Home > Is The Chanel Classic Flap Bag Still Worth It?

Is The Chanel Classic Flap Bag Still Worth It?

The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is an icon in its own right. Most fashion lovers feel that their wardrobes aren’t complete without this legendary bag. Acquiring one isn’t easy though and the price is STEEP. Does it command the hefty price tag? Is Chanel justified in their bi-annual price increases? Read on to find out from me – someone who saved for months and finally bought a Chanel Classic Flap Bag. This post will not only detail my experience, but will shed a light on whether or not you should get one too.

Dominique Baker walking down the street with a Chanel Bag on her shoulder

The Chanel Classic Flap Bag’s History

The Chanel Classic Flap Bag is perfect in my eyes. It’s classic, timeless styling looks great both dressed up and dressed down. It never goes out of style, and Chanel offers it in a myriad of leathers, fabrics and colours. It is also incredibly functional thanks to its various pockets and compartments.

Coco Chanel created the original bag in 1929 and modelled it after those carried by soldiers. She added a shoulder strap so her hands would be unfettered. The design of the bag was heavily influenced by being raised in an orphanage (the burgundy interior is the same colour as uniforms worn by orphanage caretakers). The chain strap was also modelled after “chatelaines” – metal belts holding keys, thimbles, scissors, etc. also worn by these same caretakers.

Close up of the Chanel Classic Flap Bag Jumbo size worn by Dominique Baker

Chanel experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 50s and Coco Chanel redesigned the bag. She introduced it to the world in February 1955, and the bag became known as the 2.55 Bag.

In the 80s, Karl Lagerfeld added the CC turnlock and made slight changes to the leather and chain strap. Also in 2005, Chanel stopped offering the Chanel Classic Flap bag with 24kt gold plated hardware. Bags created before this date have a richer, darker gold tone than those made today.

My Chanel Classic Flap Experience

In late November 2020, I achieved a major goal and finally decided to treat myself to my dream bag. This bag isn’t the easiest to buy during normal times. Stock shortages due to the pandemic made finding one near impossible. I called every boutique in Canada and pretty much got stonewalled. Thankfully, I know someone who works at their Canadian head office. She managed to locate one and hold it for me at a Toronto Chanel boutique.

The bag I ended up getting was the large (jumbo) size in caviar leather…the only black Classic Flap left in Canada. I sucked it up and bought it. And let me tell you – I am so glad I did!

Dominique Baker drinking champagne at the Chateau Laurier

First Impressions of the Chanel Classic Flap – Jumbo Size

This bag is big at 11.7″ x 7.6″ x 3.9″. The medium size, I really had my heart set on, but I couldn’t find it in any of the colours I was willing to buy (black, taupe, grey, beige, caramel, white or cream). It was also only slightly more expensive than the medium, so I thought “Why not?”

“Every cloud has a silver lining though” and the jumbo size turned out to be perfect for me. I’m a bit of a pack rat and this size proved to be so functional. I could easily tote around my phone, a portable charger, keys, makeup, notebook, masks, kitchen sink, you name it.

The gold hardware is classic and very easy to style with my wardrobe full of neutral clothing. I also wear mostly gold jewelry, therefore gold hardware made sense for me (I’m not afraid of mixing metals…especially if that metal is platinum or palladium – HA!).

Chanel Chain Strap

The chain strap is surprisingly comfortable as well. I expected it to dig into my bare shoulders in the summer, but never experienced any discomfort. That being said, I am really careful not to overstuff the bag as I HATE LOSS OF STRUCTURE.

The many pockets and large main compartment are a godsend. You can comfortably stash receipts, etc. in the long thin pockets, lipsticks and glosses in the columnar pockets and there is even a “patch pocket” on the back of the bag which I use to stash away my huge iPhone 8+ (don’t judge – my iPhone 13 Pro Max is en route).

Caviar Leather vs. Lambskin

I like luxe. I love texture and if I’m buying a handbag that costs the same as a business class flight to London, it better feel great.

Caviar leather, which quite literally looks like caviar, is hardy and durable. This pebbled leather is quite resistant to scratches and can survive a rainstorm (I wouldn’t recommend wearing it in the rain though). It also looks a bit more casual than lambskin.

Lambskin leather is buttery smooth, soft and feels like a dream. It also has a lovely sheen that makes the colourful medium bags really pop! That being said, it scratches easily.

Should You Buy Preloved?

ABSOLUTELY! I bought a new bag because that was my goal. The market is flooded with mint condition Chanel bags of any sort and in some instances, you can save a bundle.

I personally feel that Chanel bags pre-2005 are better quality. They seem to have a stronger, more high quality construction and the gold hardware was actually 24kt gold plated.

The great thing about preloved bags too is that you can find limited edition gems in seasonal colours that are no offered today. My girlfriend found a pale pink Chanel Classic Flap in the medium size with cute little charms hanging off the chain strap! It was part of a Valentine’s Day collection which debuted almost twenty years ago. She purchased it at an estate sale for a mere $700 USD.

When buying preloved, make sure that the bag is authentic. Buy from reputable and trustworthy resellers and/or consignment shops. If you find a funky design or colour, google it to ensure it was from an actual Chanel collection. Look out for bags that have been painted/dyed/refinished. If it is done well, that is fine. Know that refurbished/refinished bags can be harder to sell and will not command as high a resale price.

Dominique Baker at reResidences Penthouse with Chanel Bag

My Thoughts On Current Price & Price Increases

As mentioned, I bought my bag in November 2020. Rumours were swirling of an eminent price increase and I knew that if I waited any longer, I would get priced out of the market.

The bag cost a whopping $9400 + tax. I felt nauseous when I paid for it. A few short months later though, and the bag is now $10,325. That is a better investment than most commodities.

Personally, I think the 25% increase in some Chanel bags is ridiculous. I understand their “need” to be exclusive and a business of their size needs a lot of money to sustain itself. But at what cost does a beautiful bag and exclusivity lose its “specialness”?

What I do admire (somewhat) about Chanel is that the brand refused government support during pandemic-induced lockdowns.

Back to being sore about price increases – the bags are not even made with real gold anymore though! At least with the Hermès Birkin, the leathers are hand selected, the leather pieces are cut and sewn by hand and the hardware is either gold plated or made of palladium. PALLADIUM! These metals are resistant to tarnishing and scratches and have a depth and richness that regular hardware lacks.

Dominique Baker Sunset Chanel Bag

In Conclusion…

Six years ago, I wrote this post about how desperately I wanted a Chanel bag. I still can’t believe I took the plunge. You know what else I cannot believe? That I just acquired a Chanel 19 bag. That review is coming up.

This bag is a huge expense for most and I would never, ever judge anyone for taking the leap and buying one. The quality alone is lovely and this bag is actually functional. It turns heads, it will last a lifetime and many consider it an heirloom. Go for it and treat yourself.

For me personally, my Chanel Classic Flap Bag is more than just a handbag. It’s an iconic piece of history. It’s a fashion dream. It’s a symbol of hard work, a job well done and makes me smile each and every single time I reach for it. My only regret is that I didn’t buy it while the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld was still alive (that was important to me).

If you want one, get it. The bag is gorgeous and in my eyes, priceless.

What is your dream bag? When are YOU going to get it?

Dominique Baker
Dominique Baker

Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

9 Comments

  1. Keshia
    September 30, 2021 / 8:32 pm

    It’s not worth it quality and materials wise, but it’s something about that “CC”. Sigh, my dream gets further and further away. At this point unless I’m a multimillionaire I could justify the price. I have a better chance of befriending an older fabulous lady with only sons or no kids at all that will give me one of her bags! Haha

    • September 30, 2021 / 8:53 pm

      Haha! Thanks for the laugh, Keshia! I thought that would be me too. Last year, I thought “it’s now or literally NEVER”. Get one pre-owned!!! Thanks so much for reading!

  2. Jas
    November 23, 2021 / 7:00 pm

    Hi!! I LOVE YOUR BAG! I’ve been trying to track the medium version in Canada and it’s near impossible! 🙁
    Any advice or help on how to do it?!?
    Thanks girl!

  3. Andrew
    November 23, 2021 / 7:06 pm

    Hey thanks for the great detailing of your experience.

    As a guy, I have no idea how I would go about looking for one. You mentioned it was nearly impossible when you tried to purchase one, and I wanted to buy one for my girlfriend for Christmas. I’m just afraid of being laughed at that there’s literally none anywhere. Any advice on this front would be helpful!

    Thanks 🙂

    • November 25, 2021 / 7:09 pm

      Andrew – you officially get “Boyfried of the Year” award! At this time of year, I would go to every Chanel in your city in person and let them know what you’re looking for. You can also start calling boutiques too. You may win some points with sales associates when you tell them why you want one! Good luck! If I got luck, you will too. Merry Christmas, Luv!

    • Crystal
      June 25, 2022 / 2:44 am

      I had to go across the border 🙁 But I got my dream bag. Medium classic flap caviar black. Got a matching zip card holder too while I was there. But this is it for me. Looking to other brands now like Versace and Givenchy which seem a But underrated but I like their styles. Chanel is now getting too close to Hermes in prices but without the same quality etc. I have 2 other chanel bags, a small boy also in black with chanel top handle and a very rare python medium gabrielle in dark gold I got preloved. Unless something changes these will be my only Chanel bags (I still love and buy their Cosmetics and fragrances though and some accessories like scarves)

      • June 29, 2022 / 3:05 pm

        Good for you, Crystal. As much as I love Chanel, I don’t like how the company keeps gouging the consumer without the quality to “back it up”.

  4. Paloma
    July 8, 2022 / 8:45 pm

    Thank you! I was considering selling my two jumbos ( black and beige clair ) as I don’t use them as much as I used to. I got them back in 2013 and 2015 respectively. At that time I paid $4 900 for the black jumbo and $ 5 500 for the beige Claire. It is insane how prices have skyrocketed! They both are lambskin but in excellent condition. A little bit of color transfer on the beige Claire but nothing too evident. Your thoughtful / detailed review has convinced me to keep them both!!!

  5. Margoma
    August 5, 2022 / 11:33 pm

    I love the flap bags! There’s so many versions now. I’m eyeing the new heart chain one they have just released recently. I just love the chain. It’s so cute!

    https://youtu.be/tdRj7KT2pvI

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