Ladies, Hermès mini bags photograph like absolute perfection, but sometimes don’t function as well. That Mini Kelly looks stunning in your Reformation dress on Instagram. It makes every outfit look intentional and expensive.
And then you try to fit your iPhone Pro Max inside and realise you've bought a £10,000 puzzle box that holds three items maximum.
We need to talk about what actually fits in these gorgeous little status symbols. Not the fantasy where you only need a phone and lipstick, but reality, where you need your phone, cards, keys, actual lipstick for touch-ups, and maybe a portable charger because your battery never makes it past 3 pm.
This is your honest guide to Hermès mini bag capacity, what fits, what doesn't, and which bag won't make you regret your life choices when you're actually trying to use it. We’ve also thrown in some of the less popular purses you need to invest in now!

Quick Comparison Table: Space in All Hermès Mini Bags
|
Bag |
iPhone Pro |
iPhone Pro Max |
Cardholder |
Keys |
Lipstick |
Compact |
Easy Opening |
Daily Use |
Best For |
|
Mini Kelly |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
No |
Limited |
Evening |
|
Constance 18 |
Yes |
Yes (snug) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Evening/Everyday |
|
Evelyne TPM |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Casual/Everyday |
|
Picotin 18 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Everyday/Travel |
|
Roulis Mini |
Yes |
Yes (tight) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Everyday |
|
Geta Bag |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Limited |
Evening/Casual |
|
Halzan Mini |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Limited |
Casual |
|
Bolide Mini |
Yes |
Maybe |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
Everyday |
|
Cinhetic Mini |
Yes (reg) |
No |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
No |
Evening only |
Hermès Mini Kelly – What Fits Inside?
The Mini Kelly is essentially a very expensive puzzle box disguised as a handbag.
That rigid Sellier structure means what you see is brutally what you get, no flexing, no accommodating, absolutely no mercy.
The classic Mini Kelly II measures 20cm x 16cm x 9cm, which sounds reasonable until you factor in that narrow opening and realise you're working with approximately 0.5 litres of usable space. That's roughly a Starbucks tall cup.
You're literally carrying your life in a latte.
The famous turnlock closure requires both hands and mild concentration to open. The vintage Mini Kelly 15 is even more restrictive.
What Fits
Your iPhone Pro fits, though extraction requires the kind of precise angling you'd associate with defusing bombs. A slim cardholder like the Hermès Calvi slides right in. Your car key fob works if it's modern and slim. One or two lipsticks fit if they're slim bullets; the chunky Chanel Rouge Allure tubes can stay home. AirPods fit, though they take up prime real estate. Maybe some Altoids if you position them strategically and don't need to access anything else quickly.
That's it.
That's your capacity.
Choose your five items wisely because those are the only five you're getting.
What Doesn't Fit
The iPhone Pro Max is absolutely not entering this bag. Don't even try. Any makeup pouch, even tiny ones, is laughable. Sunglasses? Forget it. A phone charging cable technically fits, but it makes everything else impossible to access. Your actual wallet with multiple compartments? You're using a cardholder now; accept it.
Verdict
The Mini Kelly is for evening events where someone else handles logistics, weddings where you've accepted carrying almost nothing, and art gallery openings where your phone and one card suffice. It's not for daily life, anything involving children, long days out, or situations requiring more than absolute essentials.
Hermès Constance 18 – What Fits Inside?
Measuring 18cm x 15cm x 4cm, the Constance 18 is technically less deep than the Mini Kelly but infinitely smarter about space usage. That iconic H clasp opens to reveal two compartments separated by a middle divider.
The front compartment is genuinely functional for items you grab constantly, and the main compartment actually opens wide instead of presenting you with a hostile, narrow aperture.
What Fits
Your iPhone Pro slides in comfortably with room to spare. The iPhone Pro Max fits in the main compartment, though it's snug and occupies most of that space, but it fits, which already makes the Constance more accommodating than half the minis out there.
Your cardholder goes in either compartment depending on your organisational preferences. Multiple lipsticks organise beautifully in the front pocket. A small compact like Charlotte Tilbury's slim ones works perfectly. Keys fit and stay separated from your phone thanks to that divider. AirPods slide in easily, and a pair of slim sunglasses can fold into the back section if you're careful.
What Doesn’t Fit
Full wallets with multiple compartments won't work; you're in slim-cardholder territory. Water bottles are obviously out. Large phone cases like bulky Otterbox styles might need to come off for Pro Max users. Portable chargers are tight; slim ones might squeeze in, but it's a battle. Makeup pouches, even small ones, create too much bulk.
Verdict
The Constance 18 is one of the most spacious Hermès minis due to those structured compartments. It works for evening events and also daytime errands, making it a rare mini that functions across multiple scenarios.
It's for people who want one Hermès mini to do everything moderately well, elegant enough for formal dinners, and practical enough for daily wear.
Hermès Evelyne TPM – What Fits Inside?
Measuring 16cm x 18cm x 5cm with that distinctive perforated H logo, this is the Hermès mini that remembers bags are supposed to be functional.
The open-top design means easy access without fighting clasps or narrow openings. The soft Clemence leather body flexes to accommodate items rather than rejecting them. The adjustable crossbody strap keeps your hands free.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro Max fits comfortably. A small wallet, not just a cardholder, but an actual small wallet like the Hermès Dogon Compact, fits easily. Your keys go in without getting lost in the darkness. Multiple lipsticks fit without requiring strategic placement. AirPods fit with room to spare. Travel-size hand sanitiser bottles work. Small water bottles like the 250ml S'well fit. Compact hairbrushes for touch-ups fit. Even granola bars or small snacks fit because Evelyne understands hunger.
What Doesn't Fit
Large makeup pouches are too bulky; we're talking small makeup items, not your full routine. Full-size sunglasses with their case won't fit; the case is too bulky, though the glasses alone might work. Tablets and Kindles are too large. Standard 500ml water bottles are too tall.
Verdict
The Evelyne TPM is the most practical mini for everyday casual wear. If you're choosing one mini bag to actually use rather than preserve in tissue paper, this is it.
It works for daily errands, travel, outdoor events, casual weekends, and museum days. It doesn't work for formal evening events or professional settings since it's a little too casual for black-tie.
Hermès Picotin 18 – What Fits Inside?
This bucket-style bag holds approximately 2.5 litres, five times the Mini Kelly's capacity. That's the difference between an espresso cup and a water bottle.
The wide-open top means you can actually see what's inside, which is revolutionary compared to most minis. No clasps, no turnlocks, no narrow openings requiring engineering degrees. Just openness, accessibility, and the freedom to carry actual items.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro Max fits easily with room to spare. A full wallet with bill compartments and zip sections fits comfortably. Small water bottles like 500ml S'wells fit standing upright. Medium-sized makeup pouches fit, sunglasses fit with their hard cases, keys obviously fit without getting lost, and AirPods, too.
What Doesn't Fit
Full-size laptops (13"+), large A4 notebooks, full-size long umbrellas, and other large items won’t fit. It's still technically a mini, not a tote!
Verdict
The Picotin 18 is the most spacious mini bag, ideal for daily use when you refuse to sacrifice carrying capacity. It works for errands, shopping, work (if you don't need a laptop), weekend activities, travel, and even parenting because it fits baby essentials without looking like a diaper bag.
Hermès Roulis Mini – What Fits Inside?
The Roulis Mini features accordion sides that create expansion without looking bulky. The turnlock closure opens wide, far more accessible than the Mini Kelly, and that front pocket is functional.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro fits comfortably. The iPhone Pro Max fits tightly; those accordion sides expand slightly to accommodate it, though you'll notice the squeeze. Your cardholder fits in either the main compartment or the front pocket. Keys fit, and the front pocket keeps them separate from your phone. Multiple lipsticks are organised in the front pocket. Small compacts like YSL or Charlotte Tilbury slim versions work.
The front pocket is perfect for cards, folded bills, mints, bobby pins, all those small items that usually float loose in bags.
What Doesn't Fit
Bulky items fight the structured shape. Sunglasses with cases are too bulky for the accordion sides to accommodate. Large phone cases might need removal for Pro Max. Water bottles, even small ones, won't fit. Makeup pouches create too much bulk, even when they're small. Portable chargers are too thick for the structured design.
Verdict
The Roulis is organised and functional, but not for bulky items or maximum capacity. It's the compromise bag for people who find the Mini Kelly too restrictive but the Evelyne too casual.
It works for everyday errands, work, dinner, shopping, and travel. The structured shape maintains elegance even when filled, unlike soft bags that look lumpy when stuffed.
Hermès Geta Bag – What Fits Inside?
The Geta is Hermès doing minimalist chic. It's slim, rectangular, and has strong opinions about what belongs inside.
The structured rectangular shape holds approximately 0.8 litres, but the slim profile makes the practical capacity feel lower.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro fits comfortably. A slim cardholder slides right in. Slim key fobs work; jangly key rings don't. One or two slim lipsticks fit. Flat items like business cards and folded bills work perfectly. Maybe AirPods, if you position everything strategically.
What Doesn't Fit
The iPhone Pro Max usually doesn't fit; it’s far too wide for the slim interior. Any bulky items are rejected immediately. Makeup pouches are laughable. Sunglasses rarely fit even without cases. Portable chargers? No. Hand sanitiser bottles? No. Anything with thickness? The Geta says absolutely not.
Verdict
The Geta is modern and chic, but genuinely limited in space. It's for people who've mastered carrying only essentials and find minimalism empowering rather than restrictive.
It works for evening events, business dinners, and Instagram content. It doesn't work for daily errands, casual weekends, or anything requiring more than five items.
Hermès Halzan Mini – What Fits Inside?
The Halzan Mini is versatile; it’s got soft leather, multiple carry options (shoulder, crossbody, top handle, hand-clutch), and is just structured enough to maintain shape.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro fits easily. The iPhone Pro Max fits depending on the year; the 13/14 Pro Max works, and the 15/16 Pro Max is tighter. Your cardholder, keys, small makeup items like compact, lip gloss, and mascara fit, and AirPods fit easily.
The soft construction means flexibility for varying daily needs.
What Doesn't Fit
Large objects fight the soft structure. Sunglasses with cases are too bulky. Full water bottles won't work. Medium or large makeup pouches create bulk. Tablets and Kindles are too large.
Verdict
The Halzan is flexible but not structured for large objects. It works for work, casual errands, travel, dinner (remove strap, carry as a clutch), and shopping.
Hermès Bolide Mini – What Fits Inside?
The Bolide Mini has a rounded dome shape that creates more depth than you'd expect. Measuring approximately 18cm x 13cm x 8.5cm, it holds about 1.0 litres.
What Fits
The iPhone Pro fits comfortably. The iPhone Pro Max depends on the year: 14 Pro Max fits snugly, 15 Pro Max is very tight, and 16 Pro Max likely won't fit. Your cardholder fits easily. Keys fit without getting lost. Multiple lipsticks fit. Compacts fit, even slightly thicker ones.
What Doesn't Fit
Sunglasses with cases are too bulky. Most portable chargers are too thick. Water bottles won't fit. Makeup pouches are tight even when small. Bulky phone cases might require removal for the Pro Max.
Verdict
The Bolide Mini is cute and practical, genuinely better than it looks. The rounded shape creates surprising capacity, and multiple carry options mean versatility.
It works for everyday errands, casual dinners, travel, work, and weekend activities. It doesn't work for formal black-tie events since it's too casual.
Hermès Cinhetic Mini – What Fits Inside?
The Cinhetic Mini is slim, structured, and unapologetically evening-only. Measuring approximately 20cm x 12cm x 4cm, it holds about 0.4 litres, less than a coffee cup!
What Fits
Your regular iPhone or iPhone Pro fits, occupying most of the space. A slim cardholder like the Hermès Calvi fits. One lipstick, maybe two if they're slim. A slim key fob only, no key rings. A few Altoids if you're lucky.
That's genuinely it. You get maybe three items total. Choose wisely.
What Doesn't Fit
The iPhone Pro Max is absolutely not fitting. Multiple items with dimensions won't work; you can choose up to 3 items.
Compacts? No room.
Hand sanitiser? No.
Portable chargers? Not happening.
Verdict
The Cinhetic is the least spacious mini, strictly an evening-only model. It's for black-tie events, weddings, opera, formal dinners, and fashion events where the bag is the statement.
It doesn't work for daily life, casual events, or any function. It's breathtakingly beautiful and uselessly small, the ultimate fashion paradox.
Most Spacious Hermès Mini Bags (Ranked)
We’ve taken the liberty of ranking all Hermès Mini Bags based on their spaciousness:
1. Picotin 18
Approximately 2.5L capacity. The undisputed champion. Holds water bottles, makeup pouches, full wallets, sunglasses with cases, and still has room.
2. Evelyne TPM
Approximately 1.2L capacity. The practical runner-up. Fits iPhone Pro Max, small wallet, keys, and essentials without Tetris skills.
3. Halzan Mini
Approximately 1.3L capacity. Slightly more capacity than Evelyne, but less practical due to the zipper and soft shape that can look bulky when full.
4. Roulis Mini
Approximately 1.1L capacity. Similar to Constance, but the accordion sides create slight flexibility. Organised compartments beat raw capacity.
5. Bolide Mini
Approximately 1.0L capacity. Rounded shape utilises space efficiently despite compact dimensions.
6. Constance 18
Approximately 0.9L total (0.7L main + 0.2L front pocket). Less capacity than above, but brilliant organisation through two compartments.
7. Geta Bag
Approximately 0.8L capacity. Decent on paper, but the slim rectangular shape makes the practical capacity feel lower.
8. Mini Kelly
Approximately 0.5L capacity. Rigid structure and narrow opening make it feel even smaller.
9. Cinhetic Mini
Approximately 0.4L capacity. The smallest capacity in the lineup. Barely fits a phone, a cardholder, and one lipstick.
Best Hermès Mini Bags That Fit an iPhone Pro Max
Modern life requires modern phones, and most minis were designed before phones grew to tablet proportions.
Here are the only options that genuinely accommodate the Pro Max:
Comfortable Fit
-
Picotin 18
-
Evelyne TPM
It Fits (But Snugly)
-
Constance 18
-
Roulis Mini
Technically Maybe
-
Bolide Mini
-
Halzan Mini
Don't Even Try
-
Mini Kelly
-
Geta
-
Cinhetic Mini
Best Mini Bags for Daily Use vs Evenings
Daily Use
-
Picotin 18: Holds actual stuff (water bottles, wallets, makeup pouches, sunglasses). Works for errands, shopping, work, travel, and casual outings.
-
Evelyne TPM: Offers crossbody hands-free convenience, open top for easy access, fits Pro Max. Works for daily errands, travel, outdoor events, and casual weekends.
-
Roulis Mini: Organised compartments, structured enough for professional settings, crossbody option. Works for work, errands, dinner, shopping, and day-to-evening transitions.
-
Bolide Mini: Surprising capacity in a compact size, multiple carry options, secure zipper. Works for everyday errands, work, casual dinners, and travel.
Evenings
-
Mini Kelly: Works for formal dinners, galas, weddings, and events where you're seated.
-
Constance 18: Works for evening events, formal dinners, and also daytime if needed.
-
Cinhetic Mini: Works for black-tie events, opera, formal weddings, and fashion events.
-
Geta Bag: Works for evening events, gallery openings, and business dinners.
How to Avoid Overstuffing Your Hermès Mini Bag
-
Use slim cardholders instead of wallets. Wallets add unnecessary bulk, so stick to compact cardholders like Hermès Calvi or Goyard St. Marc and carry only your 3-5 essential cards.
-
Remove bulky phone cases. Chunky Otterbox-style cases take up valuable space, so switch to slim leather cases, Apple's official versions, or go case-free with AppleCare protection.
-
Never overstuff Sellier bags. Rigid structures like Mini Kelly and structured Constance can't flex without damaging stitching, permanently warping the shape, and creating creases that won't resolve.
-
Use felt inserts only for Picotin. The bucket design benefits from organisers like Hermès inserts or Samorga that protect leather and organise contents, but don't use them in structured bags where they add bulk.
-
Keep sharp objects away from corners. Keys, pens, and metal items scratch leather and concentrate pressure in vulnerable corners, so use small pouches and attach keys to interior D-rings when possible.
-
Respect capacity limits. If the bag doesn't close easily, the leather bulges, or you're fighting the zipper, it's overstuffed, and something needs to go.
-
Rotate items based on activity. You don't need the same things for dinner as you do for errands. Daily carry includes phone, cardholder, keys, lipstick, and AirPods, while evening needs only phone, one card, lipstick, and mints.
-
Store bags stuffed when not in use. Use acid-free tissue paper, bag pillows, or original Hermès stuffing to maintain shape and prevent creasing, never newspaper or plastic bags.
-
Accept that mini bags have limits. Ladies, you can't fit a full-size life into a mini bag, so if you consistently need more capacity, you need a bigger bag or multiple sizes for different purposes.
Which Hermès Mini Bag Is Best for You?
The best Hermès mini depends entirely on your lifestyle and what you're actually going to use it for.
If you had to ask us, the most versatile overall is the Constance 18, the most practical for daily use is the Picotin 18, and the best investment value goes to the Mini Kelly or Constance 18. But the best Hermès mini is ultimately the one you'll actually use rather than preserve in tissue paper.
Choose based on your real lifestyle, not aspirational Instagram aesthetics. Browse our authenticated Hermès mini collection at Love Luxury. Every piece is rigorously verified and ready for immediate purchase, no waitlists required!
Because expecting one mini to handle your entire life is like expecting kitten heels to work for hiking.
Choose wisely, stuff minimally, and enjoy thoroughly, ladies!







