Official Size Comparison: Birkin 25 vs. Birkin 30

Part I of a four-part series on Birkin and Kelly Sizes

By @el4bz

As a newbie navigating my way through unknown, uncharted, winding roads of the elusive and complex world of Hermès, I have made many bag size mistakes. After considerable hits and misses, I am finally at a point where I feel like I know what works for me in terms of bag styles and sizes. And I thought I would share my experience with people who are starting their H journey. I am in no way an expert, but here are some snippets from my humble experience that I hope you find useful.

Let’s start with a Birkin 25 (25 cm x 20 cm x 13 cm) vs. Birkin 30 (30 cm x 22 cm x 16 cm).

@el4bz

@el4bz

Pros of the Birkin 25

Compact and small, it can easily go on your lap when sitting. You don’t have to worry about putting the bag on the floor
It’s small enough that you don’t have to worry about banging into things and people
For a person who doesn’t carry much, it holds all your essentials
Easily transforms from a day to night bag
You can carry a B25 to formal events
It can be used in lieu of a clutch
Irrespective of the leather, a B25 is small enough that it can hold its shape for a longer period of time than a B30

Cons of the Birkin 25

The handle drop can be very frustrating especially in the winters when you are wearing coats etc.
Doesn’t fit much so if you carry a lot this bag is not for you
The image of it being too ‘toy like’ because of the small dimensions of the bag
When carrying tons of things while running errands, I literally have to carry my B25 like a football which is not a good look

@el4bz

@el4bz

Pros of the Birkin 30

Holds much more than a B25
Handle drop is convenient to hold the bag and multiple other things at the same time
The proportions of this bag are perfect for anyone irrespective of height
Has much more of a presence

Cons of the Birkin 30

If you don’t carry much, your things can still swim around (as mine do)
More chance of banging into people if not careful
Too big to carry to functions and events
The bag needs a separate seating
It’s too big to go on your lap
More of a day bag than a night one

@el4bz’s Final Choice

My personal preference is a B25 since I don’t carry much! However, for first time Birkin buyers, I would still advise a B30 over B25 unless they are absolutely convinced a B25 is the bag for them. The thing is, there is very little middle ground when it comes to emotions surrounding the B25. You will either hate it or love it. As a first time Birkin buyer you can minimize your risk by going for a B30 first and then a B25 later if you add to your collection.