From my perspective, my reissue 225 serves perfectly the purpose of a small casual cross body black bag that one would wear with jeans, shorts in the summer, etc. Basically, I felt that with my reissue 225, I don't have a need to get a rectangular mini because I feel that the 225 can serve that purpose (though obviously it's bigger than the rectangular mini - it doesn't "look" that much bigger though IMO). But of course I still "needed" rectangular minis
That said, I felt that the reissue 226 is PERFECT size for a work bag or day to day bag when you need to carry more than your essentials but don't want things to swim around (I feel the jumbo looks overwhelming). It's between the timeless classic M/L and Jumbo. I always feel that M/L is perfect but would be great with JUST a tiny bit of space, while the jumbo is WAY too big. the 226 is right between the 2 and for me it would be the perfect work bag/everyday bag size. though I have no problem with M/L since I don't carry much with me to be honest. IMO, if you want a casual small cross body bag that's great for running errands and/or travel, 225 is very versatile (another plus for travel purpose is that while it's classic it's not flashy without the cc logo calling unwanted attention to yourself). Holding it by the chain itself when dressed up/for going out is nice and easy because it's less "boxy" than M/L or rectangular mini which made it easier to hold as a small clutch with chain tucked in, and I think the softer distressed calf texture makes it so sophisticated.
Between the M/L vs. 225, I dont carry much (essentials = phone, key case, chanel snap button card case, a very small leather coin pouch for lipstick and hair tie)... I can tell you that while M/L carries my essentials named above without any stretching or issue and can still fit some very small items or a few pieces of paper folded up or something like that. The 225 however, can fit everything that M/L can fit, plus a pair of typical (not those crazy oversized ones) sunglasses in soft pouch OR the small hard case of my foldable rayban wayfarers (See photo attached).
I attached photos of me wearing my reissue 225 vs. rectangular mini vs. M/L worn cross body, shoulder carry and hand carried. You can see how they look proportionally against my frame from size perspective. I thought the way it "look" size wise is comparable to the rectangular mini because if you don't look at them side by side and just look at the 225, you will simply call it a small cross body bag.
It does hang slightly high on me but I sort of like that because I don't like the bag hanging too low because it bounces all over the place and for a small bag (especially for travel or when I run around) I want it to be hassle free and close to my body.
Hope this helps!
Folding Raybans:
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Black reissue = 225 size; Blue chevron = M/L; chevron pink/rose gold pink = rectangular mini size.
cross body/shoulder carry:
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Hand held - Like a clutch:
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