Why is it called the Constance?

The bag was designed by Catherine Chaillet for Hermès in 1959. It is named after her daughter, who was born on the day the first bag was finished, according to the house's account.

What sizes does the Constance come in?

The Constance is made in several sizes, including the Mini (18), the 24 and the 23 Elan, along with wallets and seasonal variations such as the Constance To Go.

Can the Constance be worn across the body?

Yes. Its strap can be doubled to wear on the shoulder or extended to wear across the body, depending on the size.

Which leathers suit the Constance?

Epsom is a popular choice because it holds the bag's crisp lines. Box, Swift and Tadelakt are also used, and exotic leathers appear too.

Models

The Hermès Constance

By the Encore Luxe specialists · Updated October 2026

The Constance is defined by a single gesture: a polished letter H that closes the flap and catches the light. It is a small, structured bag, designed for the shoulder or across the body, and it has a self-possession that makes it as suited to evening as to day. This guide explains the bag's origins, the sizes and leathers you will meet, and how to care for one.

Key facts


Introduced	1959
Designer	Catherine Chaillet
Named after	The designer's daughter, Constance
Signature details	Polished H clasp, structured flap, gusseted body, adjustable strap
Sizes	Mini (18), 24, 23 Elan; Constance To Go, Constance wallets and seasonal variants
Common leathers	Epsom, Box, Swift, Tadelakt, exotics
Hardware	Gold-plated, palladium-plated, rose gold and others; enamel and exotic clasps on some versions

A bag named for a birth

Hermès designer Catherine Chaillet created the Constance in 1959. According to the house's account, she named it after her daughter, Constance, who was born on the day the first bag was completed. The bag gained wider recognition in the late 1960s, when Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis was photographed wearing one.

Anatomy of a Constance

The H clasp: the bag's signature, a large letter H in metal that slides into a loop on the body to close the flap.
Flap: a structured flap over the body.
Body: compact and gusseted, with a slim interior.
Strap: an adjustable leather strap, worn doubled on the shoulder or long across the body.
Interior: one or more compartments, with a slip pocket and usually a mirror on some sizes.

Sizes

Mini (18): the smallest core size, perfect for evening and essentials.
24: larger, more practical for everyday use.
23 Elan: a slimmer, elongated version with a single compartment.
Constance To Go and wallets: compact wallet formats with a chain or strap.
Seasonal variations: Slim, Long and other limited forms appear from time to time.

Each listing gives exact measurements.

Leathers and hardware

The Constance's crisp form suits structured leathers. Epsom is a favourite because it holds the bag's lines and resists scratches. Box calf gives a glossy, vintage elegance, and Swift a supple, rich colour. Tadelakt has a smooth, satin finish. Exotic leathers are also used.

The H clasp is offered in gold-plated, palladium-plated, rose gold and other finishes. Some versions have enamel or exotic leather inlays.

Wearing a Constance

The Constance is designed to be hands-free. With the strap doubled it sits high on the shoulder; extended, it crosses the body at the hip. It pairs equally well with tailoring and evening dress. The Mini is a natural partner to a jacket; the 24 carries more for everyday.

Caring for a Constance

Store it lightly stuffed with acid-free paper, in its dust bag, away from direct light and heat.
Wrap the H clasp in a soft cloth so it does not scratch the flap.
Keep the strap at a relaxed length in storage to protect the attachments.
Epsom tolerates light weather; Box and Swift prefer to stay dry.
Polishing of the clasp, and any repair, should be left to a specialist.

Vintage Constance

Vintage Constance bags from the 1960s and 1970s often have a particular softness and charm, with Box calf and smaller clasps. Our specialists check that their construction, hardware and blindstamp are consistent with their era. See Hermès blindstamps explained.

The Constance in a collection

Clients often ask how the Constance sits beside the Kelly and Birkin. As a rough guide, the Birkin is the open, generous everyday bag, the Kelly the composed handbag, and the Constance the hands-free bag of the three. Many people find it the most wearable of all.

Authentication

Every Constance we offer is examined by our specialists, who look at the stitching, edges, heat stamp, blindstamp and H clasp. Read how we authenticate.

Encore Luxe is an independent retailer and is not affiliated with Hermès.

Questions we’re often asked

Why is it called the Constance?: The bag was designed by Catherine Chaillet for Hermès in 1959. It is named after her daughter, who was born on the day the first bag was finished, according to the house's account.
What sizes does the Constance come in?: The Constance is made in several sizes, including the Mini (18), the 24 and the 23 Elan, along with wallets and seasonal variations such as the Constance To Go.
Can the Constance be worn across the body?: Yes. Its strap can be doubled to wear on the shoulder or extended to wear across the body, depending on the size.
Which leathers suit the Constance?: Epsom is a popular choice because it holds the bag's crisp lines. Box, Swift and Tadelakt are also used, and exotic leathers appear too.