Trends move pretty fast in the world of luxury handbags. But despite the slew of mini, micro and pouch designs we’ve seen rise to ‘It’ Bag status in recent years, there always seems to be room in the hearts of us fashion set for some good old big bag love. The Chanel XXL Travel Flap bag is proof of this. Supersized and slouchy, but with all the iconic design features of the signature Chanel Classic Flap, this spacious style reimagines the label’s most beloved silhouette to create a design that’s truly innovative, practical and, if you ask me, very much an underrated gem amongst Chanel’s offering of bags.
I’ve been a devout fan of the Chanel XXL Travel Flap bag (sometimes referred to as the XXL Airline Flap bag) for quite some time now. Every year, it makes its way into my rotation of regulars and its oversized design coupled with my penchant for larger bags makes it slot so easily into my wardrobe. Whether I’m travelling or not, this bag is always a strong contender for a spot on my arm. Read on to discover the hidden design features that make it any avid traveller’s dream accessory, plus how it compares with the traditional size options of the Chanel Classic Flap and other luxury travel bag favourites. And, of course, pinterest-worthy styling inspo. Let’s get into it.
CHANEL XXL TRAVEL FLAP BAG
DETAILS AT A GLANCE
Slouchy rectangular shoulder bag style
Classic diamond-quilted stitching
Calfskin
Dual leather interwoven chain straps with leather shoulder pad
Classic Chanel CC turnlock closure at front with flap opening
Interior large zipped compartment at front
Interior large slip pocket at back
Leather tab with clasp to attach your keys etc
Exterior back patch pocket you can unzip at the bottom to create a sleeve that slides over your suitcase handles for easy carry while travelling
5 feet on bottom
Dimensions – 46cm length, 28cm height, 17cm depth
Classic Chanel Design,
Reimagined For Travel
When Coco Chanel launched the 2.55 bag in 1955, she forever released women from the burden of holding bags in their hands or the crook of their arms. Her new design instead facilitated the, at the time, innovative and modern concept of hands-free shoulder carry – and it felt liberating. The flap opening, diamond-quilted stitching, chain straps and the emblematic CC turnlock closure that was later added in the ‘80s to create the Chanel Classic Flap design we know today have all become iconic design elements of the Chanel brand. The XXL Travel Flap bag has taken this famous design and reimagined it for travel.
All the features we know and love but with the concept of practicality quite literally supersized. The back patch pocket you can unzip to become a sleeve that slides over your suitcase handles is an example of how this bag’s design is tailored-made for travel. But, it’s also suitable simply as a super-large everyday carryall – this is probably the way I love wearing it the most. Also, converting this to your work bag is a sure way to show everyone that you mean business. It’s most commonly worn with the straps doubled up as a typical tote-style bag over the shoulder but you can also wear with just one of the straps to make it sit lower on the body as more of a satchel design.
How Does It Compare To The Chanel Classic Flap?
Chanel Classic Flap sizes range all the way from Extra Mini to Maxi but the XXL Travel Flap bag is in an entirely different realm of proportions altogether. This bag seriously is HUGE. In fact, I’m betting that all of the Classic Flap’s traditional sizes could fit into this super-sized iteration with ease. Plus, to differentiate the XXL Travel Flap bag further, it has a noticeably slouchy silhouette that makes it so suited to this large scale. It can be used as a carry-on or work bag without being restricted to either. In my opinion, this makes it one of the most versatile Chanel options out there.
On the luxury resale market, pre-loved versions of the XXL Travel Flap bag are typically priced pretty competitively compared to the Chanel Classic Flap. Considering the extra-large size of the bag and the added versatility thanks to its suitability for both travel and everyday, I definitely think you’re getting a lot more for your money when opting for this supersized style. It, of course, has different uses than the traditional Classic Flap. But, if you’re looking to start your Chanel collection and want all of the brand’s signature design features but with plenty of room to be as versatile as possible, I think this makes a great first piece.
How Does It Compare To Its Travel Bag Contemporaries?
So how does Chanel’s XXL Travel Bag match up to other luxury travel bags on the market? This spacious and versatile design more than holds its own against the competing options out there. While styles like the Louis Vuitton Keepall and equally roomy duffle-esque designs are classed more as luggage, Chanel’s XXL Travel Bag is very much a multitasking piece that works as both a travel and oversized everyday bag. So it proves much more adaptable than a lot of the other travel bags in my collection and, in terms of cost per wear, makes a great investment.
Styling Inspo
In a similar way to how the original Chanel Classic Flap was born out of a desire for greater versatility from our accessories, the XXL Travel Flap bag is a true multitasking design that deserves the most amount of love possible from us Chanel aficionados. It’s one of my all-time favourite Chanel bags in my collection and I always find myself reaching for it, no matter whether I’m heading to the airport or not.
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