Chanel 2.55 Reissue Size Guide: 224 vs 225 vs 226 vs 227 vs 228

Picking your perfect chanel 2.55 Reissue depends on one question: What size will really work for you? The Reissue flap bag is offered in five unique sizes - 224, 225, 226, 227 and 228 - and each has its own ideal use. This ultimate guide covers the full measurements, strap drop lengths, interior dimensions and current price for all chanel reissue sizes so you can be sure about your purchase before spending thousands at the boutique:

• All Five Chanel Reissue Sizes at a Glance
• Size 224 — The Mini Reissue
• Size 225 — The Small Reissue
• Size 226 — The Most Popular Everyday Size
• Size 227 — The Jumbo Reissue
• Size 228 — The Rare Maxi Collector's Piece
• Reissue vs. Classic Flap Differences
• Which Size Should You Choose?
• Frequently Asked Questions

Chanel 2.55 Reissue Sizes at a Glance

Before delving into each individual chanel reissue size, here is a side-by-side comparison of all 5 bags. Measurements taken and cross-referenced from Chanel's official 2.55 collection page and confirmed by measurements listed on authenticated resale platforms.

Pro Tip: chanel revises handbag prices several times a year. Figures above reflect early 2025 retail pricing in USD. According to Sotheby's analysis of chanel's 2025 price adjustments, bags saw increases of 4–7% compared to 2024. Confirm current pricing with your local chanel boutique before purchasing.

Okay now let's break down all the bag sizes individually, what you can fit in, who they are right for and potential pitfalls.

Size 224 — The Mini Chanel 2.55 Reissue

Measuring just 20 × 15 × 5 cm (8" × 6" × 2"), the 224 — sometimes called the extra mini — is the smallest bag in the chanel 2.55 lineup and a true evening bag — portable enough to slip under your arm while dining and light in weight. chanel produces the 224 seasonally, rather than as a permanent collection piece, which lends it a distinctive, harder-to-find quality.

What fits inside the 224:

• Smartphone (including larger models like the iPhone 16 Pro Max — it fits, but just barely)
• Keys and a card case or slim cardholder
• One lipstick or compact

What does NOT fit:

• A full-size wallet — by far the most common disappointment buyers report with the 224
• Sunglasses (with or without case)
• Anything beyond bare essentials

Note: If you use a normal wallet day to day, do not bother with the 224. A lot of first-time buyers go ahead and buy it without realizing how tiny "mini" can be this handbag. Switch to a flat cardholder if you want to make the 224 work as a going-out bag.

This is the 224 which is pretty perfect for upmarket, dinner dates etc or occasions where you expect to be heading out with the bare minimum. At around $5,200, it is also the most affordable entry point into the iconic chanel 2.55 reissue bag collection — though the price jump to the 225 is significant.

Size 225 — The Small Chanel Reissue

At 24 × 16 × 7 cm (10" × 6" × 2.5"), the 225 size is where the chanel 2.55 starts becoming practical for daily use. That additional 4 cm of width over the 224 makes a real difference in what you can actually carry.

What fits inside the 225:

• Smartphone
• Compact wallet (not a continental-style long wallet)
• Keys
• Lipstick
• Sunglasses without a case (lay them flat on top)

As a balanced size, the 225 reissue bag looks delicate enough at dinner time but holds enough for your phone and wallet throughout the day. If you generally go for light loads and like a more narrow silhouette that drapes close to the body when worn crossbody then the chanel reissue 225 size is perfect.

Just a note on sizing: the 225 uses the same all-metal bijoux chain as every other chanel 2.55 size. With the strap doubled on the shoulder, it hangs about 28cm (11in) from the shoulder strap. Worn crossbody style, you get about 49.5cm (19.5in) of drop. For frames over 5'8 / 173cm, the crossbody strap can feel a little tight depending on your outfit.

Size 226 — The Most Popular Chanel 2.55 Reissue Size

Most buyers end up choosing the 226 — and for good reason. At 28 × 19.5 × 7 cm (11" × 8" × 3.5"), it strikes a fine balance of elegance and practicality compared to any other chanel reissue size. It is the perfect bag from the board room in the morning to the cocktail hour at night — true style and functionality in one package.

What fits inside the 226:

• Smartphone (any current model)
• Regular bifold or medium wallet
• Keys
• Compact makeup items (lipstick, blotting papers, small mirror)
• Sunglasses in a slim case
• Tissues or hand sanitizer

Design-wise, opening up the 226 reveals the savvy design feature Chanel built into the original 1955 handbag: a zippered compartment cleverly placed just below the first flap, believed to have been originally meant for storing love letters. Beneath the second flap sits a slit-pocket, and in the main compartment Chanel cleverly caged a slot just the size of a lipstick tube.

Pro Tip: If this is your first chanel, the 226 is the wise choice. It performs in the widest variety of day-to-night circumstances, and it always shows the strongest resale values between chanel reissue sizes simply because it is an all-day best-seller. Expect the 226 to hold its value at a rate of 70-85% of retail on the authenticated pre-owned market.

At approximately $11,300 (2025 pricing), the 226 costs only about $500 more than the 225 while delivering a noticeable increase in capacity. That price-to-capacity ratio is a major reason it outsells every other chanel 2.55 bag size in the collection. No other bag size in the lineup manages to combine classic chanel heritage with such versatile daily function.

Size 227 — The Jumbo Chanel 2.55 Reissue

Measuring in at 31 × 20 × 10 cm (12" × 7.5" × 3.75"), the chanel reissue 227 size is the biggest jumbo bag in the standard production lineup. Where the 226 covers daily essentials, the 227 covers essentials plus everything you might need if your day takes an unexpected turn.

What fits inside the 227:

• Large smartphone
• Full-size continental wallet
• Sunglasses in a standard hard case
• Small makeup pouch
• Keys
• Small notebook or planner

Here is something that separates the 227 from the chanel classic flap in the Jumbo size: the reissue 227 comfortably accommodates a wallet and a sunglasses case simultaneously. With its single-flap construction, the classic flap Jumbo forces you to choose one or the other. It is a practical difference that rarely shows up in size charts but matters every day.

Note: A common misconception about the 227 is that it looks too bulky for crossbody wear. In practice, the aged calfskin and soft structure of the reissue bag allow the 227 to drape against the body rather than jutting out. On most frames, it reads as a relaxed daily bag, not an oversized one. Try it on in store before ruling it out.

Priced at approximately $12,800, the 227 has been in stable production alongside the 225 and 226. For anyone who needs an essential everyday bag with room to spare, the 227 is the largest in the collection without crossing into collector-only territory.

Size 228 — The Rare Maxi Collector's Piece

At 35.5 × 19 × 10.75 cm (14" × 7.5" × 4.25"), the 228 is the maxi size — the largest in the collection and the rarest chanel 2.55 bag you can find. It is, in effect, a discontinued chanel bag: the maxi size has not been stocked in a Chanel boutique for a number of seasons, and any Maxi 228 you happen across today is all-but guaranteed to be from one of the authenticated pre-owned luxury resellers.

What fits inside the 228:

• Everything the 227 offers, but with the room for a small tablet, travel docs or a larger makeup kit
• Functional as a light work bag or travel companion

Because the 228 maxi is rare, the reissue bag remains one of the most sought-after collector's items on the market. If you come across one in good condition on a trusted secondhand shop, this bag is perfect for collectors — and your decision is less about "should I buy this" and more about "will I ever find another one?" Pricing on the secondary market can be highly variable depending on the condition, the type of leather (aged calfskin, lambskin, or metallic finishes), the quilted pattern (diamond or chevron), and hardware (gold-tone or ruthenium).

Note: Do not expect to walk into a chanel boutique and find a 228 available for purchase. Sale attendants at the boutiques will tell you that it is not available from current production lines. If you're after the Maxi, authenticated resellers are your only option.

Chanel 2.55 Reissue vs. Classic Flap: Size and Design Differences

Both the chanel 2.55 Reissue and the chanel classic flap share the same parentage, but they are two different bags. gabrielle chanel created the first 2.55 handbag — first produced by chanel in 1955 - a radical design that gave women a shoulder bag with hands free convenience, thanks to a chain strap and shoulder strap combination, at the same time as the handbags were being carried hand-in-hand. 1983 saw Karl Lagerfeld add his touch to the original, with the now-legendary interlocking CC lock, creating what we now know as the classic flap. Then, in 2005, to mark the original's 50th anniversary, Lagerfeld reissued the bag faithful to Gabrielle's original 1955 version, and the chanel 2.55 reissue was born — a handbag designed by gabrielle chanel, faithfully brought back by Lagerfeld.

From afar, the two bags do look similar, but all hardware and construction elements are different. Here is what makes them different:

Different sizes, different impacts for the decision-making, as the Reissue features the double-flap design across its sizes, giving slightly less interior space than the classic flap at comparable external dimensions. For example, the chanel classic flap Jumbo uses a single flap, meaning the full interior space is used up by the depth of the bag. In contrast, the Reissue 227 has double flaps, which sacrifice the inch or so of space while taking the opportunity to include a small zippered compartment between the double flaps the Jumbo doesn't have.

If you want a history lesson on these two design decisions, the Victoria and Albert Museum's analysis of chanel's iconic designs explains how the original 2.55's diamond quilting drew inspiration from the padded jackets worn by stable hands — a detail gabrielle picked up during her time around equestrian circles. Similarly, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's essay on Coco chanel and the House of chanel traces how her practical instinct changed the course of fashion: putting pockets in women's clothing, using jersey fabric, freeing hands with shoulder straps. Coco Chanel's legacy lives on in every detail of the reissue handbag — from the burgundy lining to the bijoux chain.

Which Chanel 2.55 Reissue Size Should You Choose?

After examining all five chanel 2.55 measurements across its various sizes and what fits inside each bag, here is a decision flowchart depending on how you really plan to use it:

Choose the 224 if:

• You need a dedicated evening and formal event bag
• You carry cell phone, keys and a cardholder - nothing more
• You want the lowest entry price into the chanel 2.55 reissue bag line

Choose the 225 if:

• You want a bag that transitions from day errands to evening plans
• You carry a compact wallet (not a full continental wallet)
• You prefer a smaller profile when worn crossbody

Choose the 226 if:

• You want one bag for everything - work lunches, weekends, dinners
• You carry a regular wallet, phone, keys, and a few makeup essentials
• This is your first chanel bag and you want the most versatile chanel flap bag option
• Resale value matters to you (the 226 has the strongest secondary market demand)

Choose the 227 if:

• You need room for a full wallet plus sunglasses in a case
• You prefer a larger daily bag that can double as a light work bag
• You already own a smaller chanel flap and want a bigger option for variety

Choose the 228 if:

• You are a collector specifically looking for this discontinued maxi size
• You are comfortable buying from the authenticated pre-owned market
• You need the absolute maximum capacity from a chanel 2.55 flap bag

If none of the above sizes appeal to you, consider the chanel wallet on chain for minimal carries, or the boy bag for a more modern, structured look that still stays within the chanel family.

Another factor worth mentioning: body frame. Because the bijoux chain on chanel reissue bags provides approximately 19-20 inches of drop when worn single as a crossbody. On petite frames (below 5’3"/160cm), the 227 can seem huge when worn as a crossbody. On larger frames (above 5'8"/173cm), the 224 and 225 can wear high in the torso in crossbody style. Once again, the 226 medium size fits the broadest range of heights and sizes, which is another reason it continues to be the top seller.

As a symbol of timeless elegance and a long-term investment, the chanel 2.55 has a strong track record. chanel bags have seen consistent price increases year after year — Business of Fashion reported increases of up to 15% in some recent adjustment cycles. Getting the correct size from the start means you're less likely to sell at a loss and have to re-purchase in a different size in the future. Coco chanel originally designed the 2.55 as a bag that freed women's hands — choosing the right size ensures that same freedom works for your life today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the difference between Chanel 2.55 and the Reissue?

In casual speech, "chanel 2.55" and "Reissue" are used interchangeably. Its name "2.55" is derived from the original production date—February 1955—when gabrielle chanel created the first model. "Reissue" is used to describe Karl Lagerfeld's 2005 remake of that original design for its 50th anniversary. Both terms are for the same handbag that features the rectangular Mademoiselle lock, metal bijoux chain, and aging calfskin.

Q: Which Chanel 2.55 Reissue size is most popular?

By a wide margin, the 226 (Medium-Large) is the most popular chanel reissue size. It provides the ideal combination of interior volume with on-the-body size and looks great for day or night. It fits most body shapes comfortably and continues to sell well on the secondary market, earning it the highest resale price.

Q: How does the Chanel 2.55 hold its value?

The chanel 2.55 reissue handbag generally remains 70-85% of the original retail price on the authenticated second market. According to Sotheby's luxury market analysis, chanel's annual price increases — which have nearly doubled the cost of a medium classic chanel bag since 2016 — also drive up pre-owned demand. Resale-wise, the Reissue generally sits slightly below the classic flap, but well above most other luxury handbag brands.

Q: What fits inside the Chanel 2.55 Reissue 226?

A 226 is a perfect size to hold a cell phone, standard size wallet, keys, small makeup (lipstick, mirror, blotting papers), and a pair of sunglasses all in a slim case. Inside is a zipper pocket beneath the first flap, a slit pocket under the second flap, and two rooms separated by a chanel's signature lipstick slot interior divider.

Q: Is the Chanel 2.55 Reissue still in production?

Yes.chanel presently makes the 225, 226, and 227 sizes reliably. Meanwhile, the 224 mini shows up as part of the seasonal collections, but is not always in inventory. And the 228 maxi can be found through authenticated pre-owned sources, but the 228 is effectively no longer being made on a routine basis.

Q: What are the strap drop lengths for each Chanel 2.55 Reissue size?

All five sizes of chanel 2.55 use exactly the same style of all-metal bijoux chain. They are doubled for shoulder carry and all have a drop of about 27-28 cm (10¾-11 ins.). When worn single as a crossbody they are all between 48-50 cm (19-20 ins.) drop. Specifically, the 226 has a drop of approx. 49 cm when worn single, with the 224 and 228 being the longest approx. 50 cm. Slight variations of 1-2cm between individual bags are normal.

Our Perspective on Chanel 2.55 Sizing

We see authenticated chanel bags of all sizes and condition at Luxury Evermore weekly. Our dimension charts here show measurements verified by many certified sources—not merely manufacturer specifications which are off by 1-2 cm from actual production—so we suggest the 226 as a versatile starting point based on whether consumers retain it long term or return to the secondary market within a year.

References & Sources

1. 2.55 Handbag Collection — Chanel Official
2. What Makes Chanel So Iconic — Victoria and Albert Museum
3. Coco Chanel and the House of Chanel — The Metropolitan Museum of Art
4. The Luxury Price Boom: Chanel Handbags — Sotheby's
5. Chanel 2025 Price Hikes and the Resale Market — Sotheby's
6. Chanel Raises Bag Prices by Up to 15 Percent — Business of Fashion
7. The Ultimate Guide to the Chanel 2.55 Reissue Flap — Fashionphile