Hermès Alligator vs. Crocodile Bags – What's the Difference?
At first glance, the bags Hermès in crocodile and those in alligator look very similar indeed. Each is made from the skin of a giant carnivorous reptile and features intriguing scales that make Each truly unique exotic leather bag, in fact these skins are used to create some of the Most sought-after bags in the luxury market. However, there are distinct features that make identifying the difference between the alligator and the crocodile a breeze for any experienced collector.
Let's explore the similarities and differences between alligator skin and crocodile skin and the exceptional Hermès bags made with these exotic skins, as greater understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation of these beautiful bags.
Before proceeding with the article, we remind you that Hermès purchases alligator and crocodile skins from farms managed in Australia, Southeast Asia and Texas, in strict compliance with CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
Similarities between Hermès bags in crocodile and alligator
Both crocodiles and alligators are huge aquatic reptiles with scaly skin valued for their remarkable strength, flexibility and extraordinary beauty. The skin of alligator or crocodile retains its identifying scales, which can be felt on the skin surface of each bag, and the "design" of the scales of each animal is as individual as a fingerprint. In fact, many collectors can identify their alligator or Hermès crocodile bag from all the others simply by the motif of the scales.
Nature and placement of the umbilical scar
Luxury bags such as Birkin e Kelly Crocodile or alligator are made exclusively from the soft skin of the belly of the animal. Each animal has an umbilical scar in the center of the belly. Near the latter, the scales are smaller and distinct from the surrounding skin. The scar of the alligator is more prominent than that of a crocodile, with a pattern resembling a spider web. Hermès cleverly places this scar in the middle of the front of the bags to show Authenticity skin and craftsmanship of each bag. Typically, the more symmetrical the scales, the more desirable the bag.
Matte or glossy?
Hermès uses crocodile and alligator skins to make handbags both matt and glossy. However, not all colors are available in both versions. For example, the color "braise" by Hermès or the "Emerald Green" only glossy are available, while "Beton" e "Gris Pearls" They are only available in matte.
The differences between Hermès bags in alligator and crocodile
Alligators and crocodiles are different animals. Although their names are sometimes used interchangeably, and crocodiles and alligators look a lot alike, they are not closely related either! Crocodiles grow up to 20 feet in length and live in salt water in the tropical climates of the Indo-Pacific region. Alligators instead grow up to 12 feet in length, live in fresh water and are found only in the United States. The difference in animal size is related to the Hermès alligator skin used for smaller bags such as bags Kelly 25 cm and 20 cm and the Birkin 25. The crocodile is typically used for larger bags, up to Birkin 40.
The alligator skin of Hermès, of theAlligator Mississippiensis, comes from the Mississippi River. Alligator skin has smaller, symmetrical scales with a smoother feel than the crocodile. The scales are larger in the center and become smaller as they move outward.
Hermès crocodile bags are made from a single species, but two different species of crocodile can be used: Niloticus e Porosus. The skin of Niloticus crocodile, as the name suggests, comes from the Nile River. These crocodiles are slightly larger than the Porosus and consequently have larger scales. The Porosus crocodile comes from Asia or Australia and is characterized by a tiny distinct pore near the edge of each scale, giving its name to the species. This pore is a remnant of a hair follicle, and alligators have no pores.
As shown in the image below, Niloticus bags (left) typically have larger scales than Porosus bags (right), which are smaller, more symmetrical and more defined. For these reasons, the porous crocodile by Hermès is the brand's most precious exotic leather.
So to distinguish Hermès bags in alligator and crocodile, we have seen that we should consider the size of the bag and scales. The alligator is typically used for smaller bags, but this is not a strict rule. If you have a bag with smaller scales and see the pores of the scales, this is a clear indication that you have a Hermès crocodile bag made of porous leather. But the brand also clearly identifies each exotic leather bag:
Niloticus Crocodile is marked with a "••" (colon) and Porosus is immediately recognizable by the "ˆ" (carats) mark on the Hermès stamp inside the bag. You can also recognize an authentic Hermès alligator bag by the square symbol next to the stamp of the name Hermès.
Hermès Crocodile and Alligator bags available
Of the three skins, crocodile Porosus by Hermès, crocodile Niloticus and Alligator, leather bags Porosus They are the most valuable, the most expensive and the most difficult to find. The alligator is increasingly used for small bags Birkin e Kelly, as well as for clutches and other small bags and accessories.
That's all you need to know about the difference between these two gorgeous types of exotic bags. Write in the comments which model you would dream of receiving and do not forget to follow us on Instagram for continuous updates on news related to the fashion world and do not miss even one of the new arrivals in the store! What are you waiting for?
