Short answer

Fake Hermes Sangles 22 is a search term from the replica market. It points to copies of Hermes bags that carry sangles, the two front straps, in a size the seller lists as 22 cm. Hermes does not list a Kelly or Birkin at 22 cm in its current catalog. Kelly sizes run 20, 25, 28, 32, 35 and 40 cm. The 22 number comes from the listing, not from the brand.

What a sangle is

A sangle is a leather strap that crosses the front flap and closes at a touret, the turnlock. A Birkin carries two sangles that run from the back of the bag over the flap. A Kelly carries two straps built into the flap. On an authentic bag the straps come from the same hide as the body, and the edge paint matches the leather color. A strap that is thinner, stiffer, or a different shade than the body points to a different hide.

Sizes sold as 22 cm

  • 20 cm: copies of the Kelly 20. About 20 cm wide, 15 cm tall, 10 cm deep.
  • 22 cm: a seller label. The bag sits between the 20 cm and the 25 cm forms. Hermes does not publish this size.
  • 25 cm: copies of the Kelly 25. About 25 cm wide, 18 cm tall, 9 cm deep.

Measure the base of the bag, not the flap. A 22 cm listing that measures 25 cm across the base is a 25 cm bag with a different label.

Parts buyers compare

  • Leather. Togo shows a pebbled grain. Epsom shows an embossed, rigid grain. Swift is smooth and softer. Barenia has a matte finish.
  • Stitching. Saddle stitching puts slanted stitches on both faces, leaning in opposite directions. A machine lockstitch puts straight stitches on both faces. Stitch counts cited for Kelly bags run 9 to 10 per inch.
  • Hardware. Gold tone is plated brass. Palladium is a plated silver tone. Copy hardware weighs less, and the touret turns with a grind.
  • Blind stamp. Heat-set into the hide with no ink. It holds a year letter in a square or a circle, plus an artisan code.
  • Contents. Clochette, lock, two keys, dust bag, rain cover, box.

Price

Replica listings for this form run about $250 to $1,500. Tiers sold as 1:1 run $600 to $1,000. Kelly 20 bags at auction have sold in the five figures. That price gap is the main reason the term gets searched.

Law in the United States

Trafficking in counterfeit goods is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. 2320. Penalties reach 10 years in prison for a first offense and 20 years for a repeat offense. U.S. Customs and Border Protection can seize shipments of counterfeit bags. Brand owners can sue sellers and importers under the Lanham Act. Hermes sells through its own stores and its own site. No third party holds a wholesale account.

Questions for a supplier

  • What is the base width in centimeters?
  • Which hide is used, and is the sangle cut from the same hide?
  • Is the stamp heat-set without ink?
  • Are the clochette, lock, keys, dust bag and rain cover included?
  • What is the return policy?

Most replica sellers ship from China or Hong Kong and do not accept returns. Ask for photos of the sangle edge paint and the touret before payment.