We used to have a battle of the bags on our site and decided to bring it back for our Instagram followers and PB readers alike, because who doesn’t like hearing from others about what bag is best and why! It’s only fitting to start off with one of the most coveted bags, the Chanel Classic Flap, and another similar Chanel bag, the Reissue. Both are classic, both are timeless, both are a staple in any bag lover’s closet.
While the two bags are quite similar, there are a handful of telling differences. First, the closure on the Classic Flap features the double CC turn-style lock while the Reissue has the Mademoiselle lock (rectangular in shape). The chain handle on the Classic Flap has leather interwoven, while the Reissue is solely a chain handle. The leather is another tell-tale sign, with the Reissue featuring a more worn in leather which offers a more casual vibe. The sizes are different to help differentiate the bags and Reissues have double flaps on the inside.
Which bag gets your vote and why?
Hands down for the reissue. It is the OG, mother of all shoulder bags. It was the one Coco herself wore. The chain is beautiful and unique. The turn lock is discreet and understated. The distress leather is more durable than lambskin but feels less rough and plastic than the caviar.
For me, a true Chanel connoisseur cannot pass on the reissue. I originally had a classic flap but now own just the “batman”/all black reissue.
The reissue is old world money and classic flap feels “nouveau riche”. After all, the classic flap came out after the reissue.
Reissue, no contest! It doesn’t scream “hey, look, I have a Chanel bag!”…more discreet, I like:)
Used to be classic flap fan until I got reissue. Such an easygoing bag.
The Classic Flap 100%, because to me, the Reissue looks like every black bag at Forever 21, Target, or H&M.
Agree. Some Reissues look great, but I’ve also seen some with leathers that looked not too different from 1980s Pierre Cardin. So team Classic for me. But tbh, I’d rather have a preloved flap in truly excellent condition than something brand new out of the box. I find the patina of a beautifully cared for Classic flap more appealing than the new leathers, especially the new caviars.
No joke, Reissue is the ONLY Chanel bag I choose to own. Enough said.
Reissue with ruthenium hardware is my dream bag. I find the classic flap to look old ladyish.
Reissue, a combination of subtle luxury, charming and relaxed style. Easygoing for daily casual wear.
I hate the leather woven through the chains so I have never bought a classic flap or any other bag with that feature. I also do not like the interlocking Cs on the classic flap. Team Reissue.
Omg this is so true. Tackiness right there in that interlocking Cs. Also the leather ends in that strap woven thru the metal, it’s a no for me.
The reissue all they way, I don’t care for the CC Lock or the leather chain… but the Trendy CC is speaking to me… we shall see ??
My vote is for the Reissue!
My vote is for Reissue. It’s the classic bag of Chanel, and I do have 2 bags of reissue. One seasonal of 2009 and the other one is in the class size with classic color. One of my holy grail bag. I love it. ?
I have both, but tend to grab for my reissue more. I love the understated look of the bag. It doesn’t scream Chanel and only Chanel lovers know that I’m carrying a Chanel. 🙂
My old Classic because with the dramatic increases in price I can’t afford the Reissue. ?
Classic a million times over. I would never spend the money on a reissue. The chain, the clasp….It barely looks like a Chanel!
You poor soul
What does this even mean?
I prefer the design of the reissue, but I find the distressed leather to be hideous. I have tried it on and I looked like I live in a dumpster with that thing on my shoulder.
I wish it came in caviar. I think it has as a seasonal previously, or the bags I have seen are fakes, anyway, I’d run to the store if they would make a new caviar reissue! 🙂 Since that is not that likely to happen I may purchase a classic instead, although I find the CCs a bit “loud”.
I completely agree with you re: the distressed leather on the Reissue. I tried it on at the boutique and found the shape to be elegant and ladylike, but the leather made it look old and weather beaten. It would be lovely if Chanel made it in caviar since I would purchase it, too.
However, re; the Classic I don’t find the logo “loud”. I own both lambskin (my 1st Chanel bag before I understood this leather was so delicate) and caviar. Compared to other logo bags that scream “look at me” (Fendi, Dior tote, etc.) this looks simplistic and minimalistic, I think it looks like hardware jewelry, but I also understand there are differences of opinion, too.
Weather beaten is exactly what comes to mind.
And oh, It may have came off as if I don’t like branded bags and while yes, they can be loud, that does not have to be a bad thing. I own a GG gucci bag and I’d love to own a Dior monogram bag, as I find the Dior monogram to be absolutely beautiful, so I don’t shy away from logos just for the sake of it, but at the same time I really appreciate a understated minimalistic bag, and own mostly bags with minimal branding, and when it comes to Chanel, I’d just prefer the more simple lock for myself, although the CC is beautiful, I think because I want to be able to carry it regardless if I feel that logos is inappropriate at the scene or not. I would rather get the WOC with the CC and a larger bag with the reissue lock (in caviar 😉 ).
I prefer the more structured Classic double flap, I have seen many Reissue that do not hold their form. Both bags are beautiful, I just like the Classic flap better.
I cannot stand the saggy bottom of the reissue. Looks sloppy
I prefer the classic flap, but only vintage lambskin ones. The gold hardware on vintages is TDF!
Gotta have those “C”s..I love the design of the logo’, especially on the very early Lagerfeld pieces when the hardware was gold plated. My flap is literally the only thing I have with a logo on it, but to me it’s the heart of the brand.
I love my Classic Flap, but I also think that the Reissue is great for casual wear. That being said, my Reissue mini looks like a F21 bag, which is really unfortunate. Classic Flap gets my vote.
Classic all the way. I really wanted to like the reissue because it’s not as common, but in the end some things are common for good reason.