Chanel Price Increase History: Every Increase from 2020-2026
Chanel has raised prices on its iconic bags multiple times per year since 2020, with the Classic Flap increasing by over 100% in just 6 years. If you're thinking about buying a Chanel bag, understanding the price increase pattern helps you time your purchase.
Chanel Classic Flap Medium: Price History
The Classic Flap Medium (caviar leather, gold hardware) has seen dramatic increases:
| Date | US Price | Increase | Since 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 2019 | $5,800 | — | Baseline |
| May 2020 | $6,500 | +12% | +12% |
| Jan 2021 | $7,400 | +14% | +28% |
| Jul 2021 | $7,800 | +5% | +34% |
| Mar 2022 | $8,200 | +5% | +41% |
| Jan 2023 | $8,800 | +7% | +52% |
| Sep 2023 | $9,500 | +8% | +64% |
| Mar 2024 | $10,200 | +7% | +76% |
| Sep 2024 | $10,800 | +6% | +86% |
| Mar 2025 | $11,500 | +6% | +98% |
| Current (2026) | $11,500 | — | +98% |
When Does Chanel Raise Prices?
Chanel typically increases prices 2-3 times per year:
- March — Before the spring/summer season (most common)
- September — Before the fall/winter season
- Sometimes January or July — Occasional mid-season adjustments
The increases usually range from 5-14% per adjustment, with the most aggressive increases happening in 2020-2021 during the pandemic era.
Other Popular Bags: How They've Increased
| Bag | 2019 Price | 2026 Price | Total Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Flap Medium | $5,800 | $11,500 | +98% |
| Boy Bag Medium | $5,000 | $9,500 | +90% |
| 2.55 Reissue | $5,600 | $10,800 | +93% |
| WOC (Wallet on Chain) | $2,700 | $4,600 | +70% |
| Mini Flap | $3,600 | $6,200 | +72% |
Why Does Chanel Keep Raising Prices?
- Brand positioning — Chanel wants to be perceived as even more exclusive, closer to Hermès territory
- Material costs — Leather and raw material prices have increased
- Price harmonization — Reducing price gaps between countries to discourage "buying tourism"
- Demand control — Higher prices reduce queue lengths and maintain scarcity
How to Save Before the Next Increase
- Buy in France — Still 15-20% cheaper than most countries after VAT refund
- Watch for the pattern — March and September are the most common increase months. Buy in February or August
- Consider Japan — The weak Yen makes Japan prices competitive with France
- Use WiseBuy to compare — Check real-time prices across all countries before committing
- Set a price alert — Get notified when prices change so you can act fast
Will Chanel Prices Keep Going Up?
Almost certainly yes. Chanel has shown no signs of slowing down price increases. Industry analysts expect 2-3 increases per year to continue, averaging 5-8% each. The Classic Flap will likely cross $12,000 in the US by the end of 2026.
The best time to buy a Chanel bag is now — every month you wait likely means paying more. Use WiseBuy to find the cheapest country and save as much as possible.