Étoupe, A Must Have Neutral for the Hermès Bag Collector
Explore why collectors are captivated by the timeless and iconic Hermès Étoupe color.
É toupe, a taupe-grey shade, is a favorite among modern Hermès collectors who appreciate minimalist yet chic style. Its subtle yet statement-making presence pairs effortlessly with a range of colors, drawing many collectors to this Hermès neutral. Read on to discover more about the Hermès Etoupe color.
Key Takeaways: Hermès Étoupe Overview
| Category | Takeaway |
| Color Profile | A signature taupe-grey “greige” shade that balances brown and grey tones, known for its versatility and understated sophistication. |
| History | Introduced in the early 2000s and now part of Hermès’ permanent color collection, alongside Gold, Black, White, and Rouge H. |
| Design | Distinguished by white contrast stitching, highlighting Hermès’ craftsmanship; tone varies with hardware—warm with gold, cool with palladium. |
| Materials | Most commonly seen in Togo, Clemence, and Epsom leathers; lighter in Swift and darker in Clemence; not produced in exotics. |
| Pricing | The most expensive Etoupe bag to sell at Sotheby's was a Kelly Sellier 20 En Désordre which sold for €40,640 in 2023. |
| Collector Appeal | A cornerstone neutral for Hermès collectors, admired for its subtle elegance, wide styling versatility, and enduring popularity across decades. |
Etoupe, A Must Have Neutral
Much has been said recently about the dominance of Etoupe among other Hermès greys. A shade that deftly straddles grey and brown, Etoupe is the most common grey on the secondary market, comprising around 2% of all Hermès bags sold at auction. In production since at least 2004, Etoupe has become part of the permanent collection of Hermès colors, along with Black, Gold, White and Rouge H. While the value of Etoupe bags at auction have remained below those of Etain, Etoupe has made steady increases of around 4% year over year. In March 2023, Sotheby's sold a Etoupe Epsom Kelly Sellier 20 En Désordre for 40,640 EUR.
The Color of Etoupe
Greige is a term often used to describe Etoupe. It is simultaneously grey and brown, the perfect neutral for any occasion and highly desired by most collectors. Most Etoupe bags are distinct for their white stitching, which contrasts the color of the leather and accentuates the skilled craftsmanship necessary to create an Hermès bag. The tone of an Etoupe bag is reliant on its hardware. With gold hardware, Etoupe is warm and rich, with palladium it turns soft, yet steely. Different leathers can affect the color of Etoupe as well. Etoupe is generally darkest on Clemence leather and lightest on Swift. Etoupe has yet to be produced as any exotic.
The Future of Etoupe
When Hermès released the new 25cm Shadow Birkin, one version was done in Etoupe, which signaled the shade’s continuing popularity. The new 20cm Mini Kelly II has also been produced in Etoupe, as has the new Sellier Birkin, which displays more of the color’s famous contrast-stitching than any Retourne Birkin ever could. Etoupe Togo Birkin and Kelly 25 bags are equal in popularity to Gold, commanding higher prices on the secondary market than almost any other color. Since Etoupe has been around for nearly two decades, examples of bags can be found in all sizes and many styles. Togo is the most common leather for Etoupe, making up 48% of the auction market for the color. Clemence accounts for nearly a third, and Epsom around 13%. Other leathers such as Tadelakt, Swift, Novillo and Chevre are rare finds in Etoupe.
A Touch of Gray
While Hermès may only have a handful of grey shades in their oeuvre, there are a few hues that make their way towards grey and have become especially sought-after for their multifaceted natures. Blue Orage, introduced in 2013, evokes the tension of a storm, combining blue and grey in a way that presents both on equal terms. Blue Glacier is a pale steely grey/blue introduced in 2015. This soft grey takes its inspiration from icy glaciers and the crisp, cold air above them. Vert Amand is the latest favorite grey among dedicated Hermès collectors. Released just recently in 2019, Amande, which gets its name from the color of fresh Almonds, effortlessly blends green and grey into a refreshing new neutral. This shade has proven itself among the most valuable colors on the Hermès secondary market. A new shade, Gris Meyer, has just recently been released. Compared to the dark clouds in a sky portending storm, Gris Meyer is proving to be a favorite new neutral.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Hermès Étoupe
When did Hermès introduce the color Étoupe?
Étoupe was first introduced around 2004 and quickly became one of Hermès’ most recognizable neutrals. Its ongoing popularity has secured its place in Hermès’ permanent color collection, alongside timeless classics like Gold and Black.
What makes Hermès Étoupe unique?
Hermès Étoupe stands out for its dual-toned “greige” hue and signature white contrast stitching, which emphasize the brand’s craftsmanship. The shade adapts beautifully across different leathers and hardware—appearing warmer with gold and cooler with palladium—making it one of the most versatile and elegant Hermès neutrals ever produced.
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