The Parisian house is famous for its equestrian heritage, and the Hermes Picotin history is solid proof. Inspired by the shape of a traditional horse feed bag, the Picotin became one of the most sought-after non-quota luxury bags for fashionistas.
If you want to learn about how it came to be or are wondering which Hermes Picotin sizes or styles to get, you’re in the right place. Here is a brief guide that will acquaint you better with this functional and unique luxury bag.
Essential Facts About the Hermes Picotin: Sizes, Styles, and History
A Staple of the Stables: The Hermes Picotin History
Back in the day, horse feeds like oats and grains were loaded in durable, bucket-shaped canvas bags and strapped over a horse’s muzzle for secure feeding. With the brand’s equestrian roots, Hermes Picotin was introduced as a reliable, stylish companion for everyday wear in 2002. Its name comes from the French term for “a measure of oats”, a direct nod to the story behind its creation.
Using supple leather, the Hermes Picotin’s history is woven into each intricate detail of the bag. Most Picotin bags are made of Clemence or Maurice leather, its bucket structure made extra sturdy with the signature “saddle stitch”. The wide opening and intentionally unlined design allow the leather to naturally soften over time. This means the bag transforms and grows along with its wearer, a true hallmark of timeless luxury.
Thanks to their knack for crafting sophistication from the equestrian world, several Hermes Picotin sizes and styles were released over the years. You can find Picotin sizes 14, 18, 22, 26, and 33 in official boutiques and on the resale market.
Evolution of the Hermes Picotin Styles
Following its debut in 2002, many bag lovers and fans noticed the effortless refinement every Hermes Picotin brought. Each release came with notable characteristics.
2002-2008: The Original Design
Simplicity was always the trademark of Hermes Picotin styles, and one could see it from the very first bags: a bucket-shaped bag with a wide-open top, buckle closure, two top handles, four bottom feet, and a very spacious interior. Most bags are crafted with bull calf leather such as Taurillon Clemence, Togo, and Maurice.
The most obvious detail you can notice is the absence of a lock. It gave the bag a more casual impression. Even though the Picotin was sought after for its stylish and roomy structure, the lack of security became a shared concern for luxe bag users. Hermes took note and gave the bag a subtle, but essential upgrade a few years later.
2008 to Present: The Picotin Lock
Today, people are more accustomed to seeing the Picotin Lock. The added hardware made the bag an elevated, sophisticated version of the original design. Now, wearers have a way to secure the opening; contents are less likely to spill out.
This new look also gave way to more versatile Hermes Picotin styles. One popular example is the Picotin cargo, a limited edition design that features exterior pockets. It adds a utilitarian vibe to any outfit.
Comparing Picotin Classic Vs Picotin Cargo
Features & Structure
Classic Hermes Picotin styles are the most common, ranging from mono to bicolor, micro to maxi sizes. Here, the structure remains consistent: wide opening, one main compartment, two top handles, buckle-style closure with lock and key. It’s always supple, elegant, and minimalist.
On the other hand, Hermes Picotin Cargo appears slightly more casual, sturdy, and utilitarian. It retains the classic features while adding exterior pockets. Inspired by military uniforms, the Cargo version offers the same roomy interior with upgraded trim and better functionality.
Material
The house famously uses a single piece of bullcalf leather for one Picotin bag. This is true for Classic Hermes Picotin styles, which have noticeably fine grain, subtle sheen, and scratch-resistant surfaces. Leather is the best option for people who want a flexible and luxurious look.
The Cargo edition introduces a new material never seen before in Hermes Picotin history: canvas. Although it is lightweight, canvas is extremely durable. With proper care, it can stay in excellent condition for a long time. Each Cargo style bag is outfitted with leather trim, adding a polished touch to this laid-back piece.
Sizes
As always, the classic styles are available in every size, from Micro to TGM. Luxury bag lovers tend to choose a size that is “just right”, and when it comes to the Picotin, the PM (18) and MM (22) sizes offer the best space and structure.
The Cargo version is a limited edition release, so it is understandable that the house made it available only in the PM size. If extra storage is your main concern, you don’t have to worry about finding this design in other Hermes Picotin sizes, as the outer pockets were designed for quick access to essentials like cards or keys.
A Comparison of the Different Hermes Picotin Sizes
There are five Hermes Picotin sizes: Micro, PM, MM, GM, and TGM. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the dimensions, features, and storage capacity. Here, you’ll also find out how each Picotin size can fit your lifestyle or personality.
Picotin Lock Micro / Picotin 14
Petite-sized and minimalist, the Picotin 14 is surprisingly roomier than the house’s flagship mini bags, such as the Mini Kelly. It is 10cm deep with a 14cm x 14 cm base, making it a wide enough tote to fit your smartphone, lipstick, small makeup essentials, a wallet, and a pair of sunglasses. This makes it perfect for quick errands, outings, or dates. Micro Picotin sizes also come in highly coveted luxury exotic skins like Ostrich, Crocodile, or Lizard.
Picotin Lock PM / Picotin 18
PM Picotin sizes are another compact choice for on-the-go bagaholics, and are considered some of the most popular in the lineup. It is charming, practical, and never bulky. Occasions like shopping, parties, a day with friends, or even long dates call for the versatile PM Picotin sizes. It features an 18cm x 19 cm base and 13cm depth, which can fit items like your phone, keys, a compact wallet or pouch, and other small accessories. Most wearers like to carry the Picotin 18 by hand or on the crook of the arm.
Picotin Lock MM / Picotin 22
The 22 bag or MM is another happy medium among all the Hermes Picotin sizes. It can fit compact or long wallets, large-sized smartphones, a book or journal, water bottle, and a foldable umbrella. Working professionals can even fit a tablet. To be exact, its base is 22cm x 21 cm wide, while its depth is 17 cm. For many wearers, this upgraded size provides more space without losing the Picotin’s emblematic elegance and structure. It’s the most recommended size for long commutes, travel, shopping, or general daily use.
Picotin Lock GM / Picotin 26
If you are a shoulder bag person, the GM size 26 may appeal more to you. It is the most commonly seen large Hermes Picotin size, and its straps are long enough to be worn over the shoulder. With grander dimensions like the 26cm x 26cm base and 22cm depth, you can fit a folding umbrella, smartphone and tablet, large notebook, water bottle, and even baby essentials and accessories. The Picotin 26 is a must-have for business meetings, trips, parents, and other occasions where you’ll be needing a large number of items.
Picotin Lock TGM / Picotin 33
The rarest Hermes Picotin sizes are so elusive you can almost only find them on the resale market. The storage capacity of a Picotin 33 is just like a Boston bag. It is extremely wide, spacious, and totally utilitarian. Its dimensions are 33cm x 32cm for the base, and 24cm for the depth. People who frequently carry many items, or even a work laptop, will appreciate this bag’s soft structure. Although this size is quite uncommon, it is a great option for business or travel use. No matter how big or small Hermes Picotin sizes get, the durable leather and stitching can withstand even the bulkiest items.
| Hermes Picotin Sizes | Dimensions (CM) |
| Picotin Lock Micro / Picotin 14 | 14cm x 14cm x 10cm |
| Picotin Lock PM / Picotin 18 | 18cm x 19cm x 13cm |
| Picotin Lock MM / Picotin 22 | 22cm x 21cm x 17cm |
| Picotin Lock GM / Picotin 26 | 26cm x 26cm x 22cm |
| Picotin Lock TGM / Picotin 33 | 33cm x 32cm x 24cm |
Where to Buy Hermes Picotin Bags?
If you’re looking for affordable and authentic luxury bags, look for a trusted reseller near you. Shops like Mommy Micah Luxury offer genuine luxury bags. Choose from a range of Hermes Picotin sizes and styles at reasonable prices. They also offer a wide selection of Hermes bags, like the Birkin, Kelly, Lindy, GPT, Herbag, Constance, and more. And if you can’t find the bag you want? They can source it especially for you.
The Picotin bags are non-quota bags, which means you aren’t required to pre-spend a certain amount or restricted by annual purchase limits. You can find them at official boutiques near you. However, do note that larger Hermes Picotin sizes like the GM and TGM can be hard to find, compared to the highly preferred PM and MM sizes.
It’s evident how the brand can blend heritage, function, and style into its craft. Thanks to the richness of the Hermes Picotin history and its versatile nature, it has become an iconic piece for every H lover.
ALSO READ: Your Comprehensible Guide to Hermes Leathers and Skins
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