Chanel Reissue 2.55: A Complete 2023 Guide (Sizes, Prices, & More). Is It Still Worth Buying?

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Everything you need to know about the Chanel Reissue 2.55, including sizes, prices, pros & cons and more. Find out if this Chanel Classic is still worth buying in 2023

Before designing the 2.55 handbag, Coco Chanel was frustrated at having to carry her purses by hand and losing them whenever she set them down. To combat this problem, she added a shoulder strap and never had trouble keeping track of her bags again. 

With one simple decision, one of the brand’s most iconic bags was born. The 2.55 was re-released in 2005 to celebrate Chanel’s 50th anniversary. Check out this complete guide to learn even more about this coveted bag. 

About the Chanel Reissue 2.55

Being able to enjoy parties was the inspiration for Coco Chanel’s 2.55 handbag. Prior to creating the bag, Chanel was plagued by having to carry her purses by hand. If she wanted to smoke, eat, or drink, she’d set her purse down, then lose track of it in the excitement of the party.

Her solution was simple, yet ingenious. She added a strap and carried her bags over her shoulder. Although Chanel designed her first handbag in 1929, the 2.55 wasn’t released until 1955.

Named 2.55 for February 1955, the date it was released, the 2.55 included several elements inspired by Chanel’s life. 

Some examples include 

• Diamond quilting, inspired by jockey’s riding coats and the cushions of her Paris apartment
• Double chain strap emulating her caretakers’ keychains at Aubazine where she spent her childhood
• The rectangular Mademoiselle clasp lock, referencing the fact that she never married 

Not only did the 2.55 serve as a functional accessory, but it also became the starting point for other popular Chanel bags including the Classic Flap and the 19. 

Karl Lagerfeld reintroduced the iconic bag in 2005 to celebrate the brand’s 50th anniversary. 

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Sizes 

The Chanel Reissue 2.55 comes in four sizes: 224 (small), 225 (medium), 226 (large), 227 (maxi). 

In addition to these sizes, some limited edition models, like the wallet on chain and the tote, have also been released. 

See the table below for the dimensions of each size:

Model	Dimensions in inches (L x H x W)	Strap drop in inches (single/doubled)	Dimensions in centimeters (L x H x W)	Strap drop in centimeters (single/doubled)
224 (small)	7.5in x 5in x 2in	20.5in/11.5in	20cm x 12cm x 5cm	51cm/29 cm
225 (medium)	9.4in x 6.2in x 2.9in	20in/11in	24cm x 16cm x 7.5cm	51cm/28cm
226 (large)	10.9in x 7.6in x 2.9in	18in/10in	28cm x 19.5cm x 7.5cm	46cm/25cm
227 (maxi)	12.3in x 7.8in x 3.9in	19in/11in	31.5cm x 20cm x 10cm	48cm/28cm
Reissue 2.55 Wallet on Chain	7.5in x 5in x 1.5in	23in	19cm/12.7cm/3.8cm	58 cm
Reissue 2.55 Tote	14.5in/10in/4in	19in	36.8cm/25cm/10cm	48cm

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Prices 

At the time of this writing, in 2023, Reissue 2.55 bags are displayed on Chanel’s website. Like many of the brand’s higher-end items, the Reissue cannot be purchased online, however the suggested retail prices are displayed. 

All of the prices listed below refer to Black Reissue 2.55 bags in Aged Calfskin and Gold-Tone Metal. 

Style	Price USD	Price EUR
Mini 2.55 Handbag	$4,400	€4,350
Medium 2.55 Handbag	$8,800	€8,890
Large 2.55 Handbag	$9,500	€9,700
Maxi 2.55 Handbag	$10,000	€10,300

Secondhand bags are also available and can be found on sites like Fashionphile, The Real Real, Rebag, and Yoogi’s Closet. 

Price ranges of the 2.55 Reissue bags on Fashionphile range between $1,705 – $5,450 .Keep in mind that the price range reflects bags of different sizes, colors, and conditions. 

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Materials

The original Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag was made in aged calfskin, a material that lends a well- worn, vintage look to the bag.  

Aside from the classic calfskin bags, the Reissue is available in other leathers such as lambskin and caviar. 

Seasonal versions of the bag are much more varied and experimental, featuring materials like tweed, wool, metallic, and patent leather. 

Read All About Chanel's Leathers & Which one is Best & Worst

This model is available in classic colors like black, brown, beige, and blue. Seasonal colors are wide-ranging and include bags in purple, red, pink, and green. 

Hardware options include gold, silver, and black. 

What Fits Inside a Chanel Reissue 2.55?

The 224 (small) size is perfect for a night out and can fit essentials like a phone, a cardholder, keys, and lipstick. 

In addition to these essentials, a 225 (medium) bag can fit extra makeup items, tissues, and a small notepad. 

A large (226) bag can fit most of your daily essentials, provided they’re well-packed. 

The maxi (227) can fit all of your essentials including a regular-sized water bottle and a small umbrella. 

In our opinion, the large and maxi sizes provide the most versatility and are excellent as everyday bags or as a day-to-night bag. 

Chanel Reissue 2.55 Pros and Cons

Here are some things to think about before purchasing the Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag. 

Pros:

• Opens and closes easily
• Well-organized inner pockets 
• Secret zippered “love letter pouch” 
• Flawless stitching 
• Highest quality leather 
• Holds up well to daily use 
• Less expensive than similar styles like the Classic Flap on the resale market 

Cons:

• Doesn’t resale for as much as Classic Flap bags 
• There aren’t many available on secondhand sites 
• More subtle branding (i.e. Mademoiselle lock instead of the CC turnlock)

Is It Worth Buying the Chanel Reissue 2.55? 

Despite a few drawbacks, the Chanel Reissue bag is an excellent piece to invest in if you’re looking for a beautiful, high-quality bag that will hold up to daily wear and tear. 

Not only that, but the subtle branding, classic colors, and size options make this bag versatile, regardless of what you have planned for the day. Finally, it’s lighter than Classic Flap bags thanks to the all-chain strap and aged calfskin exterior.

This is a Chanel bag that we recommend buying pre-loved because it doesn't seem to hold its value very well. This means you can easily grab a bargain.

Chanel Reissue Outfits & Inspiration