Chanel Bag Size Comparison: Classic Flap vs Reissue [Pictures]

Are you ready to purchase your first Chanel handbag? That's amazing.

I'm sure you're aware of the fact that classic purses are available in multiple sizes. Do 227, Mini or Jumbo ring a bell?

If you're a little confused with Chanel bag sizes, we totally get you. Each purse line in Chanel has its own size naming.

Meanwhile, to order a purse that fits all your needs, it's important to make sure you understand Chanel sizes before you make a purchase.

Today we're going to demystify the sizes of classic Chanel purses. Let's take a deep dive into the sizes of the two most popular Chanel handbags - Classic Flap and Reissue 2.55 - so that you could finally choose the one for you.

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Chanel Classic Flap Bag Size Comparison

The Chanel Classic Flap bag has been officially renamed to the 11.12, a homage to the original Medium Classic Flap's style code — A01112. This decision by Chanel reflects the bag's evolution over the years into a variety of sizes and styles, all of which now fall under the 11.12 nomenclature. This change was part of a broader effort to acknowledge the bag's iconic status and its design evolution since its introduction. Karl Lagerfeld, who took the reins at Chanel in the early '80s, is credited with introducing the modern version of the 2.55 bag, incorporating a few tweaks to its design.

In this article, we'll continue to refer to the purse as the "Classic Flap" as this is the name most people are using.

Contrary to a popular misconception, Chanel Classic Flap was not created by Coco herself. The purse with recognizable CC interlocking was introduced into Chanel handbag line only in 1982 by Karl Lagerfeld. Since then, it became a symbol of style, elegance and Chanel brand itself.

How Many Sizes of Chanel Classic Bags are Available?

If you finally decided to buy a timeless Chanel Classic Flap, you'll be able to select from 6 sizes:

• Mini Square
• Mini Rectangular
• Small
• Medium (M/L)
• Jumbo
• Maxi

Below is the Chanel Flap size comparison table listing detailed measurements for each Classic Flap handbag in centimeters and inches.

Chanel Mini Square Flap Size Reference

Browse Chanel Classic Flap bags on Fashionphile

No matter whether you go for a rectangular or square mini, a Chanel mini will fit all your essentials for an amazing date or night out with friends. You lipstick, IDs, smartphone and keys will be safe. You can rock it as a crossbody or as a shoulder bag.

Chanel Mini Rectangular Flap Size Reference

Browse Chanel Classic Flap bags on Fashionphile

A rectangular Mini isn't that much different from square. However, it offers some extra space and will also fit a full-sized wallet (quite tight though but it fits).

An important thing to note is that both mono handbags have single flap so if you want to go for a double flap handbag, start your choice with Small Flap. Browse Chanel classic flap bags on Fashionphile.

Chanel Small Classic Flap Bag Size Reference

Browse Chanel Classic Flap bags on Fashionphile

Small flap is a little larger than a Chanel Mini but it's still very cure and nice. Apart from small essentials like a lipstick or mascara and a smartphone, a Small Flap will also fit a small notebook and a sanitizer. It seems to be a perfect choice if you're petite and don't need to carry a lot of items with you.

Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag Size Reference

It's not a coincidence that Medium is the most popular size in the flap series. It has just as much space as you need daily. Feel free to add a larger notebook and even more accessories, for instance, a Louis Vuitton Mini pochette.

The larger the size of the purse, the more difficult is to wear it as a crossbody as its chain strap gets shorter. Honestly, medium flap is a perfect shoulder bag, yet you can still go for the crossbody option if you're petite. 

Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag Size Reference

Jumbo is perfect if you 're running errands and need more space than just for the most essential accessories. Now you can fit a small bottle of water, a compact umbrella, a larger 10'' notebook or tablet and even an iPad mini.

What's interesting about larger flap sizes, the tremendous demand for smaller handbags caused a price drop in the larger segment. If you're on a hunt for a Chanel Jumbo, you can find a great price!

Chanel Maxi Classic Flap Bag Size Reference

For those who prefer oversized handbags, Chanel Maxi offers an impressive amount of space and will be a perfect fit. With Maxi, you can easily add an iPad Pro or a large 12'' notebook. Due to its massive size, it won't look too good as a crossbody though and is primarily used as a shoulder bag.

Chanel 2.55 Reissue Bag Size Comparison

Let's now review the sizes of Chanel Reissue 2.55 purse.

Chanel Reissue sizes are referred to as 224, 225, 226 and 227. These sizes do not coincide with Flap sizes so they're a little bit different. 

Here's the comparison table for Reissue purses' measurements:

Chanel Reissue Mini 224

224 is a little bit larger than a Classic Rectangular flap. It's a cute small purse that will only fit the essentials. It will also fit a full-sized wallet, though I'd recommend getting a smaller one to avoid damaging the purse (it sits pretty tight inside). Moreover, a bifold wallet would just look cute.

Chanel Reissue Small 225

With 9.5'' in width, 225 is right between a Small and Medium Flap so in case neither of the classic flap sizes feel right, a Small 225 might be a nice option. A Small Reissue is roomy enough to fit all the small accessories plus a notebook that is not larger than 9.5'' x 6.25''.

Chanel Reissue Medium 226

Medium Reissue is actually an alternative to Jumbo. Apart from your small essentials, it will hold a larger notebook or a medium-sized book, a small bottle of hand sanitizer and probably a small bottle of water.

Chanel Reissue Large 227

Being 12.25'', it's just less than an inch smaller than a Chanel Maxi Flap. If you need to carry a small 12'' laptop or an iPad, that's the best option.

Chanel Classic Flap vs Reissue:  What to Choose?

That's a question that a lot of Chanel lovers brainstorm over.

Chanel Flap has obvious advantages. It's the most recognizable Chanel purse in the world, plus one of the most expensive. A Classic Flap is a great investment, especially if you prefer smaller sizes, as they tend to hold their value very well. The flipside of the coin is that it will also cost you more than a Reissue.

Despite being less popular than Flap, Chanel Reissue, though, also has its perks. For one, it holds Chanel legacy as it was the first purse the fashion house offered. It was designed by Coco herself. On top of that, the calfskin leather used on Reissues, is thick and durable, unlike lambskin that can easily be damaged.

The ultimate choice is up to you. Choose whatever feels right for your taste and needs. And if you need further guidance, check out our full comparison of a Flap, Reussue and Boy bags.

Whether you go for a Chanel Classic Flap or a Reissue, we hope you'll enjoy owning a Chanel purse.

Which Chanel Flap Bag to Buy?

There are multiple factors to consider when buying a Chanel Flap purse. While some buyers prefer to stick to their personal taste, other factors, such as resale value, can also play an important part in the decision.

Generally speaking, Medium Flap is the most popular purse. It suits most body types and looks elegant and feminine.

Regarding the resale value, the general rule is the larger the bag is, the more value it loses with age. While reselling a Chanel Flap is never a problem, selling a Maxi flap will take much more time and the purse will lose a lot of its original retail value.

Need to Authenticate a Chanel Bag?

55% of designer handbags we authenticated last year turned to be replicas.

If you think about it, it means 2 things.

First, over 50% of sellers who claim their item to be authentic, are actually selling a fake item, consciously or unconsciously.

Second, for a luxury purse lover there's over a 50% chance that instead of investing in a designer purse, a buyer may end up with wasting a big pile of money on a replica.

Don't give away your hard-earned money to counterfeiters.

If you need to authenticate a Chanel bag or another item, you can use our 25+years of experience with preloved luxury items and Louis Vuitton brand in particular.

Choose one of the three types of authentication:

Verbal Authentication $20

• good when you need to know whether the bag is real or fake for yourself (e.g. when you are buying an item)

Certificate of Authenticity $40

• good when you need a certificate for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or to return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake
• includes a permanent QR code-protected certificate on lvbagaholic.com

Certificate of Authenticity with a thorough explanation $75

• good when you need a certificate and you need to know why the bag is authentic/not authentic for any reason, either to sell the bag with the peace of mind or return a fake bag to the seller if you purchased a fake.
• includes a permanent QR code-protected certificate on lvbagaholic.com
• includes an explanation of why the item is fake (detailed pictures and comparisons with an authentic bag, more than 10 pics included)

PLEASE CHOOSE ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW