HERMESHow does leather change over time? ｜Compare the aging of 7 types of leather at a store in Ginza
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"Even though I've heard the names Togo and Epson, I don't really know what the difference is."
HERMESThe more you research, the more names there are for leather. Many people may find it difficult to tell the difference even when comparing photos.
In conclusion,HERMESLeather can be easily distinguished by four characteristics: gloss, grain, embossing, and scales. Another thing that makes the same difference is the changes that occur over time. There are leathers that deepen in luster, leathers that become softer, and leathers that retain their shape.
From October 1, 2026, the H3 VINTAGE Ginza store will launch an in-store project featuring 7 types of leather, “Enjoy with leather,HERMES. ” is being developed.
From October 1st, the Ginza store will be offering “Enjoying with leather,HERMES. ”｜In-store project featuring 7 types of leather
The seven leathers we have in stock this time are Swift, Box Calf, Togo, Taurillon Clemence, Epson, Ardennes, and Crocodile.
Even if the bag has the same design, depending on the leather, the luster, feel, and shape will change. The two bags may look the same in the photo, but when you pick them up, they have different weights and different ways of reflecting light. At the store, you can look, touch, and find the leather that suits you.
Among the seven, there is also Ardennes, which is not currently produced. It is only in different eras that you can check out the leather that cannot be found in new products.HERMESThis is a unique store selling vintage items.
7 Differences between Leather | Distinguish by 4 types: gloss, grain, embossing, and scales
Before you remember the name of the leather, try dividing it into four types based on the surface finish. That alone will make it much easier to tell them apart.
- Box calf (glossy): Smooth and shiny, with clear contours. It scratches easily, but with care the luster will return and the more you use it, the deeper the luster will become.
- Swift (glossy): Smooth and soft, with vivid colors. Handle gently as it can easily get scratched.
- Togo (shibo): Natural and fine grain. Looks calm even when exposed to light, making small scratches less noticeable
- Taurillon Clemence (grain): Large grain, soft to the touch. It becomes soft little by little and takes on a rounded shape.
- Epson (embossed): Finely embossed for firmness. It does not lose its shape and retains its outline even after many years.
- Ardennes (embossed): Made of embossed firm leather that does not lose its shape. Not currently made
- Crocodile (scales): The arrangement of scales itself becomes a pattern. Avoid rainy days as it is sensitive to water.
The glossy leather reflects light so you can clearly see the shape of the bag. Grained leather scatters light, giving a calming impression even with the same color. The embossed leather keeps the corners and straight lines clean, and the crocodile is the same.KellyBut it looks like a completely different bag from cowhide.
Togo and Epson are compared in more detail in this article.
→ 『Birkin Difference between Togo and Epson | Which one to choose? ”
Buyer Kougen
"The sameKellyHowever, when you put the Boxcalf and Taurillon Clemence side by side, they are so different that you might think they are two different bags. The box calf's edges stand out when exposed to light, giving it its solid shape. The grain of Taurillon Clemence scatters light, so even the corners look a little soft. You can't really tell the difference in the photo, so try holding the two side by side first.
You can understand the aging of leather because it is vintage｜Ardennes and crocodile too
brand newHERMESWhen you choose a leather, what you are looking at is freshly made leather. The aging changes listed above cannot be confirmed at a new product store. At vintage stores, you can actually see the leather after many years.
Among the seven, Ardennes is the one that cannot be selected when new. You can actually see how the firm embossed texture has remained over the years.
Crocodile bags are also lined up at the store this time. If you want to know more about crocodiles, check out this article.
→ ``Suitable for a lifetime,HERMESA thorough explanation of the crocodile material
Buyer Kougen
``When you're dealing in vintage leather, you'll be comparing how the leather will look after it's aged, rather than when it's new. Togo and Taurillon Clemence may look similar when new, but after 10 years there will be a clear difference. Togo will keep its shape, while Taurillon Clemence will become more rounded. At the store, you can see what it will look like 10 years from now.''
If you want to compare leather in Ginza, why choose H3 VINTAGE?
H3 VINTAGE has a physical store in Ginza, Tokyo.HERMESThis is a specialty store. You can see the differences in the leathers compared in this project directly at the store.
1. You can compare 7 leathers side by side in the same store
You can get 7 leathers at once, from glossy leather to crocodile. 1 minute walk from Ginza Station A12 exit, open 7 days a week.
2. You can also choose vintage leather that is no longer made.
You can choose leather such as Ardennes that cannot be selected when it is new, or leather that has changed its luster and texture over the years, after checking it out in person.
3. Specialist concierge who can explain the differences between leathers
HERMESA professional concierge who is knowledgeable about the history, materials, and characteristics of each era is always on hand. We will answer questions such as ``What kind of leather doesn't lose its shape even if you use it every day?'' or ``I want it to last even on rainy days,'' while asking about how it is used on a daily basis.
How to choose the leather that suits you | Think with 3 questions
When faced with seven leathers, you may be confused as they all look good. When in doubt, consider the following three things in order to make your decision easier.
- Do you like the shape to look neat or do you like it to look soft?
- Do you use it a lot every day, or do you take care of it when you go out?
- What do you want the bag to look like 10 years from now?
If you want to show off the shape, box calf or Epsom is suitable, and if you want to look soft, Taurillon Clemence is suitable. If you use it every day, you can choose Togo or Epson, which won't show scratches, and if you want to carry it on the day you go out, Swift or Crocodile will be easier to choose. If you want it to have a deeper luster in 10 years, go for Box Calf, and if you want it to keep its shape, go for Epson.
The final deciding factor is how it feels when you pick it up. Photos alone don't do it justice, so be sure to check it out in person.
Summary｜HERMESWe choose leather by comparing how it will look over time.
HERMESIt will be easier to tell the difference between leather by four types: luster, grain, embossing, and scales. Furthermore, if you look at how the leather changes over time, you will be able to determine which leather is right for you.
H3 VINTAGE Ginza store's "Enjoy with leather,HERMES. '', you can compare seven leathers, including Ardennes, which is no longer made.Official InstagramYaFacebookHowever, we are delivering a view of the store, and on Instagram we are introducing products before they are posted on the official website.
If you would like to choose from a variety of color and leather combinations, please see this article as well.
→ ``AutumnHERMESChoose by bag and leather
Buyer Kougen
"Even if you don't remember the names of the leathers, you can immediately tell the difference when you pick them up. At this store, you can pick up seven leathers at once, so if you're unsure, try placing two bags with similar colors and different leathers side by side. If the colors are the same, the difference that remains is the difference in the leather. I think it's best to choose the one that feels more comfortable in your hand."
Related pages
- Bag list(from leather and modelHERMES(You can search for bags)
- Birkin Difference between Togo and Epson | Which one to choose?(Detailed comparison of two standard leathers)
- Suitable for a lifetime,HERMESThorough explanation of crocodile material(Types and characteristics of crocodiles)
- autumnHERMESChoose from different bags and leathers(Choose from color and leather combinations)
Related press releases
In-store project introduced in this article “Enjoy with leather,HERMES. ” is also introduced in the press release distributed.
H3 VINTAGE Tokyo/Ginza store
- Location: 3F, NS Building, 3-7-16 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- 1 minute walk from Ginza Station A12 exit
- Business hours: 10:30-19:30 (open all year round)
- Phone number:03-6821-6247
- Official website:https://tieel-ec.com
- Official Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/h3vintage_
- Official Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/H3Vintage
