Birkin 40 or 35 on a guy?

[Yoshi1296]

I've been scrolling through that thread for a couple days and there are definitely some good shots. I think I'm just being thrown off by some fashion bloggers who have 40s and somehow make them look a lot smaller. I definitely love the 35, just not sure if it'll perform all the tasks I want it to. Maybe I'll try to see if an SA at my local store will have anything for size comparison in regards to my proportions, although they gave bad vibes the last time I was there so we'll see how that goes.

That’s a good idea. Sorry to hear about the bad vibes. Completely relate but soon an SA will warm up to you and you’ll be able to build an awesome relationship with one. Good luck and keep us updated!

 

[bagidiotic]

Go for the 40
Judging from your needs
Very masculine size for workhorse

 

[PJW5813]

The easy part to answer - for a 5'10 guy - go for 40.

However Yoshi1296 did rightly question whether a Birkin is the right bag for your needs?
The ideas of a shoulder strap and better support for your contents came immediately to mind.
Nearly everyone here would admit to the lure of a Birkin.
Even you have started to consider if a Birkin for weekends and travel might be better supplemented with a more suitable bag for MacBook and documents.

If you invest in a Birkin 40 (or dare I suggest a HAC), you will have it and be using it for many years after your mobile computing devices have died and be upgraded. Similarly how many more years will you be needing a bag for school?

When you next go into Hermes (because you will, in spite of your last experience) take with you the things you need to carry on a daily basis and try out what works,

Have you considered the line of City bags in their various incarnations?

 

[HMuse]

Another vote for HAC, proportion wise IMO looks more masculine.

 

[doni]

I like a big Birkin on a guy, and also agree the HAC is an even better option!

 

[fabuleux]

This is my first post here, although I've been reading around the forums for a while now, but I'm not finding the answers I need so here we go.

I've been debating between a 35 and 40 birkin for a month now and I'm not sure which would look most proportional for me. I'm about 178cm (or 5'10") and around 135lbs. I primarily want to use it as a school/work bag and would need to carry around my 13" macbook pro in a 14" or so sleeve and maybe some papers and folders. I'm not super concerned about weight, mostly about overall size. Most pictures I've seen have been for 40cm birkins which always look great, but I have a feeling it might be too big on me for an every day kind of bag. Any birkin experts have any tips or recommendations? Or do any guys around my size have any pics of the bag?

Thanks in advance!

I have a MacBook 13 and I use a B40. I have a bag insert, which allows me to keep my stuff organized. It’s just perfect. I am 181cm and I wouldn’t go down to a B35.

I also have an HAC 40, which is a great guy-bag as well.

 

[QuelleFromage]

I think it's hard for anyone to carry a laptop in a B35. My 13" MBP fits but it feels a little tight.

I also have to agree that Birkins get to be a drag when filled with heavy things - I end up putting mine over my shoulders but that doesn't work for most guys. As awesome as Birkins and HACs are, the hand/arm held thing gets old if the bag is full and you're running across campus or walking a lot.

Finally - you will stretch the handles a bit if you use a Birkin this way. Nothing disastrous but good to know.

 

[millivanilli]

This is my first post here, although I've been reading around the forums for a while now, but I'm not finding the answers I need so here we go.

I've been debating between a 35 and 40 birkin for a month now and I'm not sure which would look most proportional for me. I'm about 178cm (or 5'10") and around 135lbs. I primarily want to use it as a school/work bag and would need to carry around my 13" macbook pro in a 14" or so sleeve and maybe some papers and folders. I'm not super concerned about weight, mostly about overall size. Most pictures I've seen have been for 40cm birkins which always look great, but I have a feeling it might be too big on me for an every day kind of bag. Any birkin experts have any tips or recommendations? Or do any guys around my size have any pics of the bag?

Thanks in advance!

40 cm. I am female, broad shouldered and am 1.75 cm tall. A 35 cm looked ridiulous on me. The 40 fits everthings. I, personally do not think that the 40 cm is heavy.

 

[honeypeach]

I will vote for B40, or even bigger if they make it.
But I agree with @Yoshi1296 and @PJW5813, I personally don't think Birkin is good for a daily school/work bag.
Depends on your work environment, it may send the wrong message, especially in a more traditional work environment if you just started at the basic level. (for example, I will avoid bring in my birkin, when my male or female boss and their partner is carrying a brandless or lower priced branded bag). But if you are not required to sit in an office for 8 hours like me, then don't worry about it and go with what suits your style.
For school and commute, I may go for a shoulder bag that can be dumped on the floor and withstand rain etc. (LV's Keepall Bandouliere 45 in Damier Cobalt, maybe? It can be used as a work + school + gym bag.)

 

[mxtt]

The easy part to answer - for a 5'10 guy - go for 40.

When you next go into Hermes (because you will, in spite of your last experience) take with you the things you need to carry on a daily basis and try out what works,

Have you considered the line of City bags in their various incarnations?

That's what I was planning to do this upcoming weekend when I'm out near the store. I've briefly looked over their City bags but haven't put much thought into them yet, but I'll take another look and see if there's anything that catches my eye!

I have a MacBook 13 and I use a B40. I have a bag insert, which allows me to keep my stuff organized. It’s just perfect. I am 181cm and I wouldn’t go down to a B35.

I also have an HAC 40, which is a great guy-bag as well.

I've seen some HACs around and they do look interesting. Not sure how I feel about their height, but if I can see one in the store maybe it will change my mind

 

[mxtt]

I will vote for B40, or even bigger if they make it.
But I agree with @Yoshi1296 and @PJW5813, I personally don't think Birkin is good for a daily school/work bag.
Depends on your work environment, it may send the wrong message, especially in a more traditional work environment if you just started at the basic level. (for example, I will avoid bring in my birkin, when my male or female boss and their partner is carrying a brandless or lower priced branded bag). But if you are not required to sit in an office for 8 hours like me, then don't worry about it and go with what suits your style.
For school and commute, I may go for a shoulder bag that can be dumped on the floor and withstand rain etc. (LV's Keepall Bandouliere 45 in Damier Cobalt, maybe? It can be used as a work + school + gym bag.)

I'm not 100% sure what the culture will be like in my field of work, but I definitely see your point about it being iffy to take to an office when in a new position. I guess I'll have to wait and see what it's like. I'm not a huge fan of LV bags, but I'll check out the ones you mentioned to see what they're like.

 

[odette57]

I would vote for a B35, just because I feel like even if you workout and all buff, the weight would wear on you at some point if you carry a lot on it all the time.
I carry my B to work and what I do is just carry my laptop on a sleeve separately and use the B for everything else. That way, it gives you flexibility to be able to use the B even for other outings (casual lunch, shopping, etc).
But either way, you can't go wrong with any. If you pick the bigger B, maybe try to ask for one in a lighter leather.

 

[mxtt]

I would vote for a B35, just because I feel like even if you workout and all buff, the weight would wear on you at some point if you carry a lot on it all the time.
I carry my B to work and what I do is just carry my laptop on a sleeve separately and use the B for everything else. That way, it gives you flexibility to be able to use the B even for other outings (casual lunch, shopping, etc).
But either way, you can't go wrong with any. If you pick the bigger B, maybe try to ask for one in a lighter leather.

Yeah I guess realistically I could use a sleeve or my messenger bag for my laptop and the birkin for everything else, although I do like to carry as few bags as possible. It's a good option though, thanks for suggesting it! Hadn't thought of doing that tbh. Hopefully I'll be able to see or find some to try out before I make a final decision.

 

[niveK]

I’m 6’5” and the B40 felt like a travel bag. I don’t carry that much stuff on a daily basis.

The HAC 40 felt the same way. It felt like a carry on that I’d take on a flight.

I purchased a B35 in bleu nuit and it’s pretty much perfect.

 

[csetcos]

I’m a guy (5’6”) and while I started with a B40, I found that it was too big for me and got really heavy. I now carry B35s and they are my go-to totes. You are taller, so the B40 may work for you.