A Quick Guide to Chanel Classic Flaps

Dimensions, serial numbers, materials, hardware - there's so much to know about Chanel and specifically the iconic Classic Flap. In this blog post we'll go through some of your need to know basics regarding one of Chanel's most popular, and sought after, styles. We will also be adding a quick guide reference for the Reissue and Boy styles soon!

SIZING: 

SERIAL NUMBERS:

The first one (7 digit serial numbers) or two (8 digit serial numbers) numbers of every serial number correlate to a specific year. Wondering what year your bag is from? Take a look at the first one or two numbers and match it to a year! For instance, a 19 series bag is from 2014.

SINGLE VS DOUBLE FLAP:

Which sizes come in single flap? Which sizes come in double flap?

Mini Flaps - all single flap (can only be worn single strap as well)
Small Flaps - all double flap
Medium Flaps - all double flap
Jumbo Flaps - single and double flap (double flap is now only available in boutique)
Maxi Flaps - single and double flap (double flap is now only available in boutique)

What's the difference between single and double flap? Single flaps are just that - a single, exterior flap. Double flaps, in addition to having the exterior (front) flap, have a second flap inside. 

Which is better? Totally personal preference! Single flaps tend to be lighter whereas double flaps weigh more due to the additional leather, however, because of this double flaps also hold structure better over time. Chanel no longer produces single flaps so any single flap jumbo or maxi will be an older year.

HARDWARE: 

The most common hardware options for Classic Flaps:

• Silver 
• Gold 
• Light Gold 
• Ruthenium
• Antique Gold
• Matte Gold 
• Black (Matte and Shiny)
• Rainbow

MATERIALS:

The most commonly seen material options for Classic Flaps (excluding exotics):

• Lambskin
• Caviar (Also called Grained Calfskin, shiny and matte depending on season)
• Sueded Caviar
• Patent 
• Calfskin
• Tweed
• Denim
• Metallic Lambskin (and Calfskin)

HOW TO READ TAGS: 

Does the tag on your Chanel say 18B? Or what about 15C? What do these letters and numbers mean?

The letters correlate to the season: 

C = Cruise
P = Printemp (Spring Act 1)
S = Summer (Spring Act 2)
A = Autumn (Pre-Fall)
B = Fall/Winter Act 1
K = Fall/Winter Act 2 

The 2 numbers before the letter will indicate the year, for instance, 18B would be 2018 Fall/Winter Act 1. 

Why is this helpful? When trying to track down a specific bag its helpful to know exactly what year and season it came from since leathers and colors will vary season to season.

We hope you all enjoy this 'Quick Guide' and find it a useful reference. We will continue to add to this post and also add in a reference for the Reissue Style and also the Boy style!