What to consider before buying Chanel’s Timeless Flap Bag

Here’s what you need to know

Perhaps the most recognizable bag style in the world, the Chanel Timeless truly is an icon. And, designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld in the logo-centric ‘80s, it’s more sought-after than ever. If you’re planning to purchase your first-ever Timeless, read on for our Flap Bag fact-check.

Before going into detail, what’s your love story with the Chanel Timeless and how did you come to collect it? 

Marianne: I can’t really put my finger on exactly when it was, but I’ve been drawn towards handbags for a long, long time. For me, it’s just the ultimate accessory, and it really makes or breaks the outfit. My first Chanel was pre-loved, and I guess once you get that first one there is no way back. I would spend hours online looking for pre-loved Chanel bags at great prices, and with patience, I found some really great ones and my collection just keeps growing.

Sizes 

Unsurprisingly, Chanel has created the Timeless in a variety of sizes to meet all your needs. Starting off with the aptly named Extra Mini, a tiny rectangular crossbody version. Take into account that some larger smartphones might not fit, so it’s worth double-checking the measurements. 

One size up, you can choose between the Mini in a square or rectangle format. Despite the different shapes – one being wider, the other slightly taller – they don’t differ in space, so it all comes down to your personal preference. Notably, the Timeless Minis are equipped with a single flap and chain, meaning you wear the chain strap at full length either on your shoulder or crossbody.  

Moving on, opt for Small or Medium if you’re looking for a bag that holds your daily essentials and still is compact enough for the evening. A piece of advice: The Medium size is particularly hard-to-come-by at the moment, so don’t wait too long if you spot one on the resale market. The Jumbo and the Maxi are the largest sizes and both fit a lot. Consider your frame and height if you’re undecided and be aware that they are not well suited to be carried crossbody. 

You have all kinds of different sizes in your collection, from Mini to Medium and Jumbo. Which size do you find yourself using the most? 

Marianne: For everyday use, I definitely use the Medium the most, but I also think the Jumbo is a great size. The Mini is such a great evening bag, so I would love to add some more of those to my collection. 

Materials & Leathers

Once you’re settled on the right size, the fun part starts: Diving into the awe-inspiring material world of Chanel. Naturally, there’s Chanel’s buttery-soft lambskin and scratch-resistant pebbled caviar leather. Both have their own appeal, but if you plan to use your bag daily (and don’t want to put much effort into leather care), caviar might be the smarter beginners choice. 

But turning to Marianne’s collection, you’ll soon realize that leather is by no means a must. From painted canvas to bedazzled tweed and raw denim, you can find iterations of the Chanel Timeless in all kinds of whimsical textiles and textures. Released seasonally, the secondary market holds plenty of options from past collections – given you’re up for a little treasure hunt. Read our complete guide to Chanel leathers and materials for a detailed rundown. 

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(1) Black caviar leather (2) Blue wool (3) Blue iridescent lambskin (4) Blue denim (5) Pink Tweed (6) Pink patent leather

Why do you love the non-leather bags and “funky” seasonal styles so much? 

Marianne: There are just so many fun and different designs to choose from when you look at the non-leather styles, and I also often find them to be more reasonable in price. Which, in turn, leaves room for more bags!

Colour Options  

Following your decision on leather or material, it’s time to dive into Chanel’s colour library. With lambskin and caviar leather, many first-time shoppers choose to go with one of Chanel’s most iconic core shades, black and beige. Both colours show consistent demand on the secondary market and hold their value extremely well, regardless of season or trend. 

However, if you’re looking for a little more pizzazz, there is a whole kaleidoscopic range waiting for you on the second-hand market. From blues to pinks to surreal patterns, we recommend looking at past runway collections for inspiration – and at your own wardrobe. After all, you can instantly upgrade your go-to jeans and blazer with a pop-bright handbag. 

Do you have a favourite piece in your collection? 

Marianne: That’s like asking me to choose my favourite baby (laughs)! But I do love the black and white splatter tweed bag that took me 5 years to finally track down. I also love my latest addition which is the rainbow-coloured fabric bag from the 21k collection – I’m so happy I got my hands on it!

Hardware

Finally, the iconic “CC” twist-lock is the icing on the cake. While you might just consider the classic polished silver- and gold-tone option, there are many more styles to choose from. Matte or brushed hardware, for instance, has a softer, less dramatic look whereas Ruthenium, Antique Gold and So Black finishes exude extra coolness. 

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(1) Chanel shiny silver hardware (2) Chanel Ruthenium hardware (3) Chanel matte gold hardware (4) Chanel shiny gold hardware (5) Chanel “So Black” hardware (6) Chanel Incognito hardware

How to buy a Chanel Timeless

Following Chanel’s latest price hike in March 2022 and news of limited bag supply per customer, the Timeless Flap might soon match the investment potential we so far only knew from luxury giant Hermès. Consequently, many are drawn to the secondary market on the lookout for less pricey options and the sheer opportunity to buy their first-ever Chanel handbag. Find out more about pricing and value growth in our Chanel investment guide. 

Would you recommend looking for the Chanel Timeless on the pre-loved market?

Marianne: Yes! I love hunting for pre-loved scoops. It’s a great way of finding special bags, and in many cases, you can find bags at great prices too. Of course, I recommend only dealing with trusted resellers as there, unfortunately, are many fakes on the market. And having a list of keywords to search from is also a great idea. Think about what kind of bag you want: what fabric, what colour, what style. And then search from there. It makes it so much easier to track down your dream bag. Also, don’t be afraid of some wear and tear. Scratches are memories! Some of my best bargains have been pre-loved bags with flaws – I love a bag that’s lived a little!

Ready to take the plunge? Watch Marianne’s talk with SACLÀB co-founder Alexandra Stueck here or shop our current curated Chanel selection.