When it comes to buying a leather bag, everything matters!
From the colour to the build of the bag, each characteristic of a leather bag adds to the appeal.
Therefore, picking the right bag is essential. It can help you flaunt your personality and set an everlasting impression.
Think of it as a way to make a statement without uttering a word!
Buying your first Hermès bag can be daunting. First, you have to decide between Constance, Birkin, and Kelly, and then you have to choose the kind of leather.
In this article, we will help unravel the intricacies and help you learn about Swift, the best leather for your Hermès .
Before diving into the nitty-gritty of Hermès Swift leather, here's how Emily explains it—covering everything from its features to its durability
Hermès Swift Leather
Hermès features a large variety of leather skins in its collection. Each of these skins is different and vary in the following set of attributes:
- look
- feel
- texture
- durability
Some of these leathers can be found all year round. These are generally the best-selling leathers that Hermès reproduces from time to time.
Other kinds of leather include rare releases that the line has discontinued or exotic skins that are limited in number.
Perhaps one of Hermès ’ most popular leathers is Swift leather. Known for its colour-retaining properties, this skin is a favourite of many enthusiasts all around the world.
History of Hermès Swift Leather
Originally, Hermès Swift leather retailed as Gulliver leather.
Gulliver was known for its smooth and fine-grain texture but was prone to scratches. The leather was discontinued in 1999.
However, in 2005, it was relaunched as Hermès Swift.
It is interesting to note that both the names, Gulliver and Swift, were kept to pay tribute to Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels.
The name might have been chosen to represent the “intricate” qualities of the bag.
Hermès Swift had a notable impact once it was released in the market.
Following the release of Swift, the demand for rich and bold statement bags increased.
From then on, many runway models all across Milan and New York celebrated Swift leather by pairing it with their outfits.
What makes Swift so Sought after?
Swift leather comprises a triad of semi-smooth texture, semi-matte appearance and soft, natural grainy texture.
Its light-reflecting properties are out of this world, attributing to an irresistible sheen.
Swift leather is made of Nubuck. A kind of leather that has been buffed to reduce the grainy texture.
Made from the hides of male calves, Nubuck is almost composed of a velvet-like texture.
Apart from its impeccable softness, the leather boasts exceptional durability. Unlike Gulliver, Swift is more resistant to wear and tear, which accounts for its longevity.
Additionally, Hermès Swift's skin has a relaxed drape which allows the bag to hold its shape well.
In contrast to other skins, which are much stiffer, Swift boasts a soft and flowy character.
Swift Colour Chart
The best thing about Swift is its colour-retaining properties.
Nubuck leather is a little difficult to dye but once the process is complete, it takes on the hue remarkably well. Much better than other skins!
The end result is an unmatched pop of colour to the bag that's perfect for those looking for bolder shades to carry.
Hermès swift leather comes in a variety of colours. Some of the best-selling Swift colours include:-
- Anemone- a bright pink created by the mix of pale pinks and rich reds
- Bamboo- a lush green that resembles the bamboo plant
- Mauve Pale- a soft, muted light purple with hints of pink and grey
- Lime- a zesty mix between yellow and green- perfect for a statement look
- Noir- a deep, rich black that complements a variety of colours
Should I invest in Hermès Swift leather?
Without a doubt, Swift Leather can be a marvellous addition to your wardrobe.
It's beautiful, and bold and features a glossy finish that would make anyone want to get their hands on one. Plus, they have excellent resale value which can make Swift a worthwhile investment.
While the material imparts fascinating qualities to the bag, it also comes with a few drawbacks.
Judging these factors can help you decide if Hermès Swift Leather is the perfect choice for you.
|
Swift Leather Pros |
Swift Leather Cons |
|
Soft, supple texture |
Saggy/slouchy finish |
|
Unmatched Colour Vibrancy |
Limited sizes available- only retails in clutches and small bags |
|
Glossy finish |
May get “veiny” overtime |
|
Finer grains |
More expensive than other leather |
|
Compared to Gulliver, it is durable and long-lasting |
Scratch prone |
How to care for Hermès Swift Leather?
Considering the nature of the leather, Swift leather requires special care to maintain its longevity.
For everyday use, ensure that you wipe your bag with a microfiber cloth from time to time.
You don't need to scrub on the surface aggressively. Just a soft wipe is sufficient to remove the overlying dust or oil.
In case your precious bag has something more resistant on its surface, like dirt or scratches, it is recommended to gently buff the surface of the bag.
Steer clear from heavy metallic keychains that can dent the leather. Smaller dainty key chains are fine as long as they don't weigh the bag.
Store your bag in a cool and dry place. We recommend emptying the bag after use and lining it with tissue paper so it can retain its shape.
While going out, ensure to protect your bag from the rain. In the event that your Swift leather does get wet, simply wipe the water with a cloth.
Do not leave your bag out under the sun or near hot surfaces like radiators or hair dryers as this may tamper with the durability of the bag.
Occasions for Swift Leather
Swift leather is mostly used to manufacture smaller bags like:
- Clutches
- Wallets
- Small handbags
Typically, small handbags are best for formal occasions like dinners or parties. Clutches, on the other hand, can be fit for everyday use.
It is rare to find large handbags in Swift leather because they have the tendency to lose their shape.
If you find yourself drawn to larger handbags, we recommend picking Togo leather instead of Swift.
Swift vs Other Leathers
Hermès holds an array of over 50 premium skins for their bags and leather goods.
Additionally, the fashion house also releases limited edition skins from time to time.
While each leather is magnificent in its own way, depending on the properties different skins may be better suited for people.
Hermès Swift, for instance, is known for its soft and slouchy look. It is for this reason it is widely used to craft Birkins.
Other tougher options include Togo leather. This is a great pick for people who tend to use their bags daily and scratch them easily.
Its stiffness and resistance make it a perfect option for larger Kelly bags.
Similar to Swift, we also have Epsom, which is also known for its colour retention properties.
For the same colour depth, Epsom is generally less expensive. However, its grains tend to be more noticeable than a Swift which could make it less appealing for some.
Hermès Exotic Skins
Aside from the skins mentioned, the design house also retails exotic handbags made from the skin of wild animals.
Exotic skins are one of a kind. They require special care and do very well in resale- more than a traditional leather Hermès .
To dye exotic skins requires skills that only experienced artisans can achieve. And because they are sensitive, they're difficult to work with making them more valuable than other leathers.
Ultimately, these bags are sought after because of the intricate textures and patterns, which, of course, cannot be replicated with traditional leather.
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Alligator
This exotic skin features square-shaped scales that are evenly spaced. Unlike crocodile skin this skin features a more symmetrical appearance. It is the go-to skin for wallets and clutches as it imparts a luxurious and sophisticated look.
At Hermès , bags made from alligator skin are typically marked with a small square symbol next to the logo.
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Ostrich
Originating from South Africa, these skins are known for their dotted texture. The texture is attributed to the quills dispersed throughout the leather, giving it a polka-dotted appearance.
Combined with the extremely soft feel, the distinct texture makes Ostrich skin suitable for a variety of products.
Ostrich leather also absorbs dye beautifully. From classic neutrals like black and brown to bright, bold shades like turquoise and pink, there's a colour for every preference.
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Crocodile Niloticus
Sourced from the Nile River this kind of leather presents in two forms- shiny and matte. The prime difference between the two is the extent of buffing. Glossy bags require extensive buffing to reach that state whereas matte bags are less tampered with.
Compared to its alternative, alligator, crocodile skin has larger scales and small dots in the middle of the scales.
It is a preferable option for those requiring less visual symmetry. These handbags can be recognised by the two-dot signs next to the Hermès name.
Other Honorable Mentions
Apart from popular leathers and exotic skins, Hermès also features other exquisite leathers to craft their luxury handbags.
Purchasing these bags can be difficult, as most have been discontinued. However, they are a great investment for someone into collecting or reselling handbags.
Some of the Hermès ’ most artistic pieces include:-
Hermès Buffalo Leather
This skin is known for its remarkably malleable properties, which make it suitable for a variety of products. Moreover, it is also durable and scratch-resistant, giving it an extended shelf life.
As Buffalo Leather ages, it becomes visually appealing. It's the perfect choice for someone looking for a bold option to express themselves.
That said, it does require extensive maintenance.
Hermès Buffalo Dalmation Leather
While discontinued, the Dalmatian leather holds quite the value in the reselling market.
It has a particular veiny appearance due to being dyed twice. Initially, the leather is resistant.
It takes effort to get it to absorb the dye, but once it does, the dye pigments gather in the centre of the grain to give it a spotty look. Thus giving it the characteristic “Dalmation” name (after the dog).
The collection offers a limited range of colours, and bags made of Buffalo Dalmatian are very resistant to scratches and water.
Hermès Chamonix Leather
Chamonix refers to the male calves that live in the French Alps. After processing, the leather is divided into two versions: Chamonix, which is softer, and Box Calf, which is matte.
Chamonix boasts a soft, plastic-like feel. Compared to its matte counterpart, it has impeccable scratch resistance, although the water resistance is not so good.
If left moist for extended periods, Chamonix may blister, ruining the bag's appeal. We recommend saving this one for sunny days.
Hermès Courchevel Leather
Discontinued in 2004, Courchevel boasted a lightweight and textured appeal.
Its features resemble Epsom which replaced Courchevel in the same year. Both the skins have a similar exterior, share the same water resistance and have good scratch resistance.
However, Courchevel is much darker in the centre, as its pigments tend to concentrate on the grains. This accounts for an enhanced lustrous appeal, making it a popular pick in the secondary market.
Conclusion
Investing in a Hermès Swift can be a great choice for fashion enthusiasts. Its unique blend of softness and vibrancy sets it apart from other leathers, making it a great fit for your wardrobe.
While the material does require some care, the overall benefits outweigh the cons. A Swift can remain valuable for years to come if it is well maintained.
Whether you like the luxury or the resale prospects, Hermès Swift is worth the investment.
