An in-depth look at the luxurious leathers used in Hermès bags—from Alligator to Ostrich.
Hermès has long been recognized for its dedication to excellence and detail, especially in its selection of premium leathers. This guide explores the most rare and revered types of exotic skins used by Hermès in their high-end accessories.
Alligator: Luxury with Legacy
Identified by a square stamp, Hermès Alligator leather, sourced from Florida, is refined and elegant, often reserved for compact designs. These skins lack the pore found in crocodile scales, making them distinct.
Matte Finish
Matte Alligator is softly burnished with felt to reveal its natural texture. This treatment requires nearly flawless hides and is highly prized for its subtle elegance.
Glossy Finish
Shiny Alligator, polished with a smooth stone, glistens under light, subtly masking imperfections and adding visual drama to compact silhouettes.
Crocodile: The Exotic Icon
Hermès employs three crocodile species—Niloticus, Porosus, and the elusive Moreletii. Each is recognizable by its scale pattern and specific branding dot markings.
Niloticus
Harvested in Zimbabwe and marked with two dots, Niloticus Crocodile has broader, rectangular scales. It is less costly than its Porosus counterpart but equally respected for durability.
Porosus
Australia's Porosus Crocodile, marked with a caret (^), has smaller, more symmetrical scales. It is the costliest and most prestigious Hermès leather.
Moreletii
Rare and marked by three dots, Moreletii comes from Central America. It's noted for its fine, flat scale texture—a hybrid between matte and shiny aesthetics.
Other Exotic Leathers
- Ostrich: Known for its dotted follicle texture and resilience. Sensitive to oils and sunlight.
- Lizard: Polished to a high gloss, primarily used for smaller items due to limited hide size.
Each exotic leather from Hermès not only represents opulence but also adheres to stringent environmental standards, including CITES certifications ensuring ethical sourcing and wildlife protection.
