Hermès Birkin Bag Leathers".
- PurseBop, "An Insider's Guide to Hermès Leathers".
- PurseForum, owner discussions on Clemence wear, water and bag weights.
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 Clemence leather », Hermès Leathers, resale snapshot of 2026-10-19. https://myquotabag.com/leathers/clemence/