The Chanel Classic bag is this storied design house's most iconic fashion accessory. Based on the Chanel 2.55 bag — the first shoulder bag considered socially acceptable for fashionable women of class and distinction to wear — the Classic flap bag has been updated throughout the years.
Today, the Chanel Classic flap bag is a must-have for your wardrobe. Fortunately, this piece of fashion history comes in several sizes, so you’re sure to find the ideal Chanel bag size for you. Let’s explore the qualities of each, so you can use this Chanel size comparison to discover your next designer bag.
What is the Chanel Classic Bag?
The Chanel Classic bag is an update of the 2.55 bag, introduced in February 1955. It was redesigned by Karl Lagerfeld when he became Chanel’s Creative Director in 1984. Most famously, he changed the Mademoiselle lock to the interlocking CC turnlock and the Classic flap was born!
The Medium Classic flap, which is the quintessential of the Classic line, has remained relatively unchanged since the 1980s with its signature diamond-pattern quilted leather, interlocking CC Chanel logo turnlock, rear half moon pocket, interwoven chain and leather strap. The Small has been in production since the 1980s, but has grown in popularity as fashion trends toward smaller bags. The Jumbo and the Maxi (an updated version of the XL Jumbo) have been modified over the years and are now larger double flap versions of the Medium Classic. The Mini was introduced in 2010.
All Chanel Classics except for the Mini are double flaps. The interior flap helps to maintain the bag’s structure and shape for many years to come. The Classic double flap bags feature seven pockets, including Coco Chanel's secret compartment to tuck away her love letters. Now, let’s see how these features translate into each of the Chanel classic bag sizes.
Exploring the Different Chanel Classic Bag Sizes
Different Chanel Classic bag sizes sometimes differ in more than size and storage capacity. Read on to learn all about each Chanel size.
Chanel Mini Square Classic Flap Bag
The Chanel Mini Square is the smallest of the Chanel Classic bag sizes. It measures 6.6” x 5.3” x 3.1” (17cm x 13.5cm x 8cm) with a strap 21” strap drop. This is the original Mini Classic, released in 2010. This distinctly boxy bag has a contemporary, minimalist appeal. It has just a single flap. This popular Chanel size is beloved by those following the mini bag trend. It comfortably carries your keys, lipstick, card holder, and phone.
The Mini Square Classic is a chic shoulder or crossbody bag for day or evening. Or, tuck the chain strap inside the bag and carry it as a small clutch.
Chanel Mini Rectangular Classic Flap Bag
The Mini Rectangular Classic bag is a petite, rectangular bag that shares the proportions of the larger Chanel Classic Flap Bag sizes. It is the most popular of the Chanel Classic collection. The bag measures 7.8” x 4.7” x 2.3” (20cm x 12cm x 6cm) with a 23” strap drop and is both wider, shorter, and narrower than the Square Mini. It also has just a single flap.
You can recognize the Mini Rectangular Classic by counting the whole diamonds stitched in a row on the bag’s flap. The Mini has six diamonds in a row. The Mini Rectangular Classic holds all that the Mini Square does, as well as a compact and small hand sanitizer. Some Mini Rectangular Classic bags also feature a small, rolled handle. Called the Mini Rectangular Classic Bag with Handle, these sweet handbags are in great demand.
The Mini Rectangular Classic bag’s long strap makes it the most comfortable Classic to wear crossbody style. Double the strap to shorten it and wear the bag over your shoulder. or tuck the chain into the bag to carry it as an evening clutch. Naturally dressy, the Chanel Mini Rectangular bag contrasts beautifully with distressed jeans and heels.
Chanel Small Classic Flap Bag
The Small Classic Flap bag measures 9” x 5.7” x 2.3” (23cm x 14.5cm x 6cm) with a 10” strap drop. This is the first Chanel Classic Flap size to incorporate the second, interior flap. You can identify the small Chanel flap bag by counting seven whole stitched diamonds across the flap. Due to the second flap, it holds about the same as the Mini Rectangular Classic bag.
The Chanel Small Classic Flap bag is ideal worn as a shoulder bag or a hand-held clutch for evenings. You can also double the strap for a shorter shoulder bag. It’s is a perfect day to evening bag.
Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag
The Medium Classic Flap bag measures 9.9” x 6” x 2.5” (25.5cm x 15.5cm x 6.5cm) with a handle drop of 17”, or 9” when doubled. The Medium Classic has a double flap like all Chanel Flap bag sizes (excluding the minis). You will recognize the Medium Chanel Classic bag by the diamond-pattern stitching with eight whole diamonds to a row across the flap. It holds everything from the Small, as well as sunglasses and small toiletries bag.
The Chanel Medium Classic Flap bag is a sophisticated shoulder bag for day to date night, though it isn’t suitable as an evening bag.
Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag
The Jumbo Chanel Classic bag is perfect for the busy woman who carries a great deal daily. It measures 11.7” x 7.6” x 3.9” (30cm x 19.5cm x 10cm) with a strap drop of 23.5”, or 13.5” when doubled. This is a roomy Chanel size purse that can carry a full-sized wallet, keys, sunglasses, cell phone, tablet or book and a cosmetic makeup case or compact umbrella.
A chic purse for work or even for traveling, the Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap bag is a beautiful choice for day wear.
Chanel Maxi Classic Flap Bag
The Maxi is the largest of the Chanel Classic Flap bag sizes, measuring 12.9” x 9” x 3.9” (33cm x 23cm x 10cm) (12.9” x 9” x 3.9”) with a drop of 12” with the strap doubled. This spacious bag can hold everything in a Jumbo Classic including both the cosmetic case and the compact umbrella.
The Chanel Maxi Classic bag is a stylish everyday or travel bag, perfect for a glamorous weekend away.
Of all the stylish Chanel bags, Chanel Classic Flap Bags are the most iconic. At Madison Avenue Couture, you can browse our collection of store-fresh bags available in every Chanel size, to find the perfect accessory for your wardrobe.
I'm a seasoned fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of luxury accessories, particularly when it comes to iconic designs from renowned fashion houses. My expertise extends to the intricacies of the Chanel Classic bag, a timeless piece that has evolved over the years. I've closely followed the evolution of this storied design house's iconic fashion accessory and have a wealth of firsthand knowledge about its history, design elements, and various sizes.
The Chanel Classic bag, derived from the historic Chanel 2.55 bag introduced in 1955, underwent a significant transformation under the creative direction of Karl Lagerfeld in 1984. Lagerfeld's redesign, including the iconic interlocking CC turnlock, gave birth to the Classic flap bag. As an expert, I can attest to the significance of Lagerfeld's contributions to the bag's design, particularly the incorporation of the interlocking CC Chanel logo turnlock and the maintenance of signature features like the diamond-pattern quilted leather.
One distinctive feature of the Chanel Classic bag is its availability in different sizes, each catering to specific preferences and occasions. The Mini Square, introduced in 2010, stands as the smallest with a contemporary and minimalist appeal, while the Mini Rectangular offers a slightly larger but still compact option, often with the addition of a small rolled handle.
Moving up in size, the Small Classic Flap bag, featuring the first interior flap, is versatile for both day and evening wear. The Medium Classic Flap bag, with its double flap design and diamond-pattern stitching, serves as a sophisticated shoulder bag for various occasions.
For those who need more space, the Jumbo Classic Flap bag is ideal for daily use, accommodating a range of essentials. The Maxi Classic Flap bag, being the largest, is perfect for those seeking a stylish everyday or travel bag.
It's crucial to note that all Chanel Classic Flap bags, except for the Mini, are double flaps, ensuring structural integrity. The interior flaps not only contribute to the bag's longevity but also offer multiple pockets, including Coco Chanel's secret compartment, adding a touch of history and charm.
As an enthusiast deeply familiar with the nuances of each size, I encourage fashion enthusiasts to explore the qualities of each Chanel Classic bag size, considering their unique features and storage capacities. Whether you're drawn to the chic Mini Square, the versatile Small, the sophisticated Medium, the roomy Jumbo, or the spacious Maxi, the Chanel Classic Flap bag remains an iconic and timeless choice for any wardrobe.
