Picotin 18 vs. 22: Minimalist Totes Compared (What Fits, How They Age)
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The Hermès Picotin bag presents a real, almost playful dilemma for handbag lovers: do you go for the compact Picotin 18, or do you grab the more spacious Picotin 22?
Both sizes stick to that minimalist, bucket-bag charm inspired by horse feed bags, but they really do suit different habits and lifestyles.
The Picotin 18 measures 18cm x 18cm x 13cm and holds just the basics (think phone, small wallet, keys), while the Picotin 22 at 22cm x 21cm x 17cm comfortably takes on bigger items like a tablet or a water bottle.
We’ve spent a good amount of time with both, really living with them, and the difference is more than just numbers. It’s about how you want to carry your life around.
If you’re a minimalist who travels light, or someone who just needs a bit more room for those everyday extras, it helps to know what actually fits in each and how they age after years of use. Let’s dig into the details that actually matter when you’re picking your next Picotin.
Key Takeaways
- Picotin 18 is for those who carry only the essentials; the 22 fits extras like a tablet or water bottle
- Both sizes come in durable leathers like Clemence and Epsom, but Epsom keeps its shape better
- Prices are only a few hundred dollars apart, so it’s really about what fits your lifestyle
Overview of the Hermès Picotin Bag
The Picotin shows off Hermès’ knack for turning something practical from the equestrian world into a piece of luxury fashion. It’s a bucket bag, but with that unmistakable Hermès touch.
Design Inspiration and History
Hermès launched the Picotin in 2002, and it’s pretty clear they borrowed from horse feeder bags. The French house took a utilitarian tool and turned it into a handbag that nods to their equestrian roots.
The bucket shape really does echo the original feed bags. You can spot the equestrian influence in the open top and the simple closure.
Even the name “Picotin” is a little wink to its horsey heritage. It’s a traditional French measurement for horse feed, about 2.5 litres. There’s a bit of history in every bag.
Hermès went for functional minimalism here. They stripped away the extras and left a bag that just works, and looks good doing it. That’s something modern luxury buyers seem to appreciate: form and function, not just one or the other.
Signature Features and Craftsmanship
The Picotin uses Retourne construction, meaning the edges are turned inside for a softer, relaxed look. Over time, this gives the bag its signature slouchy-but-structured vibe.
You get two short top handles for hand or arm carry, and they’re sized right for each version.
There’s a distinctive padlock and leather strap closure. It keeps things secure and adds a subtle detail without breaking up the clean lines.
Most Picotins come in Taurillon Clemence or Taurillon Maurice leather. Both have a pebbled texture that’s tough enough for daily use and gets softer as the years go by.
A central seam runs vertically, giving a bit of structure and keeping the bucket shape from looking too plain.
Sizes range from Micro (14cm), Picotin 18, Picotin 22, Picotin 26, to the rare Picotin 31. The number? That’s just the base width in centimetres.
Picotin 18 vs. 22: Size and Dimensions
The difference between these two sizes is pretty straightforward. Measurements, and how those numbers feel in your hand or on your arm.
Detailed Measurements
The Picotin 18 is 18 x 19 x 13.5 cm (7.1 x 7.5 x 5.3 inches). It’s compact, just right for the basics.
The Picotin 22 is 22 x 21 x 17 cm (8.7 x 8.3 x 6.7 inches). That extra space really does make a difference.
| Size | Width | Height | Depth | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picotin 18 | 18 cm | 19 cm | 13.5 cm | ~400g |
| Picotin 22 | 22 cm | 21 cm | 17 cm | ~500g |
The base measurement gives each size its name: 18cm or 22cm.
Both sizes have the same strap length, but the 22’s extra height sometimes lets it slip onto the shoulder if you’re on the shorter side.
Visual Proportions When Worn
The Picotin 18 gives off a delicate, refined look. Especially on petite to average frames. It sits close and doesn’t overwhelm.
If you’re taller (say, 5'7" or more), the 18 can look a bit tiny. Almost toy-like.
The Picotin 22 balances out better on most people. It’s got a presence but doesn’t feel oversized.
Both keep that classic bucket silhouette. The 22 stands a bit taller and holds its shape, while the 18 tends to slouch in a charming way.
What Actually Fits: Everyday Essentials Breakdown
What you can pack in each size is really the heart of the matter. The Picotin 18 is about the essentials, while the 22 gives you a bit more wiggle room for life’s extras.
Inside the Picotin 18
The Picotin 18 is for true minimalists. At 18cm x 18cm x 13cm, you’ll need to be picky.
What fits:
- iPhone (any size)
- Small wallet (think Hermès Calvi)
- Car keys or a slim key ring
- Lipstick or balm
- AirPods
- Small hand sanitizer
It’s great for a few hours out. Coffee, errands, a quick lunch. You can add a compact mirror, but forget about squeezing in a water bottle or tablet.
The shape means your stuff doesn’t get lost, but if you like carrying a charger or a full makeup kit, you’ll run out of space fast.
What You Can Pack in the Picotin 22
The Picotin 22 (22cm x 21cm x 17cm) gives you a lot more room. Enough for a full day out.
What fits:
- iPhone and charger
- Full-sized wallet (Hermès Bearn or similar)
- Small cosmetic pouch
- Sunglasses in a case
- 500ml water bottle
- Kindle or small tablet
- Travel perfume
Those extra centimetres really add up. You can pack for unexpected moments without the bag bulging or losing its shape.
It even fits work essentials. A small notebook, business cards, earbuds. Without feeling crowded.
Material Choices and Durability
Both sizes come in the same leather options, mainly Clemence and Epsom. Each has its own personality and ages differently.
Popular Leathers: Clemence vs. Epsom
Clemence leather is soft and relaxed. It feels luxurious, and with time, it gets that lovely slouch. The downside? It scratches more easily and loses its structure faster.
Epsom leather is crisp and structured. It’s light, resists scratches, and keeps the bag looking sharp for years. If you want your bag to stay looking new, this is the one.
| Leather Type | Texture | Structure | Durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clemence | Soft, matte | Relaxed, slouchy | Scratch-prone |
| Epsom | Grained, slight sheen | Structured, firm | Highly resistant |
How the Bags Hold Up Over Time
Both sizes age well, but the leather makes the biggest difference. Epsom looks almost new after years of use.
Clemence picks up character. Little marks, a soft patina. The open top means you have to watch out for rain and spills.
The 18 holds its shape a bit better just because it’s smaller. The 22, especially in Clemence, will slouch more if you carry heavier stuff.
Hardware stays nice on both. The simple design means not much can go wrong.
Style and Practicality for Different Lifestyles
The Picotin 18 is for minimalists and special outings, while the 22 is for those busier days. It’s really about what you need to carry.
Best Occasions and Lifestyle Matches
Picotin 18 shines at gallery openings, lunches, and quick errands. It holds your phone, cardholder, keys, and lipstick. No fuss, no bulk.
It’s perfect for coffee runs or evening events. If you’re happiest travelling light, this is the bag for you.
Picotin 22 is your go-to for work, shopping, or travel. It fits a water bottle, snacks, sunglasses, a makeup pouch, and still has room for the basics.
The larger size fits busy professionals or parents who need that extra space. It’s the one you grab when you know you’ll pick up things as the day goes on.
Both work for casual weekends. The 18 feels dressier, the 22 is more practical but still has that Hermès polish.
Personalisation Options and Accessories
Bag Inserts help both sizes keep their shape, but the 22 benefits more from organisers since it can get messy inside.
Colour Selection makes a difference. Neutrals like Étoupe and Gold go with everything, while seasonal shades are fun but might not match every outfit.
Leather Choice changes how the bag ages. Clemence softens and gets character, Maurice keeps its shape longer.
Charms and Twillies let you add personality without altering the bag. We like subtle touches that don’t fight the minimalist look.
The padlock is a nice detail and adds a little security. Just don’t leave the keys inside. They can scratch up the leather.
Price, Availability, and Collectability
The Picotin 18 and 22 sit at different price points, but both are among the more accessible Hermès bags. There’s no quota, so they’re easier to get than a Birkin or Kelly.
Current Retail and Resale Market Trends
Both sizes start at $3025 CAD at retail, though prices change with leather and season. The Picotin 18 holds its value a bit better on resale, probably because it’s the most popular.
Vintage and pre-loved Picotins start around $2900 CAD on the resale market. The 18cm size usually fetches a slightly higher price compared to retail.
Market quirks:
- Picotins sell out fast online
- In-store is easier than for quota bags
- Both are “non-quota” Hermès bags
- Colours rotate with the seasons
Resale demand is steady for both, but classics like Étoupe and Black keep their value best.
Limited Editions and Special Releases
Hermès drops special Picotin versions now and then, and collectors snap them up. The Picotin Casaque has cool two-tone colour blocking, and the Picotin Pocket adds, well, a pocket.
Limited editions come in rare leathers or seasonal colours, sometimes just for a year. They cost more and get more collectible as time goes on.
The 2022 Micro Picotin in Swift with daisies was a standout. Exotic leathers like alligator or ostrich cost a lot more and usually have waitlists.
Both 18 and 22 sizes show up in limited editions, but what’s available depends on your boutique and location, not the size itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Picotin 18 and 22 spark questions about what fits, price, durability, and whether they’re a smart investment. People care about daily use and long-term value, and honestly, so do we.
What are the noticeable differences in capacity between the Picotin 18 and Picotin 22?
The Picotin 18 comes in at 18 x 19 x 13.5 cm. It easily fits daily must-haves: wallet, phone, keys, maybe a lipstick or two. If you’re someone who doesn’t like toting around much, this size just makes sense.
The Picotin 22 is 22 x 21 x 17 cm, so it’s a step up in space. You can toss in a tablet, a water bottle, or even a small laptop along with your regular stuff.
I’ve noticed the 22 keeps its shape better when you load it up, while the 18 can sometimes look a little stuffed if you try to push its limits.
Can you break down the price evolution for the Picotin 18 and 22 up to 2025?
Hermès keeps raising prices on both sizes every year. Right now, the Picotin line starts at about $3025 for the smallest version, at least according to the latest numbers.
Both the 18 and 22 have gone up by around 8 to 12 percent each year since 2020. The actual price you’ll pay depends on the leather and color you want.
If you’re looking pre-owned, you’ll usually see prices starting near $2200, but those rare colors or limited editions? They can easily go for more than retail.
How has the wear and tear of the Picotin 18 compared to the 22 over time?
From what I’ve seen, the Picotin 18 holds its shape pretty well. It’s smaller, so you’re less likely to overload it, and it doesn’t sag much even after years of use.
The 22, on the other hand, can get a bit slouchy if you fill it with heavier things. Oddly enough, a lot of people love that relaxed, broken-in look as the bag ages.
Bag organizers or shapers definitely help, especially with the 22. They add some structure and keep things from getting too floppy.
What are the latest colour options available for the Picotin 18?
Color choices really depend on the season and which boutique you’re visiting. Classics like Étoupe, Gold, and Black are almost always around.
Hermès has been dropping some bright shades and pastel tones lately, but they tend to disappear fast. If you’re after something new, it’s worth checking in with your sales associate pretty often.
Every so often, Hermès drops a limited edition color or a special leather, and those pieces get snapped up quickly on the resale market.
Has the Picotin 22 maintained its value as an investment piece in 2025?
The Picotin 22 holds its value well, especially if you stick to classic colors or premium leathers. Some of the rarer colors even go up in price over time.
Its popularity and the fact that it’s more accessible than quota bags keep demand strong. That steady interest helps keep resale prices healthy.
Condition matters, of course. If you keep your bag in great shape and pick a sought-after color, you’ll get the best prices if you ever decide to sell.
What are the current price points of the Hermès Picotin 22 in major fashion capitals?
Hermès keeps its pricing pretty steady around the world, though you'll notice small differences because of local taxes and duties. The brand's known for tightly controlling its prices, so don't expect wild swings from one boutique to another.
When you look at the pre-owned market, things get more interesting. Paris and Tokyo usually offer more competitive resale prices, while New York and London often tack on a bit of a premium. Why is that? Maybe it's the demand, or maybe just the local vibe.
Exchange rates sometimes open up chances for savvy international buyers. Still, I'd say it's smart to focus on warranty and making sure you're getting the real deal, no matter where you shop.
