The Constance 24 measures about 24 cm (9.4 in) across, and the Constance 18 measures about 18 cm (7 in). The 24 holds a phone, a small wallet, keys, and sunglasses; the 18 holds a phone, a cardholder, and a lipstick. Both sizes use the same H-clasp flap, the same long strap, and the same interior layout, so the choice comes down to volume.
What is the Hermes Constance?
The Constance is a flap bag with a large H clasp, a back slip pocket, and a thin strap that wears crossbody or over one shoulder. Catherine Chaillet designed it in 1959, and Hermes has kept it in production since. Boutiques stock it in small numbers, which keeps the resale and replica markets busy.
Constance 24 vs 18: how do the sizes compare?
The two sizes differ by 6 cm in width, 3 cm in height, and 2 cm in depth. On a frame of average height, the 24 reads as a day bag and the 18 reads as an evening bag. Figures below are outside measurements, taken across the flap.
- Width: 24 cm (9.4 in) vs 18 cm (7 in)
- Height: 18 cm (7 in) vs 15 cm (5.9 in)
- Depth: 7 cm (2.8 in) vs 5 cm (2 in)
- Strap drop: fixed on both; shoulder or crossbody for most adults, with the 24 sitting a touch lower
- Carry: 24 takes a full day kit; 18 takes the basics and nothing bulky
Which size carries more?
The 24 takes a phone, a zip wallet, keys, sunglasses in a soft case, and a small pouch. The 18 takes a phone, a cardholder, keys, and a lipstick, and a hard sunglasses case will not close under the flap. If you switch bags by the day, the 24 is the safer pick.
Does the 18 look small on a tall frame?
It sits high and close under the arm, which some wearers like and others find fussy. The strap does not adjust on the standard build, so the drop is fixed. Try a 24 first if you are taller than about 5 ft 8 in.
What other Constance sizes exist?
Hermes also sells a Constance 14 and a Constance To Go, a wallet with a strap. Neither answers the 24/18 question, but listings for both turn up in the same search results, so check the title before you order.
What should you check on a replica Constance 24 or 18?
Most of the tells sit in four places: the clasp, the leather edges, the stitching, and the strap hardware. Ask for close, sharp photos of each before you pay.
The H clasp
The two halves should meet with a firm snap and sit flush with the flap. Look for even spacing around the H, a clean inner cut, and no gap where the metal meets the leather. Cheap builds show a soft click and a visible seam at the base of the H.
Leather, grain, and edge paint
Epsom should show a fine, even pebble; Togo should feel dry and matte; box calf should look smooth with a faint sheen. Edge paint is the common weak point. It should be thin, even, and free of drips along the flap and the side panels.
Stitching and the interior
Count the stitches on a short run and check that the angle stays constant. Inside, the zip pocket should sit straight, the lining should meet the leather without puckers, and the stamp should be sharp rather than smudged.
Strap and hardware
The strap should feel dense in the hand and hold its shape when you let it hang. Check that the hardware color matches across the clasp, the strap plates, and the small feet on the base.
How to size the Constance against a bag you own
Measure a bag you already carry: width, height, depth, and strap drop. Compare those numbers with the figures above. If your current bag is 26 cm wide and you find it full, the 18 will frustrate you.
Test the drop against your height and how you wear a bag. Crossbody needs more length than a shoulder carry, and the Constance strap does not adjust on the standard build.
What drives the price of a replica Constance?
Leather type and hardware finish move the price more than size does. A 24 in Epsom and an 18 in the same build sit close together at the same seller. Hand-painted edges, a full-leather interior, and plated hardware push the quote up; stamped hardware and split leather bring it down.
Common buying mistakes
- Ordering the 18 for daily use, then finding a phone plus wallet will not fit with a case on
- Judging leather from a filtered photo; ask for a shot in daylight
- Ignoring strap length, which is fixed on the standard Constance
- Paying in full before seeing the actual unit rather than a stock photo
- Skipping interior shots, which show lining quality and the stamp
Questions buyers ask about the replica Constance 24 and 18
Is the Constance 24 too large for evening?
For most people, yes. It reads as a day bag, and the 18 suits dinners and events better. If you carry one bag all day, the 24 covers both.
Which leather works best for daily wear?
Epsom holds its shape and resists scuffs. Togo is softer and shows wear at the corners sooner. Box calf looks sharp but scratches, so it suits light use.
Can a replica pass as the real thing?
No replica is identical. The clasp action, the edge paint, and the stitch angle are the usual tells under close inspection. Buy for the look and the build, not for the hope of fooling an expert.
What does "24/18" mean in a listing?
It means the seller offers both the 24 cm and 18 cm versions of the same bag, often in the same leathers. Check which size the photos show before you order.