Comparisons
Togo vs Epsom (and Clemence)
Hermès's three most common calfskins, side by side.
Togo and Clemence are drummed leathers with a natural grain; Epsom is heat-embossed. PurseBlog says Togo and Clemence come from the same animal (Togo the female, Clemence the male) and are the leathers most often confused: Togo has a smaller grain and sometimes veining, Clemence a larger grain and more weight and slouch. Epsom is lighter and rigid and keeps its shape, which is why Christie's lists it among the firm leathers used for Sellier construction; Togo and Clemence suit softer Retourné bags. All three are scratch resistant, but worn corners on Epsom cannot be refurbished because the grain is stamped.
| Togo | Epsom | Clemence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hide | Calf (female) | Calf | Bull calf (male) |
| Grain | Small, flat, sometimes veined | Embossed (heat-pressed), small and even | Large, flatter than Togo |
| Finish | Semi-matte | Slight sheen | Matte |
| Structure | Softens and may slouch a little | Rigid; holds its shape | Soft, heavy, slouches over time |
| Scratches | Resistant; refurbishable | Resistant; worn corners not refurbishable | Resistant; refurbishable |
| Introduced | 1997 | 2004 (replacing Courchevel) | 1992 |