Welcome to Part 3 of our Complete Hermès Size Guide, featuring the Berline, Evelyne, Bolide, and Jypsiere.

Perhaps not as popular or as well-known as the Jypsiere (below), the Berline, is perhaps one of the most casual Hermès bags. First introduced as part of the Fall/Winter 2011 collection, this crossbody bag gets its sporty vibe from those padded and quilted vertical lines on both the front and the back of the bag, and perforated leather (only on Evercolour leather, while Swift calfskin comes without the perforations), that takes inspiration from the bucket seat on sports cars. With its curved almost saddle-like silhouette and Kelly turnlock closure, the bag comes with a wide detachable shoulder strap, with one side in leather for a slightly more polished look, and canvas on the reverse side, if you really want to play up its laidback casual vibe.  The mini size was also introduced in Spring 2013, and with the crossbody strap detached, it would make a mighty cute clutch!

The Evelyne is one of Hermès’s most popular crossbody style bags. Yet another casual style, it’s distinctive feature is the giant perforated “H” on its exterior. Since its introduction, there have been 3 versions of the bag, namely the Evelyne I, II, and III to differentiate the generation from which it belongs, each one replacing the other. Unlike the Evelyne II and III, the Evelyne I did not come with an exterior patch pocket, while the Evelyne III – the generation we are currently on – comes with an adjustable canvas strap. Unlike most other Hermès bags which come with a clasp, the Evelyne is quite fuss-free with just a buttoned leather tab as its closure, making it perfect for days on which you have to run errands. Oh, and fun fact: did you know that although everyone wears the bag with the giant H facing outwards, that was actually meant to be the back of the bag? Available in either Clemence or Epsom leather, the Evelyne III comes in used to come in 4 sizes, but the Maison has since discontinued the smallest size, the TPM, in 2019.

The Maison also debuted the Evelyne Sellier in Fall 2016, and for this version, the giant perforated H has been replaced with an embossed H enclosed within a diamond shape, in one of their more sturdier leathers, Hunter cowhide.

The Bolide has its roots in transatlanctic travel. While travelling North America, Emile-Maurice Hermès paid a visit to Sir Henry Ford’s (of Ford Motorcars) automobile factory, and discovered the use of zippers used to secure the top on, on the soft tops of convertibles. Upon his return to France, Hermès filed a patent for the zipper, and began using it on the Maison’s bags, and in 1923, the Bolide, initially named le sac pour l’auto, was born. As such, its dome shape was a favourite bag to be used for travel due to its secret zippered compartment for your travel necessities like your keys, passports, and other valuables. Possibly one of Hermès’s most minimalist and simple bags with an oval leather patch in front (which can either be left blank, or customised with your own initials or monogram), it comes with a single zip closure, either tonal or contrast stitching, protective feet, and detachable shoulder strap. Available in Mou (a slouchier style) or Rigide (as the name suggests, this is more structured and usually the preferred choice) it comes in Sikkim leather for the former, and Epsom and Clemence leather, for the latter. Though some perceive this as a bag with a more mature vibe, it still remains one of Hermès’s popular models, especially the Bolide 45 which is a favourite for men.

Making its debut in Fall/Winter 2008, the Jypsiere, designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, gets its moniker from the gypsy-esque spirit that it exudes, because as a messenger bag, it’s meant to carry everything that you need, while you’re on-the-go. With its Kelly-esque turnlock closure this hobo-styledmessenger seems like a close cousin of the Kelly, hence making it distinctly Hermès. Because you have to undo the clasp before you can flip the flap-top open, it’s a great bag to travel with, too, because it isn’t just super secure, but also leaves both your hands free to hang onto your children, and to wheel your luggage around, while at the airport. With the adjustable detachable shoulder strap, you can either wear it crossbody (our favourite way to wear it!) or on the shoulder – rest assured that regardless which option you choose, it will definitely sit comfortably on your shoulder, thanks to the additional leather piece on the strap, which serves as a padding of sorts. The Jypsiere is yet another unisex favourite from Hermès.

If you missed Parts 1 & 2 of our Complete Hermès Size Guides, check them out below:

Part 1 featuring the Birkin, Picotin, and Tool Box
Part 2 featuring the Halzan, Constance and Herbag Zip

Illustrations by @weimun_draws