Hermès Constance Bags

The Hermès Constance bag is wonderfully versatile and can add style to both formal attire and casual wear. The large front flap is secured with a prominent “H” closure rendered in palladium, gold or rose gold hardware. It can also be filled with colorful enamel or exotic skin. Adjustable shoulder straps give it a modern sensibility and a carefree appeal that has captured the hearts of younger Hermès aficionados.

Hermès Constance Bags for Sale

The two most popular sizes of the Hermès Constance are the Constance Mini (18cm) and the Constance 24cm. The Constance Mini measures approximately 7” wide, 6” high, and 1.5” deep. It has two compartments with room to carry essentials such as your compact, lipstick, wallet, keys, and iPhone and is ideal for those who travel light. In 2023, Hermès added a removable mirror on the front wall to the Mini (also known as a C18) With its 20” shoulder strap, the Constance Mini can be worn comfortably crossbody style by most women. 

The 24cm Constance bag (C24) measures approximately 9.5” wide by 6” high by 2” deep and includes three compartments. In 2023, Hermes introduced the Constance 1-24 (C1-24), which has a single compartment and can hold more than the original C24. While the one compartment C1-24 is similar in size as the original C24, the new version looks less boxy and more contemporary. Both versions of the Constance 24 are still offered by Hermès. The C24 and C1-24 are designed to be worn on the shoulder, although many wear it crossbody.

The other sizes of the Constance are the rectangular Elan (25cm) and the Micro (14cm).

Experience Iconic Luxury with Hermès Constance Bags

The Constance bag was introduced in 1969 and is considered the third in the “Holy Trinity” of Hermès luxury handbags, along with the Kelly bag and the Birkin bag. It has maintained its popularity for more than 50 years and has only built upon its investment value. The Hermès Constance was favored by fashion icon and former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Today, celebrities and socialites cherish the youthful yet sophisticated design.

Rendered in rich colors and luxury leathers like Epsom, Swift and Box, and in exotic skins including lizard and alligator — and accented by the large signature “H” closure — the Hermès Constance makes a statement. Explore our curated collection of store-fresh Constance bags to discover your next luxury bag.

Hermès Constance Bags FAQs

What year did the Hermès Constance come out?

The Hermès Constance bag was introduced in 1959. Catherine Chaillet designed the bag for Hermès and named it for her newborn daughter. Hermès Constance was an immediate success and became the favorite bag of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. The long shoulder strap can be doubled to wear the bag shorter. The smaller size, the Constance 18cm, has a 20” shoulder strap and can be worn crossbody by most women.

Is the Constance a quota bag, and is it difficult to buy?

The Hermès Constance is not strictly a quota bag, though some boutiques treat them as such. Hermès has instituted a strict quota system restricting customers from purchasing more than two quota bags per calendar year. The Hermès Kelly and the Birkin bag are known as quota bags because this restriction applies to these styles and no others. The easiest way to purchase an Hermès bag, quota or not, is to shop the secondary market with a trusted dealer like Madison Avenue Couture. Our inventory is always changing, so be sure to check in frequently on our new arrivals!

Can Hermès Constance be worn crossbody?

The Hermès Constance 18cm bag has a shoulder strap that is 20” long and can be comfortably worn crossbody by most women. The larger Constance 24 has a shorter strap that measures 18” long and is not designed to be worn crossbody. The straps on both bags are adjustable, so they can be worn long over the shoulder or in the crook of your arm.

How do you store a Hermès Constance bag?

To best protect your Hermès Constance when not in use, store the bag in its dust bag inside the original box. First, wipe it with a soft, clean, dry cloth. Empty the bag and stuff the compartments with acid-free tissue paper to maintain the bag’s shape. Store your Constance out of direct sunlight in a cool, dry location. If your climate is particularly humid or very dry, take some climate-control steps when storing your Hermès bag. A humidifier can protect the leather from drying out. Silica bead packets or a dehumidifier can combat humid climates to protect your bag. 

What modifications were made to the Constance in 2023?

Hermès introduced a new version of the 24cm, which is called the 1-24cm. The new design has one compartment rather than three separate departments. This made the 24cm roomier. The new design looks more streamlined and lighter; more contemporary than the original. The size and strap drop are the same for both styles. Hermes continues to offer the original C24 for those who prefer three separate compartments. 

The Constance 18cm remained the same with two separate compartments; however a removable mirror was added. It is still called the C-18.