Small classic flap - does anybody have it and love it - or not? Opinions and thoughts?

[cremse]

I never hear anything about the small classic flap. It seems to me that it is mostly jumbo, medium / large or the mini that people find attractive. I have heard that the small might not have much more space than the mini and therefore people do not wanna spend that amount of money on the small compared to the mini... However I think you still get somethings that you do not get in the mini... double chain possibility... double flap. And I find it to be a nice looking and proportional bag. But I have not studied it that much oe compared it enough to the mini or the medium / large so perhaps I have yet to see the “problem” with the small (if there is one?) What do you all think? Is it worth having this bag? If so why or if not why not? I actually think it looks great. But if it can not hold anything / enough then of course it is a lot of money to spend, I can see that. Hope that somebody can enlighten me - I am quite curious of this bag after no one ever mentions it (I think). Are the other sizes really that much better / more versatile or...? TIA

 

[JoeyLouis]

I never hear anything about the small classic flap. It seems to me that it is mostly jumbo, medium / large or the mini that people find attractive. I have heard that the small might not have much more space than the mini and therefore people do not wanna spend that amount of money on the small compared to the mini... However I think you still get somethings that you do not get in the mini... double chain possibility... double flap. And I find it to be a nice looking and proportional bag. But I have not studied it that much oe compared it enough to the mini or the medium / large so perhaps I have yet to see the “problem” with the small (if there is one?) What do you all think? Is it worth having this bag? If so why or if not why not? I actually think it looks great. But if it can not hold anything / enough then of course it is a lot of money to spend, I can see that. Hope that somebody can enlighten me - I am quite curious of this bag after no one ever mentions it (I think). Are the other sizes really that much better / more versatile or...? TIA

I haven’t really used my small classic flap I recently got, but upon trying it on— it looked silly on me crossbody. I bought it for the shorter strap (mini rectangular strap still too long for me). The shorter strap is a bit too short, even for my petite frame. It looks fine on my shoulders, but if I double up on the chain - it does look a bit small, so that is definitely something to consider. I probably won’t be getting another small.

I can see how it might be nicer to have for evening functions though! I just don’t go to enough of those to justify

 

[sbuxaddict]

I have a small classic flap and I agree that wearing it crossbody can be a little short. I like it for the edgy, “blogger” look but functionally it’s not that great. That being said, it’s the perfect size for me! I love the drop length on it just carrying it over my shoulder, as I find the mini too long for that. I’m 5’7” and the small sits right at my hip whereas the minis are significantly lower and get in the way when I’m walking. It’s also small enough that I would still bring it to formal events and have the straps doubled up. The m/l is too wide for my frame and not as flattering. Will try to find some photos to attach!
I’ve read discussions about price points and how much it can hold - I purchased mine preloved in Japan so I can’t comment on that!

 

[cremse]

I haven’t really used my small classic flap I recently got, but upon trying it on— it looked silly on me crossbody. I bought it for the shorter strap (mini rectangular strap still too long for me). The shorter strap is a bit too short, even for my petite frame. It looks fine on my shoulders, but if I double up on the chain - it does look a bit small, so that is definitely something to consider. I probably won’t be getting another small.

I can see how it might be nicer to have for evening functions though! I just don’t go to enough of those to justify

Thanks for your comment. I can understand the thing with the short strap. Never had a close look at the small live or tried it on so I am not familiar with details like for instance the strap drop. But it definitely is something to consider if you like wearing the bag certain ways (for example crossbody). I think I was assuming that it could be worn crossbody but now I understand that it might not be possible. Also interesting to hear that you find that the bag looks too small if you double the strap. I guess some things you only find out when you really try the bag yourself. Very useful info - thanks

 

[cremse]

I have a small classic flap and I agree that wearing it crossbody can be a little short. I like it for the edgy, “blogger” look but functionally it’s not that great. That being said, it’s the perfect size for me! I love the drop length on it just carrying it over my shoulder, as I find the mini too long for that. I’m 5’7” and the small sits right at my hip whereas the minis are significantly lower and get in the way when I’m walking. It’s also small enough that I would still bring it to formal events and have the straps doubled up. The m/l is too wide for my frame and not as flattering. Will try to find some photos to attach!
I’ve read discussions about price points and how much it can hold - I purchased mine preloved in Japan so I can’t comment on that!


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Thank you so much! Great with the photos. I really like the look of this bag in the small size - but of course thar doesn’t help much if it is not very practical or if there are other “issues” compared to the other sizes. For that amount of money it has to be versatile... But I love the way it looks. Even though I am a bit sceptical if it can not be worn crossbody since I really like that option. Normally I do not like it when bags are worn over the shoulder and I feel like I look really old when doing it. However it didn’t look that way from the pictures here so perhaps this one is better for the “over the shoulder look” I am happy to hear that you do not find the bag looks too small on you with your 5.7 height

 

[ccbaggirl89]

I owned one for many years and sold it. It didn't hold more than my rectangle mini and couldn't be worn crossbody. I already had a M/L and the small wasn't working. The small is really small and when there is an option of a mini for less - I don't understand why the small is still made by Chanel. It was cute and very discreet, but I wouldn't advise someone to buy it.

 

[josiren]

I have 1 from 19s.
I suppose it was smthg New ( then ) as it was the re-launch of the SMALL flap after so many years.
And it definitely was a IN-demand bag that one could only get through sheer luck or SA reservation back then.
Functionality wise, honestly, it costs more than a mini and probably, carries about the same , maybe a tiny bit more?
But, i love it for the Size.
I'm someone who is after weight and balance and it'll have to look proportionate against my body frame.
M/L flaps are too wide for me.
Mini Rect.. not sure why, but space aside, i truly prefer the Square as it looked more proportionate in every way.

Though i haven been carrying the SMALL flap often, but when i carry it, i'll either shorten the chain and hand-held it, or just shoulder if i need to be hands-free. Crossbody is NOT a preferred option for most of us. Although, i'm super sure some will love the look of it.

Will i buy a Small flap again, likely not.
Will i sell it, maybe.. if price is right.
Will i encourage someone to buy it, .. then it really depends on your bodyframe.

Anyway, I've got a daughter and she's the main purpose why i bought it.
I intend to hand it down to her eventually when she's of age and i guess... SMALL is the best size to start.

 

[tinkerella]

Got my small classic flap in Oct last year and it’s my first ever Chanel bag. What can I say, I am now three bags in and the small flap is still my favorite! I can carry her crossbody comfortably as I’m petite (only 5’1).

It’s funny because I actually went into the boutique wanting to grab a medium/large back then. But after trying it on the SA and I agreed the m/l looked a little too big on my frame. The strap length when I carried the m/l on one shoulder was also a tad long for my liking.

Luckily for me the small flap was available and after trying it on the rest was history! Have attached a crossbody pic for your reference!

 

[PippaL]

I got the small classic flap last month and debated for a long time whether or not I should get the small or m/l. I've read dozens of threads about the differences between the 2 and like you, I had concerns about the huge price difference between the mini and the small despite their holding capacity being similar and I've also read that for resell value, the m/l was better. In the end, I went to the boutique and while I could wear both with the chain doubled, the m/l looked too big on my frame when worn otherwise. I'm 5'1 with a somewhat short torso and I like to wear it crossbody.

The small is perfect for weekends and days off (I work in a hospital and don't tend to bring my nicer handbags there) and I'm able to fit cellphone, key pouch, wallet, little notebook, a pen, and whatever lipstick I'm wearing that day. I feel like the small flap is better suited for evening looks than the m/l but it's a matter of personal preference.

I might have been happy with a mini too, but I really wanted the double flap, as I find it helps with the bag's structure and the way it holds its shape in the long term. And the mini looks really long on me. Hope this helps!

 

[cremse]

I got the small classic flap last month and debated for a long time whether or not I should get the small or m/l. I've read dozens of threads about the differences between the 2 and like you, I had concerns about the huge price difference between the mini and the small despite their holding capacity being similar and I've also read that for resell value, the m/l was better. In the end, I went to the boutique and while I could wear both with the chain doubled, the m/l looked too big on my frame when worn otherwise. I'm 5'1 with a somewhat short torso and I like to wear it crossbody.

The small is perfect for weekends and days off (I work in a hospital and don't tend to bring my nicer handbags there) and I'm able to fit cellphone, key pouch, wallet, little notebook, a pen, and whatever lipstick I'm wearing that day. I feel like the small flap is better suited for evening looks than the m/l but it's a matter of personal preference.

I might have been happy with a mini too, but I really wanted the double flap, as I find it helps with the bag's structure and the way it holds its shape in the long term. And the mini looks really long on me. Hope this helps!

Thank you for your comment! Really useful. I think I might have the same opinion regarding the small one perhaps being more suited for evening looks compared to the M/L. I am actually a bit taller than you though so I am not sure if the small will look "too small" on me worn in certain ways compared to the M/L. I suppose I have to try them on... But I actually just like the look of the small better I think.

 

[PippaL]

Thank you for your comment! Really useful. I think I might have the same opinion regarding the small one perhaps being more suited for evening looks compared to the M/L. I am actually a bit taller than you though so I am not sure if the small will look "too small" on me worn in certain ways compared to the M/L. I suppose I have to try them on... But I actually just like the look of the small better I think.

Trying it on was really what helped me decide! And not sure what's your preference on leather but it might be interesting to factor it in your choice! I was worried about lambskin for a "bigger" bag as I don't tend to baby my handbags and I'm known to walk into things.
I hope you get a lovely SA when you go to try them on, mine really helped with the choice!

 

[Marlee]

My first Chanel bag was a small Classic Flap back in 2005. I think it is very beautiful, looks better than the Mini and it’s more luxurious with the double flap, plus it fits all my essentials. I think it is a great size which is also great for evening wear. I have never had any regrets!

 

[natalia0128]

I have same problems with my first Chanel purchase. I am still deciding between small and M/L size. I saw M/L size in store ( department store) somehow it looks so wide on me and asked for Small size. The SA told me it is hard and rare to find Small size in US and recommended to check out boutique... I could not find any SA at Boutique so ... the rest will be history... I am going to pick up small size in Europe ... hopefully I will like the small size and despite increasing price on M/L size

 

[OCMomof3]

I absolutely love my small Classic flap! I think it's a great size. Since I have a 227 reissue, which is roughly the size of a Jumbo, the medium flap didn't really appeal to me when I decided to buy a Classic flap. I wanted a reasonable difference in size between my two bags. In order to wear the small crossbody, which I prefer, I had the chain lengthened by Mark Balian at LeatherPros. He does amazing work, used to work with Chanel, and uses their own chains to match seamlessly to the existing chain. I have a Chanel WOC, and both a Gucci Disco and SuperMini, so I have tiny bags covered anyway.

Another bonus, as was mentioned: the small flap is a fantastic size for night as well as day! I don't tend to take my large flap or other larger bags out at night.

 

[cremse]

I absolutely love my small Classic flap! I think it's a great size. Since I have a 227 reissue, which is roughly the size of a Jumbo, the medium flap didn't really appeal to me when I decided to buy a Classic flap. I wanted a reasonable difference in size between my two bags. In order to wear the small crossbody, which I prefer, I had the chain lengthened by Mark Balian at LeatherPros. He does amazing work, used to work with Chanel, and uses their own chains to match seamlessly to the existing chain. I have a Chanel WOC, and both a Gucci Disco and SuperMini, so I have tiny bags covered anyway.

Another bonus, as was mentioned: the small flap is a fantastic size for night as well as day! I don't tend to take my large flap or other larger bags out at night.

Thank you for your comment, much appreciated. This absolutely does make sense and for my lifestyle I could see myself thinking and prioritizing like this. I have a Coco handle in the small size (29 cm) that I can fit a lot in and I think that it is close to the jumbo in size and/or how much you can fit in it... I also have a reissue WOW that I love, so the really small bag is also covered... The M/L flap does not appeal that much to me so I was thinking that the small might be the right one for me - also hoping that it might land in between the WOC and the Coco handle in size so I could get the most out of my bags... So I would think that my Coco handle would pretty much match your 227 reissue in how I wear and use it (maybe).

The comment on lengthening the chain is also very much appreciated! I just recently found out that this was a possibility...! I would have been very nervous to have anybody do things like that to my expensive bags but I find that quite a few people have been lengthening the chains... The possibility of doing that is really great! It is sad if you love a bag and the only thing that bothers you is the chain length and you do not buy it / use it for this sole reason...