Chanel Classic Flap - Small vs Medium vs Large sizes

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#2,371
Hello ladies!:wave:
Ah this is a something I have pondered over long and hard!

My first ever Chanel was a black Reissue 2.55 and it got used like crazy. It really is the perfect size for me at 5'3" petite build (UK size 6). I would agree that this size is the closest to the Chanel Small Classic Flap size.

I now have M/L CFs, Vintage S(Small) CFs, WOCs and Reissue 2.55 bags in my collection and I have to say I feel JOY when I pick up the small size CFs! I feel the S size bags suit my proportions best when carried with the full chain extended(single chain) on my shoulder and they just look perfectly proportioned for me. When carried on the shoulder with a doubled chain, I think the S bags look the right size for a party or wedding but a little small for daytime use. Somehow when I carry the M/L with the chain extended(single chain) I feel it looks a little big and boxy on me. I wonder if anyone else has this issue? I do still think the M/L looks ok on my proportions but looks even better with the chain doubled (compared to the extended chain) but just not as cute as the S(Small) bag.

In summary, I think on a petite person around 5'3" the M/L CF looks better under the shoulder with a double chain and the S size looks better with the chain extended. They also look better in different situations (daytime or dressy events). But as I said before I feel happiness when I carry the Small size and I cant explain why! Is it because it suits me better or is cuter? Who knows?!

Hope this helps!:smile:
 
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#2,372
I forgot to add! Somehow the thought of what can fit inside doesn't seem to matter. The look of the bag seems to matter the most to me. I feel like if I love a bag, I can downsize what I carry to fit the bag lol. Talking about Chanel sizes, in comparison I somehow never fell in love with the rectangle mini size as I find it boxy (even though it has the advantage of being carried cross body unlike the S CL). So for me the Small size is the best one. Its a shame they have discontinued it and only make it in black now!

One of my M/L CFs is a Black Caviar with silver hardware and I often catch myself thinking of replacing it with the same bag in lambskin in a Small size:hrmm:. To me that bag would bring me much more joy every time I would use it.

I also find lambskin really isn't as delicate as you would expect. The bag would really have to be manhandled to be scratched but then I wonder if the lambskin leather varies from year to year because the black lambskin WOC I have seems to be very resilient. I think lighter colour lambskin however, is harder to maintain as it can fade and also get dirty over years.

Good luck in choosing the bag, I would advise to go with the one which gives you most joy. As many of us have learnt here, it can be a pricey mistake to have to replace the bag later! There is no right or wrong answer, really just about going with the bag that makes you happy :)
 
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#2,374
Hand down m/l It just looks nicer IMO and I prefer the double chain. I have one mini and rarely reach for it despite it being in my favorite blush/nude color.

I was surprised how much the mini can hold but I am not a fan of the long chain and I know you can double it up but it's not the same and definitely prefer the proportion and visual impact of the classic m/l.
 
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#2,376
Thank you ladies for your helpful opinions. After reading so many comparisons online and rethinking about which size to buy, I was dead-set on getting the small CF as the small size was my favorite from the beginning. However, where I live it seems like the small size doesn’t show up in the boutiques too often. So eventually I decided to buy the M/L as it was easier to get, plus hubby is convinced that if I buy a classic bag, I might as well get “original” classic size (M/L), as the small size has been discontinued (except for the black one). Apparently it would be easier to resale too should I not like it anymore down the road.
I think for my height and general body frame, both sizes would work. Each size has its pro and con.
Thank again all. Loved reading what each of you thought. :)
 
#2,378
nicole0612 said:
I love the proportions of the small CF more, but it will fit slightly less than the M/L which doesn’t fit much already. I have a 225 Reissue which is close to the size of a small CF, so would you be able to try on a 225 vs a M/L to see which looks best and which fits your essentials?
I think 225 looks best on me, and I am 5’4” and petite build.
225 does not fit much, but M/L does not fit much more, so they both work for me in size since I can really only fit my wallet, keys, a chapstick/lipgloss and maybe a few other tiny items in either one.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. I thought I would gravitate more towards the M/L but when I tried them both, I preferred the proportions of the small CF despite being 5'5+.
 
#2,379
sugarsugar said:
I forgot to add! Somehow the thought of what can fit inside doesn't seem to matter. The look of the bag seems to matter the most to me. I feel like if I love a bag, I can downsize what I carry to fit the bag lol. Talking about Chanel sizes, in comparison I somehow never fell in love with the rectangle mini size as I find it boxy (even though it has the advantage of being carried cross body unlike the S CL). So for me the Small size is the best one. Its a shame they have discontinued it and only make it in black now!

One of my M/L CFs is a Black Caviar with silver hardware and I often catch myself thinking of replacing it with the same bag in lambskin in a Small size:hrmm:. To me that bag would bring me much more joy every time I would use it.

I also find lambskin really isn't as delicate as you would expect. The bag would really have to be manhandled to be scratched but then I wonder if the lambskin leather varies from year to year because the black lambskin WOC I have seems to be very resilient. I think lighter colour lambskin however, is harder to maintain as it can fade and also get dirty over years.

Good luck in choosing the bag, I would advise to go with the one which gives you most joy. As many of us have learnt here, it can be a pricey mistake to have to replace the bag later! There is no right or wrong answer, really just about going with the bag that makes you happy :smile:
Click to expand...

Love everything you said here. I feel the same way about the small and M/L. I am 5'2". After pondering about this for considerable time, I got the small classic flap bag. That was my first chanel bag. I don't think the M/L would have suited my proportions - at least in my eyes, it would have looked ever so slightly out of proportion when worn on the extended chain setting. I only wish the small classic flap bag came in other colors - like red and navy! I bought it in black and have not seen any other colors..
 
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#2,381
Hi, for me the current jumbo is too big volume wise for my frame/too heavy when in caviar. My two jumbo's are single flap which are much lighter and somehow the size doesn't swamp me (5'2). My favourite is the m/l or reissue 225 as the jumbo or 226 look large and like work bags on me. But the best thing would be to try one in a boutique if you can. Good luck!
 
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#2,383
Hi all!!
I finally decided on the classic flap as the first and maybe my last chanel bag ever.
I plan to use it as an everyday bag.
Please help me decide which size is better for me.
I'm 5'3 and a size 4-6.

Thank you!
 
#2,384
Medium honestly holds everything I need, comfortably. Pocket moleskine, ink pen, lip gloss, roll-on perfume, hand cream, ibuprofen, small pill box for my important medication, tissues, a large compact mirror, hand sanitizer. Back pocket holds my card holder. I'd only suggest the jumbo if you have like, a really huge wallet and don't wanna downsize. The jumbo would look awkward with your body size.
 
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