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Hermès Kelly Sizes: Dimensions in cm, Sellier vs Retourné

Reviewed by the Nuvinty editorial team · Last checked

Like the Birkin, a Kelly's size number is the approximate width across the base in centimetres. The Mini Kelly 20, Kelly 25 and Kelly 28 lead demand today, with the 32 and 35 favoured as work bags. Hermès does not list Kelly bag dimensions online, so the table uses Christie's catalogue measurements where we found them and named reseller guides otherwise; only the Kelly To Go figure is from hermes.com.

SizeConstructionWidth (cm)Height (cm)Depth (cm)Notes
Kelly 15Sellier15115Reseller figure (Sellier Knightsbridge; The Vintage Bar gives the same). Very rare and no longer in production according to The Vintage Bar.
Mini Kelly 20 (Mini Kelly II)Sellier only20146Introduced 2016 per Christie's. Christie's lots are usually catalogued at 20 x 14 x 6 cm, though some lots are recorded at 20 x 14 x 8, 20 x 14 x 9 or 20 x 16 x 10 cm. Sotheby's warns most modern phones will not fit.
Mini Kelly (first generation)Sellier2018141990s version with a rounded bracelet-style handle (nicknamed 'Big Ears'); dimensions as given by Christie's.
Kelly PochetteSellier (clutch)22136Clutch with a small top handle and no shoulder strap or base studs. Christie's figure; a Christie's 2010 So Black Pochette lot matches.
Kelly 25Sellier2518-199Christie's lots: 25 x 19 x 9 cm (2020 Epsom) and 25 x 18 x 9 cm (2026 Epsom).
Kelly 25Retourné25199Christie's lot (2024 Togo). Retourné bags are softer and, per Sotheby's, slightly roomier inside than Sellier.
Kelly 28Retourné2820-2110Christie's lots record 28 x 20 x 10 cm (2024, 2019, 2005) and 28 x 21 x 10 cm (2015).
Kelly 28Sellier282210Reseller figure (Sellier Knightsbridge, The Vintage Bar); we found no Christie's measurement for a Sellier 28.
Kelly 32Sellier322310Christie's lot (Rouge H Courchevel Sellier 32, 2001). Resellers quote 32 x 23 x 10.5 cm. Sellier Knightsbridge says the narrow top rules out laptops.
Kelly 35Not specified352412Reseller figure (Sellier Knightsbridge, The Vintage Bar). Sellier Knightsbridge describes it as the largest Kelly most people use day to day.
Kelly 40Not specified402816Reseller figure (Sellier Knightsbridge, The Vintage Bar). A travel and weekend size.
Kelly To Go (wallet on strap)Wallet19.711.51.5Official hermes.com dimensions. Introduced 2020; long wallet with a removable strap; Hermès says it fits a large smartphone. Handmade, so dimensions may vary.

Measurements are the maker’s published dimensions where available; “—” means we couldn’t find a reliable figure. Handmade and older pieces can vary by a few millimetres.

Checking the size on a pre-loved listing

  • Confirm the construction: Sellier has visible external stitching and sharp edges, Retourné is stitched inside out with rounded, piped edges. The same size number can look and carry differently.
  • Sellier bags look larger but, per PurseBop and Sotheby's, Retourné bags usually hold a little more and open more easily.
  • Ask for width, height and depth measured on the actual bag; Christie's records the same size up to a few cm apart in height and depth.
  • The Mini Kelly II (2016 onwards) and the 1990s Mini Kelly are different bags: the earlier one is taller and deeper, with a rounded handle.
  • Ask whether the shoulder strap is included. Most Kellys come with a matching strap, but the Kelly Pochette is designed without one.

Questions

What is the difference between Kelly Sellier and Retourné?

Sellier is stitched on the outside for a rigid, sharp-edged shape. Retourné is stitched inside out and turned, giving softer rounded edges and a slightly roomier interior. Both come in several sizes, but the Mini Kelly 20 is Sellier only.

Does a phone fit in a Mini Kelly 20?

Often not comfortably. Sotheby's says most modern phones will not fit inside the Mini Kelly 20, so treat it as an evening or accessory bag.

Which Kelly size is best for everyday use?

Sotheby's describes the 25 and 28 as the most practical and popular sizes for first-time buyers, with the 32 and 35 favoured as work or statement bags.

Is the Kelly To Go a bag or a wallet?

Hermès sells it as a long wallet with a removable strap. It measures about 19.7 x 11.5 x 1.5 cm according to hermes.com.

Browse pre-loved Hermes Kelly listings →

Sources