Chanel introduces two handbags (26A + 26B) that are not only cheaper but also as alternatives to the Classic Flap bags. But which bag is actually worth your money? Let’s compare these two styles side-by-side…
| Style | 26A Small Flap Bag | 26B Flap Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Style Code | 26A-AS6430 | 26B-AS6568 |
| Community Nickname | Subway Small Flap / 26A Small Flap | 26B Flap / 26B Seasonal Flap |
| Collection | 26A Métiers d’Art Collection (Pre-Fall 2026) | 26B Fall/Winter Pre-Collection (Act 1) |
| Price (USD) | $5,500 | $6,700 |
| Dimensions | 4.7 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches | 5.3 x 9.6 x 2.0 inches |
| Silhouette | Elongated, East-West baguette shape | Traditional, standard rectangular shape |
| Primary Materials | Lambskin leather | Lambskin leather |
| Chain Strap | Lightweight, slinky chain | Thicker shoulder chain |
| Hardware | Modern CC turnlock | Light gold-tone metal closure |
| Vibe | Wallet on Chain (WOC) | Classic Flap alternative |
There are many things I want to share about these bags. We need to compare them with the WOC and the Classic Flap Bag (and figure out which size is closer to the 26B Flap Bag). Which one is the better choice? Let’s start with the Small Flap Bag (26A)…
Chanel Small Flap Bag (26A)
Chanel Subway Flap Bag
The Chanel Small Flap Bag is the stand-out piece of the Pre-Fall 2026 Collection. This collection is famously themed around the New York Subway, which also explains why this bag got the nickname: “Chanel Subway Flap Bag“.
The WOC vibe
While we compared the new Chanel 26B Flap Bag to the Small Classic Flap Bag, the community noted that the 26A Small Flap Bag gives off a Chanel WOC vibe, especially because its chain is thinner.
Subway Bag vs WOC Comparison
While we compared the new Chanel Flap Bag to the Small Classic Flap Bag, the community noted that the Small Flap Bag gives off a Chanel WOC vibe, especially because its chain is thinner.
| Feature | 26A Small Flap Bag | Classic Quilted Wallet on Chain (WOC) |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Seasonal (26A Métiers d’Art “New York Subway”) | Permanent (Classic Collection) |
| Price | $5,500 USD | $3,700 USD |
| Size | 4.7 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches | 4.8 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches |
| Shape | East-West shape | Traditional rectangle shape |
| Chain Strap | Lightweight, slinky chain (thin) | Classic leather-intertwined metal chain (thin) |
| Interior | Real bag vibe & capacity: Open compartment with leather lining and can fit thick keys/fobs easily. | Wallet-like interior: Fabric lining, 6 card slots, zipper pockets; stretches if overfilled. |
| Backpocket | No backpocket like the Classic Flap Bags | Has the classic backpocket |
| Hardware | Modern CC turnlock | Classic mini CC turnlock |
We do not want to post duplica information about the Small Flap Bag. We did a full review with size and price comparison with the Classic Flap Bag. Read more here: “Chanel introduces Cheaper Classic Flap Bag For 2026“
Chanel Seasonal Flap Bag (26B)
Chanel East West Flap Bag
The Chanel Flap Bag (26B) is also known as the East-West Flap Bag and it was launched for the Fall/Winter 2026 Collection Act 1. Because this bag looks very similar to the Small Flap Bag (26A), we think it is an extension release or a medium-sized upgrade. The price is a bit higher though. We will do a full comparison below.
The Classic Flap Bag vibe
While the Chanel Small Flap Bag (26A) gives off a WOC vibe, this larger version (26B) gives off a Classic Flap Bag vibe. However, the design of the 26B Flap Bag looks very similar to the Small Flap Bag (26A); for example, it does not have a back pocket either and the interior compartments are exactly the same.
26B Flap Bag vs Small Classic Flap Bag Comparison
| Feature | 26B Flap Bag | Small Classic Flap Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Seasonal (Fall/Winter 2026 Pre-Collection) | Permanent (Classic Collection) |
| Price | $6,700 USD | $11,100 USD |
| Size | 5.3 x 9.6 x 2.0 inches | 5.7 x 9.0 x 2.3 inches |
| Structure | Single flap with more relaxed base and lighter weight | Double flap, rigid, structured internal compartments |
| Chain Strap | Thicker, heavier seasonal metal chain | Classic weight leather-intertwined chain |
| Interior | Open compartment that can fit larger objects more easily | Multiple pockets and storage |
| Backpocket | No classic backpocket | Has a backpocket |
Style Comparison Chart
| Bag Model | Style Code | Price | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Quilted WOC | AP0250 | $3,700 USD | 4.8 x 7.5 x 1.4 inches |
| 26A Small Flap Bag | 26A-AS6430 | $5,500 USD | 4.7 x 8.5 x 1.7 inches |
| Classic Mini Rectangular | A69900 | $5,200 USD | 4.7 x 7.9 x 2.4 inches |
| 26B Flap Bag | 26B-AS6568 | $6,700 USD | 5.3 x 9.6 x 2.0 inches |
| Small Classic Flap Bag | A01113 | $11,100 USD | 5.7 x 9.0 x 2.3 inches |
I restructured the order of these bags based on their sizes. The 26A Small Flap Bag belongs between the Classic Quilted WOC and the Mini Rectangular because it is flat like the WOC, but it also has a true handbag look (not like a wallet) similar to the Mini Rectangular.
In my opinion, the 26B Flap Bag should be placed between the Mini Rectangular and the Small Classic Flap Bag. This is because it is larger than the Mini Rectangular, but not bigger than the Small Classic Flap Bag.
Global Price Comparison
| Country | 26A Flap Bag | 26B Flap Bag |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $5,500 | $6,700 |
| Canada | C$7,250 | C$8,960 |
| Europe | €4,900 | €5,990 |
| United Kingdom | £4,260 | £5,210 |
| Singapore | S$7,610 | S$9,490 |
| Hong Kong | HK$42,100 | HK$51,670 |
| Australia | A$8,360 | A$10,950 |
| Japan | ¥947,100 | ¥1,156,900 |
| Malaysia | RM22,450 | RM28,020 |
| China | CN¥41,000 | CN¥52,280 |
| South Korea | ₩8,920,000 | ₩10,770,000 |
| Thailand | ฿191,500 | ฿238,600 |
| Vietnam | ₫158,200,000 | ₫190,500,000 |
| Taiwan | NT$189,800 | NT$232,400 |
| United Arab Emirates | AED22,230 | AED27,040 |
| India | ₹551,800 | ₹664,500 |
| Indonesia | Rp102.600.000 | Rp130.300.000 |
| Switzerland | CHF4,460 | CHF5,570 |
| Qatar | QR22,020 | QR26,790 |
| Turkey | ₺277,850 | ₺339,600 |
| Sweden | kr54,700 | kr68,550 |
| Czech Republic | Kč125,100 | Kč152,900 |
Conclusion
It is always better to buy the Classic bags, but if you love buying new Chanel bags to wear and enjoy rather than treating them as financial investments, the Chanel 26A and 26B are perfect buys. Seasonal pieces rarely hold 100% of their retail value on the secondary market, unlike the permanent bags.
The Chanel Small Subway Flap Bag (26A) fills the gap between a WOC and a true handbag because it has a slim and flat width yet functions like a real bag.
The Chanel 26B Flap Bag sits right between the Rectangular Mini and the Small Classic Flap Bag. If you feel that the Rectangular Mini is too small but the Small Classic Flap Bag is a bit too large, then the 26B Flap Bag is the perfect option.
Which bag would you choose? Let us know in the comments.
Tags:
AS6430, AS6568, Chanel Fall Winter 2026 Bag Collection Act 1, Chanel Fall Winter 2026 Collection Act 1, chanel flap bag
Text by:
Olivia Elsher
You might also like:
Chanel 26B Flap Bag
Chanel Flap Bag 26A & 26B Comparison: Which One Is Actually Worth Buying?
Chanel Evening Bag Strass Black
Chanel 26B Flap Bag
Chanel Flap Bag 26A & 26B Comparison: Which One Is Actually Worth Buying?
Chanel Evening Bag Strass Black