Togo is the most popular leather for Birkins. It's fine-grained, scratch-resistant baby calfskin that is relatively lightweight but still holds its shape.
Clemence has a semi-matte smooth, pebbled-grained surface that creates a slightly slouchy and relaxed handbag Clemence and Togo are both natural leathers and quite similar, but Clemence is smoother to the touch and has slightly larger grains and no veining compared to Togo.
Togo leather is arguably the most ubiquitous of Hermès materials, highly sought after for its durability, natural pebbled grain, and suppleness. The most iconic handbags and small leather goods have been fashioned from Togo leather over the years, and it's sure to continue for years to come.
As far as Togo goes, Togo is a bit heavier than Epsom and has a distinct veiny appearance. It has pronounced grain which gives the bag a raised appearance, although the texture itself is smooth. It's a better option for slouchy looks. Epsom, on the other hand, is an embossed leather that is structural and stiff.
Birkin handbags also come in exotic materials such as ostrich, lizard, crocodile, and alligator skins, available in glossy or matte finishes. Birkins made from exotics are considered more exclusive and unique than leather Birkins and fetch a higher price point.
Birkin Bag 25
Many found the larger Birkin bag sizes too large in proportion to their frame and too heavy to carry. Then, the “mini bag” trend spurred demand for the 25cm Birkins and Kellys worldwide. Today, the Baby Birkin is the most popular Birkin size.
Both Togo and Clemence can handle the occasional tumble and bang. As far as Hermès leathers go, both would be considered among the most durable and easy to care for. Togo and Clemence are both easily refurbished at the Hermès spa.
Full grain is the longest lasting, highest quality grade of leather available. It holds the pattern of the animal's skin and has a soft, natural look and warm feel. Because it comes from the top layer of the cow's hide, full grain leather is stronger and more breathable than others.
Full-Grain Leather Is the Best Quality
It is the most popular type of leather. It has not been snuffed, sanded, or buffed to remove any natural marks or imperfections from its surface. Its fibers are stable and durable because the grain has not been removed.
When it comes to grading real, authentic leather, you can sort everything into 3 main categories. These leather grades for furniture are full grain leather, top grain leather, and split leather.
Togo is made from a baby calf, while Clemence is made from a young bull. Clemence is generally slouchier than Togo. Togo may have a smaller and bumpier grain with a drier hand; whereas Clemence may have a larger and flatter grain with a slicker hand.
Cowhide leather is the best for all types of bags because of its durability, elegant look, strength, softness, flexibility, and patina development.
Swift leather has a semi-matte, semi-smooth appearance. It has a very fine-grain surface, which makes it especially soft and supple to the touch. Swift, like all leathers, can scratch but surface scratches can be readily removed with a light swipe or gentle buffing.
Clemence, in comparison, is a heavier, softer leather – it will need stuffing, and gives bags a 'slouchier', informal appearance. It is scratch-resistant, but liable to stain in the rain.
Due to its extremely delicate nature, this leather is not waterproof and very susceptible to scuffs and scratches. These scuffs and scratches; however, can be buffed into the leather's texture by most leather craftsmen when using the proper polishing tools.
Strong Resale Market
Hermès handbags have the highest resale value of all handbag brands, reflecting their scarcity, timeless style and durability. Their value continues to increase. According to the Art Market Research 2021 study, Birkin bags increased 42% in value at auction from 2019 to 2020.
The most durable and longest-lasting type of leather is full-grain leather. It takes about ten years to break down completely, even when used regularly. It is made from the outermost layer of the hide, which has natural imperfections from scars to brands that give each piece its unique look.
The real answer for the most versatile solution here would be a pair of each! Failing that, it depends which colours you wear most. If you're more drawn to black and grey trousers, black leather shoes are likely to be more useful. If you prefer navy and beige, we suggest brown leather shoes might get more wear.
Genuine leather doesn't just mean that the product is made of real leather (which it is), but it also means it is the lowest quality of all products made out of real leather. Genuine leather generally doesn't last as long or look as nice as higher-quality leather.
Pigmented leathers typically have the strongest performance characteristics of all leathers, proving resistance to scratching, fading, staining and abrasion.
Taurillon Clemence
It has a wider and flatter grain, giving a matte effect. Clemence leather is made from baby bull hide, which is very durable and is scratch-resistant. It is prone to cracking at the edges, but this can be repaired. Clémence is durable, but won't stand up well to water.
Generally speaking, calf leather is durable, especially for its weight and thickness. While thinner in variable, calfskin has a tighter, more even grain and because the fibers are closer together — ounce for ounce, calfskin is said to have more tensile strength than cowhide.
Leather-quality
Many Kate Spade products are made with an exterior material called saffiano leather, which is tough to break or even get dirty as it is water-resistant and scratch-proof – a characteristic that will stand the test of time.