I’ve been interested in the Hermes Plume bag ever since The Row came out with their own version of it (The Domino bag). The Plume and Domino have a fairly plain and classic look, but isn’t that just what’s “in” these days? I honestly didn’t think I would love the Plume 32 as much as I do.
I first got the Plume 28 and sold it fairly quickly thereafter (I mention it here in my Brief Review of Hermes Bags I Sold). As beautiful as the Plume 28 in Rouge H Chamonix leather was, I just didn’t think it was all that practical since the handles didn’t quite fit over my shoulder. Thus the Plume 28 for me was a solely hand-carry type of bag (my least favorite type). At the time I though my Dunst Classic 28 was a better bag because it not only fit over my shoulder but it had an exterior pocket for my phone (not to mention a price that was 10X less).
So I wasn’t expecting much when I got this Plume 32 in Gold Togo leather. But to my surprise, this has become one of my most used Hermes bags in my collection. And that’s mainly because my 13” laptop just fits and the handles of the bag can squeeze over my shoulder. Thus it’s become my go-to laptop bag. And I’ve found that the Togo leather is lightweight but hardy enough that the bag doesn’t stretch out when carrying something as heavy as a laptop. And even though the interior of the Plume 32 is lined in leather, that interior is still quite durable and the bag isn’t heavy at all. I also appreciate that the Plume 32 comes with feet!
When I compare it to my Dunst Classic 28 (which unfortunately can’t fit a laptop), it’s very similar. I do wish the Plume came with an exterior pocket like Dunst one does—that would honestly make this bag perfect. I think if the Dunst came in a Classic 32, it would be a great affordable alternative to the Plume 32. But as it stands, I now hardly use the Dunst bag in favor for the Plume 32.
The Plume 32 has got to be one of the more practical Hermes bags out there (I feel like practicality isn’t Hermes’ strong suite). The only negative I can think of is that because the handles are thin and rolled, they aren’t the most comfortable to keep on your shoulder for long periods of time (especially when the bag is heavy). But I find I’m usually only carrying this laptop bag from the car and back so it’s comfortable enough for that sub 10 minute walk (at most).
I really hadn’t planned on keeping this Plume 32, but it’s found a permanent place in my collection!
August 2025 Update: I got another Plume 28 because I found it for a great price. And I also got a Plume 28 Elan. I’m totally in love with the Plume 28 Elan but not the Plume 28. And that’s mostly because the Plume 28 is boxy and yet the straps can’t go over my shoulder. So it’s a tad too bulky as a hand carry bag IMO. The Plume 28 Elan also can’t go over the shoulder, but I use a 3rd party Etsy strap clipped onto the square rings so that I can sling it over my shoulder. And the Elan shape is such a cute compact size that can still fit quite a bit. A YouTube review of it coming soon! But in the meantime please see the pics I compiled below of the different Plume bag sizes.
Images below thanks to Fashionphile. From top left, left to right: Plume 40, Plume 32, (bottom) Plume 28, Plume 28 Elan, Plume 21.
