Chanel GST & Chanel PST: Complete Guide & Review 2023

Chanel GST / PST: Complete Bag Guide: sizes, materials, pros & cons and much more. Check out our Chanel GST & PST review to see if these bags are still worth hunting for in 2023

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Like many of the bags Chanel produces, the Grand Shopping Tote (GST) and the Petite Shopping Tote (PST) became instant classics. 

Not only do these totes feature all of the classic Chanel details, but they also remained popular throughout three decades of very different style aesthetics. To find out more about these coveted bags and discover the secret to why they were discontinued, then read on! 

About the Chanel GST and PST

It’s not entirely clear when Chanel released the Grand Shopping Tote (GST) and the Petite Shopping Tote (PST). However, it’s likely these styles have been around since at least the 1990s.

Handbag lovers gravitated towards these bags throughout the 90s, 00s, and 2010s, something that’s pretty remarkable given how varied the aesthetics of these decades were. 

GST and PST design features 

Both sizes of the tote have a boxy look and Mona Lisa Smile pocket on the back of the bag. They also feature classic Chanel details like quilting, the CC motif, and the woven chain and leather strap. 

While there are plenty of similarities between the bags, there are several differences to be aware of. 

For one, the sides of the PST turn outwards, while the GST’s sides turn inwards. One result of this feature is that the GSTs tend to hold their shape better than the PSTs. 

The insides of the bags are also considerably different. 

PST’s interior is one big open space. Inside, there are two compartments. One is open and the other has a zipper closure. A magnetic closure keeps the PST closed. 

The interior of the GST has two open spaces separated by a partition in the middle with a zipper closure. 

It also has the same side pockets as the PST, one with a zipper and one open. 

Chanel GST and PST Sizes

The Petite Shopping Tote (Chanel PST) measures 25.5 cm x 24 cm x 9 cm (H x L x W) or 10 in x 9.5 in x 3.5 in. It has a 23.5 cm handle drop (9.25 inches). 

The Grand Shopping Tote measures 33 cm x 25.5 cm x 13.5 cm (H x L x W) or 13 in x 10 in x 5.25 in. It has a handle drop of 22.8 cm (9 inches). 

Chanel also produced a third size of the Shopping Tote, the GST XL, although this size is much rarer than the other two. 

It measures 25.5 cm x 43.2 cm x 12.7 cm or 10 in x 17 in x 5 in. It has a handle drop of 22.8 cm (9 inches).

Bag model	Dimensions Inches	Dimensions Centimeters
Chanel PST	10 in x 9.5 in x 3.5 in	25.5 cm x 24 cm x 9 cm
Chanel GST	13 in x 10 in x 5.25 in	33 cm x 25.5 cm x 13.5 cm
Chanel GST XL	10 in x 17 in x 5 in	25.5 cm x 43.2 cm x 12.7 cm

GST and PST Pricing 

Because the GST and the PST are discontinued styles, it’s difficult to know how much they retailed for. Still, we’ll do our best to give you the most accurate prices possible. 

In 2011, a Chanel PST owner reported paying $1,600 for her tote. 

Before the GST was discontinued in 2015, it was priced at $2,900 in the United States. The larger GST XL was sold for $3,500. 

Nowadays, resale websites are the only place to buy preloved GSTs and PSTs, so we’ll also give you a price estimate for secondhand pieces. 

Fashionphile currently sells PSTs for anywhere from $1,200 to $2,400. Keep in mind that these prices reflect a wide range of conditions and colors. 

GSTs currently resells for anywhere from $1,700 to $2,400. Again, bags that are in excellent condition and come in rarer colors,like red, sell for more. 

The GST XL can resell for over $3,000 on secondhand sites. 

When Were the Chanel GST and PST Discontinued? 

The PST was discontinued in 2013, while production of the GST ended in 2015. 

Given how popular these bags were, many Chanel lovers were baffled by the decision to discontinue this style. 

To understand why it’s first necessary to know what made the GST and PST so sought after. 

Many buyers opted for this style as their first luxury handbag purchase because it screamed Chanel. From the quilting to the twisted chain handles, and finishing with the double C motif, everything about this bag says Chanel. 

Even better, the price was much cheaper than other timeless models like the Classic Flap.

In other words, buyers could get a functional, quintessentially Chanel piece at a much lower price point. 

Unfortunately, the bag’s popularity made it difficult for the House to strike a balance between exclusivity and availability. 

This, paired with Chanel’s decision to increase their prices, meant that discontinuing the GST and the PST was the only way to restrict supply without drastically increasing prices.  

Chanel GST and PST Materials 

GSTs and PSTs were made in a variety of materials including Lambskin, Caviar, Patent, and Metallic. Caviar was the most popular choice, owing to its durability. 

Chanel GST and PST colors 

In addition to the various materials offered, Chanel also produced this style in a dizzying array of colors. 

Most often, you’ll see the GST and the PST in black, but white, red, beige, blue, and pink were also popular options. 

This style was produced with gold or silver hardware. Seasonal colors usually only came with silver hardware. 

What Fits Inside a Chanel PST and GST?

The Petite Shopping Tote is a good everyday bag and can fit all of your smaller daily essentials: wallet, keys, phone, charger, and a small bottle of water. 

Many people use the Grand Shopping Tote as a work bag. While you’ll struggle to fit a laptop inside, an iPad definitely fits inside the zippered compartment. 

In addition, you can fit a book, a notebook, and a full-size bottle of water. Of course, you’ll also have plenty of space for your wallet, phone, keys, and makeup. 

Pros and Cons of Chanel GSTs and PSTs 

PST Pros: 

• Lightweight for a bag of its size
• Large enough to fit daily essentials 
• Classic Chanel styling 

PST Cons: 

• Leather sags with age 
• Doesn’t have a zip closure
• Straps slide off the shoulder 

GST Pros: 

• Open compartments and zippered partition makes it easy to organize your belongings

• Can be carried over the shoulder, in the crook of the arm, or by hand 
• A classic style 
• Keeps its structure if stored correctly
• Caviar leather is durable 

GST Cons:

• Can sag if overstuffed or stored upright
• Inner compartments mean less space for bulkier belongings 
• Heavy, especially when filled 
• Shoulder straps slide off easily 
• Resale prices are quite high 

Read also:

Chanel Diana vintage bag guide

Chanel Cerf Tote Guide

Is it better to buy new or vintage Chanel?

Chanel PST & Chanel GST Outfits and Inspiration

Are the Chanel GST and PST Worth Buying in 2023? 

Despite some obvious drawbacks, we recommend Chanel’s shopping totes wholeheartedly. They are classics that have been popular for more than 25 years and continue to impress buyers nowadays.  

That said, we’re more inclined to recommend the GST over the PST. 

Not only is the GST a more popular style, but it also has a more appealing shape as compared to the PST. Plus, its size makes it a great work bag. 

If you don't carry a lot on a daily basis, then the Petite Shopping Tote is a great alternative.

With Chanel's frequent price increases, buying the PST or GST almost feels like a hack. They are beautifully crafted handbags that scream CHANEL but at an affordable price point.

Get yours here.