7 Most Popular Chanel Bags of all time

Chanel is one of the most iconic, timeless, recognizable brands in the world. Founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel aka Coco Chanel, Chanel has revolutionized handbags forever by adding a shoulder strap, making handbags hands free.

most Popular Chanel Bags of all time
Classic Chanel Flap bags © fashionxfrenchfries

It didn’t stop there, Chanel has released some of the most iconic clothing, jewelry and handbags ever. Today, handbag collectors, Chanel enthusiast, and style influencers flock to get their hands on the most desirable Chanel bags. This French fashion house has been making big waves around the world for more than a decade!

Popular Chanel Bags Breakdown:
Popular for the First time Chanel Buyer:
Classic Chanel Double Flap Bag
Popular for the Edgy Buyer: Chanel 19
Popular Most affordable bag: Chanel Wallet on a Chain
Popular Structured Chanel: Chanel Boy Bag
Popular Giant Chanel Tote: Chanel Canvas Deauville Tote Bag
Popular Vintage Chanel: Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case Bag
Popular Timeless, iconic Bag: Chanel 2.55


Chanel Classic Double Flap Bag

Classic Chanel Double flap bag, 2 Chanel bags, one Medium size double flap, one small size double flap bag
Chanel double flap bag Medium and Small Size © think_Hermes

Number 1 on the list should come to no surprise, it is the Chanel Double Flap Bag. This bag has the highest resale value of the Chanel bags, it has been an icon since it was released in 1983 by Karl Lagerfeld. The Chanel Classic Double flap bag is known for its double flap opening, diamond quilting pattern, iconic turn lock CC logo, and rich burgundy interior.

Hands down, if this is your first Chanel bag, I highly recommend you opting in for the Classic Chanel Double flap bag. It's timeless, increases in value year over year, and will never go out of style.

The most popular size for this bag is medium, and more recently the small size. Oftentimes you will see this bag in Caviar Leather or Lambskin Leather. The Caviar is more of a tougher leather, while the Lambskin is a softer leather. As of December 2022, the Classic Chanel Double Flap bag in lambskin retails for $8,800 in size medium and $8,200 for the small size.

Chanel 19

Chain 19 in Beige Color
Chanel 19 bag in dark beige 21S © brunettebcq

The Chanel 19 was the last bag Karl Lagerfeld designed, and was released in 2019. When it was released in 2019, it made big waves and every Chanel fan ran to the stores to get their hands on this new Chanel Karl Lagerfeld design. The Chanel 19 bag is known for it’s for its classic Chanel flap designs, it’s mixed silver, ruthenium, gold hardware and bold CC logo. 

This bag is perfect for those who are looking for those who are looking for a more edgy bag. What I love about this bag is how easy it is to pair with your jewelry because it has both gold hardware and silver hardware, it's extremely easy to match.

While some may argue this bag is only a “trendy”, I disagree. The Chanel 19 is a popular bag and a favorite amongst Chanel lovers. I strongly believe it is a signature piece that is here to stay. It has a retail price $5,700 for the classic Black Leather.

Chanel Wallet on a Chain (WOC)

Black Caviar Chanel Wallet on a Chain Styled
Chanel Wallet on a Chain in Caviar © sarahyvie

The Chanel Wallet on a Chain (WOC) is technically not considered a bag since it's a wallet on a chain, it’s still one of the most popular and affordable Chanel bags of all time. The WOC is inspired by the full size bags, but converted into a smaller, wallet on a chain. For me, this is the ultimate night out bag, it’s small and can easily hold everything you’d need for a night out.

The best part about the Wallet on the Chain is it’s priced lower than a full size Chanel bag. This is a great first Chanel bag to add, if you are looking for a Chanel piece that doesn’t have the big price tag of a Chanel bag. 

You can wear the Chanel Wallet on a Chain as a crossbody bag, a shoulder bag or even carry it as a clutch. For me, the Chanel WOC has everything I need in a bag. It’s no surprise that this is one of the most popular Chanel bags! The retail price starts at slightly under $3,000.

Chanel Boy Bag

Chanel Boy Bag Beige Styled
Chanel Boy Bag in Beige with Gold Hardware © chanelfanforum

The Chanel boy bag is popular for its structure! Introduced in the 2011 Fall/Winter collection, this Chanel bag took the world by storm. With its rectangle box shape, bulky Chain thick strap, and lego-brick lock, it’s no surprise that this is a fan favorite.

The Chanel boy bag, is an everyday modern piece with a bit of twist… I love it! This bag is desired due to the fact it has a structure design and easy-to-wear.

Over the years, this bag has come in a variety of special editions colors, leather types including exotics, and sizes. This bag continues to be a staple piece of the Chanel line up. As of December 2022, the Chanel boy bag retails for $5,900 in the Classic size.

Chanel Canvas Deauville Tote Bag

Chanel Canvas Deuville Tote Bag
Chanel Canvas Deuville Tote Bag styled © sellierknightsbridge

The Canvas Tote bag is a staple piece for many Chanel collectors, and I can see why. This Chanel tote bag is also known as the Grand Shopping tote is extremely versatile and can be used as an everyday tote bag, work bag, or even a beach bag. 

This tote is known for its iconic CC Logo, the address of Coco Chanel’s apartment and first boutique in Paris, 31 Rue Cambon. It features a snap closure, and two intertwined chains with Leather Straps. Pure perfection! This tote bag comes in 4 different sizes (Small, Medium, Large, and Extra Large), and can easily carry all your essentials.

The high quality canvas material makes this bag durable, and the design makes this bag practical. If you are looking to invest in a high quality Chanel tote bag, then I definitely recommend the Chanel Canvas Deauville Tote. As of December 2022, this tote bag starts at $4,200.

Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case Bag

Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case Bag beige and black
Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case Bag beige and black © msquenns

The Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case Bag is a vintage Chanel bag that I can’t get enough of! Originally released in the Spring / Summer 2016 collection and went on to be successful to years to follow. Even though this exact model has been discontinued from the Chanel lineup, it still continues to desired by many Chanel collectors.

If you are looking for a popular vintage Chanel bag, then I definitely recommend the Chanel CC Filigree Vanity Case bag!  The iconic beige and black combination is so timeless and chic, it’s perfect for a day bag or a nighttime bag,

This Chanel Vanity Case Bag is known for its Classic C logos on the front of the bag, top handle, and long shoulder strap, and 2 separate compartments on the inside. The Vanity Case bag is inspired by the vanity train cases that were used in the 1950s and 1960s, and it’s easy to draw that conclusion from looking at the bag. The Filigree Vanity Case Bag is easily one of the most popular Chanel bags of all time. Prices for this vintage Chanel bag start at $2,500.

Chanel 2.55

Chanel 2.55 black with gold chain
Chanel 2.55 styled with all black outfit © happy_monday_moood

No list of the most popular Chanel handbags of all time would be complete without the original, iconic Chanel 2.55. The Chanel 2.55 was introduced in February 1955 (hence the name 2.55). You can thank the Chanel 2.55 bag for introducing shoulder straps to bags.

If you are the type of person that loves iconic, simple, and an elegant designed handbag, then the Chanel 2.55 is the handbag for you!

Similar to the Chanel Classic Flap bag, the Chanel 2.55 bag is an iconic handbag that features a mademoiselle lock, metal only straps, and a more worn leather look. Even though this purse is a decade old, it is still one of the most highly coveted Chanel bags of all time. The bag price varies by size and starts at $4,400 for the mini size.

Final thoughts on the 7 Most Popular Chanel Bags worth investing in

Chanel Shopping bag on Parisian Door
Chanel Shopping Bag © classic_coco

The good news about, Chanel has several popular bags to choose from. My biggest piece of advice, when you are deciding which popular Chanel bag you want to purchase, figure out which bag you are most drawn to and what matches your personal style. I'd love to hear in the comments, what is your favorite Chanel Bag?

If you are on the fence about purchasing a Chanel bag, you might want to consider purchasing one sooner rather than later, because Chanel has a history of frequent price increases.

Sincerely Petite in Paris,

Diane 

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2 Comments

  1. Nida Blanco says:

    How come my double flap caviar medium size,the inside is all black.it’s not burgundy .
    I think this is the classic bag that the chain and the CC logo are 24K gold plated.
    Any idea how true it is?

    1. Diane Marz says:

      Hello Nico,

      Great question, from my understanding about Chanel The double flap in lambskin was in burgundy and in caviar it was black until the late 2010, then switched to burgundy. Prior to 2009 the hardware was 24k gold-plated. Hope that helps! Do you know what year your bag was from?

      Best,
      Diane