What Is The Difference Between Chanel Classic Flap Bag And Chanel Classic 2.55 Reissue?
Another question I receive quite often is: ‘What are the differences between the classic flap bag and the reissue 2.55?’. There’s indeed a huge distinction between these two bags and it’s not only the size, but more importantly the style.
Chanel just brought back their mini classic flap bag. It was discontinued some time ago, but the new mini flap has a different look. It’s almost similar like the medium classic flap, but then one size smaller. (It was used to be more squared, as far as I know).
Chanel Classic Flap Bags
The Chanel classic flap bags have four sizes sizes: small, medium/large, jumbo and maxi. I am not sure why they named the medium also large, but this bag is actually not as large as you might think. The jumbo is still an okay size, but the maxi is huge.
Chanel Reissue 2.55 handbags
The Chanel reissue 2.55 handbag is the exact copy of the original 2.55 bag that Coco Chanel has released in 1955. And thanks to Karl Lagerfeld for making that possible, he released the reissue version in February 2005. The Chanel 2.55 has such a long history that you have to love it. It’s vintage and cope perfectly with the modern casual styles.
The Chanel classic flap bag is the modern version of the Chanel 2.55 reissue. I don’t think the classic flap bag could have ever exist if it wasn’t the Chanel 2.55 flap bag. A lot of changes have been made in the inside than the outside. Especially the CC locker is so attractive.
Here are more differences:
The Chanel 2.55 reissue has a rectangular shape lock. It reference Coco Chanel for never marrying and that’s why it’s called the mademoiselle lock.
Throughout the years, the Chanel 2.55 flap bag has been modified. There were different series of the flap bag introduced, which was very confusing until Karl Lagerfeld came along and made a decisive changes that shaped the Chanel classics you recognize today. Since then, only two classic flap bags are being sold:
1. The Chanel reissue 2.55
2. The Chanel classic flap bag
Most members on Bragmybag prefer the Chanel classic flap bag than the reissue 2.55. That doesn’t mean that the Chanel 2.55 reissue is not attractive, but people prefer the modern version. I have no problem of having the 2.55 reissue too.
Let me know which one you love at the comment section and now you are here, why don’t you like our Facebook page to receive the latest information about Chanel.
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Sherlly Tanara
I love the re issue because of the worn leather look as well as the “no leather” – chain.
Nick
How to tell an authentic reissue? Is there a serial number etc or what to look out for? Saw an used bag for sale & plan to get it for wifey but wary of scammers
Older lady
Any suggestions for a person who needs a bag which is not heavy with a long strap ?
Alex
You mean a Chanel bag right?
LB
The 2.55 Reissue is made of a distressed calfskin. It is not made of caviar leather, which is embossed calfskin. Only the Timeless Classic flap has this leather as well as the slightly more expensive, more delicate lambskin as an option.
Nikki
Hi, love your cool and informative blog. Great job. I am thinking of buying my 2nd chanel. I already have reissue size 226 black . What is your opinion for smaller model? . I always love timeless one. Thanks a lot
sassy.bag
The 255 is super cute, but only a bit smaller than the 226. Ever thought about getting the 224 or even the classic flaps?
Annabelle
Pardon me mine is a classic.
Annabelle
Hi I wanna sell my Chanel reissue bag which I used for like 5-10times.
Any advise?
Thank you
sassy.bag
I would sell it only through:
– face-to-face meeting with the buyers
– with the help of Ebay or Paypal.
I’ve read emails from sellers gotten scammed by buyers. Does this answer your question or was your question about to something else?
cherry
Does the reissue only has chain handles or they also have style that is the same with the flap?
sassy.bag
Hi Cherry, are you asking about the differences between the reissue and the classic flap?
Yes, reissue have all chain handle while Chanel has added leather between the chain links. In my opinion, the leather makes the carrying much more comfortable. Generally the reissue is the same as the classic flap. The classic flap is a modern version of the reissue.
Style: Reissue looks more vintage, like it’s been worn. Classic flap looks 100% new.
first Chanel bag
I am hoping to buy my first Chanel bag and looking at a Maxi 2.55. Does anyone know the difference in length between a Jumbo and a Maxi 2.55? And has anyone ever heard of a Maxi 2.55 that is almost 14″ long? That seems suspiciously long.
Thank you for your help!
sassy.bag
Hi first Chanel,
Are you trying to compare with ‘the Chanel classic jumbo flap bag and Chanel classic maxi flap bag’?
Or are you trying to compare with ‘the Chanel classic 2.55 reissue size 226 and the Chanel classic 2.55 reissue 227’.
You can find the difference in style and sizes on here: http://www.bragmybag.com/chanel-latest-prices-and-product-information-worldwide-2012
Natalia
Would it be a bit risky for a first chanel user to get the Chanel Cerf Executive instead of the chanel classic flap bag? I was confident that I didn’t want the Chanel Classic when I purchased because of the amount of people having it, but after spending 3k on the Cerf, I was a bit confused if I made the right decision…. help !!
sassy.bag
Hi Natalia, in term of what risk are you talking about? The Chanel classic flap bag and the Cerf Executive tote has been in the market for a long time. Both are timeless. but the fame goes more to the classic flap bag, you know that a lot of people have the Chanel classic flap bags and this is also the reason why you choose the Cerf tote. Which color did you picked btw?
I think every girl should have one flap bag and one tote of Chanel at least. So maybe you want to cosnider the classic flap next time.
Natalia
Dear sassy.bag,
I got a black with gold hardware. It’s beautiful by the way. It was love at first sight. Don’t get me wrong here, I love the Classic flap too, but I feel like everyone has it. And since it is way too popular, would it be the reason why there is fake one out there? Not that I feel no one can copy me, but fewer people would go and get a tote right away especially with Chanel. I hardly ever see anyone with Chanel Cerf Tote.
I would love to buy one Classic in the future, but I think this tote just robbed my wallet 😉
sassy.bag
hahahahaha, I love how you say it. (it robbed my wallet). This is the best comment I ever had. But I to be honest, I have to say it’s true. Everyone is hunting for the classic flap, not even the reissue btw. The classic flap is so famous that there are many fakes ones. I just saw an arab women yesterday carrying a Chanel flap, but one glance and I could see its poor quality. It’s a fake Chanel flap.
I really like the black in golden hardware. I was wondering why you didn’t pick the GST btw? Also read our latest review:
http://www.bragmybag.com/diorissimo-tote-bag/
Is this not a bit similar, on the functionality level, the same bag as the cerf, only the style is ofcourse different and the pouch that’s attached.
natalia
Oh wow, you are such a mind-reader! My sister and I was actually looking at the Diorissimo tote bag before we even knew about Chanel Cerf Tote. We loved the Dior, but we kinda want to stick with something that is classic and never go out of style. Dior has these fun colors and the design that would make me feel that I will have to buy something else for later. We were not so sure, Dior seems to not be as famous as Chanel? idk how to explain, but Dior doesn’t seem to be a designer for young girl?
So it was very confusing for me and my sis, now we have the Cerf as our first Chanel bag and we are just not sure (although we are hooked with the bag)
Sassy bag
Hi Nat. You made the right choice. The Cerf tote is a classic, will never go out of style. But I also feel kind of the same. Dior doesn’t seems to be at the same level of Chanel. I can’t describe it, but I mean on terms of the popularity, but Dior bags are also fine, I think they are underrated.
ella
hey, am a big fan of your website! its one of my fav fashion gurus ! i am saving to buy my first chanel bag and i’ll be able to this april, am not sure if chanel will raise their prices this month, i hope not! fingers crossed..! anyway i narrowed down my choices to the medium/large, black, caviar, silver hardware .. and heres my delima..flap or reissue… i love the history of the 2.55 and its name and the story behind the lock..its just that i am not quit sure the chains of the handle can be worn comfortably on my skinny shoulders.. and perhaps the classic flap would be more comfortable, or are they the same? i need some help !
sassy.bag
Hi Elle,
As far as I know, I haven’t heard anyone feeling uncomfy with the chain of the chanel flap. BUT I do heard that jumbo/maxi chain hurts on your shoulder, because the bag is just too heavy. Jumbo used to be single flap, but they now change it in double flap, making it heavier.
I have yet to hear the same complain about the medium flap bag. And personally (because I tried the flap bag before in medium size), the chain is pretty comfy.
The main chain difference in chain is that the flap bag have interwoven leather between the chain links, while the 2.55 reissue doesn’t. I have to say that this leather does make the bag feel a bit more comfortable than the 2.55 reissue.
Two more things:
1. I do not think you should pick these bag based on the chain, but more on the style and design to your personality. The 2.55 reissue looks like it’s been worn and have a bit vintage style, while the flap bag is simply a modern version of the 2.55 reissue.
2. You should try the bag on in a Chanel boutique and feel which one is more comfortable for you.
Did this help you a bit?
p.s. Thanks for your support to our website. That REALLY makes a big difference.
Genie
is there a mistake in the size for the chanel jumbo flap bag and maxi bag? the size is the same.
sassy.bag
It’s the people like you that keeps me sharp. Thanks you very much! got it changed.
Selena
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand
out. Please let me know where you got your design.
Cheers
Seema
Thanks so much for this really helpful and informative page. Your website is brilliant and has saved me hours of research on Chanel bags and countless calls to Selfridges and Harrods. I am going for the Maxi flap caviar with gold hardware and have got one reserved at Selfridges. I will be sad to say au revoir (not adieu: subtle difference) to my wonderful Prada Cervo in black deerskin that has served me so well. But I guess the Chanel flap is the doyenne of all designer handbags (possibly with the exception of the Hermes Birkin: dont know what all the fuss is about that bag except that Victoria Beckham seems to have one in every possible shade and combination of material) and I have been after the right Chanel bag for ages. It came to a head at a Christmas party in 2012 when I met the wife of a fellow lawyer who was a bit of an air head prancing about with this amazing classic Chanel handbag. I recognise it now as the Jumbo Chanel Reissue 2.55. I have to confess, I wanted to grab the bag off her and run but my lawyer instincts told me I may not get away with the defence of insanity to a theft charge and it wasnt my 1st choice of model I wanted anyway. I will let you all know what happens when I get the bag next week. I never thought I could so excited over a handbag! I now have worries over whether I should get silver or gold hardware? what do you all think?
sassy.bag
Hi Seema, I missed this comment sorry. Hope you haven’t bought your handbag yet. SHW or GHW, it depends on which one you love. But I prefer SHW. btw, when I was in Paris it was sold-out.
dee
I love them both anyways
Little_B
I bought mine jumbo last year, and quess what? I am going to get my Chanel 2.55 next year <3
sassy.bag
OMG, let us know when you got the bag=D, wanna see pics <3
Little_B
I will, have saved a lot of money. im not yet there but will soon be, im so excited right now. heard that chanel is going to increase prices in feb next yr from SA
Chanelgirl
flap bags are more popular than reissues
Chi-ling
OMG, Love the first image, well done, love this site
sassy.bag
thanks!!!=D