Hermès Swift leather
The most saturated color of the house, on a leather that remembers every touch.
Swift is a soft, nearly smooth calfskin with a micro-grain and a gentle glow. Hermès dates it to 2004 and named it after Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, to recall its resemblance to Gulliver calfskin, which is no longer in the collections. Dyes sink deeply into it: owners and resellers agree that colors look richest on Swift.
A few things worth knowing
- Hermès dates Swift to 2004; collectors' guides say 2005 or 2006.
- Hermès says it resembles Gulliver, a calfskin no longer made; collectors see Swift as its successor.
- In January 2026, a Swift Birkin 25 was reported at the same US boutique price as Togo: US$13,500.
- It scratches easily, but light marks often rub away with a fingertip.
Swift at a glance
- Family
- Calf and cowhide leathers
- Since
- 2004
- Grain
- Smooth micro-grain
- Boutique price versus Togo
- Same price (Birkin 25)
- Resale versus Togo
- 1.07 times Togo
- Share of listings
- about 9%
Our ratings
- Scratch resistance
- 3/10
- Holds its shape
- 4/10
- Lightness
- 6/10
- Rain and water
- 4/10
- Easy care
- 4/10
- Color depth
- 10/10
- Patina
- 6/10
- Visible natural grain: no
- Embossed grain: no
- Structured look: no
- Made for daily use: no
- 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
Swift arrived as the house's soft, smooth calfskin for small and evening bags: Kelly Pochette, Kelly Danse, Constance. Its name links it to Gulliver, the earlier calfskin collectors say was withdrawn around 1999. Auction houses list Gulliver bags until at least 1998, such as a red Kelly Retourne 35.
Look and feel
Almost smooth, with a very fine grain and a soft sheen. It is supple and light in the hand; its color depth is unmatched among the calf leathers.
How it wears
Scratches. Swift shows fingernail marks and fingerprints. Light scratches can often be smoothed with a fingertip; owners warn against home remedies, the cause of most lasting damage.
Water. A drop wiped at once usually leaves no trace; soaking is the risk.
Shape. Soft. Large Swift bags lose their structure; owners have reported corner wear within weeks on a Birkin 35.
Weight. Single bags weighed by owners and reported on a forum: a Birkin 30 at 869 g, a Birkin 35 at 1,218 g.
Patina. Its sheen grows with use and the leather becomes softer to the touch.
Care
Clean hands, no rough surfaces, a light polish of marks. Baby wipes do nothing for it. Hermès's repair service restores Swift well. Light colors can pick up dye from dark clothing.
Who it suits
Careful owners, small bags and evening use. The leather to choose for a color you love.
Where the sources disagree
- Introduction. 2004 for Hermès; 2005 or 2006 in guides.
- Repair. Most say light scratches rub out; some owners say not all do.
- Gulliver. Collectors say Swift replaced Gulliver; Hermès speaks only of a resemblance.
Swift resale prices
Median asking prices, October 19, 2026. US dollars, from public resale listings, not confirmed sale prices.
On the resale market, a Swift bag is listed at about 1.07 times the price of the same bag in Togo, same model, size and condition. This is the median over 13 comparable groups.
| Bag | Condition | Median asking | Same bag in Togo | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkin 25 | Pristine | US$35,100 | US$30,900 | about 50 |
| Birkin 25 | Pre-owned | US$24,200 | US$28,600 | about 140 |
| Birkin 30 | Pristine | US$35,100 | US$30,800 | fewer than 20 |
| Birkin 30 | Pre-owned | US$21,500 | US$23,000 | about 30 |
| Birkin 35 | Pristine | US$59,200 | US$33,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Birkin 35 | Pre-owned | US$19,800 | US$18,500 | about 50 |
| Kelly 18 | Pristine | US$23,600 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 20 | Pre-owned | US$75,000 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 25 | Pristine | US$30,900 | US$28,500 | about 20 |
| Kelly 25 | Pre-owned | US$23,900 | US$25,300 | about 70 |
| Kelly 28 | Pristine | US$24,500 | US$27,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Kelly 28 | Pre-owned | US$21,500 | US$20,000 | about 20 |
| Kelly 32 | Pre-owned | US$16,800 | US$15,600 | about 20 |
| Kelly 35 | Pre-owned | US$17,500 | US$13,500 | fewer than 20 |
| Constance 18 | Pre-owned | US$11,500 | – | about 50 |
| Constance 24 | Pre-owned | US$10,300 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Picotin 18 | Pristine | US$7,100 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Picotin 18 | Pre-owned | US$4,200 | US$4,300 | about 40 |
| Lindy 20 | Pre-owned | US$8,400 | – | about 20 |
| Lindy 30 | Pre-owned | US$4,700 | – | fewer than 20 |
| Jypsière 28 | Pre-owned | US$6,600 | – | fewer than 20 |
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
Does Swift scratch easily?
Yes, it is one of the most delicate calf leathers. Light marks often fade when rubbed gently.
Is Swift good for a Birkin?
For small sizes and careful owners, yes. Large Swift Birkins tend to lose their shape.
Is Swift cheaper than Togo?
No. In January 2026 the reported US boutique price of a Birkin 25 was the same in both.
References
- Hermès, product descriptions of Swift calfskin (Glenan To Go pouch, Kelly Pocket strap).
- 1stdibs, "The Definitive Guide to Hermès Birkin Bag Leathers".
- PurseBop, "An Insider's Guide to Hermès Leathers" and Hermès US price reports, January 2026.
- PurseForum, owner discussions on Swift wear and bag weights.
- Artcurial, Gulliver calfskin Birkin 40 (1993) and Kelly Retourne 35 (1998).
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 Swift leather », Hermès Leathers, resale snapshot of 2026-10-19. https://myquotabag.com/leathers/swift/