How to store your Hermes Birkin and Kelly bag

Should I store my Birkin or Kelly bag upright, on its back, or in the box?

When deciding how to store your Hermès Birkin or Kelly, there are two main concerns to keep in mind:

1. Preserving the bag’s structure: to prevent premature sagging or slouching.
2. Avoiding pressure marks: you want to make sure that storage does not accelerate or worsen the occurrence of pressure marks from the interior pockets (see our detailed blog on pressure marks here).

With these goals in mind, we examine the pros and cons of the different storage options:

Upright storage

Pros:

Storing your bag upright puts no direct pressure on the interior pockets, and therefore the development of pressure marks and lines is not accelerated. This storage works well for Kelly and Birkin bags in structured leathers, such as Epsom, that are not prone to slouch, or in the structured Sellier style.

Cons:

However, upright storage places the entire weight of the bag on its base, allowing gravity to pull down over time. This can accelerate sagging and lead to a complete loss of structure. For example, this Kelly 32 in Clemence leather has been stored upright, and without any internal suppot for a decade; it has visibly collapsed:

If a bag has already developed slouch and continues to be stored upright, it may eventually begin to “sit on its folds.” Over time, the leather at these stress points stretches, thins, and becomes prone to cracking.

Upright storage is particularly detrimental to unstructured bags (Retourne style) in heavy leathers that are prone to slouching, for example, Taurillon Clemence.

Storing your Kelly or Birkin bag flat on its back

Pros:
Laying your bag flat allows its weight to be evenly distributed across the back panel, making your bag less prone to sagging and slouching.
Additionally, this position avoids direct pressure on the front interior pockets, and consequently, the occurrence of pressure marks and lines on the front panel of your bag is not accelerated.

Cons:
However, the entire weight of the bag now rests on the back panel, pressing the internal rear pocket (zippered in the Birkin, flat in the Kelly) against the leather. Over time, this can risk accelerating the development of pressure marks or outlines which will become visible on the exterior of your bag's back panel.

Storing your Kelly or Birkin bag in its box

The key benefit of box storage is that your bag rests gently on the original pillows or cushions provided by Hermès: 

The pillow offers padded support for your bag while taking some of the weight. When done correctly (with internal stuffing and minimal pressure from surrounding accessories) it can be one of the safest long-term storage options. However, improper placement or overstuffing can still lead to pressure marks or distortion, so care is necessary.

Your bag still needs internal support when resting on the pillow. If you leave it empty, the front panel will sink into a concave shape:

Tip: make sure not to overstuff or use rigid materials. Bag pillows that are too firm and snug, rigid inserts, and inserts that are too high all risk to accelerate pressure marks and lines (see our detailed blog post on pressure marks and indentations here).

My Personal Storage Method

Personally, I like to see my bags, so I store them on an open shelf, away from direct exposure to light or heat. I pull the straps closed and remove the cadenas and any heavy charms. All my Hermès Kelly and Birkin bags are stored with MaiTai Collection inserts for structure. Since most of my Kelly and Birkin bags are in Clémence and Togo, I store them on their backs to help prevent sagging. This does produce some pressure on the interior pockets, but since Togo and Clemence are quite thick and sturdy, the markings on the outside are minimal and don't concern me much. My smallest and most structured Kelly bag (a Kelly Pochette in crocodile) is stored upright with its KP protective cover and liner.

For example, here’s my 12-year-old Birkin 35, which has always been stored on its back with a MaiTai Collection B35 insert for support. You’ll notice virtually no slouching. The minimal pressure markings and lines on the back panel don't concern me much; I consider them a natural result of how the bag was designed and a mark of normal use.

The front panel shows even less pronounced markings, as the interior pocket here is flat and there has been no pressure on it as the bag was stored on its back:

Whichever way you decide to store your bag, these are universal guidelines to preserve your bag’s shape and leather quality: 

Do’s:

• Use Dust Bags: Store your bag in its original dust bag to protect it from dust and light exposure.
• Ensure Air Circulation: Keep the lid off the orange box to allow the leather to breathe. In humid climates, consider a dehumidifier. 
• Remove Heavy Accessories: Remove the cadena (lock) and any other heavy charms to prevent indentations or abrasion.
• Pull and close the Sangles (straps): This helps maintain their shape and prevent sagging.

Don’ts:

• Avoid Direct Sunlight or Heat: Do not store near radiators, fireplaces, or in direct sunlight, as this can cause the leather to dry out or fade. 
• Avoid Sealed Display Cases: Glass or Perspex cases restrict airflow, increasing the risk of mold or leather degradation.
• Do Not Overstuff: Avoid rigid inserts or bag pillows, as they can create visible pressure marks on the outside of your bag.

Conclusion

If you want to preserve the "new out of the box" look of your Kelly and Birkin for the longest time, the best storage method for most bags is in the box, as described above. However, this requires space and a dedicated approach. 

If you don't mind the relaxed look of a slouchy Kelly or Birkin bag, or don't care too much about the markings that the interior compartments might leave on the outside of your bag (after all they are a result of how the bag was designed and crafted) the points above will help you to develop a personalized storage method that suits your priorities.

With thoughtful care and the right materials, your bag will remain beautiful for decades to come.