What’s in your bag? Maybe just the basics — phone, lipstick, keys, maybe a credit card or two. For others, it’s a survival kit — laptop, snacks, a change of shoes, months-old receipts, and whatever else you’ve convinced yourself you might need.

Jane Birkin herself was firmly in the second camp. She famously carried her life — and then some — in her Birkin 35, tossing everything from notebooks, diaries, make-up, and multiple pairs of glasses into its roomy frame. And that’s the charm of the Hermès Birkin: it was designed to fit real lives, messy or minimal.

Image courtesy: @thebirkinboy

Today, the Birkin comes in five sizes, each appropriate for a different vibe, need, or preference. Whether a light packer or a “just in case” hoarder, there’s one to fit your lifestyle.

Birkin Sizes at a Glance

The Birkin family spans from petite to oversized, with each size offering a different balance of style and practicality. Here’s a quick overview of the dimensions and best uses for each, before we dive into what really fits inside.

Size	Dimensions (inches)	Dimensions (cm)	What Fits
Birkin 20	7.9 x 5.9 x 3.9	20 x 15 x 10	Petite powerhouse for evenings or minimalist days: cardholder, phone, keys, and a touch of lipstick.
Birkin 25	9.8 x 7.8 x 5	25 x 20 x 13	Compact day-to-night bag: wallet, phone, keys, and small accessories.
Birkin 30	11.8 x 9.4 x 6.3	30 x 24 x 16	Versatile companion: small iPad or laptop, wallet, phone, planner, sunglasses, and a makeup bag.
Birkin 35	13.8 x 11 x 7	35 x 28 x 18	Medium, travel-friendly: 13-inch laptop, documents, tablet, cosmetics, and weekend essentials.
Birkin 40	15.7 x 12 x 8	40 x 30 x 21	Travel-ready powerhouse: clothes, shoes, a laptop, and everything you need for a short trip.

Image courtesy: @clairechanelle

Breaking Down the Birkin Sizes

Now that we’ve seen how each Birkin measures up, let’s take a closer look at what fits inside each size and how they match different lifestyles

Birkin 20 – The Baby Birkin

When most people think of mini Hermès bags, the Mini Kelly II usually springs to mind. But lesser known and even more elusive is the Birkin 30, which has joined the family as its smallest and most playful member. Often crafted in exotics like lizard and crocodile, it has also been the canvas for some of Hermès’ most whimsical creations, from the collector-favorite Faubourg to the recently introduced Disco Birkin.

Image courtesy: @lordlauritz

Despite its petite dimensions, the Birkin 20 offers more space than you might expect. Measuring 7.9 x 5.9 x 3.9 inches, it’s actually a touch roomier than the Mini Kelly II (7.9 x 5.9 x 3.9 inches), making it easier to slip in a cardholder, phone, keys, and a lipstick without feeling cramped. It balances collectible charm with functionality, offering style without bulk.

Image courtesy: @shamswomoon

Image courtesy @rinkys

Birkin 25 – The Compact Everyday Companion

The Birkin 25 is the go-to for anyone who wants the iconic Birkin look without the bulk or weight. Measuring 9.8 x 7.8 x 5 inches, it is large enough to hold all the essentials for a day out — phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, lipstick, a mini notebook, and AirPods — yet small enough to transition seamlessly from day to night without looking out of place.

Image courtesy: @lovisabarkman

This is not the bag to tote a laptop or a full-size water bottle, but that’s part of its charm — it makes you curate what really matters. The 25 proves that even a smaller Birkin can pack a punch in both style and practicality.

Image courtesy: @franziskanazarenus

Image courtesy: @alice.orso

Birkin 30 – The Versatile All-Rounder

Dubbed the “Goldilocks” of the Birkin family, the 30 strikes that balance between elegance and everyday practicality. Measuring 11.8 x 9.4 x 6.3 inches, it’s roomy enough for a wallet, phone, keys, sunglasses, a small makeup bag, a planner, and even a small laptop or iPad.

Image courtesy: @franziskanazarenus

Keep in mind that when fully loaded, the 30 is considerably heavier than its smaller siblings — you’ll definitely feel it by the end of the day. There’s still space for a water bottle if you dare (liner recommended), making this the ideal choice for anyone seeking one bag that transitions easily from boardroom to errands to evening events.

Image courtesy: @aymiecahill

Image courtesy: @aymiecahill

Birkin 35 – The Original “Everything Bag”

The 35 is the legendary workhorse famously carried by Jane Birkin. Measuring 13.8 x 11 x 7 inches, it’s roomy enough to hold a variety of daily essentials: wallet, phone, cosmetics case, water bottle, tablet, and a small notebook or planner. It can also accommodate a laptop — smaller models like a 13-inch MacBook slide in comfortably, while larger 16-inch laptops may require a more careful packing strategy.

Image courtesy: @ingridwilkinson

Beware, the Birkin 35 is no lightweight when you maximize the capacity, but it is a practical companion for work or travel, able to sit atop your carry-on to lighten your load while keeping everything within easy reach. Its generous interior makes it ideal for days when you need to carry a little bit of everything without sacrificing classic Hermès style.

Image courtesy: @thebirkinboy

Image courtesy: @clairechanelle

Birkin 40 – The Jetsetter’s Carry-On

Meet the Birkin 40: the big brother of the Birkin family. It’s big, it’s heavy, and unapologetically luxurious. Measuring a generous 15.7 x 12 x 8 inches, it can effortlessly fit clothes, shoes, accessories, and all the essentials for a weekend getaway, while still leaving room for a laptop, documents, and other workday necessities. You can even nest smaller Birkins inside your 40 – a Birkin (or Birkins) within a Birkin – putting the art of bag nesting into practice, a long-time PurseBop speciality.

Image courtesy: @clairechanelle

Built for travel or any day that demands serious carrying power, the Birkin 40 commands presence while providing practicality. Despite its generous proportions, the 40 upright slides into an airplane overhead compartment, making it ideal for travelers. Fully loaded, it’s undeniably hefty, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming a favorite — especially among men and anyone who needs maximum carrying capacity without compromising on unmistakable Hermès style.