Can a Birkin Outshine Gold?
The numbers for 2026 are in. U.S. Hermes prices climbed again, with most rising between 3.8% and 10.3%, affecting quota and non-quota bags alike. Over the years, Hermes has quietly delivered returns that outpace many conventional options, including gold. The formula is straightforward: limited supply, high demand, controlled access.
Lucky for you, you can skip the Hermes Game and head straight to FASHIONPHILE. But first, let’s take a deeper look at the latest Hermes price hikes and what they mean for your investments.
2026 Hermes Price Increases
As expected, the new year brought new Hermes price hikes. But how high did they actually go?
Quota Bags Led the Charge
Hermes leaned hardest on the bags everyone wants most. Birkin sizes saw some of the strongest increases this year, with the Birkin 25 in Togo jumping just over 6% and larger sizes like the Birkin 30 in Togo climbing about 7.2%. The Birkin 35 and Birkin 40 in Togo also moved higher.
Kelly bags followed a similar pattern, with the Mini Kelly 20 in Epsom rising 8.6% to $11,400 and the Kelly 25 in Togo Retourne increasing 8.7% to $13,700. The largest single increase within the quota category came from the Kelly Depeches 25 in Epsom, which rose 11%, the biggest percentage jump in the U.S. lineup this year.
Non-Quota Bags Moved Higher Across the Board
While these styles are more accessible than quota bags, Hermes still adjusted pricing upward across many everyday favorites. The Mini Lindy increased 8.4% in Clemence and 7.9% in Swift. The Picotin 18 rose 6.7%, while the Picotin 22 increased 6.2%. Even the Evelyne TPM saw an adjustment, increasing 4.1%.
Men’s Bags Were Not Spared
Pricing updates extended beyond handbags into the men’s category as well. The HAC A Dos PM in Togo climbed 8.7%, while the Kelly Messenger increased 8.9%.
Why Hermes Raises Prices
Hermes adjusts U.S. pricing every January. These increases reflect rising material costs, higher labor costs, currency shifts, and a long-term strategy built around scarcity. Pricing reinforces exclusivity and protects brand value over time.
Annual increases of 2% to 3% are long gone. In 2025, U.S. shoppers saw gains of 6% to 7%, followed by an additional 5% increase in May tied to tariff costs. The 2026 reset continued that momentum.
When retail prices rise, resale prices typically follow. However, there’s usually a brief window after each retail adjustment before the resale market fully catches up. (Haute Tip: Shop Hermes now.)
The Birkin 25 trajectory tells the story clearly: from $9,400 in 2016 to $13,500 in 2026, prices have moved consistently upward year after year.
Does the Birkin Bag Actually Outperform Gold?
Yes. Over the long term, Hermes Birkin bags have consistently delivered returns that beat gold and, in some cases, approach S&P 500 performance. While gold offers stability and predictable growth, Birkin bags offer the potential to double in value within several years. This appreciation is driven by extreme scarcity, exceptional craftsmanship, and cultural demand that has remained strong for decades.
Haute Tip: Discover rare Hermes investment pieces here.
A Gift to Your Closet (and Wallet)
If you already own a Hermes Birkin bag or Kelly, the 2026 price increases reinforce a long-term pattern. Your bag has appreciated, and that appreciation compounds with each retail price adjustment. Whether you plan to sell it, pass it down, or carry it for years, your investment continues to strengthen. And if you don’t own one—yet—shop all Hermes at FASHIONPHILE now.
