Leather dilemma! First Birkin

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Marilla

Marilla

O.G.
Jul 22, 2012
372
596
#1
I’m purchasing my first Birkin 35 and after doing extensive research on leathers I’m still confused! I’ve read so many threads on here I’ve almost gone blind lol.

I’m very careful with my bags, I baby them, and this one will only be used on special occasions (I basically buy them to look at them more than I use them - I know that’s sad!) I absolutely cannot bear slouching and I prefer lightweight. I know Togo is a popular choice but I don’t like the veiny appearance you sometimes get and I know Togo can still slouch. So after my research I decided Epsom must be the leather for me.
But I’m sooo worried about spending thousands on a bag that might not be repairable. How bad does the damage have to be for Hermes to say it’s irreparable? Can small damage like corner scuffs still be repaired? I won’t relax if I think every little mark on the leather is going to be permanent!
 
#2
Love Epsom. I have a B30 in Epsom. Lightweight. No slouch. Looks pristine. I do not baby my bags. I would not hesitate to purchase another Epsom bag.

Since you take good care of your bags, I really think you’ll be fine.
 
#6
Are you purchasing through the store or through a reseller? For a special occasion slouchfree birkin, I’d suggest a smaller size than the 35. Also, Togo B35s may eventually slouch, but Epsom B35s have a similar likelihood of developing ”rippling” (the Epsom version of slouching). If you are buying resale, you’d be able to pick a Togo bag without veining, if that’s your preference. If through the store, you can decline ones with veining in the same fashion.

But if you are decided on Epsom, I do believe it is still somewhat repairable. They can recolor scratches and touch up areas, they can even completely replace panels/handles/straps, however it may never look brand new if significant damage is done; but I think the same would be true of Togo etc...
 
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#7
acrowcounted said:
Are you purchasing through the store or through a reseller? For a special occasion slouchfree birkin, I’d suggest a smaller size than the 35. Also, Togo B35s may eventually slouch, but Epsom B35s have a similar likelihood of developing ”rippling” (the Epsom version of slouching). If you are buying resale, you’d be able to pick a Togo bag without veining, if that’s your preference. If through the store, you can decline ones with veining in the same fashion.

But if you are decided on Epsom, I do believe it is still somewhat repairable. They can recolor scratches and touch up areas, they can even completely replace panels/handles/straps, however it may never look brand new if significant damage is done; but I think the same would be true of Togo etc...
Click to expand...

Thank you. I’m purchasing through a reseller. I’ve tried both 30 and 35 and the 35 is definitely better suited to me. I’m buying preloved so yes I can select a ‘vein free’ Togo but have read they can develop veining over time - not sure how true this is? Also due to wanting a 35 slouching would still be an issue.
That’s what I wanted to know - that the spa can repair minor scrapes and scratches. Bearing in mind the way I use my bags there’s unlikely to be any major damage unless I fall down the stairs with it or something!
Is the ‘rippling’ you mention the same as becoming ‘wavy’?
 
#8
Marilla said:
Thank you. I’m purchasing through a reseller. I’ve tried both 30 and 35 and the 35 is definitely better suited to me. I’m buying preloved so yes I can select a ‘vein free’ Togo but have read they can develop veining over time - not sure how true this is? Also due to wanting a 35 slouching would still be an issue.
That’s what I wanted to know - that the spa can repair minor scrapes and scratches. Bearing in mind the way I use my bags there’s unlikely to be any major damage unless I fall down the stairs with it or something!
Is the ‘rippling’ you mention the same as becoming ‘wavy’?
Click to expand...
I do not believe Togo can develop veining over time, that’s the first time I’ve actually even heard that idea.
The rippling could also be called wavy, I suppose. It’s basically the epsom leather wanting to slouch due to weight and age but is unable to do so gracefully due to the structure of the leather and tightness of the seams. Here is a random pic I found on google images where you can see the puckering from the edges...
988362E6-B38E-4317-A121-26F6C320A9A9.jpeg
 
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#9
acrowcounted said:
I do not believe a Togo can develop veining over time, that’s the first time I’ve actually even heard that idea.
The rippling could also be called wavy, I suppose. It’s basically the epsom leather wanting to slouch due to weight and age but is unable to do so gracefully due to the structure of the leather and tightness of the seams. Here is a random pic I found on google images where you can see the puckering from the edges...
View attachment 4851466
Click to expand...

Thank you. That’s certainly something to look out for. I’ve seen a thread on here about a ‘wavy’ Epsom birkin and it looked awful!
 
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