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The Hermes Bolide – Size Comparison, 31 and 35

Since I added an Hermes Bolide bag to my closet a few years ago, I’ve become convinced that it’s one of the best and truly  classic bags that the brand has ever produced. It’s incredibly versatile, beautiful (though I give the top marks to the Kelly for beauty), and easy to use. My own bag was a little black version (see the review here) with silver hardware in the 31cm size – and I loved it!

Last year however, my mom mentioned that she liked my Bolide, and decided to “take it over” for awhile. Don’t we all love our moms? Mine is notoriously difficult to shop for, so I was thrilled to finally have an item that she actually wanted. After a while though, I missed the bag, and thought I would add another. I wanted black, but was very hesitant to get the exact same bag again…as sometimes my mom and I “share”. So when I had an opportunity to add a black Bolide, but in a larger size, I was very happy to do so!

With my new larger size, I thought it would be the perfect chance to do a size comparison between the 31 and 35 size (borrowing back the 31 from my mom for a day!).

Bolide Face to Face

Hermes Bolide, 31 cm (left) and 35/37 cm (right)

Both Bolides are in black, with palladium hardware. The one on the left is clemence, and the right is fjord. Fjord in my experience takes dye more “lightly” like togo/clemence…and you can see the the black looks a bit lighter here as well.

The left size is also the 31 cm size – which I would equate to more of a handbag style. The one on right is a 37 – now called 35 from Hermes (yes the description shrunk two inches, but the size didn’t change at all). For someone of my height (5’1), I’ve always found the 31 to be an ideal size, but I was surprised by how much I liked the 35. Yes it was larger, but because of it’s shape, it’s footprint was significantly smaller than a say, 35 Birkin.

What Fits in Bolide

Above is a photo illustrating all that can fit within the two sizes (with room to spare). I’ve always found the 31 deceptively roomy – it’s definitely large enough for my daily essentials – a notebook, my Kindle, a wallet, makeup bag, phone and sunglasses.

For the 35, you can easily add an iPad (full size), shawl, and water bottle to the mix. For me, it’s the perfect size for travel and work. 

Again – I don’t like my bags stuffed – so you could easily fit more. On a day to day basis, I usually don’t pack the iPad – but sometimes there is a substantial lunch inside!

Now – for some photos of the two sizes on! First up – the side view. I think it’s honestly when worn on the strap that the difference in the two sizes are really apparent. If you couldn’t tell – the 31’s on the left, 35’s on the right.

Bolide Comparison Worn 2

Now, the front (hand carry) view. You can obviously see that there’s a difference in the two sizes, yet it isn’t so significant.

Bolide Comparison Worn

And one more comparison shot, of the two side profiles. You can really see how much larger the 35 is here!

Bolide Comparison Sides

Overall, I am a fan of the Bolide in the 31 and 35 sizes, and think that both of them can have a place in most wardrobes. To me, for someone of my height and tolerance for weight, the 31 is much more of a day purse, while the 35 is a work and travel sized bag. If I could only have one, it would still be the 31 – but I know that many think the same as the 35.

I hope that this was a helpful post for some of out there who might be thinking of adding a wonderful Bolide to your closet! I would recommend this bag in either size, any day!

 

PS: For those looking for a more wallet friendly option to the Bolide, I like the “Roseau” by Longchamp (in the non patent), and the “Bleecker” by Coach. Each of these has a tote option as well as a longer shoulder strap, are full leather, and would be good options for work. Plus, they’re each under $500.

31 Comments

  • Reply
    laura
    March 19, 2014 at 8:52 am

    I have always wanted a Hermes bag… and I think this one may be it. Something to save for for one day!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 19, 2014 at 11:18 am

      It’s one of the best bags that Hermes makes – truly!

  • Reply
    Joanna
    March 19, 2014 at 1:00 pm

    May I know the price for Bolide 31 an Bolide 35?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 19, 2014 at 1:04 pm

      Hi joanne, there’s been some price hikes but I believe they are now around 7K or a little above.

  • Reply
    Susan
    March 19, 2014 at 3:07 pm

    Do you prefer the Bolide over the Garden Party? I find myself gravitating towards the Garden Party more, although I do like that the Bolide seems more secure. 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 19, 2014 at 3:39 pm

      Garden Party is the perfect carry all, kick around casual tote that opens up WIDE. Bolide can be a little more formal, can be handheld or has that shoulder strap (though the GP can go on a shoulder too) and is lined in leather so a bit more of that classic “H” construction. Either is great! Though I will say Bolide is more than 2X the price!

  • Reply
    Mila
    March 19, 2014 at 4:01 pm

    I like the shirt 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 20, 2014 at 9:20 am

      Thanks! Old Navy, something like $10!

  • Reply
    Rinny
    March 19, 2014 at 4:55 pm

    Both are beautiful but you are right that they don’t look much different in size when worn on the body. The size difference is only very apparent when you have them sitting side by side. The style is a classic and I’m sure you will get many uses out of them 🙂

  • Reply
    Lesley
    March 19, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    If you could only own 1 Hermes (neither Birkin nor Kelly though), which would you get? I am loving your sac roulis, but then saw you post on this..and now I don’t know! I also like the garden party but I would like to pick up something a bit more in Paris when I go. Thanks for your travel posts, btw. I’ve been writing the places down for our trip. Your insights and opinions have been really valuable.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      March 20, 2014 at 9:22 am

      Hi Lesley! My answer: Bolide! Fits a good deal, transitions pretty well from formal to work to casual (especially the 31 size). Try out the Bolide while in Paris 🙂 I have one more quick post on Paris coming up, on favorite sweets!

      • Reply
        Lesley
        March 20, 2014 at 9:32 pm

        Thanks for the response. I think the Bolide, it is! Hopefully it is not too difficult to obtain in Paris. It is my first time buying Hermes. Any tips/suggestions? I have always loved the shape of the LV Alma, but for some reason, in my purse-collecting journey, I’ve never wanted an LV. I think this will definitely be versatile for my life now and in the future. Looking forward to your next post about Paris sweets. My favorite. I fear for my waistline lol.

        • Reply
          Katherine
          March 21, 2014 at 10:25 am

          The Bolide is much easier to get than a Birkin or Kelly and should be fairly readily available – plus there are 3 Hermes shops in Paris!
          Also the SAs love people who love BOlides 🙂

  • Reply
    bluepolkadotpjs
    March 20, 2014 at 12:08 pm

    Thank you for the lovely review! I would love to add a Bolide in my collection someday. This was very helpful!

    • Reply
      bluepolkadotpjs
      March 23, 2014 at 5:32 pm

      Btw, how are you liking the Fjord leather? I like the look of the Clemence better, but I hear Fjord holds it shape better(correct me if I’m wrong). I would love your input on this. Thanks!

      • Reply
        Katherine
        March 23, 2014 at 5:48 pm

        LOVE Fjord! I would totally get it on another bag! It’s very sturdy!

  • Reply
    JJ
    March 21, 2014 at 4:26 pm

    Congratulations on your new Bolide! I absolutely love this style and the simple elegance of it is just your style!

  • Reply
    Shirling Vanessatime
    March 26, 2014 at 9:24 am

    I love your bolides 🙂 I have bolide both sizes too, love them all 🙂 very classy n easy to use… the zipper, however I don’t like them in Epsom leather, I think it doesn’t look nice ( let me know what you think)… Btw I came across that same design last week in Longchamp, they made exactly the same model with the strap ( the strap is canvas like toolbox and amazon Kelly) and they come in black, brown ( gold in H) and orange H 🙂 I was tempted 😀 cause the price is only SGD 844.

  • Reply
    Shirling Vanessatime
    March 26, 2014 at 9:33 am

    I love bolide, I have both sizes, they are classy and easy to use…the zipper instead of the buckle 🙂 However, I dont like bolide in Epsom leather ( let me know what you think 🙂 ) Btw, I came across the exact style last week in Longchamp, comes in black, brown ( gold in H) and H orange, good thing they come with strap too, the strap comes in canvas like toolbox or Kelly amazon 🙂 The prices is affordable 🙂

  • Reply
    Mrs. J
    July 2, 2014 at 7:56 am

    Thank you for the comparison on Bolide! Very useful. I currently have a 31 in blue jean clemency, and was considering to buy another in 35. I hesitated as I wasn’t sure of the size. Now I know…thanks to you! — Mrs. J from http://www.whitetrinity.com

  • Reply
    Penny
    September 18, 2014 at 7:23 pm

    Oh !!! We are bag twins now!!!! You finally got the 35!!!! To be honest the sizes doesn’t look much different at all on ur pics when you were carrying them!! I must say I love carrying my 35 on vacations too! It’s such a relaxed bag!! Enjoy it with great health!!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      September 21, 2014 at 2:59 pm

      Yes we are! I love my 35 and I love your black with gold 🙂

  • Reply
    Mrs. J
    October 18, 2014 at 7:42 am

    Hi, I have a bolide 31 and was wondering if I could wear it cross body. With the existing strap, it is difficult since the bag handles rest below my breasts – odd. Do you wear it cross body? Did you order a longer shoulder strap? If so, what is the length? It would be very useful info for me.

    I enjoy wearing bolide on vacation but sometimes I feel more secure if it is cross body.

    Thanks,
    Mrs J
    My lifestyle blog is http://www.whitetrinity.com

    • Reply
      Katherine
      October 18, 2014 at 10:23 am

      I don’t wear it crossbody except for when I attach my canvas Hermes strap which I ordered, which is 100CM. Hope that helps!

  • Reply
    A
    April 10, 2015 at 2:10 pm

    Hi!
    Would you ever get your initials on your bolide? I know the front is where it can be done, but I rarely see people do it?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      April 11, 2015 at 6:14 pm

      Hi! I love the idea but I guess it’s a bit too visible for me…another option I’ve seen done more often is having them stamped on the clochette.

  • Reply
    S
    November 16, 2016 at 9:17 am

    hi kat, i am in a dilemna, i’m 5ft 1″, 110 lbs and slim build. I can’t decide between the 31 or 35 bolide, both in togo leather, 31 etoupe and 35 in black? i wont be able to try them on but the price is very attractive and verified authentic… don’t know if i should buy one over the other or both?

    Please help?!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      November 16, 2016 at 12:19 pm

      Ooh my…you know, you could really go with either (cop out I know). How big of a bag do you need?

  • Reply
    S
    November 16, 2016 at 12:46 pm

    i dont carry much if im out by myself but with kids i plan on transitioning away from diaper bag in the new year but still only carry a few essentials of theirs on top of my stuf, wont be overstuffing my bags.

  • Reply
    CYT
    June 11, 2021 at 3:49 am

    Hi, I’m really curious as to whether the bolide 31 fits A4 sized files?
    Some say it does, some say it doesn’t, I’m really confused.
    Thanks!

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