Sep
No doubt, the Chanel Flap Bag is one of the most iconic in fashions history and a beloved collector piece amongst many fashionistas.
Known as the Chanel 2.55 after the date of its inception, February 1955 – it has only grown in popularity especially after Karl Lagerfeld stepped in as Creative Director in the 1980’s. In creating the Classic Flap, he updated the shoulder bag tweaking its silhouette and most notably the marker – the CC turnlock closure, replacing the Mademoiselle lock.
The original shoulder bag
Chanel designed her first bag in 1929 and it was hand-held like all the others available. It was not until the 2.55 she debuted the shoulder strap and changed the history of the bag. It was the first time it was acceptable for women of considerable social status to carry a bag on their shoulders
It’s all in the details
Like with the 2.55, the Classic Flap contains a small zippered pocket just below the main flap. With not much room to store any makeup essentials, this compartment was designed by Coco herself so she could stash her secret love letters from the affairs she was having at the time.
The interior
Whether classic style or 2.55, many of the Chanel Flap Bags feature a burgundy interior. In honour of Chanel’s past, who was raised in an orphanage where the uniforms worn by the orphans featured a similar shade.
The leather-woven strap
The first Chanel bags were all chain straps but due to a scarcity of resources due to the depression, Coco subbed in leather filled straps and today Classic Flaps only use leather woven chain straps.
Single or double?
Traditionally, 2.55s and Classic Flaps are both Double Flaps, which means they have both the exterior flap closure and an interior flap compartment. The 2.55s have always been this way, but at times, Classic Flaps have been made in certain sizes that have only the exterior flap with an open interior. When that’s the case, they’re called Single Flaps. More recently though, the Single Flaps were discontinued and would only be available on the resale market.
A good choice
In either double or single flap, this Chanel handbag is one that will take you very far. Enough to wear casually during the day and they are elegant enough to wear at night and come in a range of sizes to carry whatever you need. Offered traditionally in supple lambskin or the more durable pebbled leather, also known as Caviar, the Classic Flap can be purchased in a variety of colours, and occasionally in limited edition textures or textiles.
A decent investment
Because Chanel constrains its supply, regularly raises prices and has a long history as a luxury icon, Chanel bags are a favourite on the resale market. Hard-to-find seasonal versions in like-new condition regularly sell for above their retail prices, and even gently used bags in regular leathers tend to hold their original value very well. There’s relatively little risk in splurging on a flap bag.
Chanel Classic Flap Sizes
Starting up with the very basics: the size names. The Chanel Classic Flap currently comes in four main and two mini sizes. The Mini’s have all the same features as the Classic Flap. Pretty much, the only difference is the double flap.
The main sizes of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag are referred to as Small, Medium, Jumbo and Maxi, while the mini comes in two different options – square and rectangular. Here are the specific dimensions of the 6 different sizes from smallest to largest:
| Chanel Classic Flap Bag Sizes | Dimensions (cm) |
| Chanel Mini Square Flap Bag | 17 x 13.5 x 8 cm |
| Chanel Mini Rectangular Flap Bag | 20 x 12 x 6 cm |
| Chanel Small Classic Flap Bag | 23 x 14.5 x 6 cm |
| Chanel Medium Classic Flap Bag | 25.5 x 15.5 x 6.5 cm |
| Chanel Jumbo Classic Flap Bag | 30 x 19.5 x 10 cm |
| Chanel Maxi Classic Flap Bag | 33 x 23 x 10 cm |