Official Size Comparison: Kelly 25 vs. Kelly 28

Part I: Official Size Comparison: Birkin 25 vs. Birkin 30
This is Part II of a four-part series on Birkin and Kelly sizes

By @e14bz

Let’s recap: 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.

Today, we’re going to compare the Kelly 25 (25 cm x 19 cm x 9 cm) vs. Kelly 28 (28 cm x 22 cm x 10 cm), both Retournes.

@el4bz

@el4bz

Pros of the Kelly 25

For a tiny bag it can sure pack a punch! A god send for people like me who carry little, it can still hold all the essentials with room for more
Can easily transition from a day to night bag
Can be used for formal occasions
Small enough not to bang into other things
The handle drop is absolutely perfect!
Can easily slide through the arms despite being a mini bag or can be held using the shoulder strap
Small enough to go crossbody for a casual look
It’s a small bag so holding its shape is not an issue

Cons of the Kelly 25

It’s a mini bag so unless you carry very little and love the look of a mini bag this isn’t the bag for you
Looks super cute, so if that’s not a look you are after this may not be the size to add

@el4bz

@el4bz

Pros of the Kelly 28

It holds tons if you carry a lot of stuff in your bags
The dimensions of the bag make it proportionately appropriate for most of us
It’s the perfect medium-sized bag that sits prettily between big bags like K32 and mini ones like K25—so best of both the worlds!
Can be held by its handles or carried on the shoulder using the shoulder strap

Cons of the Kelly 28

For people who don’t carry much, this is still too big of a bag where your things can swim inside
Big enough to still bang against things and get corner wear more quickly than a K25
Harder to maintain its shape in a Retourne
More of a day bag
Too big to be carried cross body

@el4bz’s Final Choice

It has to be a Kelly 25! Perfect size and perfect proportions. A K25 wins in terms of its versatility—of how (hand held, on the shoulders, crossbody), when (day, evening, night) and where it can be carried (formal events, informal outings, running errands).