First Birkin - B25 or B30

[AllyRose]

Hihi, I’m placing my wishlist for a gold on gold Birkin. However, I couldn’t decide on the size, very torn between 25 or 30. I’m 172cm (around 5 feet 6). I already have a K28, which I think it’s a nice size for me but a bit too big for evenings.

B25 or 30, sellier or retourne for gold on gold?

What do you recommend based on your experience? Thank you very much!

 

[880]

Hihi, I’m placing my wishlist for a gold on gold Birkin. However, I couldn’t decide on the size, very torn between 25 or 30. I’m 172cm (around 5 feet 6). I already have a K28, which I think it’s a nice size for me but a bit too big for evenings.

B25 or 30, sellier or retourne for gold on gold?

What do you recommend based on your experience? Thank you very much!

I have a gold 30B and a gold 25B sellier, both of which i use during the day
Since i carry very little, i probably use the 25B more.
i have a few 28Ks and one 25K. Someone 5’6” could carry both, but it would be best to try on
I think the 25B or 25K are definitely too large to use as an evening bag
many members here do not like the 25B bc it has smaller handles and can look a bit like a toy
ETA: larger sizes are coming back, so the 30B is a classic

ETA: as per thread title, this will simply be your first. There is plenty of time for a second bag

 

[lovejoysunshine]

I’m about your height and find the B30 to be my perfect size, and it is actually smaller than I thought.

I think it really depends on how you intend to use the bag, and how much you usually carry. For evening use, i find the Birkin in either size is only appropriate for more casual settings

I prefer Birkin in retourne as I see it as a relaxed tote bag. I also think the white contrast stitching for gold lends it a more casual look, but if sellier makes your heart sing more, go for it.

 

[tinkerbell68]

Hihi, I’m placing my wishlist for a gold on gold Birkin. However, I couldn’t decide on the size, very torn between 25 or 30. I’m 172cm (around 5 feet 6). I already have a K28, which I think it’s a nice size for me but a bit too big for evenings.

B25 or 30, sellier or retourne for gold on gold?

What do you recommend based on your experience? Thank you very much!

I carry my gold on gold B30 often. It is definitely casual and I'm not sure it would be appropriate for 'evenings' even in a 25 sellier...honestly I just don't thing gold on gold with the contrast stitching would ever be appropriate for an occasion.

 

[aaaaanthony]

I’m also around your height. I first had a B35 but found it too large given I carried very little. I now have a B25 which I find a cute “schmedium” size that I can tuck under my long coat if open. A B30 may fit yours frame better but the depth is what deters me personally. I really think it depends how much you carry and whether you’d care to carry a mostly “empty” bag. I realized I didn’t but only through trial and error. Good luck!

 

[WhiteBus]

You commented that you find your K28 too big for evenings.
Is that an important factor in your decision making here?
If so, surely that would rule out size 30 for you.
Similarly, depending on what you mean by 'evenings', wouldn't that exclude a Birkin because it is just an expensive tote.

When you are clear in you own mind how you would hope to use this bag, your decision will become clear. Remember that no bag can be a universal choice to be perfect for all occasions.

 

[BoredHoe]

I’d suggest taking a look at what you normally carry and if the K28 is too big (height, width, whichever) remember that a Birkin technically has more depth.

I have a B25 and B35 both with 7RP insert, I can fit a Chanel Classic WOC, thin pack of tissues, my phone, chap stick and probably a few more bits and bobs. I can still close it and carry the bag, or leave it open like a tote.

For reference below B25. One with and another without insert. Closeable or carry as tote.
Chanel WOC, chap sticks, tissue pack, two Calvi, and a Bastia. Excuse extremely poor lighting.

 

[Grande Latte]

Wow. This is a tough one. I don't think of Birkin as an evening bag. I'd go evening "evening" bag. Like a clutch for something fancy that goes well with a dress.

So if you're just looking to get a Birkin, I'd take your normal items, go to a store and try to fit them in (if they allow you). Otherwise, there will be buyer's regret.

BTW, I only own the Birkin in a 30 and 35. I prefer the 30, but the 35 is great for business meetings and travels.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Can't really vote on this because to me a Birkin's not an evening bag in any size - maybe you could get away with a B20 but not a 25 or 30. It's a tote, after all.
If you drop the evening bag requirement the core questions are:

- How do you prefer to carry a bag? Depending on your frame, the B25 may be wrist carry or even hand carry only whereas you can carry a B30 on your arm. This is a bigger deal than you might think when you are carrying a bag all day.

- How much do you normally carry? Do you need to lug around kid stuff or do you live in a climate where you need to carry layers and umbrellas? Or do you drive most places, in which case a small bag is usually fine as your car functions as a giant handbag ?

Both are great bags Good luck!

 

[LaurenHermesLover]

I was considering the same! I wanted a gold on gold B but wasn’t sure about the size and my home store didn’t have any for try-on. I was torn so I left the size up to my SA (a gamble!). I ended up with a 25 and love it. Even in this smaller size and mostly empty, it’s a heavy bag. I’m also 5’7, 150lbs, and I don’t think the 25 looks disproportionate. I believe my SA/stock allocation gods chose well with it LOL

 

[cravin]

Birkins are totes and not really “evening bags” but if you love them, wear them whenever you like. I think a 30 is more useful than a 25 since you can slip it on to your arm to free up your hand and it holds more for when you want to run around with a tote.

 

[chanellover333]

I personally think 25s look beautiful during evening dinners or going out somewhere upscale for drinks. Not to a gala or event, but to a nice evening out, I don't see the issue. I vote 25 all the way

 

[tensgrl]

I am 5'5" and I vote B30. As stated above, the Birkin is a tote, not an "evening bag" in the classic sense. I carry my B30 out at night all the time, but I'm in a fairly casual situation. Only hand carry is a deal breaker for me.

 

[QuelleFromage]

Just to clarify, when someone says "evenings" I assume that doesn't just mean it's dark out, it means at least semi-formal. For instance, it's evening here and I am walking to the bistro down the block to have a (veggie) burger, wearing a t-shirt, jeans and boots - and in THAT definition of evening I could easily carry a Birkin, certainly 30 or smaller - it's just easier to take smaller bags out to dinner.

 

[forgetmenot301]

Im 5’6 and I own both and love both sizes. I find the 25 easier to grab and go for all occasions (not evening unless it’s very casual). The 30 I have to think a bit more about using as its bigger and more cumbersome imo. So I vote 25 for your first. You can’t go wrong with either size. Good luck!

Edited to add some photos. Not sure of your build but I’m around 125-130lbs for reference. Orange is a 25cm others 30cm.