Bucket bags have long held their place in fashion, but the Hermès Picotin Lock (often simply called the Picotin) infuses the style with equestrian heritage and craftsmanship. Understated and practical, yet unmistakably Hermès, the Picotin has become a go-to for collectors.

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Introduced in 2002, the Picotin takes its name from an old French word referring to a portion of feed for horses—a fitting nod to Hermès’ equestrian legacy. Now available in four sizes, and crafted in everything from classic Clemence leather to seasonal colorways and special-edition materials, the Picotin remains one of the most wearable and versatile styles in the Hermès lineup. Whether you’re starting your Hermès collection or looking to expand beyond quota bags, the Picotin is a timeless choice with enduring appeal.

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Defining the Picotin’s Design

At its core, the Picotin is a simple, functional design: an unlined leather bucket bag with top handles, minimal hardware, and a cinched leather strap secured with a padlock.

Free from overt branding (the heatstamp is discreetly placed at the base of the interior), the Picotin puts focus on the materials and craftsmanship.

A rigid base and four protective feet help maintain its shape, while classic top handles offer a graceful handheld carry. Altogether, it’s a silhouette that feels effortlessly polished—perhaps the chicest feed bag ever designed.

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Signature Leathers of the Picotin Lock

True to Hermès tradition, the Picotin is offered in a curated selection of signature leathers. Classic in Clemence, elevated in Barenia, and utterly luxurious in exotic skins, the choice of leather gives the Picotin a chameleon-like versatility that shifts from casual to collectible.

Here are the key leathers typically seen on the Picotin:

Clemence

Clemence is the classic choice for the Picotin. A textured bull-calf leather with a soft hand and relaxed drape, it gives the bag a casual, slouchy elegance over time.

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Maurice

More structure comes with Maurice leather, a firmer bull-calf leather introduced by Hermès in 2017. With a tighter, more defined grain and slightly more rigid feel than Clemence, Maurice allows the Picotin to hold its form while retaining a touch of suppleness.

hermes picotin lock 18 maurice leather

Barenia

Most commonly found in vintage versions, the Picotin has been crafted in Barenia. This iconic, vegetable-tanned leather is known for its smooth finish, rich aroma, and ability to develop a beautiful patina over time. These earlier iterations lack the padlock closure entirely, giving them a cleaner, more minimal silhouette.

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Barenia Faubourg

A refined evolution of the original Barenia leather, Barenia Faubourg offers the same heritage appeal with improved durability. It features a fine pressed grain, subtle sheen, and signature contrasting saddle stitching—perfect for collectors who appreciate a polished yet still tactile finish.

hermes picotin 18 barenia faubourg fauve

Ostrich

Picotin bags in Ostrich leather are prized for their lightweight feel and distinctive quill pattern. Soft yet resilient, Ostrich adds a touch of quiet luxury and texture to the bag without compromising its silhouette.

hermes micro picotin ostrich

Alligator Mississippiensis

The ultimate expression of exclusivity, Picotin bags crafted in Alligator—typically Mississippiensis—are rare and coveted by discerning collectors. Offered in either high-shine or matte finishes, these editions elevate the Picotin’s relaxed silhouette with a dose of unmistakable luxury, turning a quiet staple into a standout collector’s piece.

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Lizard (Niloticus and Salvator)

One of the rarest exotics in the Hermès lineup, Lizard Picotin bags are typically reserved for the smallest sizes, particularly the Micro 14. When available, typically they are seen in vivid hues or the coveted Ombré variation, known for its subtle gradient effect and intricate scale pattern. Due to the skin’s delicate nature and limited size, Lizard Picotins are produced in very small quantities.

Special Editions and Seasonal Variations

Hermès keeps the Picotin collection fresh by turning it into a canvas for bold designs.

Picotin Lock 18 Pocket Bag

One standout is the Picotin Lock 18 Pocket Bag, affectionately known as the Picotin Cargo. Launched in 2020, this style features a durable Goeland canvas body combined with Swift calfskin details. It features the classic leather tab closure secured with the lock, along with two exterior pockets that create four distinct compartments. Designed exclusively in the 18 size, the Picotin Cargo brings serious utilitarian vibes to the iconic silhouette.

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Image courtesy: @worldofcasaharris

Picotin 14 Lucky Daisy

Another special edition is the Picotin 14 Lucky Daisy, a charming and whimsical take on the petite Micro size. Introduced in the Hermès Spring/Summer 2022 women’s collection, it features the playful Lucky Daisy motif printed on Swift calfskin. With horseshoes cleverly arranged into floral shapes, the design nods to Hermès’ equestrian heritage while adding a pop of color.

hermes picotin 14 lucky daisy

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Picotin Sizes: From Micro to Maxi

The Hermès Picotin comes in four sizes, designed to suit a range of needs from compact essentials to spacious everyday carry. Whether you’re drawn to the petite Micro for minimalism or the roomy 26 for extra storage, there’s a Picotin that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Image courtesy: Hermès

Picotin Style	Dimensions (Inches)	Dimensions (cm)
14 (Micro)	5.5 x 5.5 x 3.9	14 x 14 x 10
18 (Small/PM)	7 x 7.4 x 5.1	18 x 19 x 13
22 (Medium/MM)	8.6 x 8.2 x 6.6	22 x 21 x 17
26 (Large/GM)	10.2 x 10.2 x 8.6	26 x 26 x 22

Picotin 14

Despite its petite size, the Micro Picotin surprises with generous capacity thanks to its rounded bucket base—far more room than the Mini Kelly. You can easily fit essentials like a pair of sunglasses, an iPhone, lipstick, and a small wallet or Calvi cardholder. This size is most commonly found in luxurious exotics such as Ostrich and Crocodile, as well as the playful Lucky Daisy printed Swift calfskin introduced in the Spring/Summer 2022 collection.

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Picotin 18

The most popular size in the lineup, the Picotin 18, perfectly balances sleek, compact style with everyday practicality. It comfortably holds essentials like your phone, wallet, keys, and small accessories without feeling bulky. Its practical size also transitions effortlessly from day to night occasions when needed.

Image courtesty: @vk_8112_____

Image courtesty: @vk_8112_____

Picotin 22

A step up in size, the Picotin 22 offers noticeably more room without losing its elegant silhouette. It can comfortably fit essentials plus extras like a small water bottle, an A5 notebook, or a compact tablet – making it a versatile choice for those who want flexibility beyond a typical mini bag.

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Image courtesty: @vk_8112_____

Picotin 26

The largest in the lineup, the Picotin 26 offers ample space to comfortably fit everyday essentials like a wallet, keys, and phone alongside a water bottle, makeup bag, and a small laptop or tablet. It’s also the only Picotin size that fits comfortably on the shoulder, making it ideal for work, travel, or daily use.

Image courtesy: @therese__jacinto

Image courtesy: @therese__jacinto

Color Your Carry

The Picotin embraces color with subtle sophistication. Classic shades like Ebony and Biscuit provide timeless appeal, while seasonal Milton Yellow leather adds a cheerful pop. The Cargo edition brings a playful twist with vibrant Orange, Ecru with Étoupe, and sleek Black-on-Black. Limited runs may also feature unique two-tone contrasts called Casaque, or exclusive colored hardware finishes, adding individual flair to this timeless silhouette.

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Styling the Hermès Picotin

The Picotin is perhaps Hermès’ most effortless “grab-and-go” bag, combining casual ease with refined simplicity. Traditionally carried by hand or in the crook of the arm, its clean lines and sculptural shape make it a subtle yet striking addition to any outfit. Sizes 14 through 22 are designed primarily for handheld carry, with the smaller sizes also suited for the crook of the arm.

Image courtesy: @bryanboy

Image courtesy: @bryanboy

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While the Picotin 22 can be styled on the shoulder, it’s more comfortable handheld. However, if you’re seeking a true shoulder bag experience, the Picotin 26 is your best bet—it fits comfortably on the shoulder while maintaining the iconic bucket shape.

Picotin 22

Picotin 22

Picotin 26

Hermès hasn’t officially offered a shoulder strap for the Picotin, but creative fans have embraced detachable straps to customize their carry. These additions transform the Picotin into a casual shoulder or crossbody bag—ideal for hands-free days without compromising on style.

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Image courtesy: @becauseofbb

Image courtesy: @becauseofbb

The Picotin’s minimalist design lends itself to playful personalization — think Rodeo charms, Twilly-wrapped handles, or custom bag accessories that reflect the wearer’s style. Whether styled for a weekend outing or an elegant city day, the Picotin offers a refined balance of utility and charm.

Image courtesy: Red

Picotin Price Points

The Picotin 18 in Clemence leather is the sweet spot for many collectors—iconic Hermès style comfortably priced under $4,000. Prices for other sizes and materials vary widely; while Clemence remains relatively accessible, exotic versions, especially micro sizes, command significantly higher prices.

Picotin Style	Leather/ Material	Price (USD)	Price (EU)
14 (Micro)	Lucky Daisy
	Ostrich
	Matte Alligator	$23,700
18 (Small/PM)	Clemence	$3,725	€2,600
	Barenia Faubourg		€2,900
	Wool Felt Swift Go Team		€5,000
	Goeland Canvas & Swift Cargo	$4,600	€3,200
22 (Medium/MM)	Clemence	$4,025	€2,800
	Barenia Faubourg		€3,150
26 (Large/GM)	Clemence		€3,400