The Hermès Bolide bag is a timeless piece that often flies under the radar in the Hermès lineup. That’s a shame, because it’s the perfect blend of practicality and elegance.
With its one-of-a-kind zipper design and luxurious leathers, colors and sizes to choose from, you can see why it’s a favorite among Hermès fans.
History of the Hermes Bolide Bag
That story begins in 1916, when Emile-Maurice Hermès—the grandson of Hermès founder Thierry Hermès—visited Henry Ford’s car factory in North America.
He was inspired by the new fastening mechanism Ford had: the zipper. When he got back to France, Hermès patented that zipper for use in leather goods in 1923 and created the Bolide handbag.
The bag was originally called “le sac pour l’auto” meaning “the bag for the car”. Later the bag was renamed Bolide, inspired by a 16th century term for a comet and also a nod to the growing sports car trend.
In the 1920s, travel became fashionable. People needed stylish luggage to match. The Bolide was an instant hit with travelers because of its shape and zip top.
Hermes Bolide Design
The Bolide’s dome shape is unmistakable. It comes with two sturdy handles and a removable shoulder strap. That zipper closure—groundbreaking in 1923—is still as smooth as you’d want it to be. It stretches almost all the way around, making it easy to open and grab what you need.
On the outside, there’s an oval patch where you can add your own monogram if you like. But in the Bolide 1923 edition, Hermès removed this detail for a cleaner, more minimal look.
The bag comes with palladium or gold-plated hardware, Hermès’s signature lock and key tucked inside a leather clochette, and five metal feet on the bottom to keep it scratch-proof and looking its best.
Materials Used in the Hermes Bolide
First of all, you should know that the Bolide comes in two styles: the Mou and the Rigide.
The Mou is more relaxed, more casual because it’s made of soft leather. The Rigide is firmer, more structured with a straight shape.
When it comes to leathers, there are a few to choose from. Clemence is a favorite – it’s matte, flat-grained and super durable, scratch resistant.
For a lighter option, there’s Epsom leather, an embossed calfskin. It has a slightly firmer grain than Clemence but still a great balance of durability and lightness.
If you want something buttery soft, Sikkim leather is an option. It’s minimal in grain, thin and lightweight, gives the Bolide that relaxed “Mou” vibe – perfect for casual occasions like a coffee date.
If you want to go all out, the Bolide is also available in exotic leathers like alligator and crocodile. Also, there are limited edition versions with mixed materials like leather with pony hair or Toile.
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Hermes Bolide Handbag Sizes
The original Hermes Bolide comes in 4 sizes:
- Bolide 27
- Bolide 31
- Bolide 35
- Bolide 45
Then there’s the Hermes Bolide 1923 collection, named after the year the original Bolide was released. This collection has 3 new sizes:
- Bolide 1923 Mini
- Bolide 1923 – 25
- Bolide 1923 – 30
One main difference between the original Bolide and the Bolide 1923 is the oval exterior patch—the original version had it, and it was meant for monogramming. The Bolide 1923 doesn’t have this patch.
The Hermès Mini Bolide was released around 2011 and quickly became a favorite, thanks to the mini bag trend. Unlike its larger versions, the Mini Bolide doesn’t have a lock and keys but still has a removable strap.
Which Size to Choose?
Choosing the right Bolide size depends on how you like to carry your essentials. If you’re into mini bags, the Bolide Mini is perfect for going hands-free—it fits just enough for a night out, like your phone, keys, cardholder and eyeliner.
For everyday city life or commuting, Bolide 25, 27 and 30 are big enough for your daily must-haves without feeling bulky.
Need something for work? Bolide 31 or 35 is big enough for your laptop, notebook and daily must-haves while keeping things polished and professional. You can carry it in your hand or use the strap for extra comfort.
For travel lovers, Bolide 45 is the ultimate weekender. It’s big enough to pack outfits, travel essentials and everything you need for a long-haul flight.
Hermès Bolide Limited Editions
The Bolide isn’t just available in different sizes and materials; there are also some special limited edition versions to spice things up.
One of the coolest is the Hermès Bolide Smile, released in 2020. This one removes the usual patch and adds a gold ‘Eye of Cleopatra’ inlaid with shiny niloticus lizard. It also has a ‘Mors de Bride’ chain and bar with an extra key.
The Bolide Secret looks like a regular Bolide but has an extra zippered compartment underneath.
For a sporty look, this 1923 Baseball Bolide has bold red baseball stitching on a light grey body, great for sports or travel.
Another one is the 1923 Bolide 25 En Desordre, which has an exterior pocket and repositions the oval patch at a slight angle on the base.
In 2022, Hermès released the Bolide On Wheels, a fun nod to its travel heritage, designed like a luggage bag with wheels.
Is the Hermès Bolide a Quota Bag?
The Bolide isn’t a quota bag. That means you can buy one in an Hermès boutique without the usual restrictions—or even find one online sometimes. (Though, as with most Hermès items, it sells out fast.) You’ll need to act quickly if you want one.
The Bolide it’s not as pricey as a Birkin or Kelly. Still, it is a high-end luxury bag with a price tag to match.
Hermes Bolide Price
If you’re lucky enough to buy one in an Hermès boutique, the Bolide 1923 Mini in Mysore leather costs $6,750. And the Bolide 1923-25 in Epsom leather is $7,950.
Secondhand prices can vary wildly, depending on size, material, condition and availability.
You can find a regular Bolide (larger sizes) for around $4,000 on the resale market. The Mini version will set you back nearly double.
Exotic leathers can range from $9,000 to $40,000. If you’re looking at a well-maintained ostrich version, you’re looking at an average price of around $10,000.
As for alligator and crocodile, prices start at $14,000, with rare pieces like the stunning Comics Matte Alligator Mini Bolide reaching a jaw-dropping $40,000.
Limited editions can go up to $16,000 to $30,000.
Take the Bolide On Wheels, for example; this one retails for $15,900 but if you’re looking for a brand new one on the secondhand market, you can find it for around $25,000.
Bolide Bag Pros and Cons
Pros
The Bolide is designed as a travel bag, so it’s perfect for road trips or long flights. It’s both stylish and practical, especially for working women. The 31 and 35 sizes can fit small laptops, notebooks and other essentials. That understated luxury is never too loud, but elegant.
One of its best features is its versatility. You can dress up or down with the Bolide—it goes with anything. The simple design makes it easy to customize, too. Add a Twilly or two and you have a whole new bag.
The Bolide comes in many colors and sizes, but availability can be tricky. Compared to other Hermès iconic bags, the Bolide is relatively easier to get. That makes it a more accessible luxury.
Cons
Now, the Bolide does have some downsides. It’s still pricey, especially when you can find similar styles for less. The zipper will show wear over time, especially around the edges. That’s common with most leather bags with zippers.
The firm structure that helps maintain the bag’s shape also makes the opening a bit stiff. You might find it harder to get what’s inside compared to softer bags. The handles are a bit short, which isn’t ideal for carrying on your shoulder. Although it comes with a long shoulder strap, the handles limit the bag’s flexibility.
Buy Your Bolide on Perfecthbags
Getting your dream Bolide isn’t always easy.
Maybe you’re hesitating because of the price, struggling to find the mini size, or can’t get your hands on the perfect color or leather. And what if you invest in one, only to realize later that it’s not the right fit for you?
That’s where Perfecthbags comes in with the solution!
✔ Better Value, Luxury Within Reach
No matter if you’re buying from an Hermès boutique or a resale platform, getting a Bolide will cost you at least a few thousand dollars.
But at Perfecthbags, you can own a Bolide with the same quality as the Hermès boutique for only around $1,000, enjoying the same high-end luxury experience.
✔ Customize Your Own Bolide
Love those rare limited-edition Bolides but can’t find them—or don’t want to pay sky-high prices? With Perfecthbags, you can customize your dream Bolide just the way you want!
- Pick your color – Classic Gold, Etoupe, Black, or even a rare limited-edition combo? You decide!
- Choose your materials – Epsom + Toile? Clemence + exotic leather accents? Your perfect mix!
✔ Authentic Leather Sourcing
Perfecthbags sources the same leather as Hermès, so every bag matches the texture, sheen, grain and feel of boutique-level quality.
Each piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans, with hardware, plating, stitching and edge finishing meeting Hermès’s standards.
✔ Expert Craftsmanship
We commit to ensuring every bag follows the “original standards”, we strive for perfection in every detail. That’s why Perfecthbags works with retired Hermès artisans to recreate every detail with precision.
✔ Real Customer Reviews
Perfecthbags is trusted by customers worldwide, with real buyer photos, side-by-side comparisons and reviews proving our quality.
Many buyers have praised our bags for their similarity to authentic Hermès, and the convenience and efficiency of our buying process.
✔ Global Shipping, Fast Delivery
Each bag is handcrafted by skilled artisans, with a production time of 15-35 days, so every detail is perfect.
Once done, we use secure and reliable international logistics to deliver your bag to you, and bring you the Hermès-level experience with ease.
✔ Lifetime Care and Maintenance
Perfecthbags offers lifetime care and maintenance service so your bag always looks new for a lifetime of luxury.
Whether it’s daily care, cleaning, hardware repairs, or refurbishment, our professional team will provide top-quality service, and keep your bag looking brand new.
Now’s the time – Get Your Bolide Today!
Why wait for limited choices at Hermès when you can have the Bolide of your dreams?
With Perfecthbags, you skip the waitlists and sky-high prices – without compromising on quality!
🎯 Visit Perfecthbags now and get your Hermès Bolide!
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$1,000.00 – $1,300.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
$1,050.00 – $1,350.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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$1,000.00 – $1,300.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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$1,000.00 – $1,300.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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