I’ve been really slowing down on the blog posts here lately because I’ve been trying to get better at making videos. However, Kevin, the handbag guru at The RealReal Marin mentioned he preferred reading blog posts over video, which made me realize that it’s important to do both. So Kevin, this Hermes review is dedicated to you (which I hope you stumble upon if you ever need to know anything about the 24/24 😆 but the actual tone of this review has nothing to do with you and your work—which I think is great!).
First off, I should mention I have never owned the 24/24 in the 21 size so take my review with a grain of salt (I’ve just tried it on at the RealReal in Marin). But I have the 29 size (in Etain Togo and Swift leather from 2020) and I have to say, I don’t like it. The main reason I don’t like it and never use it is because it’s heavy. The front panel that’s the main feature of the bag is super heavy. The bag weighs in total 2 pounds and 2.4 oz empty. Add my usual essentials and that’s 3 pounds easy.
And because it’s heavy, the top panel weighs down the the rest of the body and the Togo leather body starts to smush down. I keep mine stuffed at all times to prevent that from happening. But this bag probably won’t age well.
Also the opening is very limited so it’s hard to get things in and out, even though the body of the bag is so big. And the bag is also hard to close when its not fully stuffed. Lastly the strap that it comes with cannot be crossbodied, and it’s thin so it starts hurting my shoulder when I carry it that way. The top handle is pretty short too so it can only be carried as a top handle instead of on the crook of the arm. Oh and there’s no feet… And it retails for over $10k at this point (though honestly, just get it secondhand like I did—it’ll be at least half the price usually).
Have I aired all my grievances yet? 😂 The one good thing is that the exterior back pocket of the 29 can fit a phone.
Tried on at TRR, sorry for the blurriness
As for the 24/24 in the 21 size (also can the name of this bag BE anymore confusing—said in a Chandler from Friends voice): I think that’s a much better size for this style of bag because it’s not as heavy. The opening is still limiting, but I don’t think it’s as bad if the bag itself isn’t as cavernous. The straps can be worn as a single, doubled up, or as a backpack, which is also a nice touch. The only thing about the 21 is that a regular iphone can’t fit in the exterior back pocket.
I should also mention that there was a 35 size when it first came out. But I’m pretty sure it got phased out quick because as I can imagine it was a really heavy bag. There’s a couple videos out there on YouTube about the 35 size if you’re interested. But honestly at that point, I would just save up a little bit more and get a Kelly 35. It’ll be under retail when purchased secondhand, a lighter weight bag, and with a better resale value.
Anyways this just goes to show you that Hermes may know craftsmanship and quality leather, but they don’t always know good handbag design IMHO.
P.S. I also made a video review of this bag!