The Hermès Shopper’s Investment ROI Guide Part 2: Constances, Picotins, Evelynes, and More
While the Birkin and Kelly may dominate headlines and earn strong dividends on the resale market, they’re hardly the only Hermès bags worth investing in. For collectors who prefer something subtler—or simply more accessible—several more under-the-radar bag models have proven remarkably strong on the resale market. From the sleek Constance to the casual-chic Evelyne and the structured Bolide, these styles quietly deliver impressive returns for those who know what to look for. Below, we explore the Hermès bags (beyond the big two quota bags) that combine enduring craftsmanship with long-term investment value.
👜 Constance
Why It's Important
The Constance, despite being smaller and less known to more casual buyers, often leads the resale charts. As it should, being a quota bag that's equally hard to get as a Birkin or a Kelly. The RealReal data puts the average resale value for Constance at ~105%. And Rebag has argued the Constance can retain up to 127% of retail in certain cases. It's a real love of long-time Hermès collectors, and has several different variations available on the resale market.
Top ROI Specs & Sweet Spots
| Spec | Why It's Valuable | Risks & Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Size: Micro Constance 14, & Mini Constance 18 | The Micro 14 is extremely rare and commands collector interest. These are not available to most Hermès shoppers, so oftentimes the only way to get it is via the resale market. The 18 (mini) is a versatile “everyday” size that appeals to a wider audience than bigger sizes like the 23 and 24. | Micro sizes have extremely small use capacity, thus the buyer pool is more niche. Larger sizes like the vintage 23 and current 24 can hold more, but aren't as popular currently. |
| Leather: Evercolor, Epsom, exotic | Evercolor and Epsom are stable bets with solid ROI; exotic editions like lizard and crocodile generate high auction interest. | Exotic requires top-tier condition and documentation. |
| Color: Neutrals, special archive shades | Classic neutrals remain safe; limited / discontinued colors tend to spike in value once they're no longer available from the boutique. | Bold / rare colors are riskier to purchase, but also carry bigger potential upside. |
| Hardware: Classic Gold or Palladium | Gold and Palladium will attract the most buyers and sell quickly. | Some unconventional hardware combinations can sometimes increase resale value, while others can decrease it. It's really a gamble. |
Recent Data & Market Behavior
-
Constance has been called the top resale performer for Hermès: average resale ~105% of retail.
-
Smaller Constance variants, especially Micro 14, are extremely scarce in the resale market, elevating their desirability.
-
In exotic or rare finishes, Constances tend to perform robustly in auctions and collector circles.
Advice for Buyers
-
If you land a Constance 18 (mini) in Epsom / Evercolor, neutral shade with classic hardware, that’s a strong “sweet spot.”
-
If you’re chasing maximum upside and have expertise, pursuing a Micro Constance 14 in exotic or archive color may deliver outsized returns—but also remember that they also carry more risk. Be sure to protect the bag (and your investment)!
👜 Evelyne
Why It's Important
The Evelyne is one of Hermès’s more understated, casual silhouettes, and is a much lower price point compared to styles like the Birkin, Kelly, and Constance. But within its niche, certain specs fetch impressive premiums.
Top ROI Specs & Sweet Spots
| Spec | Why It's Valuable | Risks & Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Size: TPM 16 cm | Smaller Evelynes (TPM ie "mini Evelyne") often enjoy high collector interest. | Smaller size limits functionality. Larger sizes are more user-friendly, but often sell at a discount on the resale market. |
| Leather: Togo, Clemence | These are durable and desirable within the Evelyne family. | Soft canvas/other versions are more casual and often go for a discount on the resale market. |
| Color: Noir, shades of pink, neutrals | RealStyle notes that Evelyne TPM in Noir Clemence (gold hardware) and Rose Extreme (palladium hardware) often outperform other bags. Rose Sakura & 5P Pink also often go for a premium, regardless of hardware tone. | Strong colors may risk volatility in resale value. |
| Hardware: Gold or Palladium | As with other Hermès bag styles, standard gold and palladium tones support resale. | Unusual hardware usually lowers appeal for Evelynes, and isn't recommended for investment purposes. Only go with unique hardware if you're buying out of pure love for the brand. |
Recent Data & Market Behavior
-
Evelynes reportedly maintain ~78% of resale value, on average, per The RealReal.
Advice for Buyers
-
Target an Evelyne TPM 16 in Clemence or Togo, in Noir, Rose Extreme, or Rose Sakura, with traditional gold or palladium hardware.
-
Use it often—its casual nature is part of its appeal—but store and care well to preserve condition.
👜 Picotin Lock
Why It’s Important
Though more casual, the Picotin line has solid loyalty and consistent resale retention. RealReal data lists average retention at ~72%. Its popularity has also grown over recent years, especially as bucket bags are having their moment in the limelight.
Top ROI Specs & Sweet Spots
| Spec | Why It's Valuable | Risks & Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Size: 18 cm, 22 cm | These are core sizes with stronger resale demand and therefore sale volumes. | Micro sizes are more niche. Great demand from collectors, but not every buyer is a collector. |
| Leather: Clemence | Favored for durability and drape. | Softer or unusual materials reduce longevity. Canvas editions are more susceptible to show signs of wear, and have less perceived value vs leather. |
| Color: Neutrals, pastels, seasonal accents | Neutrals and pastel shades maintain baseline value; rarer seasonal or archive hues can spike. | Bold or bright colors risk limited buyer appeal. |
| Hardware / Lock Type | Standard padlock closures increase Hermès identity; neutral metals help resale. | Unusual or decorative hardware may restrict buyer demand, and therefore, saleability. |
Recent Data & Market Behavior
-
Picotin 22 and 18 are often cited as the most “resale-worthy” in the Picotin line.
-
While less “glamorous” in their styling, Picotins are reliable workhorses in lighter styles and safer bets for novices.
Advice for Buyers
-
Go for Picotin Lock 18 or 22 in Clemence, in a neutral or seasonal color with standard hardware.
-
Lower investment, but manage expectations — it’s not going to triple overnight, but it’s more stable and forgiving.
👜 Bolide
Why It’s Important
Bolide is a heritage model (a zip top-handle), more often thought of in vintage circles— but with the right spec, the contemporary Bolide (and reissues like Bolide 1923) can offer strong resale probabilities.
Top ROI Specs & Sweet Spots
| Spec | Why It's Valuable | Risks & Tradeoffs |
|---|---|---|
| Model: Bolide 1923 / Mini Bolide | The “1923” re-editions are getting more collector buzz. Also the Mini Bolide gives top-handle/leather zip appeal in a compact size. | Because it’s a “heritage revival,” supply may still be limited and familiarity from more casual buyers is lower. |
| Leather: Chèvre, durable calf | These leathers suit structured zips and age more gracefully. | As with all bag styles, condition is critical to earn a premium. |
| Color: Neutrals & muted tones | Neutral colors improve resale flexibility; rarer archival tones might have upside plays. | Bold seasonal tones risk volatility. |
| Hardware / Zip quality | Smooth, robust zippers and clean metal finishes matter. Any functional issue with the bag will kill resale value. | Wear at corners, zipper pulls, and all edges need extra care to retain their integrity and earn a premium when sold. |
Recent Data & Market Behavior
-
Blogs covering Bolide suggest that pristine versions command high premiums: “a pristine Hermès Bolide can sell for significantly above its worn counterpart.”
-
The Bolide is featured in “Hermès bags under $7K” lists (e.g. the Mini Bolide 1923) as a stylish value entry point. This may make it even more attractive to younger buyers entering the luxury market with less spending power.
Advice for Buyers
-
If you are drawn to Bolide, aim for Bolide 1923 / mini in a neutral calf or chèvre leather, with clean hardware and in pristine or excellent condition.
-
Because it’s less “mainstream,” you may need to educate some buyers who are not as familiar with Hermès heritage. Resell your Bolides with a resale platform like The Luxe Loop that has an established Hermès customer base.
Rounding Out Your Investments
The beauty of Hermès lies in its depth. Beyond the iconic quota bags of Birkins and Kellys, each silhouette tells its own story, and offers its own investment potential. Whether you gravitate toward the timeless utility of a Picotin or the elegant minimalism of a Constance, smart buyers understand that luxury value isn’t only defined by fame. It’s defined by scarcity, condition, and the kind of craftsmanship that never goes out of style.
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.