How to Buy Your First Hermès Kelly: A Collector’s Guide for 2025

The Hermès Kelly is one of the most storied handbags in history. Named after Grace Kelly, who famously used the bag to shield her pregnancy from paparazzi in 1956, the Kelly is defined by its trapezoid shape, single top handle, and meticulous craftsmanship.

While the Birkin often grabs headlines for its resale premiums, the Kelly is equally coveted (and in some circles, even preferred) for its understated elegance and versatility.

2025 U.S. Boutique Prices (What to Expect)

Hermès doesn’t publish public price lists, but reliable sources show U.S. 2025 base retail for the Kelly 25 (currently the most popular, coveted, and expensive size) at:

• Kelly 25 Togo (Retourne): ~$12,000

• Kelly 25 Epsom (Sellier): ~$12,600
  
  Note: Select leathers like Box and Chevre can price higher, and some reporting around the tariff-related adjustment in May 2025 pushed the K25 Epsom to about $13,860 and K25 Togo to $13,200. Your boutique quote will always govern the final price, but these figures are a reliable U.S. benchmark for 2025. 

2025 Resale Market Prices

For most shoppers, the boutique route is nearly impossible without a strong purchase history. This is why many turn to the resale market as their first access point. No purchase history required... but it comes at a price. Here's what you can expect to pay for a Kelly 25 on the secondhand market:

• A Kelly 25 in reasonable used condition can command $14,000–$18,000 USD, depending on color, leather, and hardware.
  
• Highly sought after neutrals or special seasonal colors in pristine condition can go for $20,000-$30,000+ USD.
  
• And of course, exotic skins or extremely rare colorways an climb to $40,000+ USD.

What to Look For When Buying a Kelly

1. Size Matters: 25cm and 28cm Kellys are the most in-demand, and therefore the priciest of all Kelly sizes. Larger sizes (32cm, 35cm) are slightly easier to source and often priced much more favorably.

2. Selliver vs. Retourne: Sellier Kellys are identified by a more rigid, angular shape with stitching visible on the outside of the bag. Retourne Kellys are identified by a softer, slouchier shape with its stitching found on the inside of the bag.
   

3. Leather: Togo is the most popular leather for Retourne styles, while Epsom is the most popular for Sellier styles. However other premium leathers that aren't as readily available, like Box and Chevre, can also go for a premium due to their exclusive nature and beautiful characteristics. Swift can often be found at a bit of a discount, due to its delicate nature.
   

4. Color: Consider if you would prefer a neutral or a bright pop of color. Neutrals often command a premium on the secondhand market, but there are also more of them available, so they're easier to track down. Colors can often go for a discount, especially certain shades of red, blue, yellow, and green. Colors aren't always more affordable though. Rose Sakura, a light pastel pink, is consistently one of the most coveted (and expensive) colors to get on the resale market.
   

5. Hardware: Gold or Palladium hardware? Gold hardware often commands a premium, but it really boils down to personal preference. 

6. Condition: Look closely at corners, handles, and hardware scratches; they dramatically affect value. The good news is that "lived-in" Kellys are always in-style (Hello Olsen twins), so don't feel pressured to get one in pristine condition if it's out of your price range. 

7. Accessories: If the bag comes with its original Hermès box, dust bag, clochette and key, and/or the purchase receipt, it will be a bit pricier than those sold without. But many are fine without the accessories, and actually prefer wearing their Kellys without the clochette to prevent potential damage. So if you're in that boat, you could save some serious money.

Investment Value Snapshot

The Collector’s Takeaway

Buying your first Hermès Kelly requires patience, strategy, and research. For those who secure one, it’s more than a handbag—it’s a piece of fashion history and a proven investment.