Typically my style is easily defined as classic and feminine. So, a Chanel Boy bag doesn’t really fit the bill. While I’m lucky enough to own a few Chanel handbags (see my reviews here and here), the Boy bag was never really on my wishlist. That is, until I saw it in the NB356 Caramel color that’s been highly coveted by many the past few years. Suddenly, I saw how the edgy details would bring a masculine touch to an otherwise girly look. Karl Lagerfeld debuted the Boy bag, named for Chanel’s longtime love Boy Capel, at the Fall Winter runway show in 2011. Since September it’s become one of my most worn bags (the evidence is below) and today I’m sharing a full Chanel Boy Bag review so you can determine if it’s a bag for you. I’m breaking down all the size options, available colors, how to store it, and of course, if it’s worth the investment.
Chanel Boy Bag Review
Surprisingly, even with all the price increases the past few years it’s getting very tough to find the Chanel bag you want when the new collections hit stores. I shop with a sales associate (SA) at several stores in South Florida. I buy my bags to wear them and enjoy them. But, they are an investment and have clearly appreciated over the last decade. It’s normally the color of a bag that draws me to it and it was no different with my Chanel Boy bag. A lover of neutral fashion, this caramel bag goes with nearly outfit and is a classic color that works for most occasions. Price per wear is critical when it comes to luxury purchases. Some may call this a special occasion bag, but I disagree. I wear it regularly and liberally! Otherwise, why spend the money?
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Chanel Boy Bag Features
Chanel Boy Bag Size
First, let’s talk about the bag sizing. Over the years, there have been six or seven size options of the Boy bag: wallet on chain, mini (rectangle), mini (square), small, medium, large, and jumbo. But, right now it looks like only 5 are available in boutiques. The style you see me wearing in these pictures is the small and I love the size. If the medium would have been available it’s likely I would have purchased that one instead. But, I absolutely love my mini and small Chanel bags because they still fit all the essentials (more on that below).
Mini (rectangle) – 3.9 × 5.9 × 2.3 in
Mini (square) – 6.2 × 7 × 3.3 in
Small – 4.7 × 8 × 3.3 in
Medium – 5.9 × 9.8 × 3.5 in
Large – 6.8 × 10.9 × 2.9 in
Chanel Boy Bag Design and Materials
The front flap design on my Boy bag is the classic quilting. But, the bag also regularly comes in a chevron detail as well. My small Boy bag is the caviar leather, which I prefer because it’s the most durable. But, they also come in calfskin leather, metallic, velvet, and tweed materials.
The colors of the Boy bag are dependent on the season. But, you’ll nearly always find a black version in the collection since it’s a classic.
Chanel Graphic Clasp
One of the most recognizable features of the Boy Chanel is the graphic clasp. Unlike the interlocking CC logo clasp on the classic flap, the Boy bag has a unique double C fastening mechanism. It’s essentially a signature detail on the bag. The color of the clasp will match the other hardware. A lot of the bags now use the antique gold or champagne gold hardware that mixes and matches well with silver.
How to Wear the Chanel Boy Bag
One of the reasons the Chanel Boy bag is so beloved is that you can wear it multiple ways, including crossbody. The Chanel Classic flap can’t be worn that way since it has a shorter strap. But, the strap on the Boy bag has a leather piece that makes it very comfortable to wear for longer times and is adjustable for different lengths. Of course, you can also wear it long or double the chain to wear it under your arm (see below pics).
How To Store The Chanel Boy Bag
Some people love to leave their bags out on display. But, most of mine are stored in their dust ruffle bags that they come in to ensure that they stay nice for years to come. Since the gourmette chain on the Boy bag is so chunky, my SA showed me how to wrap it so that it doesn’t tarnish badly. Essentially, the leather strap goes underneath the bag and then I roll the chain in tissue paper.
With regular wear, the corners of the bag may show signs of wear. Just try your best not to knock it on things and NEVER set it on the floor! I don’t clean my Chanel bags myself. I’d recommend you send them out to a professional to be cleaned.
What’s In My Chanel Boy Bag
My Boy bag may be the small size, but it still fits a lot! I carry my iPhone 13 Pro Max, car keys, small wallet, Charlotte Tilbury setting powder, powder brush, lip liner, lipstick, lipgloss and face mask in this bag. There is a zipper section in the back of the bag where I also carry some cash and put receipts when I’m out. The medium Boy bag can fit a bit more and it has a large back pocket as well.
How Much Is The Chanel Boy Bag
Oyyy, time to talk money! Like I said above, several of the best sellers at Chanel had a few price increases the past few years. My bag was purchased at the boutique brand new for $5400.
Current prices are listed below:
Mini (rectangle) – $4500
Mini (square) – $5300
Small – $5400
Medium – $5900
Large – $6200
Of course, you don’t need to buy a new bag. You can find lots of amazing pre-loved options on sites like Fashionphile, and Rebag. But, it has gotten hard to find a bag at a lower price on the secondary market than you can buy it for at retail. It’s for that reason that I have been saying that a Chanel bag is a good investment! Styles like the Boy bag and the Classic Flap bag continue to go up.
Boy Chanel Bag Cons
While this bag has many pros (various size options, gorgeous chain with comfy leather strap), there are also several cons. First, there’s only one pocket in the bag. So, it’s mostly just an open area. It doesn’t bother me! But, I’m sure it’s not for everyone. Then, there are no “footies” on the bottom if you set it down. It’s why I recommend you never put your bag on the floor! Lastly, the clasp area is prone to fingerprints. Overall, these cons wouldn’t deter me from purchasing the bag. But, they’re worth mentioning.
Is Chanel Boy Bag Worth It
It’s pretty obvious by now that Chanel is my preferred fashion house. So, like I said in my other Chanel bag reviews – the answer is a resounding yes when asked if they’re worth it! If you keep your bag in good condition, there’s a strong resellers market to recoup some of your cost. That is, if you don’t keep it and pass it down to the next generation! Compared to the classic flap, the Boy Chanel is still a good price for the value. Grab it now while you can!
