If you've ever stood in a Hermès store and been offered a Picotin instead of the Birkin or Kelly you were hoping for, you might have felt a little deflated. I get it - we've been there. But here's the thing: the Picotin is genuinely one of the most underrated bags in the entire Hermès lineup, and once you start wearing one, you'll understand exactly why it has such a devoted following.
The History
The Hermès Picotin was introduced in 2000, making it a relatively young addition to the Hermès family compared to the Birkin (1984) and the Kelly (1930s). It was designed as an open-top tote inspired by the buckets used to feed horses - a very fitting nod to Hermès' equestrian roots.
The name "Picotin" is actually a French unit of measurement historically used to measure horse feed. It's a small detail that makes the bag feel even more special once you know it, and it's a great conversation starter for anyone who asks about it.
Despite being decades younger than its more famous siblings, the Picotin has quietly built an incredibly loyal fanbase - and for very good reason.
The Design
The Picotin is a structured, open-top bucket bag with a clean, minimalist silhouette. There are no zips, no clasps, and no fuss — just a simple round base, straight sides, and two short handles that sit neatly over the arm or in the crook of the elbow.
What makes it so special is its effortlessness. It doesn't try too hard. It's the kind of bag that looks just as good thrown over the arm on a school run as it does carried into a nice restaurant for lunch.
Key design details:
- Open top with no closure
- Structured round base
- Double handles
- Signature Hermès clochette and lock (on the Lock versions)
- Blind stamp on the interior
What Sizes Can You Get
The Hermès Picotin comes in three sizes, and choosing the right one makes a real difference to how the bag works for you day to day.
- Picotin 18 - The smallest and most popular size. Fits your everyday essentials comfortably: phone, wallet, keys, a small pouch. It has a neat, compact look that works beautifully as a grab-and-go bag.
- Picotin 22 - The mid size. A little more practical for those who carry more day to day. Still elegant, just a touch more relaxed in proportion.
- Picotin 26 - The largest size. Less commonly seen and a little oversized for most people, but if you love a roomy tote it's absolutely worth considering.
Most people opt for the PM or MM. If you're petite, the PM is probably your best friend. If you're taller or just prefer a bit more room, the MM is a brilliant choice.
Should You Buy A Picotin
The Picotin doesn't have the same cultural cache as the Birkin or the timeless elegance of the Kelly, but it has something just as valuable - it's genuinely, effortlessly wearable. It's the bag you grab without thinking, the one that works with everything, the one that quietly gets more compliments than you'd ever expect.
