Last Updated on March 26, 2025 by Eve Dawes
Worth the hype? My thoughts, styling tips & buyers guide
The Chanel 19 flap bag is one of the most coveted bags in the fashion world and might be one of the hottest luxury bag styles since its launch in 2019 but is it worth it? It’s an iconic elegant but modern piece but is it really as great as everyone says? Here’s my full review and everything you need to know about the Chanel 19 bag including the various flap bag sizes, current Chanel 19 bag prices and if it’s a good investment. Along with all of its features, the pros, cons and outfit ideas.
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Why is the Chanel 19 bag so popular
The Chanel 19 flap bag was Karl Lagerfeld’s last creation and made its debut in Chanel’s Fall 2019 Ready to Wear collection. The Chanel 19 name comes from Coco Chanel’s birthday which was on August 19th and also represents the year in which it was launched, which was 2019.
It’s another classic handbag by the house of Chanel that’s definitely earned it’s “It” bag status and has been seen on so many celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Cardi B, Katie Holmes.
This quilted Chanel bag is an updated version of the brands classic 2.55 bag but with a more substantial chain strap, oversized double CC lock and softer, slouchier structure. It has a lot of Chanel’s signature design elements like diamond quilting, the iconic double CC lock, back pocket and chain straps. But the quilting is bigger on the Chanel 19 and the chain straps are a trio of chains in mixed metals for a chunkier, bolder, more relaxed aesthetic than your classic flap bag. The CC logo on the Chanel 19 is also interwoven leather and metal versus solid metal on the classic flap bag.
People love this bag for lots of reasons! Including the fact it comes in so many different options so there’s something for everyone. Including different sizes, colors, and materials and the tri-toned hardware goes with whatever jewelry you’re wearing.
Complete Guide to The Hottest Bag Style | Chanel 19 Most Asked Questions
I’m answering all of the most asked questions about the Chanel 19 bag in the video and blog below. Including ones that aren’t answered on the Chanel website. If you have a question I haven’t answered, drop me a message on Instagram so I can get back to you.
Chanel 19 bag review
Chanel 19 is the quilted black bag with 3 different color metal chains but are they worth it? I filmed the original review years ago and am back with an updated review. So, here’s everything you need to know before buying the Chanel 19 handbag.
- Why is this bag so popular?
- What sizes does it come in and which is right for me?
- What materials does it come in?
- How to style the Chanel 19 flap bag: outfit ideas
- Why buy the Chanel 19 bag – Pros & cons
What sizes does the Chanel 19 flap bag come in
You have a wide selection of sizes to choose from. The Chanel 19 handbag currently comes in 6 different sizes. They seem to keep adding to the collection but right now that’s a:
- Flap coin purse.
- Round clutch.
- Wallet on a chain.
- Medium.
- Large.
- Maxi flap bag.
You read that right, there is no small Chanel 19 bag. The medium Chanel 19 flap bag which is actually the smallest size, confusing I know!
The clutch, purse and Chanel 19 wallet on chain are really only big enough for card holders, a lipstick and keys so are really more of an evening bag.
The medium is perfect for both the day and night and for holding everyday essentials.
The Large and Maxi Chanel 19 flap bag both look and feel a lot bigger and are good as a work bag, carry-on bag, or for everyday mom life. You can even fit a small laptop, book and makeup bag in these!
They can all be carried as a top handle, shoulder or crossbody bag. Because of the metal straps, which are substantial, it’s a little heavier than the classic flap bag but the leather at the top of the shoulder strap means there are no chains digging in.
Chanel 19 bag measurements
- The smallest Chanel 19 flap bag is the Flap Coin Purse: 4.5″ W x 3.5″ H x 1.5″ D, with a strap drop of 21”.
- Chanel 19 Round Clutch: 5″ W x 5″ H x 2.5″ D. 1” handle drop and 23” strap drop.
- Wallet On Chain: 7.5” W x 5” H x 1.5” D with a strap drop of 25” and a handle drop of 3.5”
- Medium 10.1” W x 6.2” H x 3.5” D with a strap drop of 19.5” and a handle drop of 3.5”.
- Large 11.7” W x 7.8” H x 3.9” D with a 4” handle drop and 20” strap drop.
- Maxi 14” W x 9.8” H x 4.3” D. It has a strap drop of 20” and a 4” handle drop.
How much is a Chanel 19 bag?
Chanel bags are always going up in price so I’m reluctant to say too much as it’s always changing but they start at around $4100 for the Chanel 19 wallet on a chain and are over $7900 for the maxi flap bag.
Pros and cons of the Chanel 19 flap bag
I tend to prefer more structured bags as I think they look more elegant but if you prefer a more laid back, relaxed style, I think you’ll love this bag. It’s also one of those styles you don’t have to be so precious with as it’s supposed to have a soft shape you don’t have to worry about retaining. So, if you’re looking for a more casual designer bag for everyday, definitely consider the Chanel 19 flap bag.
Depending on the size, it’s a really practical everyday bag. I can fit all of my daily essentials in here including my phone, sunglasses case, wallet, keys and even my light and tripod!
Because it’s so versatile, people who own it say it’s one of their bags they’ve carried the most and had the most use out of. The mixed metals on the strap also makes it versatile as it goes with whatever color metal accessories you’re wearing.
It can be carried as a top handle, shoulder or crossbody bag. I tend to like to carry it by the top handle in the evening or with dressier outfits, a crossbody in cities or with loungewear and a shoulder bag for everyday. I also really like the magnetic closure back pocket for keeping my phone in for easy access.
Is the Chanel 19 bag worth it?
At the end of the day, Chanel’s a luxury brand and the Chanel 19 bag price is high so that’s a personal opinion and it’s really worth considering if it’s worth it or not to you. If you are dreaming about buying a Chanel bag and deciding or not on whether to make the splurge you have to like relaxed bags to like this style.
All Chanel bags are excellent quality and the price reflects that. However, when you go for a lambskin bag, factor in that it’ll scratch and wear more easily than calfskin, goatskin or bull skin leather.
For most of us, when spending this much, it needs to feel special and be something you’ll use. So definitely factor in what color and size you think you’ll get the most use out of. Renting (use code DawesEve22J at checkout) is a really good way to see if you’ll actually use the bag and if you like the look of it on you.
Is it a good investment
Resale wise, they do tend to hold their value well, fetching on average up to 100-130 % of the retail price. If you want to know what the best style to invest in is, Rebag says their best selling Chanel 19 style is the Medium 19 Flap Bag in Quilted Lambskin.
What materials does the Chanel 19 flap bag come in?
The Chanel 19 flap bag comes in several different finishes including calfskin, tweed and fabric but the medium version (pictured in black) is lambskin. For a more durable Chanel 19 bag go for goatskin, calfskin, sequins or denim.
What material should I get? Lambskin vs Goatskin, the great debate!
When it comes to choosing the right material and leather for you, the Chanel 19 comes in tons of looks. Including metallic calfskin, tweed, sequin, denim fabric and various leathers but the most common are lambskin and goatskin. It’s not that one leather type is better than the other, it’s all personal preference.
Lambskin tends to have a subtle shine to it, it’s not quite matte but it’s not quite as glossy as shiny goatskin. Lambskin has less structure, so if you prefer a slouchier softer leather you might prefer this. Just know that it does scratch and show creases more easily than calfskin or goatskin.
When it comes to goatskin, on regular goatskin you’ll notice a sheen and on shiny goatskin, like the name suggests, you’ll definitely see the sheen. Due to the grains, goatskin can develop more visible creases throughout but tends to be less prone to scratches and holds its shape better than lambskin. Both are very soft to the touch. However, I tend to prefer more durable, stiffer leather like calfskin as I like more structure to my bags.
If you’re looking for something more unique or statement making, go for a bold color or check out some of the other materials like printed silk, tweed or embellished sequin styles.
Will Chanel 19 become a classic?
This is debatable. I personally think the black leather version has more of a chance of becoming a classic than a more colorful, fabric version, as its not so fashion forward with its shape, material and or a color that will date.
However, other versions like the tweed, metallic or material ones are more likely to date than become classics as the material and prints will come in and out of style.
The chunky chain is the only thing that might date this bag but as you can see from the photos, the chains really not that thick. So I don’t think it’ll go out of style anytime soon.
Is the Chanel 19 bag still popular?
Yes! Just look at fashion bloggers, celebrities and influencers and you’ll see this style in all sizes and colors is still popular and trending. I really wanted the pink one but it had sold out and I was told at the Chanel boutique they wouldn’t be bringing back that exact version of the bag.
Styling tips and outfit ideas
When it comes to styling your Chanel 19 bag, because of it’s relaxed shape and mixed metals it’s really one of those versatile handbags you can wear with everything from workout clothes and leggings to jeans and dresses.
Shop for Chanel 19 bags
I’ve scouted out both new styles from Chanel boutique and pre loved Chanel 19 bags which all come with a life time authenticity guarantee. If you’re worried about lambskin scratching, I’ve also found some goatskin, tweed and sequin iterations of this Chanel bag in various sizes and colors.
I hope you found this Chanel 19 bag review helpful in deciding if this bag is right for you xoxo
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Chanel bag reviews
If the Chanel 19 flap bag isn’t for you, check out these other iconic styles from the house of Chanel:
