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Whether you’re a Chanel handbag collector or you’re considering your first splurge, we have all the details on Chanel Boy bag sizes to help you choose your next purchase.
It’s not an exaggeration to say that Chanel as a brand is a titan in the fashion industry. The fact that it’s been around for more than a century is proof of its staying power and impact.
And much like the Hermes Birkin and Lady Dior bag, Chanel’s Boy bag is an iconic piece coveted by anyone who appreciates luxury. So, here’s all the things you need to know, including where to find it.
History of the Boy bag
The Boy bag was first introduced in Chanel’s Fall/Winter collection in 2011. The coveted design is influenced by a hunting cartridge bag that Coco used to use. Which explains why the bag has a utilitarian style and straight lines.
It comes with a flap that folds over the entire front of the bag, which Chanel uses to create new designs every season. All Boy bag sizes also come with wider chains that are darker in color– a more vintage look than that of other classic Chanel handbag styles.
With the Boy bag’s more structured and boxy design, it presents as a more modernized version of the Classic flap. The Classic flap refers to the 2.55 (or 255) flap bag introduced by Coco Chanel in 1955.
Legendary designer Karl Lagerfeld said the Boy bag is an homage to Coco’s boyish attitude and radical spirit. That’s also why he named it after Arthur Edward “Boy” Capel, the brand founder’s greatest love.
Even though the design is fairly new, it has positioned itself to become a true classic for the brand. Whether you opt for the Chanel Boy bag large or prefer the smaller sizes, they are the perfect blend of daring and chic.
Introducing the Chanel Boy bag sizes
Aside from the mouth-watering colors, bag lovers and budding fashionistas alike are drawn to the Boy bag for its functionality and versatility.
You have the option to wear it over the shoulder or crossbody. It’s also an excellent accessory if you’re going to a formal event or just want to elevate your streetwear.
The Chanel Boy bag sizes typically feature calfskin and lambskin. But Chanel has introduced many variations over the years, and you may come across many materials. In fact, Chanel produces tweed and velvet Boy bags now and then.
Just like in materials, the Boy bag also comes in all shades and colors, especially if you expand your search to the resale market. Boy bags in classic black leather have become a staple every season and you can also buy brand new if it’s what you’re looking for.
That said, here are the different Chanel Boy bag sizes you can choose from.
Chanel Boy bag small size
The Chanel Boy bag small size typically measures 8 inches across, 4.7 inches tall, and 2.8 inches deep. There may be some variations in the measurement depending on the season and style.
But it is just the right size to carry the essentials for nights out and special events like a wedding. It may not be enough room for those wanting a spacious daytime bag.
Either way, the Chanel Boy bag small size is perfect if you’re a necessities-only type of gal. You can fit your phone, some cash, keys, a compact powder, and maybe a small hand sanitizer if you arrange them nicely.
Since the Chanel Boy small is a rather petite bag, you can wear it hanging on the shoulder or as a crossbody. Both ways show off the purse beautifully, and it allows you to go hands-free.
Chanel Boy bag medium size
The Chanel Boy bag medium size offers the best of both worlds in room, style, and comfort. It’s spacious enough to carry more than essentials but not too bulky and heavy. That’s why it is the most popular choice among the Boy bag family.
Another reason the Chanel Boy bags are coveted by fashionistas is that they can be worn multiple ways. You can wear the medium as a crossbody bag or wear it on the shoulder.
The straps on all the Chanel Boy bag sizes have a leather piece that makes them comfortable to wear for longer times. It's also adjustable for different lengths, so you can double the chain and wear the bag under your arm.
The medium Boy bag can also fit a lot more than your necessities. And there's a zipper pocket to keep some cash, credit cards, and receipts while you're out and about.
What’s the difference between the old and new Chanel Boy bag medium size?
Image source: Andrea Tran YouTube Channel
So, there are two versions of the Chanel Boy bag medium size. The old medium, as handbag pros aptly named it, was slightly smaller than the new one. It measures 5.7 inches by 9.8 inches by 3.5 inches.
On the other hand, the new medium size that came out in 2014 features more space and two interior pockets. Its dimensions increased to 7.1 inches (width), 11 inches (height), and 3.5 inches (depth).
Chanel Boy bag large size
The Chanel Boy bag large is super spacious and great for everyday use. It also makes for a stylish travel purse. With dimensions of 11.8 inches long, 8.3 inches tall, and 4 inches deep, it’s like a tote bag with chains.
If you're using it for travel, it can easily carry your essentials like your phone, keys, and a lip balm. You can also fit a passport or a passport holder and maybe a journal, an e-reader, or a small book.
The Chanel Boy bag large size is the one for you if you're looking for a great travel purse that you can also use for those days when you want to bring your whole house with you.
Where to buy your favorite Chanel Boy bag sizes?
Aside from style and size, price is another deciding factor when looking for a place to buy your Chanel Boy bag. Unlike Louis Vuitton and Dior, Chanel does not sell their products online. To buy an item, you have to make the trip to the boutique or call the store directly.
So, if you’re looking to snag the newest design and enjoy the experience, buying your new luxury handbag in a Chanel boutique would be the way to go. You can also try high-end stores like Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.
Love the style, but don’t want to pay full price? Go the preloved route. But be sure you are buying from a reputable reseller.
Websites like Fashionphile, Sotheby's, and The Real Real offer a wide range of Chanel bag sizes and styles. You may even luck out and get your hands on a limited edition handbag!
Another option is to rent the designer bag if you’re not ready to commit. Take each Chanel Boy bag medium size and other versions for a spin. It’s a great way to test which one suits your lifestyle the best.
How to afford luxury purchases without going into debt?
Luxury purchases are often referred to as investment bags. But no matter how cute the latest Chanel Boy bag small size in lambskin leather is, charging it to your credit card might not be the best idea.
Here are a few ways you can save up for your next designer buy. So, you can spend guilt-free without going into debt.
Set up a sinking fund
A sinking fund is money you intentionally set aside each month toward a big expense. So, what you do is set up a sinking fund in a high-yield savings account.
For instance, say you deposit $150 a month, you’ll have $1,800 by the end of the year. You can use the account to save for a specific item like the Chanel Boy bag large edition or until you have enough money to buy something.
Save faster with short-term investing
To save for big-ticket items that cost thousands of dollars, like a Chanel Boy bag small, you could also grow your money by putting it into short-term investments.
Choose investments that offer relatively secure but smaller gains, such as treasury bills and treasury bonds. You earn full interest if you hold the bonds until maturity, but you also have the option to sell them early if you need money sooner.
You can also put your money into money market funds to save money for your luxury purchases.
Join a savings challenge
Want to save for your Chanel luxury handbag while improving your self-discipline and learning saving methods that work? Take part in our savings challenges!
It's an awesome way to stay motivated, and the course has everything you need to track how you're doing week to week. It's such a fun way to learn and save.
Which of the Chanel Boy bag sizes caught your eye?
For each of the Chanel Boy bag sizes, the options of colors and designs are endless. No matter which size you choose, the design is truly versatile and easy to style. It will for sure be a great addition to your wardrobe.
If you love Chanel handbags, then you'll love our article about timeless fashion pieces that can help you step up your style game!