Top 7 Hermès Birkin Bag Alternatives for Every Budget
Are you dreaming of a Hermès Birkin but don’t want to play “the game” or pay double on the resale market? If yes, then this curated list of the best Hermès Birkin bag alternatives is for you!
The Hermès Birkin is the holy grail of handbags—the ultimate symbol of luxury, elegance, and status. Yet, getting your hands on one comes with its own set of challenges: having to pre-spend (a.k.a. buy tons of miscellaneous items from other categories at Hermès) just to be considered for the bag offer, then years-long waitlists, or, if you don’t want to do that, a resale market that often demands double, if not triple, the original cost. Not that difficult to see why a lot of people get discouraged without even starting on their “journey”? Well, the truth is, you don’t need to spend a fortune—or sacrifice years waiting—to achieve the look!
Today, a growing number of both luxury and contemporary brands are producing handbags that are similar in their designs to the Birkin. These are not replicas; don’t get it twisted. Though the vibe is definitely there. In fact, I’d even argue that some of those bags are much more versatile than the bag that inspired them. Ahead, my personal top picks for the best Hermès Birkin bag alternatives on the market today.
1. Saint Laurent Sac De Jour
Starting up with Saint Laurent’s Sac De Jour. Often called “the Saint Laurent Birkin”, Sac De Jour is one of the brand’s emblematic styles, defined by a structured silhouette with accordion sides, compression tabs and a brass padlock (which often draws comparisons to the Birkin). The Sac De Jour, however, is arguably a more versatile handbag, as a detachable shoulder strap that it comes with provides both hand and shoulder carry options, unlike the Birkin, which only has the top handles. You can also choose from an array of sizes, starting with the cutesy nano and ending with the spacious large.
2. Mulberry Bayswater
Another strong contender for the best Hermes Birkin bag alternative, in my opinion, is the Mulberry Bayswater. An iconic style from Mulberry, the Bayswater can be carried by its handles, in the crook of the arm or over the shoulder (yes, the handles are long enough). The exterior is finished with the signature postman’s lock, which makes the bag instantly recognizable, while a wide size range ensures there’s an option for everyone.
Read also: The 7 Best Hermès Kelly Bag Alternatives
3. Ferragamo Studio Bag
Unfortunately, Ferragamo bags don’t hold their value that much on the resale. But hey, it shouldn’t always be about the resale value, which is also exactly why I chose to include the Ferragamo Studio Bag in this list of the best Hermes Birkin alternatives. I mean, isn’t this bag just gorgeous? Set in a classy, geometric silhouette decorated with the brand’s iconic Gancini buckle, the Ferragamo Studio Bag is understated luxury at its finest. Available in two sizes, with a detachable shoulder strap as a sweet bonus.
4. Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote
If the Saint Laurent Sac De Jour is often dubbed “Saint Laurent’s Birkin”, the Bottega Veneta Andiamo Tote can easily be considered that of Bottega’s. But when you think about it, there are actually quite a few similarities between the Birkin and the Andiamo. For example, both share that timeless, structured silhouette. Not to even mention that the Andiamo’s distinctive knot detail on the strap echoes the Birkin’s signature belt closure in spirit.
5. Valextra Milano Bag
Designed to “cater to 24/7 schedules”, Valextra’s Milano Bag is inspired by the busy city that it’s named after. And taking into account that Milan is one of the world’s fashion capitals, this bag truly lives up to its name. Crafted from Valextra’s signature Millepunte Soft calfskin, it features a structured and architectural silhouette, incl. a belt detail which draws immediate similarity to the Birkin. The Valextra Milano Bag is also just a fraction of the price of the Birkin, with prices starting at around $3,000.
6. Strathberry Tote
With its unique bar closure, which elegantly folds over the top handle, the Strathberry Tote is undoubtedly one of the most unique alternatives to the Hermes Birkin bag. But why always go for the expected? The Strathberry Tote, while still being set in the classic, square silhouette, still has its own distinctive identity which makes it stand out from all other bags on the list. And this uniqueness doesn’t come at a premium—quite the opposite actually, with the Mini size priced at just $595.
7. Demellier Hudson Bag
Demellier, of course, is a newer player on the luxury handbag scene. And I’ve personally become a really big fan, as their bags are not only beautiful but also relatively affordable. Actually, I should probably write a dedicated article on Demellier one day. But for now, I would like to highlight their Hudson Bag. A relatively new addition to Demellier’s handbag lineup, the Hudson Bag serves ultimate Birkin vibes with its structured silhouette decorated with a belted strap and gold-tone padlock.
Would you add any of these bags to your collection? Let’s discuss the best Hermes Birkin bag alternatives below!
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