One of the questions I’m often asked via DM on Instagram, has to do with Chanel and the different dimensions between each size, especially when deciding which size you should go for. So, since it’s a common question I get, I thought I’d dedicate an entire article about this. Call this your complete comprehensive size guide for all of Chanel’s classic or most popular bags. And, to help you out even further, I’ve included the Style Codes of each bag right here too! 😉 Now, let’s go!

Classic Flap

One of its most popular classic styles, the interlocking C turnlock clasp was created by Karl Lagerfeld, as a tribute to Coco Chanel. It comes in various sizes: Small, Medium, Jumbo, and Maxi. It also comes in a couple of Mini sizes, like the Mini Square, Mini Rectangle and the Extra Mini (now discontinued). In terms of the Mini sizes, the square version is my favourite, because it’s more unique in comparison to the usual rectangular style.

The Classic Flap bags come in diamond or chevron quilting, and most commonly, in either lambskin, caviar, or exotic leathers. Other materials like tweed, satin, denim, felt, velvet, and such, are seasonal variations.

Reissue

Commonly mistaken for the Flap Bag, this is actually known as the 2.55 – a carbon copy of the original 1955 version by Coco Chanel herself. In 2005, the bag was resuscitated from the Chanel archives to commemorate its 50th Anniversary, and has since been referred to as the Reissue. Although similar in shape and style to the Classic Flap above, the Reissue comes with the original rectangular Mademoiselle turnlock clasp that Coco designed, a chain strap with alternating straight and circular links without any leather interlaced, and an aged calf skin, which some have referred to as “distressed leather” due to its naturally creased appearance. Read this for a detailed comparison between the Classic Flap and the Reissue.

Like the Classic Flap, the Reissue comes in both diamond or chevron quilting, in aged calf or exotic leathers. Other materials such as denim, tweed, etc. are seasonal offerings.

The Reissue comes in 4 sizes: the 224, 225, 226, and 227, as well as a new Waist bag (or belt bag) style

Boy Chanel

Named after Coco Chanel’s love of her life, Boy Capel, the Boy Chanel, or simply the “Boy Bag”, made its debut in September 2011. Taking inspiration from the hunting cartridge style bags that Coco herself used to wear, the Boy is edgier and more rugged appeal, with a chunky chain strap known as the Gourmet chain. The Boy comes in 5 sizes: Mini, Small, Medium, New Medium, and Large

The “New Boy” was just introduced, that’s vertical in shape, and slightly more squarish. Available in Regular and Large

Vanity Case

One of Chanel’s newer introductions, the Vanity Case has become a hot favourite. This boxy bag comes with a top handle and a longer chain shoulder strap, with the interlocking Cs emblazoned on its front and a hidden CC padlock, with its very own key. Thanks to its double zipper which goes all the way round the top and sides of the bag, to reveal an expandable hidden accordion style with 2 open compartments and a zipper in the middle. Read this for more details about the Vanity Case, including size and fit

The Vanity Case comes in 3 sizes: Small: Medium, and Large.

Gabrielle

Named after the Maison’s founder, the Gabrielle comes with a structured leather base and the interlocking Cs hardware detail on the leather zipper pull. But, its most distinctive feature would have to be its double metal chain in both gold and silver, which allows the bag to be worn multiple ways, as well as both gold and silver stud fastening details on the adjustable leather strap.

Its most popular style would definitely have to be the Gabrielle Hobo, which comes in 3 sizes: small, regular, and large. Apart from the hobo, there’s also the Gabrielle backpack, and a bucket style bag, called the “Drawstring Bag”.

Coco Handle

The Coco Handle is Chanel’s Top Handle-styled flap bag, which also comes with a long detachable chain strap. Available in 3 sizes, – Small, Medium, or Large – this makes for a great travel companion or office-appropriate bag, that gives off that #Bossbabe kinda vibe.

And here we have it, all you need to know about Chanel bag sizes and style codes. Our personal favourite thus far definitely has to be the Vanity Case! What about yours?

P.S: Stay tuned for our upcoming Complete Guide on Hermès Bag Sizes!

Images: Chanel