Hello! It’s been a bit quiet over here on the blog for the first couple of weeks of 2019 but I thought I would kick things off again with a post on what the best first Chanel bag to buy is. I get a lot of questions from first time buyers, often very confused about what to go for as their first Chanel bag. This obviously depends a lot on your personal circumstances, style and lifestyle but even with all that in mind, they are a few general recommendations that I think are true regardless of preference and circumstance. So with that said, here are some of recommendations and tips for those of you considering taking the plunge with your first Chanel bag!
Style
Now obviously, any bag you like can make for a good first Chanel purchase but generally speaking, there are certain bags which are popular go-tos for many looking at buying their first Chanel. The most common ones I hear about are the Chanel WOC (Wallet-0n-Chain), the Chanel Mini (either square or rectangle) or the M/L flap (sometimes known as the medium flap). The price difference between these styles is substantial and I’ll be going over that in the next section.
These three styles can all make potentially great first Chanel purchases but there are some key facts to know about each:
WOC: This is a small bag and the chain is very long and is therefore really only suited to wearing crossbody. It comes with multiple card slots and is really designed to forgo a wallet. If you’re happy to do this, then you’ll be able to fit inside a phone, keys and a lipstick or other small item but not much else. On the plus side, it’s a light and easy bag to wear and can work well as both a casual crossbody bag for day as well as an evening bag too. For those looking for a WOC and Mini comparison, I have this video comparing the two styles here.
Chanel Mini: The next size up can fit a lot more and is one of personal favourites for both its adorable look and value for money. The square and the rectangle mini can fit approximately the same with the rectangle mini fitting slightly more (but only very slightly). You’ll be able to fit a small wallet, phone, keys, compact as well as a product or two. The biggest difference between the two is that the rectangle mini has a much longer strap than the square mini. As a result, the square mini is more suited to wearing on the shoulder whereas the rectangle mini is more suited to wearing crossbody. For those still confused about the two, I have a video comparison of the two sizes here.
Chanel M/L Flap: This is the classic Chanel size and is what most people think of when they think of the classic flap. It is certainly a beautiful size and can transition well from day to evening as long as you are happy to carry less with you. Due to the presence of the double flap, you can’t fit that much in and you will roughly have the same capacity as the rectangle mini. The chain length is a great deal shorter though and this style is most suited to wearing on the shoulder – it is too short for most to be able to wear crossbody.
Other Popular Options: Two other popular styles are of course the Jumbo and Small Flap. The Jumbo is my absolute favourite style and despite the hefty cost, I do think is worth the money due to its versatility, functionality and capacity. Many people gravitate towards the above styles because of their smaller size and more accessible price but if you know you prefer larger bags, then the Jumbo is an amazing choice and what I consider to be my all-time-favourite bag.
The small flap is less mentioned because I think many just opt to go for the M/L as it is slightly bigger. Even though I do think the small flap doesn’t represent the best value for money, I love mine and it is a wonderful choice for day or night providing you are a minimalist in terms of what you carry, as it is a small bag. The strap is on the shorter side so it isn’t really possible to wear this crossbody but it is an ideal length to wear over the shoulder. If you’re looking to save some money and you generally gravitate towards smaller bags, then I do think that the small flap over the M/L is worth considering.
If you would like to see what all of these bags look like when worn, I try on all of these styles in this Chanel Collection video.
Value For Money and Chanel Bag Prices
Even though the Chanel Minis have seen fairly hefty price increases over the past few years, they are generally considered to still be the best value for money. This is because they are not considered ‘classic flaps’ due to their lack of a double flap and are therefore priced lower. The ‘small’ sized flap and above are all considered ‘classics’ and come with a premium price tag as a result.
As of January 2019, the following prices apply:
Chanel WOC: $2,500 USD or £1,790 GBP
Chanel Square Mini: $3,200 USD or £2,290 GBP
Chanel Rectangle Mini: $3,500 USD or £2,610 GBP
Chanel Small Classic Flap: $5,000 USD or £3,810 GBP
Chanel M/L Classic Flap: $5,600 USD or £4,300 GBP
Chanel Jumbo / Large Classic Flap: $6,200 USD or £4,800 GBP
Prices differ according to country but Chanel now lists prices on their website.
Leather and Colour
Leather and colour are also important factors to consider when deciding on your first Chanel bag. Chanel offer many different varieties however the two most popular and frequently used leathers are caviar and lambskin. Caviar (pictured above) is undoubtedly the most durable of the two and is what I would recommend for any first time buyer. Whilst many prefer the look of the lambskin, the caviar will provide a worry-free experience and will allow you to fully enjoy your bag without worrying about scratches or marks. I purchased my first bag from the boutique in lambskin and quickly regretted it. Even though I am happy to buy lambskin now, they are only as occasional use bags for me.
The two permanent colours are black and beige clair which are two wonderfully classic options that you can’t go wrong with and what I would always recommend for a first Chanel buy. However Chanel also release different colours seasonally throughout the year and important to note – these colours are never repeated so if you find something you like, you are best to buy it then if you are in a position to purchase. These are subject to availability and it is impossible to predict what Chanel will release from season to season. Common colours include blue and red but the shades can vary greatly. You can find out what’s currently available on the Chanel website while The Purse Forum is also a useful resource.
Conclusion
If you are just stepping into Chanel world, then I would always recommend to start on the lower-priced side – meaning the WOC or Chanel minis. Not only are these more accessibly priced than a $5600 M/L flap but you’ll be able to find out if the style works for you without sacrificing any of the Chanel ‘look’. My absolute favourite pick? The Chanel Mini. Not only is it around half the price of the larger ‘classic’ flaps but it can fit a decent amount, work for both day and night and is absolutely adorable to look at!
If you’re a minimalist who loves crossbody, then the WOC is also a lovely choice but be aware that the strap is on the long side so if you are petite, I would definitely say to try this one on! This of course isn’t to say that any of the other sizes are bad choices – just much larger investments. If you are set on a particular size, then you really can’t go wrong. As painful as the frequent Chanel price increases are, it also means that Chanel has stellar resale value on the preloved market so your purchase is almost guaranteed to be a safe one.
I hope that you found the above helpful – if you have any questions for me, then leave me a comment below!
I notice you haven’t mentioned the reissue – seriously thinking about the small (which I think is just a bit smaller than the M/L classic?) as a first purchase because of its minimalist style and carefree distressed leather. What do you think?
I was wondering the same thing.
I actually just purchased this bag over the weekend. I think it’s classic, understated, and a little more casual/edgey as compared to the classic flap.
Hi Nikki and Ance! Nothing against the reissues at all – they’re not my personal favourite style but I know plenty of people who absolutely love them 🙂 I didn’t feature them in the blog post due to both lack of personal experience and also I generally just get a lot more questions about the classic styles 🙂
I would just add that the WOC is versatile in that you can wrap the chain around the inside to carry it on one’s shoulder or tuck it inside completely to carry as a clutch. This was my first Chanel purchase and a perfect ‘entry’ bag for m.
Yes! Totally agree 🙂
Great article at the best time for me Amie. I own a Chanel caviar GST and a square mini in lambskin. Now I’m desperate for the medium classic flap. But by the time I can get mine (next year) the prices would have further increased sadly. I watched your YT video of your Chanel collection. Fabulous darling
So happy you found it useful Naz!
Thanks so much for sharing!! This post is so very helpful! Was wondering whether the mini rectangular are always available in the UK? In black or red? I find that these popular colors are difficult to find.
Thanks!!!
Hi Min! I have a whole blog post on this here 🙂 https://www.chaseamie.com/bags-and-purses/how-to-buy-a-chanel-mini/
Thanks!!!!!
This is an amazing blog because my dream bag is a Chanel bag and I’m between the mini rectangular or the Jumbo. The only thing stopping me at the moment is the price because it is a huge difference.
I honestly don’t think you can go wrong with either. I’d say that my minis get slightly less usage just because they are smaller but then they are a great deal cheaper. I adore my Jumbo and do think it’s worth the price (even now!) but a mini is much more accessible and a great way of testing the style whilst still getting something incredibly timeless 🙂
Thank you so much for the detailed introduction of Channel bag, Amie. It is indeed very helpful for someone who doesn’t really know Channel like me:)
So happy you found it useful Xiao!
I own 2 Jumbos which I bought preloved on Fashionphile. I absolutely love these bags & getting them second hand made them more affordable than even the WOC. I highly recommend looking into the preloved market for Chanel because there are some great pieces out there & in amazing condition.
Great point Kelli! 🙂
This is such a great guide! Your bags are so gorgeous too x
Chloe x
http://www.softoctobernight.com
Thanks so much Chloe! 🙂
The Jumbo Classic Flap is my absolute dream…
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
Still my absolute favourite!
I have found that the chanel medium flap is cheaper on patent leather on the resale market in comparison to the other leathers. Thought?
Hi. I was wondering if Chanel still sells the GST in stores or if this bag is only on pre-loved websites. Thanks.
Such good reviews and suggestions! One of my favorite purchases from Chanel is the square mini. I love it and use it to death!
Jae
http://www.allthatjae.com
Thank you Amie for the thorough review! Your Chanel collection is stunning.
I find it so hard to find a black caviar square mini GHW brand new (it’s more expensive preloved).Any advice?
Quite honestly, the best blog post!! So helpful 🙂
Hi Amie! I’ve been wanting the mini for the longest time! I can’t find it anywhere at least not in the caviar leather. I also can’t find any good one’s preloved and the premiums are always more expensive than the boutique when I see a great one. As it’s not first chanel purchase I don’t want to get the medium size (and I honestly don’t carry much in my purse anyway). Any thoughts on how to find the mini?
Hi Amie
Great blog, very informative. I think I’ve decided on a classic flap having read your comments but really didn’t want another black bag as I have several already. What are your thoughts on navy please?
Many thanks
X
Hey Amie! I’ve been doing research into chanel and the leather and stumbled across your videos last year and you helped me make the decision to go for the rectangle mini in caviar.. of course no stores have it and the preloved sites are selling them at a higher premium even when they look bad… I’ve called and gone to the store in my area and got on the list but its been months… do you have any suggestions?
Hi Amie,
Thanks for all your videos! I think I watched all of them (the ones about Chanel Jumbo) 🙂
I kinda decided to go for a preloved one first so your recommendations are priceless, thanks again!
You mentioned you got one of yours preloved and I think you mentioned The RealReal. I just have one question/advice request. Do you by any chance remember what was the tax and all other charges you had to cover? I’m based in Ireland and when I try to calculate stuff it seems like revenue is gonna charge me like 50% of the actual bag value… 🙁
I am considering a Chanel that is grained calfskin. Do you have any feedback on this? Also, I was considering a Coco Handle bag…any reviews on this style which is ‘seasonal’, but tends to happen every season.
Hi Amie,
Great post! I’m looking to buy my first Chanel WOC and I really liked the trendy CC WOC. Do you think that will have a good resale value? I like it more than the classic WOC, but am not sure.
Hi Amie
Thank you for your review. I also watched your videos, they all very good.
I also loved your Chanel bag collections!
I’m planning to purchase my first Chanel bag, I’m thinking to go with rectangle mini. I’m quite nervous to purchase it as it’s quite lots of money. Lol
However I’m quite short about 158cm. Do you think the rectangle mini will suit me best or the square ine better?
Hope you can help me.
Thank you 🙂
I love what you said about Chanel and how the brand offers many different varieties of bags. Buying a men’s bag from Chanel is a simple way to achieve a luxury lifestyle. If I were to buy a new bag, I would make sure to locate a luxury store that offers regular deals.
Hi Amie, do you have any comments on the gold hardware? Originally my heart was set on gold but I have heard some stories about the gold tarnishing, scratching etc. much more easily than the silver. How are your ghw bags?
Thank you!
Hello! I am looking to purchase The Classic double flap M/L handbag in Caviar leather with Gold hard wear. I am traveling to Rome,Florence,and on to Venice next month (October2019). I did have a concierge at The Four Seasons in Florence check Chanel stock in Florence! No bags!. So my question is I would really like the memory and the first time experience of purchasing my handbag especially in Italy, but getting slightly nervous I will not be able to find this bag with these specifics! Do you know how difficult it is to locate this bag brand new? Do they not make a lot of this line?
Bought my double flap jumbo in 2014 in Venice. They have a smaller boutique but have classic bags there… you can also try in Rome, near the Spanish steps tourist attraction; great selection, bigger boutique
I’m buying my 1st Chanel bag and still consider either coco handle small or mini rectangle. Can you suggest plsss??
I just got a wallet on chain but am not sure I am minimalistic enough for it. It is in like a tiffany blue color which is my FAVORITE. decisions decisions
Maybe I should look into a Chanel Mini hmmmmm
Can the strap be doubled and made shorter on the Chanel Rectangle Mini?
I see people do this with the WOC
Thank you
Thank you for review! I have the jumbo (beige) and the medium (black). However my blue mini is my fav go to bag! I am obsessed w the mini crossbody especially for day!!! I’m thinking of purchasing the pink ! LOVE the mini!
What is the price of Chanel mini bag?