Is the Chanel Bag worth the Price in 2023? • Petite in Paris

Chanel is notorious for constantly rising their prices. The biggest Chanel price increase came in 2020 when they announced a 21% increase, shocking the fashion world. Today, the classic Chanel bag is priced at over $10,000. Given the retail price of a Chanel bag you may be wondering is the Chanel bag worth the price in 2023?

Diane attends the Prix de Diane wearing a Chanel bag · Photo by Karla

Is the Chanel bag worth the price?

Is the Chanel Bag worth the price?

Ahh, the question of the day, is buying a classic Chanel Flap Bag worth the price? After pondering this question over and over. My conclusion is simple, yes, the Chanel flap bag is worth buying only on the vintage market! Chanel bags are easy to style, easy to wear, hold up well over time, perfect for day or night, and make for the perfect shoulder bag. As someone who owns a vintage Chanel bag, I highly recommend purchasing vintage Chanel. It is a great investment piece that you will use for years to come.

The good news is that because the Chanel bag is so popular, the vintage market is flooded with every type of Chanel bag you could imagine. When shopping for a vintage Chanel bag with gold hardware, focus on the pre-2008 circa because Chanel used 24k Gold plated hardware. This gold-plated hardware gave the Chanel Cs a more classic, rich golden tone. Shop Preloved Chanel Caviar Handbags

History and popularity of the Chanel bag

The Signature Chanel Flap bag is one of the most iconic recognizable handbags in the world and has only gained popularity over the time. But where did it all begin? How did Chanel and the classic CC Logo get so popular and become the unstoppable brand it is today?

The classic Chanel bag was launched in 1929. In 1929 the world looked completely different from today. Back then, there were strict dress codes and rules enforced for females. Only the elite would be able to afford to carry a Chanel bag. Fast-forward to the year 1955. Coco Chanel launched the very first shoulder strap.

This shoulder strap altered handbag history forever, as it was never done before. While the classic Chanel bag has been slightly modified and altered over the last 90 years the core concepts remain intact and Chanel has only gained in popularity. Thus making this shoulder bag timeless. Thank you, Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, for creating such gorgeous masterpieces!

Chanel Price increase from 2018 – 2023  

© Doreen Eisenhauer wearing a black Chanel handbag

Did you know that luxury brands, including Chanel handbags, are always increasing their price and never discounting the timeless pieces? I always tell people if you can afford it and want to buy one now, then pull the trigger. While it seems expensive right now, in 5 years or even a few years it will be more expensive and you’ll be looking back and wondering why you didn’t buy the bag when it was “cheaper.”

Fun fact, did you know that in 2010 a medium classic Chanel flap bag in Caviar Leather was $2,850?!? Someone please get me a time machine 🙂 Below is the price changes from 2018 – 2023 for the Chanel classic bag size medium.

Year Price in the USAPrice Percentage increase2018$5,600–2019$5,800+ 3.5% 2020$6,500+ 12% 2021 (Spring)$6,800+4.6%2021 (July)$7,800+14.72021 (Nov)$8,800+12.8%2022 (Jan)$8,800No Change2023 (April)$10,200+16%

Chanel Price Comparison in USA vs France VS UK

Black Chanel Bag with Beige Coat © Kelly in the City

Before 2020, you could travel to Paris and the price of a Chanel bag would be sustainably cheaper in Paris than in the USA. With the price increase in Europe, you won’t see as big of a price difference as pre-covid days. For a Birkin Bag, yes of course, traveling to Paris to buy a Birkin is worth it, but not if you are wanting to purchase a classic Chanel bag. Below is the breakdown of pricing of a Chanel bag in France, the UK, and USA.

LocationPriceUSA$10,200France €9,700UK £8,530Price comparison for Chanel Classic Medium Flap Bag 2023 (USA, France, and UK Pricing)

Alternatives to buying the Chanel bag full price

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Purchasing a Chanel bag at retail price is expensive, which is why I love the idea of purchasing a vintage Chanel bag at a discounted price.. Vintage Chanel bags gives a second life to tese otherwise ignored bags. It’s important that you know where to find authentic preloved handbags. Many times when you purchase these preloved bags, they come in excellent condition. I love purchasing vintage Chanel bags from The Real Real, Fashionphile and What Goes Around Comes Around.

Final thoughts on is the Chanel bag worth the price?

Overall, I definitely think a Chanel bag is worth adding to your handbag collection! I’ve always been a huge fan of the Chanel bag and the history of the bag! I’d love to hear from you in the comments, do you think the Chanel bag is worth the price? Or do you prefer to purchase a vintage Chanel?

Sincerely Petite in Paris,

Diane