Two Bags, Same Width, Very Different Price Tags
The HAC 40 and the Birkin 40 are the same 40 cm wide. Side by side in a photograph, a non-expert might not immediately spot the difference. But in person — and on the secondary market — they are very different objects, and understanding exactly what those differences are is what separates buyers who get the right bag from buyers who get the wrong one.
This guide gives you the precise measurements, the structural differences, and the price implications of each — so you can decide which one suits you, and find it at the best possible price.
Exact Measurements: HAC 40 vs Birkin 40
| Measurement | HAC 40 | Birkin 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 40 cm | 40 cm |
| Height | ~29 cm | ~30 cm |
| Depth | ~18 cm | ~20 cm |
| Internal height (usable) | Greater (taller opening) | Standard |
| Exterior straps | Yes — defining HAC feature | No |
| Silhouette | Boxy, fully upright | Rounded, relaxed |
| Stands alone when empty | Yes, reliably | Depends on leather |
| Weight (approx., in Togo) | ~1.1 kg | ~1.2 kg |
The Price Difference — and Why It Exists
Here is the key buying insight: the HAC 40 frequently prices lower than the Birkin 40 in comparable condition and leather, despite being rarer. The reason is name recognition. Most buyers — even well-informed ones — default to the Birkin because the name is universally known. The HAC carries less universal cachet outside the community of serious Hermès collectors, which means demand is narrower and prices on the secondary market are often more accessible.
For a buyer who specifically wants the HAC 40’s structured, equestrian character and is not buying for resale recognition, this is a genuine opportunity: you can often acquire a rarer, more historically significant bag for less than a comparable Birkin 40 in the same leather and colour.
What the HAC 40 Does That the Birkin 40 Cannot
The HAC 40‘s taller, boxier internal space handles things the Birkin 40 cannot comfortably carry without folding: longer documents, an A4 notebook in a sleeve, a rolled scarf or tie, or a thin laptop in a vertical sleeve at the 13-inch scale. The HAC’s opening also sits wider relative to its depth, making it easier to reach the full base of the bag in daily use — something Birkin 40 users often mention as a frustration with the rounded bottom.
The exterior leather travel straps are also functional, not just decorative: they add a secondary carry option and give the bag an equestrian formality that the Birkin 40, for all its appeal, simply does not have.
What the Birkin 40 Does That the HAC 40 Cannot
The Birkin 40‘s rounded silhouette is more forgiving in casual contexts — it softens with wear in a way that reads as relaxed rather than structured. It is also more universally recognised, which matters to some buyers. The Birkin 40 is slightly deeper (20 cm vs 18 cm on the HAC), which gives it marginally more internal volume for bulky items like a full-size water bottle or an oversized pouch.
On resale, the Birkin 40 is also significantly more liquid than the HAC 40. If you are buying partly as a store of value and plan to sell within a few years, the Birkin 40’s larger buyer pool means you will find a buyer faster and more easily than you will for a HAC 40, however desirable the HAC may be.
Which One Offers Better Value Right Now?
For buyers who are primarily going to use the bag and are not focused on resale liquidity, the HAC 40 currently offers better value in most market conditions: lower price for comparable or greater rarity, a more distinctive design, and the same Hermès leather quality and craftsmanship. For buyers who want the most universally valuable Hermès bag at the 40 cm scale, the Birkin 40 remains the benchmark.
The honest answer for most buyers is: handle both. The silhouette difference is immediately apparent in person and your preference will usually be obvious within a few minutes.
Find Your HAC 40 or Birkin 40
Browse our current HAC Birkin 40 listings for available pieces across leathers, colourways, and price points. For a broader comparison of all HAC and Birkin sizes, visit the complete Hermès size guide.