CHANEL Dictionary: Complete Size Guide & Tips

 

Choosing a Chanel bag is never just about picking a style — it’s about finding the size that truly fits your lifestyle and body proportions. From the Classic Flap to the Boy and Gabrielle, all the way to the recently beloved Chanel 19, each collection follows its own sizing logic and serves different practical needs. In this chapter, we’ll walk you through Chanel’s entire sizing system, helping you discover the perfect bag that is both beautiful and effortlessly functional.

The Flap Series | The Starting Point of Chanel’s Size Logic

Chanel’s iconic Flap series — including the Classic Flap and the Reissue 2.55 — is considered the very soul of the brand. Its sizing structure forms the most classic and representative system in the entire Chanel handbag universe.

The Flap — including the Classic Flap and the Reissue 2.55 — is one of CHANEL’s most iconic and defining handbag designs. Based on official specifications and real-life measurements, the Flap series is currently available in seven commonly seen sizes, ensuring that you can find the perfect one for both everyday use and formal occasions

SIZE

L x D x H(cm)

Extra mini

17 x 7 x 12

Square mini

17 x 7 x 13

Rectangular mini

20 x 6.5 x 12.5

Small

23 x 6.5 x 14.5

Medium(M/L)

25.5 x 7.5 x 16

Jumbo

30 x 10 x 19.5

Maxi

33 x 10 x 23


Practical Tips

Square Mini / Rectangular Mini
Lightweight and charming — perfect for casual daily outings or dinners.

Small / Medium
The ideal balance between capacity and silhouette. Great for work, events, and everyday use.

Jumbo / Maxi
Best for those who need to carry more, such as weekend outings or short trips


How to Choose the Right Flap Size

Selecting the perfect Flap size is more than personal preference — it’s closely tied to your body proportions and daily habits.

Body Proportion

  • Under 155 cm → Mini to Medium sizes are most flattering

  • Above 170 cm → Jumbo sizes won’t overpower your frame

Daily Usage

Consider your lifestyle:

  • Do you usually carry a long wallet, phone, or makeup essentials?

  • Do you want a bag that matches a wide range of outfits?

By answering these questions, you’ll easily discover the Flap that suits you best — a timeless piece that will become one of the most valuable investments in your wardrobe.



 Boy Series | The Edgy Choice

Compared to the Flap, the Boy Chanel carries a bolder, more contemporary attitude. Its sizing and design reflect this edgier character, offering a slightly different approach from the classic Flap structure.


SIZE

L x D x H(cm)

Feature

Small Boy

20 x 8 x 12

Shorter chain length, suitable for shoulder or crossbody wear, with limited interior space.

Old Medium

25 x 9 x 15

The most popular size, offering the perfect balance between appearance and capacity.

New Medium

28 x 9 x 18

Fits a long wallet and daily essentials — ideal for commuting or travel.

 


Gabrielle Series | A Flexible and Modern Style Language

The Gabrielle is one of Chanel’s more contemporary collections, known for its unique structure. This design gives the series greater versatility in both sizing and ways of wearing.

Gabrielle Series Sizes (in cm):

Size Name Width (W) Height (H) Depth (D)
Small Hobo ~ 20 ~ 15 ~ 8
Medium Hobo ~ 28 ~ 21 ~ 10
Large Hobo ~ 31 ~ 25 ~ 10
Backpack ~ 23 ~ 27 ~ 10
Small Camera Bag ~ 19 ~ 12 ~ 6

Recommended Usage Scenarios

Small / Medium Hobo
Perfect for daily commuting or weekend outings.

Large Hobo
Best paired with relaxed, oversized outfits. Ideal for taller individuals who can carry off the larger silhouette effortlessly.

Backpack
Great for students or anyone who loves a street-style, mix-and-match aesthetic.

 


Chanel 19 Series | Contemporary Soft Aesthetics

Since its debut in 2019, the Chanel 19 has captured countless fans with its soft, plush structure and richly layered chain details.

Chanel 19 Size Overview (in cm):

Size Name Width (W)  Height (H) Depth (D)
WOC ~ 19 ~ 12 ~ 4
Small ~ 26 ~ 16 ~ 9
Medium ~ 30 ~ 19 ~ 10
Large ~ 32 ~ 21 ~ 11
Maxi ~ 36 ~ 23 ~ 12

Practical Tips

Small ~ Medium
The most popular sizes — offering the perfect balance of shape and capacity.

Large ~ Maxi
Ideal for travel or situations where you need extra storage space.

WOC
Perfect for light carrying, evening events, or occasions when you only need the essentials.


WOC & Mini Series | A Must-Read for Small-Bag Lovers

For those who adore small bags, both the WOC and the Mini series have their own loyal followings.

Types

L x D x H(cm)

capacity

features

WOC

19 x 4 x 12

★★


Lightweight and practical

Mini Square

17 x 7 x 13

★★

 Adorably structured design

 Slightly thick

Mini Rectangular

20 x 6.5 x 12.5

★★★

Fits small essentials

Classic silhouette

Extra Mini

17 x 7 x 12

Styling-friendly

Limited capacity

 

Chain Length & Wearing Tips | The Small Detail You Shouldn’t Overlook

Different Chanel sizes come with different chain lengths. Below is an overview of common chain lengths and the recommended height ranges for the best fit.


SIZE

length(cm)

Crossbody Compatibility

Suitable Height

Classic Flap Medium

43

 Yes

155~175

Boy Medium

52

 Yes

160~180

WOC

60

 Yes

150~175

Gabrielle Medium

80

Multiple Ways to Wear

All

Gabrielle Medium

60

 Yes

155~175

 



Height & Styling Tips

Choosing the right size isn’t only about practicality — it’s also closely connected to your styling and overall body proportions.

  • 150–160 cm
    Mini and Small sizes help enhance proportions, while Jumbo and larger sizes may visually lower your center of balance.
  • 160–170 cm
    A versatile height range — Small to Jumbo sizes all work beautifully.
  • 170 cm and above
    Jumbo and Maxi won’t appear bulky, and styles like the Boy New Medium and Gabrielle Large will further

Color & Material Tips

As seasons change and occasions vary, choosing the right color and material can instantly elevate your overall elegance. Don’t let a beautiful bag get lost in the wrong styling — let’s take a look at which combinations suit you best.

Occasion

Suggestions

Daily commute

Recommended in black, beige, or navy, paired with Caviar leather for added durability.

Formal events

Opt for patent or metallic leather to enhance the luxurious feel.

Spring–Summer styling

Bright-colored Minis — such as pink, white, or mint green — are perfect for spring and summer.



Fall–Winter styling

For fall and winter, opt for darker tones in Medium or Flap Jumbo sizes.


Discover Your Signature CHANEL Piece

At OhMyGoldness, we understand the stories and unique value behind every CHANEL bag. To ensure complete peace of mind, we offer Entrupy, the world’s most trusted authentication service. 💖
This allows you to collect your dream classics with absolute confidence and protection.

Our dedication comes from nine years of professional experience in the pre-owned luxury industry. We hold an official Japanese reseller license and insist on direct, first-hand sourcing. Our team regularly visits major warehouses across Japan to curate only the most exquisite, collectible treasures for you.

We also host monthly livestreams, giving you front-row access to the latest arrivals and the thrill of discovering luxury pieces in real time.

Choosing OhMyGoldness means choosing expertise, trust, and total peace of mind.