Should I Buy a Chanel Mini or Classic Flap?

Dear PurseBop:

I’m about to finally buy my first Chanel bag and need your advice. Do I buy a rectangular mini or the small classic?

Love, Little Confused.

Small Classic Flap. @yra_lee

Dear Little:

First, congratulations on being ready to join the Chanel club. As you may know, my first bag love was Chanel and it always will hold a special place in my heart. I hope you experience the same joy.

Second, know that you really can’t go wrong with either bag, as long as it meets your needs. Both styles come in a variety of fabrications with leather/chain straps depending upon the season – at times, either can be found in lambskin, caviar, tweed, just to name a few. In the past, exotics also were available, but come Fall 2019, Chanel says it will not be using fur, crocodile, lizard and more. (Read Chanel Bans Exotics). Both have those interlocking CCs that former designer-in-chief (and more) the late Karl Lagerfeld designed in the 1980s. Both are small enough to work in either neutral or pop colors.

Mini Classic Flap. @ariah_xf

Let’s review the size difference (Read also The Official Chanel Mini Reference Guide; The Chanel 2019 Classic Flap Price Guide). The small Classic flap is 5.7 x 9 x 2.3 (inches). The rectangular mini is 4.7 x 7.8 x 2.3 (inches). Obviously, the small Classic is larger, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it holds more.

Small (top) & mini (right). @ariah_xf

In case you aren’t aware, there are real differences between the two styles besides size. The classic construction includes a double leather flap with a hidden pocket and small zippered area (theoretically for love letters). The mini, on the other hand, is a fully open interior. Many find that the mini actually holds larger items (like a wallet) more comfortably and is easier to access. The classic is, well, classic.

Small Classic Flap interior. Photo courtesy: Chanel

Mini Classic Flap interior. Photo courtesy: Chanel

Although both sport a woven leather chain, the small classic generally has four holes at the top which allow the bag to be worn as a single or double strap. Remember that double chain strap carry is a hallmark of a Chanel classic. You give that up with the mini, which only has two holes for the single strap (unless you gerry-rig the strap as many do). However, the mini works more easily cross-body than the small classic as the strap is longer.

Chain on the Small Classic Flap. @vogueconnoisseur

And then, there is the price difference. A $1500 difference! Current pricing for a leather mini is $3500 and the comparable small classic is $5000. That’s enough of a difference to explain the ever-growing desirability of the mini, particularly as Chanel prices continue to climb.

Mini Classic Flap. @mrs_thatmountain

So, beyond the investment level, it really depends how you want to use and carry the bag. If you want a totally hands-free cross body bag, go mini. For the classic Chanel look, the classic is for you.