Verdict first: photos answer the Kelly 25 vs 28 and Birkin 25 vs 30 question better than any measurement. QC stays in the Birkin/Kelly QC thread; this one is about how each size sits on the body.
The kind of shot that helps: same person, same outfit, both sizes.
If you can, post the 25 and the 28 carried by hand and on the shoulder strap, in a full-length mirror.
Think of the sizes like rooms: same architecture, different square metres. Tip: always include your height in the caption.
Related threads: the thread on Hermès Evelyne as an everyday crossbody, the thread on bag of the day, Hermès Picotin Lock 18 or 22 as an everyday.
Verdict: Kelly 28 is the everyday size for most frames; Kelly 25 is the dressier, compact one.
Details: the Kelly comes with a shoulder strap, so both work hands-free. On taller frames the 25 can look like a mini on the shoulder; the 28 sits in proportion. Like a building and its plot, the bag has to match the frame. Beginners, ask away.
Sellier vs retourne, since it changes how each size looks:
- Sellier: structured, stitching visible on the outside, sharp edges. Looks more formal and slightly smaller.
- Retourne: turned construction, softer and rounded. Looks more relaxed and holds a bit more.
- On a 25: a sellier reads very formal and compact; a retourne softens it.
- On a 28: both work; retourne is the more common everyday choice.
Credit to anyone posting both constructions side by side; that’s the most useful photo here.
Verdict: construction matters as much as size.
Birkin 25 vs 30
The Birkin has no shoulder strap and a short handle drop. It’s carried by hand or in the crook of the elbow. Fairly sure about this: the handle drop is the main reason people find the 30 more practical than they expected and the 25 tighter on the arm.
Capacity
25: phone, cardholder, keys, small pouch. 30: adds a small tablet or a light scarf.
More photo angles welcome, especially in the crook of the elbow.
And which one do people keep reaching for? In the threads, the Kelly 28 and the Birkin 30 come up most as the “everyday” pick; the 25s are the “second bag” pick.
Verdict: that matches what comes up. One addition: the Hermès cluster threads help compare sizes against other bags: Picotin 18 vs 22, Evelyne PM vs GM and the Constance QC thread.
For photos in this thread:
- Full-length mirror, natural light.
- Height in the caption.
- Carried by hand, on the elbow, and (Kelly) on the shoulder strap.
- Same outfit for both sizes.
Verdict: consistent photos make sizes comparable.
Summary:
|
Size |
Everyday? |
Notes |
| Kelly |
25 |
compact, dressier |
can read as a mini on tall frames on the strap |
| Kelly |
28 |
the common everyday pick |
in proportion for most frames |
| Birkin |
25 |
the “second bag” pick |
tight on the arm; phone, cards, keys, small pouch |
| Birkin |
30 |
the common everyday pick |
short drop: hand or elbow; adds a small tablet or scarf |
- Sellier looks more formal and slightly smaller; retourne softer, rounder and holds more.
- Photos: full-length mirror, height in caption, hand/elbow/strap, same outfit.
Tip: post sizes side by side with your height, and the thread does the rest.
Post the 25 and the 30 carried in the crook of the elbow, same outfit, with your height noted.
Good summary. More angles welcome, especially retourne 25s.