The Hermès Kelly To Go

The Kelly To Go answers a modern need with Hermès's oldest vocabulary. Take the flap, strap and turn-lock of the Kelly, scale them to a wallet, add a strap, and you have a piece that carries a phone, cards and keys hands-free, with all the polish of a Kelly. This guide explains the design, the leathers it is made in, and how to wear and look after one.

Key facts

Type	Wallet on a detachable strap
Inspired by	The Hermès Kelly
Introduced	Around 2019
Signature details	Kelly turn-lock and strap on the flap, card slots, phone compartment, detachable strap
Common leathers	Epsom, Chèvre Mysore, Chèvre Chamkila, Swift; exotics
Hardware	Gold-plated, palladium-plated, rose gold and others

The design

The Kelly To Go borrows its front directly from the Kelly: a flap with a strap that passes through a turn-lock plate. Behind it, the interior is organised like a fine wallet: card slots, a compartment for notes or receipts, and space for a phone. A long, detachable strap clips on at either side so that it can be worn across the body, on the shoulder or removed entirely.

It is part of a wider family of Hermès "To Go" pieces, including the Constance To Go, which take the brand's most recognisable closures into compact, everyday formats.

Leathers

Epsom is lightweight, rigid and scratch-resistant. It keeps the Kelly To Go's crisp lines and suits everyday use.

Chèvre is goatskin, with a fine, pebbled grain, a soft sheen and great durability. Hermès makes it in several finishes, including Chèvre Mysore and Chèvre Chamkila, which differ subtly in grain and lustre. Chèvre is a classic leather for Hermès small leather goods, and it is the leather of the Kelly To Go currently in our shop.

Swift has a smooth, supple feel and rich colour, though it shows marks more readily.

Exotic leathers are also used.

Wearing a Kelly To Go

• Across the body: the most practical, hands-free option.
• On the shoulder: with the strap adjusted shorter where possible.
• As a clutch: strap removed, for evening.
• Inside a larger bag: as a beautifully organised wallet.

Because it is small and light, it is easy to wear all day, and it suits occasions where a larger bag would be too much.

What fits

A Kelly To Go comfortably holds cards, a few notes, keys and a phone. Very large phones may be a close fit. We give interior measurements in each listing so you can check before choosing.

Caring for a Kelly To Go

• Store it flat or upright in its dust bag, away from direct light and heat.
• Avoid overfilling the card slots, which can stretch them over time.
• Wrap the hardware when storing so it does not mark the flap.
• Detach the strap in storage and coil it loosely.
• Chèvre and Epsom are hard-wearing, but keep them away from oils, lotions and perfume.
• Leave repairs, including edge repainting, to a specialist.

Kelly To Go, Kelly Pochette or Kelly bag?

• The Kelly To Go is a wallet first and a bag second: organised, hands-free, compact.
• The Kelly Pochette is a small clutch with a handle, more an evening bag.
• The Kelly itself is a full handbag in a range of sizes.

Authentication

Our specialists examine every Kelly To Go as carefully as a full-size Kelly, looking at the stitching, edges, heat stamp, blindstamp and hardware. See what we check on a Kelly.

In the shop

We currently have a Hermès Kelly To Go in Chèvre Chamkila.

Related: Hermès Kelly · Hermès Constance · Hermès house guide

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