Saint Laurent Loulou: Toy, Small, and Medium sizes compared

The Loulou was introduced in 2017, when Anthony Vaccarello was creative director of Saint Laurent. It draws on the flap-and-chain bag design and chevron quilting, the raised Y-shaped stitching. The design hasn’t changed since then: only the dimensions, materials, and hardware color vary. That’s why, when two Loulou bags look alike, the price difference almost always comes down to size, leather, and condition.

The three Loulou sizes, in centimeters

The Saint Laurent Loulou comes in several sizes, and the name on the tag alone isn’t enough to tell you what you’re buying: Toy, Small, and Medium differ in what fits in the bag and how it sits on the body. The measurements below were taken from pieces handled by Aurea, and are listed as width × height × depth. They can vary by a few centimeters from one piece to another, which is why each listing gives the measurements of the individual item.

• Toy: 22.5 × 16 × 8 cm. Phone, keys, card holder, and little else. It’s the evening version.
• Small: 24 × 18 × 10 cm. The most popular size: phone, wallet, keys, a lipstick, and a small pouch.
• Medium: 30 × 22 × 12 cm. Fits a long wallet, a small tablet, and a bottle of water.
• Puffer Small: 29 × 17 × 11 cm. The same quilting, but padded and softer.

What’s the difference between the Toy, Small, and Medium for everyday use?

Small: the bag that replaces a pochette

At 24 cm wide, the Black quilted leather Loulou Small fits under your arm without getting in the way. It has a flap with a magnetic closure and an adjustable silver-tone metal chain: wear it shorter on your shoulder or longer crossbody. It fastens with one hand, a detail you’ll appreciate on the subway or when your hands are full of shopping bags.

Medium: the all-day version

The Loulou Medium in black quilted leather measures 30 × 22 × 12 cm and has two compartments separated by a central zip pocket. That pocket makes the difference: it keeps documents and keys separate from everything else, so you don't have to search around at the bottom. It fits a long wallet; for a laptop, you need another bag.

Those looking for a single bag for the office and evening tend to choose the Medium. Those who already have a large one and want a bag for the end of the day tend to choose the Small.

Toy: when it really makes sense

The 22.5 cm Toy is an evening accessory. Anyone who buys it as their only bag quickly realizes that every extra item means leaving something else behind. It works well as a second bag, alongside a Small or a Medium, and as a formal-event bag, for carrying just the essentials. The Puffer Toy version has a chain adjustable from 29 to 55 cm, so it works both on the shoulder and crossbody.

Loulou and Loulou Puffer: two different constructions

The classic Loulou is made of chevron-quilted leather, with stitching that forms a Y, and has a soft structure that still holds its shape. The Puffer uses the same pattern and adds padding: the leather is puffed, the edges are rounded, and the bag squishes under your arm. The Loulou Puffer Small in black quilted leather measures 29 × 17 × 11 cm, so it is wider than the Loulou Small but not as tall, and the silver chain gives it a less classic look than gold hardware.

The material is what to look at when comparing prices: the Puffer is made of lambskin, while the classic Loulou may be made of calfskin or lambskin depending on the year and version. The specifications for each piece indicate the material.

How to read the hardware

On the Loulou, there are three hardware details to check: the monogram on the flap, the chain, and the clasp button. The monogram can be the YSL initials or the Cassandre, depending on the version. The chain is adjustable and, on some models, has a leather insert at the shoulder. The metal color, gold or silver, changes the effect of the black: silver cools it down and makes it less formal. The model reference for the black Medium in the catalog is 574946.

To distinguish an original Loulou from imitations, several checks are needed, from the symmetry of the quilting to the quality of the interior. We’ve gathered them in our guide on how to identify an authentic bag Saint Laurent.

What to check before buying a pre-owned Loulou

• Flap and base corners: these are the first places where quilted leather wears. Photos should show them close up.
• Chain: it should move smoothly, with no signs of oxidation on the metal. This is more noticeable on silver.
• Quilting: the Y shapes should be even and continuous, with no areas flattened by use or weight.
• Interior: clean lining, no odors, intact pockets. This is the part that shows how the pre-owned bag has been used.
• Accessories: the dust bag and box affect resale value. Check what is included.
• Authentication: it must be documented and apply to the specific item. At Aurea, it is included in the price, and the certificate can be viewed on the product page.

A practical rule for size and use

Before choosing a size, empty the bag you use today and put the items on the table: phone, wallet, keys, makeup, glasses. If everything fits in an area of 24 × 18 cm, the Small is enough. If you also need room for glasses in a case or a long wallet, the Medium is the more practical choice. The Toy is designed for those who truly carry only the essentials.

The Loulou bags currently available are in the Saint Laurent Saint Laurent collection, with the size, materials, and condition listed for each item. Every item is shipped with DHL Express, and shipping is free within Italy.