Often perceived as an oversized Birkin, the Haut à Courroies (HAC – as it’s affectionately known) is actually the original Hermès bag. Its name, meaning “high belt” in French, refers to the distinctive closure straps that elegantly secure the top. With its generously sized trapezoidal silhouette and signature details – including sangles, a touret fastening, and the iconic padlock and clochette – it’s easy to see why the HAC is often considered the Birkin’s bigger brother.

Hermès Black Togo Calfskin HAC Palladium Hardware

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

But make no mistake – the HAC is no hack on the Birkin. It’s the blueprint. Created as an equestrian essential in 1892, the HAC set the foundation for Hermès’ most iconic handbag designs.

Image courtesy: @thebirkinboy

Today, the HAC lineup at Hermès ranges from understated designs to bold statement pieces. In this curated guide, we dive into the evolution of this legendary bag, exploring its contemporary reinterpretations that stay true to the original spirit of the Hermès HAC while embracing modern sensibilities.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Connect the Dots HAC

The newest addition to the HAC family was unveiled at the Hermès Men’s Winter 2025 runway. This contemporary iteration departs from the traditional features that define the original, such as the flap, sangles, and signature hardware. Instead, it introduces a subtly embossed pattern, reminiscent of the Shadow Birkin’s design. The pattern mimics the shape of the flap and sangles, with tiny numbers marking each point, creating a unique “connect the dots” effect.

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Image courtesy: @amandarae1

HAC en Selle

Another recent addition, slowly making its way to boutiques, is the HAC en Selle. Translating to “in the saddle,” this design is inspired by Hermès’ equestrian heritage. Featuring bold geometric appliqué shapes that mimic the curved elements and design features of a saddle, the patchwork style is crafted from a variety of leathers (and sometimes several colors), including textured Togo and heritage Barénia. Together, these materials bring the saddle-inspired design to life, showcasing both craftsmanship and the Maison’s iconic aesthetic.

HAC en Selle

HAC Coup de Soleil

Debuting at the Hermès Men’s Summer 2024 runway show, the HAC Coup de Soleil brought the heat with a subtle yet elevated design. This classic HAC gets a sun-kissed touch, with its name—meaning “sunburn” — reflecting the distinctive clochette and lock detailing. Crafted with a unique sun-kissed color pattern, each HAC Coup de Soleil features two contrasting shades, creating a gradient effect that mimics the look of a sunburn.

HAC Coup de Soleil Gold Togo with Palladium hardware

Image courtesy: @lesusmcphearson

HAC Rock

Bringing a rock ‘n’ roll edge to the HAC lineup, the HAC Rock debuted as the rebellious sibling in the Men’s Fall/Winter 2022 collection. Crafted from soft Volupto leather, this design also features hardware that channels the rugged aesthetic of a biker jacket. Adorned with distinctive palladium hardware, the bag includes a diagonal zip pocket and a patch pocket on the front, along with the signature Chaîne d’ancre detailing, enhancing its tough yet refined look.

Image courtesy: @lesusmcphearson

HAC Cargo

Joining the Hermès Birkin Cargo is its bigger sibling, the HAC Cargo. First unveiled in the Men’s Spring/Summer 2021 runway show, this oversized version of the Birkin retains the same distinctive utilitarian design. Crafted from a combination of H canvas and leather, the HAC Cargo features multiple pockets across its body, including slip pockets and a large front pocket secured with a buckle. Completing the utilitarian look is a side pocket designed to carry a water bottle.

HAC Multipockets

Introduced in the Men’s Fall/Winter 2023 collection, the HAC Multipockets elevates the utilitarian design to a new level of luxury. Similar in style to the HAC Cargo, this iteration is crafted entirely from Togo leather for a more refined look. The bag features two front pockets, each secured with touret fastenings. The larger pocket is further secured with the classic sangles and touret fastening, creating a “bag-on-a-bag” aesthetic.

Hermès HAC Multipockets Black Togo palladium hardware

Image courtesy: @lesusmcphearson

HAC à Poches

The HAC à Poches streamlines a utilitarian design for the Men’s Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Crafted from Togo calfskin, its two front pockets – one large, one small – are positioned side by side, creating a balanced aesthetic. Instead of the signature touret closures, these pockets are secured with sleek leather straps threaded through metal hooks, evoking the belted accents often seen in Hermès’ equestrian-inspired designs.

HAC à Poches black togo calfskin palladium hardware

HACarreaux

The aptly named HACarreaux is a playful nod to the French word “à carreaux,” meaning “checked.” The idea of checks finds its way onto the bag, mimicking the aesthetic of a chic picnic blanket. A statement piece from the Men’s Summer 2023 collection, the design is intricately applied to the bag using an appliqué technique, with contrasting colors that bring this playful yet refined vision to life—perfectly primed for even the largest of picnics.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Endless Road HAC

The Endless Road HAC, a limited edition piece from the Men’s Fall-Winter 2018/2019 collection, highlights Hermès leather artistry and craftsmanship. The bag features a geometric landscape scene, with car headlights illuminating a mountainous road at night. This graphic design is carefully constructed using a combination of different leathers, including Togo and Swift, and a range of colors, all thoughtfully selected to bring the Endless Road HAC to life.

Hermès Endless Road HAC

HAC Cosmos

Transporting us into the cosmos, the whimsical HAC Cosmos brings an ethereal touch to the classic oversized silhouette. First debuted on the Men’s Spring-Summer 2019 runway, this vibrant iteration features a striking ombré design that stretches across its body. Crafted from Togo leather, the gradient effect is achieved through a blend of Blue Nuit, Violet, and Aqua, evoking the depths and colors of the universe. Another equally striking version was also released, featuring a combination of Bleu Nuit and Jaune De Naples.

Image courtesy: Vogue Runway

HAC Western

The HAC Western, from the Men’s Fall 2020 collection, combines classic vibes with a Western-inspired twist. Drawing inspiration from the iconic Ghillies design that has adorned the Kelly and Birkin, this version of the HAC features a striking embroidered pattern in contrasting colors. The embroidery adds a flair to the otherwise classic silhouette, elevating the bag with a unique, graphic detail.

Hermès HAC Western Men’s Fall 2020 collection,

HAC Flag

The HAC Flag, introduced in Spring 2013, brings an elevated look to the H toile canvas. This minimalist bag pairs an H Toile canvas body with leather trims, typically crafted from Evercalf or Barenia. Its standout feature is a bold, wide-striped pattern, reminiscent of a flag, often presented in striking contrasting colorways.

Hermès HAC Flag Barenia & Toile

Hac à Dos

Last but certainly not least, the Hac à Dos stands out as the most unconventional design in the Hermès HAC lineup. Introduced in 2022, this innovative iteration departs from the traditional oversized HAC silhouette, reimagining it as a practical backpack. Available in three sizes — from PM to GM — the Hac à Dos stays true to its roots, featuring the elongated silhouette, signature sangles, and the iconic touret fastening. Adding to its contemporary appeal, a large plaque sits beneath the pontets that secure the sangles, creating a striking look when the bag is styled open. Its versatility is further enhanced by a wide, adjustable shoulder strap, allowing it to be worn over the shoulder, across the body, or as a backpack.

Image courtesy: @vivid

Which of these Hermès HAC styles tops your wishlist? Are you drawn to a classic design, a bold statement piece, or one of the more unconventional iterations? Share your thoughts with us.