HAC Birkin (Haut à Courroies): Sizing, Travel Use, and Collector Appeal

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A lot of Hermès fans think of the HAC Birkin as just a bigger Birkin, but that’s missing the point. This travel ready design actually came before the classic Birkin by almost a hundred years.

The Haut à Courroies, first introduced in 1892 as Hermès' original bag, paved the way for the Birkin, with its tall, structured shape and roomy interior.

To really get the HAC's appeal, you have to look past its connection to the Birkin and see what makes it special on its own. It’s practical for travel, sure, but it’s also a serious collector’s item.

The HAC’s story starts with horses literally. It was made to carry boots and saddles, but over time, it’s become a kind of bridge between function and luxury.

If you’re thinking about picking up your first HAC, or maybe adding to a growing collection, the sizes matter. Some, like the 28cm, are discontinued and rare, while the 40cm and 50cm are still around and popular with travelers.

The mix of investment value and real world usefulness makes the HAC a key piece for any Hermès devotee.

Key Takeaways

• The HAC Birkin came out nearly 100 years before the classic Birkin and inspired its design in 1984
• Larger sizes (40cm, 50cm) are perfect for travel, while discontinued sizes are hot commodities for collectors
• Its history and practicality make it a favorite for both collectors and luxury travelers

What Is the HAC Birkin (Haut à Courroies)?

The Haut à Courroies is Hermès' first handbag, predating the Birkin with its tall, trapezoidal silhouette and roots in equestrian life. This bag started out hauling riding gear and ended up inspiring one of the most sought after designs in luxury.

Origins and Evolution of the HAC

Back in 1892, Hermès launched the Haut à Courroies their first real move into leather bags, branching out from saddles and harnesses. The name means "high belt" in French, nodding to the closure straps up top.

Originally, the HAC was all about horses: boots, saddles, hunting stuff. The tall, boxy shape fit those awkward, bulky items that just wouldn’t work in other bags.

With the rise of cars and the fall of horses, the HAC evolved into a travel bag. It was roomy and tough, perfect for weekends away or longer trips.

You can see the HAC’s influence in every Hermès bag that followed. What started as a workhorse for riders became the blueprint for a whole legacy.

Signature Trapezoid Shape and Details

The HAC’s shape is unmistakable wide at the bottom, narrowing up top. It’s not just for show; this design gives you more space without looking bulky.

Look close and you’ll spot those signature sangles (straps), the touret lock, and the padlock. These aren’t just for looks; they’re carryovers from the bag’s riding days.

The closure uses those high straps, giving it that “belted” vibe. It’s a detail that’s both practical and iconic.

HAC Birkin vs Birkin: Comparing Features

The HAC and the classic Birkin share roots, but they’re built for different lives. There are clear differences in shape, hardware, and how they fit into your routine. Sure, both bags show off Hermès’ craftsmanship, but collectors know each one has its own draw.

Design Differences and Similarities

The biggest difference? Proportions. HAC bags stand taller and look more vertical than the Birkin, which has a wider, more horizontal feel. That gives the HAC a sharper, more formal look, true to its travel origins.

They both have the same basic rectangle at the base and those classic Hermès touches. You’ll see sangles, the turnlock, and that padlock on both. But on the HAC, the straps sit higher because of the extra height.

Sizes are another story. Birkins usually come in 25 and 30cm, while HACs start bigger. The HAC 32 is often compared to the Birkin 30, but it feels roomier thanks to the vertical design.

The HAC keeps that original travel vibe with its shape. It’s a bit dressier and more structured, while the Birkin leans casual.

Handle and Hardware Comparison

Both bags have double top handles, but the HAC’s sit higher, which changes how it carries. The drop and feel in hand are a little different.

Hardware is placed to match each bag’s shape. Both use top notch palladium or gold plated bits, but the taller HAC means the turnlock and feet are set differently.

The padlock and keys are a constant. Still, the HAC’s larger frame means some hardware is scaled up to fit.

You get the same choices for leather and hardware colors, so customizing is wide open no matter which you go for.

Functionality and Intended Use

The HAC’s roots are in travel, so it’s built for bigger hauls and longer trips. Its tall shape and big interior fit stuff that would be a squeeze in a regular Birkin.

Birkins shine as everyday bags their shape makes organizing your daily stuff simpler, and they’re easier to carry around town.

For Hermès fans, the HAC is a piece of history. It’s the OG, the one that started it all. That heritage matters if you love the brand’s story.

If you’re traveling for work or a weekend, the HAC is your friend. For daily life or evenings out, the Birkin is probably a better fit. Both are pure luxury, but they serve different needs.

Sizing Guide for the HAC Birkin

The HAC Birkin comes in a range of sizes, each with its own pros and cons for style and practicality. Knowing the measurements helps you pick the right one for your life and look.

Size Chart and Measurements Explained

Hermès has made the HAC in several sizes, though some are now out of production. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Still Available:

• HAC 40: About 15.7" W x 12.2" H x 7.9" D
• HAC 50: Around 19" W x 17" H x 10.5" D, 5" handle drop

Discontinued (Find on Resale):

• HAC 28: Smallest, close to a Birkin 25
• HAC 32: Mid size, like a Birkin 30
• HAC 36: Once popular, now rare

The extra height is what really sets the HAC apart. It’s got that travel ready, vertical look.

All HACs have longer handle drops than Birkins, so they’re easier to carry when loaded up.

Choosing Your Ideal HAC Size

Picking the right HAC depends on your plans and your build. Honestly, your frame changes how these bags look.

Petite folks: HAC 32 or 36 are ideal, but since they’re discontinued, expect to pay a premium.

Average or tall: HAC 40 is the sweet spot big enough to stand out, but not overwhelming.

Serious travelers or bigger frames: HAC 50 is the king, but you’ll need some swagger to pull it off. At 19 inches wide, it’s not subtle.

Men usually go for HAC 40 and up. Some collectors have said that HAC 36 can look a bit small on guys over 5'8".

Think about how you’ll use it weekends away? Go HAC 40. Longer trips? The 50 will swallow your packing list.

How Size Impacts Functionality and Style

Size changes everything, from what you can carry to how the bag looks.

Functionality wise, the HAC 28 and 32 are more like large purses than real travel bags. HAC 40 is the go to for travel spacious but still manageable.

HAC 50 is basically luxury luggage. You could pack for days.

Style is a whole other thing. The smaller, discontinued HACs have a vintage, collectible feel. They’re great if you love the look but want something for daily use.

Bigger HACs make a statement. The 40 says you mean business, while the 50 shouts luxury and wanderlust.

Those discontinued sizes (28, 32, 36) are especially hot with collectors scarcity drives up the price.

Best Uses for the HAC: Travel and Everyday Style

The Hermès Haut à Courroies is a champ for both travel and city life, with loads of space and that unmistakable sophistication. Its shape works for modern routines, but the heritage is what keeps collectors coming back.

HAC as a Luxury Travel Bag

The HAC started life hauling boots and saddles, so it’s naturally built for travel. Imagine a bag designed a century ago, meant to fit all the awkward stuff riders needed.

Today’s HAC still has that roomy, trapezoidal shape. It’s great for weekends away or business trips.

Travel perks:

• Swallows laptops, paperwork, and personal items
• Tough leather that stands up to real use
• Looks sharp for business or leisure
• Stays structured, even when packed full

The 40cm and 45cm sizes are especially good for travel they fit clothes and extras, and you can usually carry them on a plane.

A lot of travelers love how the HAC ages. The leather gets better looking with time, picking up the marks of your adventures.

Urban Uses and Versatility

But it’s not just for travel. The HAC handles city life, too. It’s actually really handy for professionals who need to carry a lot.

The structured shape looks sharp in meetings. Unlike softer bags that sag, the HAC keeps its form no matter what you throw in.

In the city, it works as:

• Work bag for lawyers, execs, consultants
• Weekend bag for gym or overnight stuff
• Shopping tote if you prefer to carry just one great bag
• Event bag when you need space without attracting attention

That extra height is a game changer. Your stuff stays organized, not all jumbled at the bottom.

Hermès makes the HAC in tons of leathers and colors, so you can match your vibe, whatever that is.

Men's and Women's Preferences

Collectors have noticed some patterns in who goes for which HAC.

Women tend to like:

• 32cm and 36cm (hard to find now, so prices are up)
• Classic shades like Black, Gold, Etoupe
• Leathers like Togo and Clemence

Men usually want:

• 40cm and 45cm more space, more practical
• Neutral colors: Black, Ebene, earthy tones
• Limited editions like Cosmos or Western

The unisex appeal is a big plus. Couples sometimes share HACs (not a bad way to double your options).

For collectors, owning an HAC is like holding a piece of Hermès history. It’s the bag that started it all, but it still works for modern life something not many luxury bags can claim.

Materials, Colours, and Hardware Choices

The HAC comes in everything from classic Hermès leathers to wild exotics, and the color range is pretty much endless. Hardware is usually palladium or gold, which suits the bag’s heritage look.

Popular HAC Leathers and Exotics

Togo leather is the go to for HACs. It’s tough, keeps its shape, and handles travel well.

Clemence leather is a bit softer and heavier, with a patina that gets better with age some collectors swear by it.

Swift leather is smooth and refined, though it can scratch more easily. Still, it looks fantastic, especially in photos.

If you want something rare, exotics take the HAC to another level:

• Crocodile: Both Niloticus and Porosus are highly prized
• Ostrich: Those signature dots give it unique texture
• Lizard: Smaller scales for a subtle luxury feel

There have been some creative materials, too canvas blends and wool felt in special editions. The Cargo line mixes canvas with leather, and some HACs show off unexpected textures.

Notable Colours and Limited Editions

Classic HAC colours lean toward versatility and that timeless, understated vibe. Black tops the list hard to beat for practicality and a certain quiet elegance.

Neutral tones show up everywhere in HAC selections:

• Étoupe (taupe grey)
• Gold (camel brown)
• Trench (beige)

Bleu nuit stands out among blue options. This deep navy looks especially sharp with palladium hardware.

Limited edition HACs give Hermès a chance to show off its creative side:

• Cosmos collection: Celestial inspired, multicolour designs
• Western series: Subtle embroidery details
• Rock collection: Bold, contrasting elements

These special runs often end up much pricier on the resale market. The Cosmos HAC, for instance, launched in 2019, already fetches a hefty premium.

Seasonal colours pop up now and then think bright oranges, greens, and purples. They inject some personality into the classic HAC silhouette, though they're always produced in small batches.

Hardware Options and Details

Most HAC bags come with palladium hardware. This silver toned finish works with just about any leather and holds up well over time.

Gold hardware brings a warmer, richer look. It pairs best with brown, beige, and other warm leathers.

The HAC's signature sangles (straps) and touret (that turn lock closure) give it its equestrian spirit. Hermès keeps these details consistent, no matter the variation.

Some limited editions feature brushed finishes. Brushed palladium, for example, offers a more muted, matte look compared to the usual shine.

You can feel the difference authentic Hermès hardware has real heft and quality. Pick up a genuine HAC, and you notice right away.

Every HAC comes with the iconic padlock and keys. They're not just for show; they work and add a little security when you're on the go.

Collector Appeal and Investment Value

The HAC sits at the top of many Hermès collectors’ wish lists. Its history, limited production, and discontinued sizes create a kind of perfect storm that fuels both passion and prices.

What Makes the HAC Coveted by Collectors

For Hermès fans, the HAC is the ultimate status symbol. It’s the original older than the Kelly, with decades of history.

Collectors love the trapezoidal silhouette and the bag’s roots in real world function. The HAC’s appeal isn’t just about hype; it’s about heritage and authenticity.

Discontinued sizes like the 28cm, 32cm, and 36cm drive up competition. Since you can’t walk into a boutique and buy one, pre owned models have become prized.

Limited editions ramp up the excitement. Special collections whether it’s unique craftsmanship or exotic leathers always catch the eye of serious Hermès enthusiasts.

The HAC’s roomy interior attracts collectors who want a bag that’s both practical and prestigious. Some Hermès bags are all about looks, but the HAC manages both.

Market Rarity and Resale Trends

HAC scarcity keeps resale values high sometimes higher than other luxury investments. Production stays intentionally low, with certain sizes phased out entirely.

Right now, HAC 40cm models are selling for more than retail. That size hits a sweet spot, so demand keeps outpacing supply.

Exotics do even better. Crocodile HACs can go for three to five times what standard leathers bring at auction.

Authentication issues make properly documented bags even more valuable. Buyers pay up for full provenance and peace of mind.

Noteworthy Models: HAC à Dos, HAC Rock, and More

The HAC à Dos reimagines the classic as a sleek backpack. It’s rare, and collectors looking for something different in the HAC world gravitate toward it.

HAC Rock editions lean into edgier hardware and modern touches, blending tradition with a bit of attitude.

HAC Cosmos models, with their celestial, multicolour designs from Spring/Summer 2019, have a dedicated following.

HAC Western versions add subtle embroidery a nod to equestrian heritage. These bridge classic HAC style with current fashion.

People sometimes compare the HAC to the Shadow Birkin, but honestly, the HAC’s legacy stands on its own. Purists will tell you: the real deal came first.

Canvas and leather combos offer a more approachable entry point. They’re durable, collectible, and stand out visually.

Frequently Asked Questions

HAC Birkin fans tend to have some pretty specific questions about sizing, travel use, investment potential. Here’s a roundup of what comes up most often.

What are the dimensions of the various HAC Birkin sizes available for travel savvy fashionistas?

The HAC comes in a few sizes, though some are discontinued. The go to is the HAC 40 about 40cm wide, with a taller, more rectangular shape than a regular Birkin.

You’ll only find HAC 28, 32, and 36 on the pre owned market now. The even bigger HAC 45 and 50 were built for travel but rarely surface these days.

Compared to regular Birkins, the HAC is taller and more trapezoidal. That gives it a structured, almost vintage travel bag look.

How does the HAC Birkin hold up as a travel companion compared to other luxe carry ons?

The HAC was built for travel originally, it carried equestrian gear back in the 1890s. It’s sturdy and roomy, making it great for weekends or as a fancy carry on.

Its shape means you get more space inside than with a standard Birkin of similar width. Still, it’s a handbag, not a suitcase, so you’ll want to pack light.

For a short trip, it’s perfect if you want to turn heads. For longer hauls? You might want to bring real luggage.

Could you dish out the details on how a HAC Birkin's value holds up over time for collectors?

HAC bags tend to keep their value, especially rare sizes and limited editions. The HAC 40 in popular colours often resells at or above retail.

Discontinued sizes like the 28cm command higher prices because they’re tough to find. Special editions Cosmos, Western, and the like are always in demand.

Exotics and unusual colour combos generally see the most appreciation. Of course, condition plays a huge role in resale value.

Is there a sweet spot in terms of size when choosing a HAC Birkin for someone always on the go?

The HAC 40 hits that balance between size and usability for frequent travelers. It’s big enough for what you need but not unwieldy.

Smaller, discontinued sizes like the HAC 32 were popular for being a bit less overwhelming. You’ll have to hunt for those, though.

The HAC 45 and 50 hold a ton but get heavy fast probably best for serious travel, not everyday use.

What's the insider scoop on snagging a HAC Birkin for an haute couture hoarder's collection?

HACs are usually a bit easier to score than regular Birkins at Hermès, but you’ll still want a purchase history. Don’t expect to just walk in and get one.

The resale market is your friend, especially for discontinued sizes and special editions. Trusted dealers usually have better selection than waiting on a boutique.

Limited editions Cosmos, Western, Cargo pop up now and then and always go for a premium. If you’re after rare pieces, keeping tabs on specialized Hermès dealers is your best bet.

Any pro tips on the care and maintenance to keep a HAC Birkin looking fabulous for decades?

Try storing your HAC with the straps in place helps it keep that signature shape. The taller design? Yeah, it really needs a bit more support when you’re not carrying it around.

Condition the leather now and then with products made for it. Togo and Clemence leathers don’t fuss too much, honestly, but it’s still worth giving them a little love.

Hang onto the original box, dust bag, and paperwork. Not only do they bump up the resale value, but they also just make storing the bag safer and easier.