Hermès Raises the Birkin Bag Price: What You Need to Know
Learn about the Hermès Birkin bag price increase in 2025, why prices are rising, and what this means for buyers and collectors.
What you need to know about the Hermès Birkin bag price increase in 2025.
Brief History of the Iconic Hermès Birkin Bag
When the Birkin was first released by Hermès in 1984 it was about $2,000. The Birkin remains an icon in the fashion world, highly sought-after by celebrities, top luxury buyers and the bag-obsessed. The Birkin’s design is a collaboration between Jane Birkin and Hermès CEO Jean-Louis Dumas. The two met on a flight from Paris to London in 1984. Birkin confided in Dumas that she lacked a practical bag with appropriate functionality for her fast-paced lifestyle. Out of this conversation, the Birkin 40 in chic calfbox leather was born. The Birkin’s practical design featuring two rolled handles, a flap top, clou “feet,” and a lock closure continues to resonate today. The very first Birkin was the only bag to have a shoulder strap.
Hermès Birkin Bag Price Increase 2025 Key Takeaways
| Birkin Bag Price Increase in 2025 | U.S. prices rose 4.4% to 6.4% in May 2025 due to new tariffs; Europe saw smaller 4.3% hikes. |
| Factors Driving Price Increases | Tariffs, limited production, brand prestige, currency fluctuations. |
| Birkin 25 Price 2025 | $12,700 (U.S.) vs. €8,950 (Europe) |
| Birkin 30 Price 2025 | $13,900 (U.S.) vs. €9,800 (Europe) |
| Secondary Market Impact | Secondary prices average ~2.4x retail; may rise gradually following tarrif-driven retail increases. |
| Collector Appeal | High demand persists due to exclusivity, craftsmanship, and rarity. |
How Much Does a Birkin Bag Cost in 2025?
How much is a Birkin bag has changed again in 2025. While Hermès has raised the price of a Birkin since first introducing it in 1984, the 40 year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is only 5%. Based on the recent price increases during the past 5 years, the question on everyone's mind is what can we expect going forward. Will Hermès maintain its historical 4-6% range annual price increases? Will the classic Togo leather Birkin exceed $20,000 within the next 5 years? If Hermès increases prices closer to 10% every year, the retail price for the Birkin bag could reach $20,000 for the Birkin 30 in Togo leather. While the $12,000 leather bag was considered the very top of the luxury bag market a few years ago, it's possible the $20,000 luxury leather bag is not far off.
In addition to the standard annual adjustments, Hermès raised U.S. prices again on May 1, 2025, due to newly imposed tariffs. This U.S.-specific increase ranged from 4.4% to 5.9% and applied across key categories including handbags, footwear, and jewelry. For example, the Birkin 25 in Togo leather increased from $12,100 to $12,700. These May adjustments follow the January 2025 global increase, but are exclusive to the U.S. market. Prices in Europe have remained stable since the start of the year.
We take a closer look at the price increases for the most popular Birkins, the Birkin 25 and Birkin 30 in Togo leather.
How Have Birkin Prices Changed Over Time?
Birkin 25 Price History
The smallest Birkin bag, the Birkin 25 has increased to $12,700 for a Togo leather bag at Hermès boutiques in the United States, following a second U.S-only price increase in May 2025 due to newly imposed tariffs . While the price of the Birkin 25 remained flat from 2019 to 2021, it increased in 2019 from $9,400 in 2016. The price for Birkin 25 in Togo leather in Europe is now €8,950 , up from €5,900 in 2016. While the price increase in Euro was less than the increase in the U.S., it is still cheaper to buy a Birkin 25 in Europe versus the United States. While some brands try to normalize prices globally Hermès does not follow this practice.
Birkin 30 Price History
Prices for the Birkin 30 in Togo leather increased 6.4% in May 2025 to $13,900 at Hermès boutiques in the United States. This is a smaller increase than 2024, but still more than the price increase in Europe. In Europe the price increase is only 4.3% for the Birkin 30, now priced at €9,800 . With U.S. prices climbing again mid-year, the gap between U.S. and European pricing has widened even further in 2025.
What Are Secondary Market Prices for Birkin Bags?
Secondary market prices generally follow primary market price increases for Hermès bags, but there can be a lag of 6-12 months. Pristine Birkin bag prices in the first half of 2024 have remained largely unchanged at Sotheby's. The price for a pristine Togo leather Birkin 25 or Birkin 30 has remained around $28,000-$30,000 on Sotheby's marketplace. The secondary market premium for the Hermès Birkin 25 or Birkin 30 remains about 2.4x the boutique price at the new higher prices. As U.S. retail prices rose again in May 2025 due to tariffs, it’s possible that secondary market pricing may begin to shift upward in the coming months — particularly for pristine models in high-demand colorways or materials.
We don't anticipate the premium to increase materially, but if Hermès continues to increase prices nearly 10% a year and the store price for a Birkin 30 or Birkin 25 reaches closer to $20,000, we would anticipate resale prices will also increase at similar levels. While demand for the Birkin continues to exceed supply at retail stores, will the price premium also remain in tact in the secondary market? While we don't see another luxury bag brand competing directly with Hermès, the price premium to retail could compress.
Buy and Sell Hermès Birkin Bags with Sotheby’s
Whether you're a seasoned collector or new to the world of Hermès bags, Sotheby’s offers a trusted, seamless way to buy and sell Hermès Birkin bags on the secondary market.
Why Choose Sotheby’s?
Expertly Vetted Selection
Explore rare and collectible Birkin bags, starting from $20,000 to $35,000 for leather models while rare exotic and Himalaya Birkin bags are generally valued over $100,000.
Exclusive Global Access
Shop handbags through auctions and Buy Now marketplace, backed by a worldwide network of collectors and consignors.
Flexible Ways to Buy
Purchase online or in person at our locations in New York, Paris, and Hong Kong—or work with a dedicated handbag concierge.
Exceptional Value
Every handbag is authenticated and priced by Sotheby’s specialists to reflect true market value.
Constantly Evolving Inventory
Discover Hermès Birkin bags across all price points, with new pieces added regularly.
Ready to Get Started?
- Browse upcoming Sotheby's handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong
- Shop Sotheby's Buy Now handbags for instant access to available inventory
- Speak with a Sotheby's handbag specialist to consign or request a valuation for a Hermès Birkin bag
Trust Sotheby's worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
