This In-The-Loop 23 was the second bag I got straight from the Hermes boutique (the SF one), but my first new bag after getting back into Hermes (the first was my Evelyne, which I ended up selling). And for awhile it stayed on my shelf because I found the top-handle only style very inconvenient to carry. But when I saw that I used my Picotin 22 a lot more once I got my third-party strap from Etsy (in the 40cm length), I decided to get one for this bag as well. And what do you know, it worked. Since getting the strap I’ve used it 16 times (and counting).

As I did for my Picotin, I got a bag organizer for this bag as well. Since the Clemence leather is so soft, without the bag organizer I feel like the bag will develop a sag or wrinkles in the leather over time without something inside. Plus the organizer really helps to keep things organized in such a large bucket bag. I originally purchased a DGAZ organizer for this bag (my first satin organizer), but unfortunately I didn’t like it because it added quite a bit of weight to the bag. So I ended up going back to my tried and true Zoomoni brand (20% off with the code Maggyxchuu). However I wasn’t able to return the DGAZ within the return window so I still have it (and I use it to stuff the bag when it’s not in use because the foam insert the DGAZ organizer came with is just the right size to keep the bag’s shape—but $80 for basically a bag shaper is overkill).

As for the functionality of the bag, once I got the strap it was great! Since the sides of the bag already tucks in together with the chaine d’ancre hardware (that honestly looks and feels like a piece of jewelry), carrying it over the shoulder with the strap isn’t as akward as I thought it would be. However I have to say I wouldn’t carry this bag over my shoulder in a crowded area since the opening can be quite big and your items are less secure.

Another bonus about the shoulder strap is if your hands are dirty or wet, you can pick up the bag by the strap instead of the Swift leather straps (which are more delicate and prone to staining). Oh but I will say the shoulder strap color is not an exact match for the bag (both are in the color Gold). The strap is a bit darker, which might bother some people but I honestly stopped noticing.

As for the bag itself, it can fit a lot! I also like that it’s not a widely known bag so it’s one of those IYKYK Hermes bags. The leather quality and craftsmanship are of course excellent.

But honestly I feel like there are more cons than pros with this bag. First off the price ($5200 before tax), and then there’s the fact that it’s essentially a hand-carry only bag without the third party strap. Also there’s no feet on the bag so I did have to set it on the ground a couple times and that made me a bit nervous (luckily no stains…yet). The unlined interior suede is nice to touch but will also get dirty pretty easily (so the organizer comes in handy for this too). And lastly I don’t think the bag will wear well since the Swift leather handles along with the chunky hardware on one side weighs the bag down a bit. I’ve used this bag less than my Picotin 22, but the In-The-Loop looks more worn.

And if you couldn’t tell already, when it comes to the Picotin 22 vs the In-The-Loop 23 I pick the Picotin. That’s mostly because: 1) the Picotin have feet that keeps the bag off the ground, 2) the Picotin is more secure with the strap across that can essentially close off the bag, 3) when carrying it over the shoulder the Picotin is less bulky and thus more natural to shoulder-carry, 4) I think overall, if both bags have an organizer the Picotin will wear better with less sag and wrinkles in the leather.

Honestly I don’t see the In-The-Loop bag style sticking around at Hermes. It was launched in December of 2022, so it’s only been about two years now. But I don’t think it’ll have the staying power of the Picotin (which has been around since 2002). But on the bright side, it does mean you can usually find it on the secondhand market for a pretty good deal (at least $1k-$2k under retail) and they’re not as commonly faked (though I wouldn’t say there are no fakes out there since they fake everything Hermes these days). As usual I would go with Fashionphile because of their return policy on bags, but you can also try your luck at the RealReal too (and maybe purchase the return option).

P.S. You can find all my other Hermes reviews here.