Clemence, Togo and Epsom: A Guide to Hermès Leather

Clemence, Togo and Epsom are the three leathers you will see most often on Hermès bags. Clemence is soft, matte and slouchy. Togo has a raised, veined grain and holds its shape. Epsom is light, rigid and embossed, with crisp edges and vivid colour. Here is how to tell them apart, and how to care for each one.

What is Clemence leather?

Clemence is a full-grain leather from young bulls. It has a large, flat grain and a soft, matte finish that feels almost velvety in the hand. It is heavier than Togo and Epsom, and it relaxes into a gentle slouch as the bag is carried.

Because the surface is so soft, Clemence shows corner wear and everyday marks a little more readily. A light, regular ritual keeps it looking its best.

How to care for Clemence: lift everyday marks with Gentle Foam Cleanser, then keep the leather supple with Nourishing Conditioner, which also includes a UV filter. Finish with Water & Stain Guard, which helps protect against spills and stains.

What is Togo leather?

Togo also comes from young bulls, but its grain is raised and veined, with small, irregular pebbles. It is lighter than Clemence, holds its shape better and resists scratches well, which is why it is such a popular everyday choice.

How to care for Togo: cleanse with Gentle Foam Cleanser, condition with Nourishing Conditioner so the leather never dries out, and finish with Water & Stain Guard.

What is Epsom leather?

Epsom is calfskin with a fine grain pressed into the surface. The embossing makes it light, rigid and highly resistant to scratches, so bags keep a structured, polished shape with crisp edges. It also holds colour beautifully, which is why many of the brightest shades appear in Epsom.

How to care for Epsom: a Cleansing Wipe lifts everyday marks in moments. Condition regularly with Nourishing Conditioner and finish with Water & Stain Guard.

Clemence vs Togo vs Epsom at a glance

Clemence vs Togo: which is better?

Neither is better - they suit different collectors. Choose Clemence if you love a soft, relaxed bag with a matte finish. Choose Togo if you want a little more structure and a grain that hides everyday wear.

Clemence vs Epsom

Clemence is soft and slouchy, while Epsom is light and structured. Epsom is the easier of the two to keep looking new, and Clemence develops a softer, lived-in beauty with time.

Clemence, Togo and Epsom FAQs

Is Clemence leather good for everyday use?

Yes. Clemence is a durable full-grain leather. Its soft surface shows wear more readily than Epsom, so a regular cleanse and condition, finished with Water & Stain Guard, keeps it looking its best.

Does Clemence leather scratch easily?

It shows scratches more readily than Togo or Epsom because it is softer. Regular conditioning keeps the leather supple, and Water & Stain Guard helps protect the surface day to day.

Which Hermès leather is lightest?

Epsom is the lightest of the three. Clemence is the heaviest.

How should I store a Clemence, Togo or Epsom bag?

Keep it in its dust bag, away from direct sunlight, and stuff it gently so it keeps its shape.

Care for every leather in your collection

For Clemence, Togo, Epsom, exotics and every finish in between, the Ultra Luxe Collection brings together the full ritual - cleanse, condition and protect - with a guidebook covering Clemence, Togo, Epsom, Chevre, exotics and more. Every product is made in England and developed with master leather artisans.