The Ultimate Guide to the Chanel Boy Bag

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Oh, boy! Since its introduction in 2011, the Chanel Boy handbag has rapidly gained popularity, becoming one of Chanel’s most sought-after designs.

 

Consequently, there is a plethora of information pertaining to Chanel Boy bags to uncover. Its mesmerizing appeal stems from its distinctive history, diverse sizes and style variations, textiles, hardware options, colorways, and price points. The Chanel Boy bag’s intriguing past, coupled with its various luxurious features, make it a standout contender in the world of fashion. With seemingly endless versions, it is no surprise that the Chanel Boy bag has secured its place as a beloved staple among fashion enthusiasts.

History of the Chanel Boy Bag

The Chanel Boy bag has a fascinating history deeply intertwined with Coco Chanel’s life. The bag was believed to be named after her lover, Boy Capel, and was inspired by a cartridge bag as well as Boy Capel’s love of hunting. The bag was first introduced in 2011 for Chanel’s Fall Winter collection under Karl Lagerfeld’s tenure as Chanel’s creative director. Lagerfeld sought to create a more edgy and masculine bag compared to Chanel’s other classic designs, and the result was the Boy bag, which features a boxier shape and bold hardware. Since its debut, the Boy bag became an instant success and has since become a signature piece in Chanel’s handbag collection. Despite having undergone several updates and modifications over the years, the Boy bag upholds its distinctive design, solidifying its status as an iconic fashion accessory.

Chanel Boy Bag Sizes

The Chanel Boy bag is available in several sizes: Mini (which is a seasonal size), Small, Medium (also known as Old Medium), New Medium, Large, and Extra Large (XL), which was only produced from 2013 – 2014. Chanel still offers both Medium and New Medium sizes. Additionally, the Chanel Boy bag comes in a hyper micro size thanks to Chanel’s ever-coveted Success Story set.

product image of Small Chanel Boy bag FASHIONPHILE
Small
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product image of Medium Chanel boy bag FASHIONPHILE
Medium
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New Medium
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Large
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  1. The Small Chanel Boy Flap measures approximately 7.75 in x 5 in x 2.5 in
  2. The Medium Chanel Boy Flap measures approximately 9.75 in x 6 in x 3 in
  3. The New Medium Chanel Boy Flap measures approximately 11 in x 6.5 in x 3 in
  4. The Large Chanel Boy Flap measures approximately 11.75 in x 8.25 in x 3 in
  5. The Extra Large Chanel Boy Flap measures approximately 15in x 11.5 in x 3.75 in

Chanel Boy Bag Styles

The iconic Chanel Boy bag is renowned for its timeless flap style, but in addition to the traditional design, numerous other style variations are available.

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Boy Flap Belt Bag
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Boy Messenger
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Boy WOC
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Top Handle Boy
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Boy Clutch
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North South Boy

Chanel Boy Bag Patterns & Textiles

The Chanel Boy bag comes in various patterns and textiles, offering a wide range of options. Regardless of the pattern or design, the Chanel Boy bag comes in classic diamond quilting and chevron quilting.

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Plain
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Glazed
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Caviar
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Metallic
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Patent
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Shearling
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Velvet
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Sequin
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Tweed
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Rainbow
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Galuchat
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Painted

Chanel Boy Bag Hardware

The hardware on Chanel Boy bags comes in a variety of colors, which can change the overall look and feel of the bag. Refer to this post on Chanel hardware for more information. There are some standout hardware colors you can find on Chanel Boy bags.

Gold

Chanel gold hardware is a classic and timeless option that adds a touch of luxury to the bag.

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Gold
Aged Gold

Chanel aged gold hardware has a distinctive aged appearance to it, adding an extra layer of character and charm to the bag’s design.

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Aged Gold
Light Gold

Chanel light gold is a softer pale gold that subtly accentuates the bag.

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Light Gold
Silver

Chanel silver hardware is a sleek and modern choice that pairs well with a variety of different colors and outfits.

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Silver
Ruthenium

Chanel ruthenium is a dark gray metal that gives the bag an edgier and more industrial feel.

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Ruthenium
Polished Ruthenium

Chanel polished ruthenium is slightly lighter than regular ruthenium but definitely darker than silver hardware.

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Polished Ruthenium
So Black

Chanel So Black hardware creates a monochromatic look that is both sophisticated and chic; bags with So Black hardware are highly sought-after.

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So Black
Rainbow

Chanel rainbow hardware is a stunning and vibrant option.

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Rainbow
Plexiglass

Chanel plexiglass hardware is a type of high-quality enamel that has an irresistible shine.

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Plexiglass

These are just a few examples of the hardware colors available for the Chanel Boy bag. Seasonal editions often feature unique interpretations of the classic Chanel Boy bag hardware.

Chanel Colors & Unique Boy Flaps

The Chanel Boy Flap bag is an iconic and timeless accessory that has been a staple in the fashion industry for years. One of the reasons for its popularity is the wide variety of colors it comes in. From classic neutrals like beige,  to vibrant hues, the Boy bag can be found in nearly every color of the rainbow. Chanel Boy bags in black leather with either ruthenium hardware or antique gold hardware have become a Chanel staple. Chanel also releases limited edition colors each season – even Métiers d’art Boy bags – providing avid collectors with a range of unique and sought-after options.

Unique Boy Flaps
CHANEL Metallic Lambskin Medium Golden CC Boy Flap Dark Gold FASHIONPHILE
15C
CHANEL Caviar Quilted Small Cuba Rainbow Boy Flap Multicolor FASHIONPHILE
18S
CHANEL Sequin Canvas New Medium Cuba Boy Flap White Blue Red
17C
CHANEL Metallic Lambskin PVC Quilted Small Boy Flap Blue
18S
CHANEL Iridescent Goatskin Quilted Medium Boy Flap Purple
16C
CHANEL Lambskin Calfskin Tweed Success Story Set of 4 Minis Bags Pink Red
2020 Success Story

Chanel Boy Bag Resale Value

Facts: The Medium Chanel Boy Flap has increased from $4,700 in 2018 to $6,600 in 2023. The quality of Chanel’s materials and craftsmanship, combined with the brand’s timeless and iconic design, make the Boy bag a valuable and coveted item in the secondary market. As a result, many fashion-conscious consumers view purchasing a Chanel Boy bag as a wise investment.

Given Chanel’s frequent price increases and the limited availability of certain styles, colors, and sizes, shopping at FASHIONPHILE presents a significant advantage. By purchasing a Chanel Boy bag from FASHIONPHILE, customers can often avoid the steep markup of buying directly from the brand while also benefiting from the online retailer’s extensive collection of pre-owned, vintage, and rare Chanel bags. This provides customers with a wider selection of Boy bag options, including those that may be difficult to find elsewhere, all at competitive prices. Additionally, FASHIONPHILE guarantees the authenticity of its products, offering a more affordable price point and peace of mind to those who may be wary of purchasing pre-owned luxury goods. 

There is so much to know about the Chanel Boy bag, given its history and all the options available to shop for. The Chanel Boy bag has quickly become a modern classic and a symbol of timeless elegance and luxury in the world of fashion. Would you shop for one? Check out our selection of Chanel Boy bags at FASHIONPHILE.