[Archived version]HERMES20 glossary selections | Buyer explanation of the basics that beginners need to know
目次
HERMESAre you interested in ``Togo'', ``Kadena'', and ``Blind Stamp'', but are confused by the unfamiliar terms?
In this article:HERMESWe carefully select 20 terms and explain them in an easy-to-understand manner even for beginners. Just knowing everything from the name of the bag to the leather material, metal fittings, and engravings will make shopping in stores and online much smoother. Buyers at H3VINTAGE, a vintage specialty store in Ginza, purchase thousands of items every year.HERMESI have summarized this with my experiences.
You may also want to read:[Professional selection] FirstHERMESComplete guide | How to choose without regrets
Regarding the name of the bagHERMESterm
HERMESThere are many types of bags, and many people feel like they can't tell which one is which just by hearing the name. If you first memorize the names of the six most popular models, conversation and bag selection will be much easier.
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| Birkin | HERMESThis is a handbag that symbolizes. Opens and closes with a cover lid and belt, combining storage capacity and presence. |
| Kelly | This masterpiece is characterized by its trapezoidal shape and single handle. It has a neat feel and can be worn over the shoulder with the shoulder strap. |
| Picotin | A bucket-shaped tote with an open top. It is light and easy to use on a daily basis, making it popular as a first-timer. |
| Bolide | A round, practical bag that opens and closes with a zipper. It is attractive that it stands on its own and does not lose its shape easily. |
| Garden party | A horizontally long tote with high storage capacity. Originated as a garden tool holder, it has a reputation for being durable and practical. |
| Constance | A shoulder bag with impressive large "H" metal fittings. Looks great both formal and casual |
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"If you remember these six things first, you will have little trouble communicating in stores or online.BirkinandKellyis a special book,PicotinYaGarden partyis your everyday companion—it's easier to remember if you organize it by ``role'' like that.''
Related to leather and materialsHERMESterm
sameBirkinHowever, if the leather is different, the expression will change completely - this isHERMESThis is the depth of the choice, and it is also the most difficult part. Here, we will briefly organize six typical leather materials that beginners tend to get confused about.
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| Togo | Cowhide leather has a soft grain (unevenness in the leather) and scratches are less noticeable. Durable and easy to handle, popular among beginners |
| epson | Cowhide leather is embossed and has a firm texture that does not lose its shape. Good coloring and gives a light impression |
| Taurillon Clemence | This cowhide is slightly matte and soft, with large grains. Enjoy the calming texture |
| swift | It is a soft leather that is smooth and has a good color. Since it is delicate, it will maintain its beauty for a long time if handled with care. |
| box calf | It is a shiny and smooth leather. It has an elegant luster, and the more you use it, the deeper it becomes. |
| exotic leather | A general term for rare materials such as crocodile and alligator. It has a unique pattern and a luxurious feel, and is also expensive. |
You may also want to read:Suitable for a lifetime,HERMESThorough explanation of crocodile material
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"If you're having trouble choosing a material, I recommend Togo or Epson for first-timers. Both are durable and can be used on a daily basis. On the other hand, the beauty of Swift and Box Calf is their delicacy. Once you learn the names and characteristics of the materials, you can see completely different charms of the same model."
Regarding metal fittings and specificationsHERMESterm
``What is Cadena?'' ``What is the difference between internal and external stitching?'' When choosing a bag, words related to metal fittings and specifications can be confusing. If you keep this in mind, checking and comparing at the store will be much smoother.
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| Cadena | BirkinYaKellyIt's a padlock attached to.HERMESIt is known as one of the accessories that symbolizes |
| crochet | A long and narrow leather case that holds Cadena's key. Presence and condition also affect value |
| Inside stitching (letourne) | Tailored with internal seams. Creates a soft and friendly impression |
| Outside stitching (serie) | Tailored with seams on the outside. Gives a solid and neat impression |
| Gold metal fittings/silver metal fittings | The color type of metal fittings. Gold gives a gorgeous look, while silver gives a cool look. |
| Twilly | A long, thin scarf that wraps around the handle. Useful for both scratch prevention and coordination accents |
You may also want to read:HERMES KellyDifference between inside and outside sewing | Buyer explains how to choose
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"Crochet and cadena are small accessories, but the impression and value will change depending on whether they are included or not. When choosing a vintage item, be sure to check whether accessories are included. It is up to your preference whether to sew inside or outside, but if you keep in mind that if you want a soft look, sew inside, and if you want a sharp look, sew outside, it will be easier to choose."
Regarding markings and conditionHERMESterm
vintage or second handHERMESWhen choosing a product, many people may be wondering, "What should I look for when it comes to markings?" and "How do I read the condition rank?" Here, we will summarize the basic knowledge to help you choose one item with confidence.
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| Engraving (blind stamp) | This mark indicates the manufacturing date and workshop. This will give you a clue as to the age, but the authenticity cannot be determined just by looking at the engraving. |
| condition rank | This is a guide to indicate the condition of the product in stages. Each store has different standards, so it is important to check photos and the actual product. |
| vintage | Refers to second-hand items with rare value, such as period items, discontinued colors, and old models. It has the charm of a one-of-a-kind item that you cannot find at regular stores. |
Engravings can be a clue to the age, but they alone cannot determine authenticity. Choosing from a store you can trust gives you the greatest peace of mind.
You may also want to read:[2026 latest]HERMESA complete guide to avoid mistakes when purchasing (how to read stamps)
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"An engraving is the ``sign of a bag's birth" that tells us the time that a piece has traveled. This is exactly what makes vintage so interesting. However, the way to read an engraving is profound, and that alone cannot tell us whether it is genuine or fake. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us."
Useful to knowHERMESterm
Price revisions, resales, discontinued colors—we see them in the news and on social media, but we don't really know what they mean exactly. I think there are many people like that. Let's get everything sorted out here.
| term | meaning |
|---|---|
| Price revision | HERMESThis is a periodic review of list prices. Prices have continued to rise in recent years, which has also affected the used market. |
| resale | Refers to the reselling or value of something purchased.BirkinYaKellyStandard models such as these tend to retain their value particularly well. |
| Discontinued color | This color is no longer manufactured. It will be a rare encounter unique to vintage. |
| touch | It is a special specification that combines crocodile etc. into a part of the main body. Understated elegance stands out |
| soufflé | Refers to the type that has a wide gusset to increase storage capacity.B?arn souffletThis is a specification often seen in wallets such as |
You may also want to read:[2026 latest]HERMESWhat is the impact of the price revision? Why now is the time to choose vintage
[Buyer Kougen comment]
"'Discontinued color' may be the word I want to convey the most. Being able to come across colors that are no longer made is a privilege only found in vintage stores. The best part of being vintage is being able to enjoy the chance to see a unique item that is not available in regular stores lined up at a store in Ginza."
HERMESTerminology FAQ
Q. HERMESWhat terms should I remember first?
A. Bag name (Birkin・Kelly・Picotin), typical leather materials (Togo and Epson), cadena and crochet metal fittings, and the differences between internal and external stitching will make your shopping and conversations smoother.
Q. What is the difference between Togo and Epson?
A. Togo is cowhide with a soft grain that makes scratches less noticeable, and Epson is embossed cowhide that has firmness and doesn't lose its shape. Both materials are durable and easy to handle, making them popular among beginners.
Q. What are cadena and crochet?
A. Cadena isBirkinYaKellyA padlock or crochette is a long, thin leather case that holds the key. BothHERMESIt is a symbolic accessory, and its presence and condition will affect its value.
Q. What is a blind stamp?
A. It is a mark placed on the bag to indicate the manufacturing date and workshop. This is a guide to the age, but the authenticity cannot be determined just by looking at the engraving. Choosing from a store you can trust gives you the greatest peace of mind.
Q. What is the difference between vintage and used items?
A. Used refers to all products that have once passed into someone else's hands, and vintage refers to items that have rarity and value, such as vintage items, discontinued colors, and old models. Vintage items have the charm of one-of-a-kind items that cannot be found in regular stores.
Q. Which leather material is recommended for beginners?
A. For first-time users, we recommend Togo or Epson. Togo has a soft texture that makes scratches less noticeable, while Epson has a firmer texture that doesn't lose its shape easily. Both are durable and suitable for everyday use.
Q. Can I purchase it without knowing the terms?
A. もちろん可能です。 If there is a word you do not understand, please feel free to ask us in store or on LINE. At H3VINTAGE, our professional staff will help you choose the item while providing easy-to-understand explanations.
Summary｜HERMES用語を知れば、選ぶ楽しさが広がる
この記事で紹介したHERMES用語の要点を振り返ります。
- It will be easier to organize your bags if you remember them by dividing them into ``special bag'' and ``everyday companion.''
- For beginners, we recommend Togo and Epson as they are durable and easy to handle.
- The value of accessories such as cadena and crochet will depend on whether they are included or not.
- The engraving is a clue to the age, but it cannot be used alone to determine authenticity.
- You can also enjoy encounters unique to a specialty store, such as discontinued colors and vintage items.
[Buyer Kougen comment]
「用語を知ることは、HERMESをもっと好きになる第一歩です。 Once you understand the language, you will be able to see the background behind each item and the attention to detail of the creator, and your time when choosing items will be much richer.難しく感じる必要はありません。 Vintage is the best way to make your longings a reality, rather than ending them just someday. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask us in Ginza."
If you find a model or material that interests you, first take a look at our lineup online. H3VINTAGE has a customer rating of 4.8 and ships the next day after ordering, so even first-time customers can use it with confidence. At our Ginza store, we can explain terminology while looking at the actual product, and you can also feel free to contact us via LINE or phone.
