Today I am pleased to be talking to you about the Chanel Classic Flap, a beautiful bag that rarely needs an introduction. I am privileged to work with many wonderful designer handbags, but the iconic classic flap by Chanel is not only highly collectable and sought after, it is undoubtedly a legendary piece within luxury fashion.
The Chanel Classic Flap History
The story of the Chanel Classic Flap bag began in February 1955, when Gabrielle Coco Chanel revolutionised the fashion industry with a ground-breaking new bag design. At the time of its conception, it was commonplace for women to carry handbags with a handheld top handle.
Gabrielle identified the need for a design that was both more practical and comfortable. She decided to create a bag with longer, thinner straps that could be worn over her shoulder to free-up her arms. The name for the original classic flap; 2.55 is a direct homage to the date it was created.
Gabrielle had an adoration for jewellery and wanted the shoulder strap to resemble a necklace which is where the chain handle originated (which can still be found on the “reissue” classic flap). The iconic handbag was originally modelled in jersey fabric. It featured the matelassé quilting which was inspired by the quilted jackets jockey players wore during games. The burgundy lining of the interior is a nod to the colour of the uniforms worn by Chanel during her time at an orphanage growing up. Emblematic of how a hard time in her life could inspire the happiness and success she was now enjoying.
Of course, the Chanel classic flap bag has been re-designed with the evolution of fashion, most notably during the 1980’s when Karl Lagerfeld evolved the piece into an all leather bag and replaced the mademoiselle lock into the interlocking “CC” clasp.
Classic Flap Sizes
Each individual bag is unique from all others in the way that each will give a distinct look to your outfit. Likewise, what each size classic flap will hold ranges from your phone and lipstick all the way through to your laptop and makeup essentials.
If you can’t quite decide which size classic flap is right for you we’ve come up with a comprehensive size guide below and the distinct characteristics of each size too. Please be mindful that dimensions can vary slightly based on the year of the bag and the leather type.
- Extra Mini
- Mini Square
- Mini Rectangle
- Small
- Medium
- Maxi
- Jumbo
Dimensions:
| |
Dimension (inches) |
Dimensions (cm) |
Shoulder Strap (cm) |
Shoulder Drop (cm)
|
| Extra Mini |
6.7 x 3.9 x 1.7 |
17 x 17 x 29
|
127 |
57 |
| Mini Square |
6.7 x 5.3 x 3.1
|
17 x 13.5 x 8
|
118 |
54 |
| Mini Rectangle |
4.7 x 7.8 x 2.3
|
12 x 20 x 6
|
132 |
58 |
| Small |
5.7 x 9.0 x 2.3
|
14.5 x 23 x 6
|
119 |
54 |
| Medium |
6.1 x 10 x 2.5
|
15.5 x 25.5 x 6.5
|
121
|
49 |
| Maxi |
9 x 13 x 3.9
|
23 x 33 x 10
|
140 |
59 |
| Jumbo |
7.7 x 11.8 x 3.9
|
19.5 x 30 x 10
|
142 |
60 |
Chanel Extra Mini Flap Bag
The smallest version of the iconic flap bag, the Chanel extra mini flap bag. In line with the design of the classic flap bag, the extra mini features the classic quilting, interwoven chain and leather shoulder strap. It differs from most classic flaps in that it only has a single flap as opposed to the double flap you see in the larger sizes.
It’s a versatile piece as it’s great not only as a cross body/shoulder bag but for taking out in the evening as a clutch bag. This makes it highly sought after.
What fits inside a Chanel Extra Mini Flap Bag?
The extra mini classic flap features a front pocket, two main compartments and a central divider.
It is great for carrying your absolute essentials, think front door key, cards, lipstick and a phone. Perfect for a glamorous evening out.
Chanel Mini Square Flap Bag
The Chanel mini square flap bag was released in 2010 and was immediately much sought after with ardent Chanel fans. It regularly sells out quickly due to its ongoing popularity.
Often referred to as the “original Mini”. In comparison to the mini rectangle bag we discuss below, it’s a very contemporary twist on a classic bag. Again, only available with a single flap design. The mini square flap bag has one large compartment, a flat zippered section on the inside and a flat “Mona Lisa” pocket on the back of the bag.
The “Mona Lisa” pocket is modelled on the “wry” smile of the model that goes by the same name and is a well-known feature across the different classic flap sizes.
What fits inside a Chanel Mini Flap Bag?
It is advisable to look at the measurements of your phone when considering this size as not all modern size phones fit. In a similar vein, you may want to carry cash in the flat zippered section of the bag as this bag doesn’t fit rectangular shaped purses well. Despite these considerations, the mini square flap is well loved and is constantly met with a surge of demand.
Chanel Mini Rectangle Flap Bag
Often at the top of the wish list for Chanel handbag lovers, the Chanel mini rectangular flap bag is a key investment in your handbag collection. It’s similar in design to its larger counterparts; an iconic design paired with exceptional craftsmanship. That said, it is not considered a “classic” by the fashion house so it means this size can often be trickier to obtain. A vintage Chanel Mini flap bag often re-sells for more than its original retail price.
Once again, this bag doesn’t typically have the double flap and instead has a single flap. Another key difference is the mini has 2 grommets at the top of the bag as opposed to 4, so the chain doesn’t double up to be worn over the shoulder. It does, however, have a longer chain which makes it a great cross body bag option.
What fits inside a Chanel Rectangle Flap Bag?
While on the more petite size, this single flap bag will fit a set of keys, a phone and your lipstick. A full size purse or wallet is probably going to be a “no-go” but a Chanel card holder will fit right in.
Chanel Small Flap Bag
You can always identify the small classic flap bag by counting seven diamonds stitched across the flap. It’s a signature Chanel piece and gets released in new colours and finishes every year. The price of the small classic regularly goes up and this makes them highly collectable. Unlike the mini flap bags the small classic flap bag comes with two flaps which gives you an added layer of security. It also can be worn as a single strap cross body bag or a double strap and popped over your shoulder.
What fits inside a Chanel Small Bag?
This modest sized handbag will carry all of your essentials; your phone, wallet, keys to multiple makeup pieces for touching up throughout the day. Of course, you also have the zip pocket located discreetly underneath the handbag’s outside flap. This was rumoured to have carried Coco’s love letters and maybe you could use it for exactly the same purpose.
Chanel Medium Flap Bag
Perhaps the most sought after and requested size. You can style the medium flap in a few different ways. You can use it crossbody or as a shoulder bag. You can wear it with a single or double strap. You can also tuck the chain inside the bag and wear it as a clutch. However do bear in mind the shoulder drop is slightly shorter on the medium classic flap if you are taller and considering wearing it cross body. Not too big and not too small, this beautiful bag undoubtedly adds the perfect finishing touch to all outfits. With its classic single or double flap. This bag is highly sought after because there is a wider range of finishes and it is the ultimate everyday bag.
What fits inside a Chanel Medium Bag?
The medium flap bag is great for carrying all of your personal belongings, think phone, keys, purse and headphones. Additional items can vary depending on the occasion, examples include sunglasses, compact mirrors, hand cream and even a small toiletry bag in a medium classic flap bag.
Chanel Maxi Flap Bag
If you are someone that loves oversized bags or you travel regularly then the Chanel Maxi flap bag is going to be very appealing. It’s currently the largest Chanel flap bag available. This style comes with a double flap, with an interior and exterior flap and a large compartment. There are also a rare number of single flap style bags available in this size but Chanel discontinued them after deciding the double flap enables the bag to keep its shape and structure easier.
What fits inside a Chanel Maxi Bag?
Umbrella’s, laptops, phone, wallet, keys, it’s perfect for a glamorous getaway. The shoulder drop on the maxi isn’t as long as the jumbo and when you fill it up it could be heavy to wear cross body.
Chanel Jumbo Flap Bag
Larger than your average luxury handbag but still perfect for day-to-day wear this is a stylish go-to handbag if you’re a person that doesn’t travel lightly. The bag looks incredible whether you choose to wear it cross body or over your arm. There are a unique number of handbags that can be found with “edge” stitching, similar to “Sellier” on Hermes handbags. These are incredibly difficult to track down, but highly collectible.
What fits inside a Chanel Jumbo Bag?
The Jumbo flap bag easily fits your full-sized wallet, a full makeup case, tablet, a diary, and if it rains a compact umbrella! The Chanel Classic Jumbo’s long interwoven leather and chain strap can be worn over the shoulder as a single or double strap.
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