Louis Vuitton Monogram Favorite MM vs. PM: Which size is right for you?
The Louis Vuitton Favorite MM and its smaller counterpart, the Favorite PM, are both defined by their versatile, lightweight designs but serve distinctly different purposes. The primary difference is capacity: the MM is a practical, all-purpose bag ideal for daily essentials, while the compact PM is perfectly proportioned for minimalist outings or evening events.
Here’s everything you need to know to decide which iconic Louis Vuitton bag is the right fit for your lifestyle.
Louis Vuitton Monogram Favorite PM
The Favorite PM ("Petit Model") is the smaller of the two, offering a sleek and compact silhouette for those who carry only the bare necessities. This bag is all about understated elegance, functioning beautifully as a clutch for evening wear or a small crossbody for a light day out. Its minimal footprint makes it an unobtrusive yet sophisticated accessory.
- What it is: A small, versatile clutch-style bag in classic Louis Vuitton Monogram canvas, designed for essentials-only carry.
- Key features: Measures approximately 10.2" L x 7.1" H x 3.5" W. Features a magnetic main closure, an interior flat pocket, and includes a small gold-tone chain handle, with the option to attach a longer strap (sold separately).
- Price: Approximately $2,050.
- Materials/Construction: Crafted from durable Monogram coated canvas with natural cowhide leather trim that develops a unique patina over time. The hardware is high-quality golden brass.
- Sizing/Fit: Perfectly sized for the essentials: a smartphone, cardholder, keys, and a lipstick. It will not accommodate a large wallet or other bulky items.
- Pros: Extremely lightweight and compact. Transitions seamlessly from a daytime accessory to an evening clutch. Classic, elegant shape.
- Cons: Very limited capacity. A longer strap for shoulder or crossbody wear is often sold separately. The natural cowhide trim is sensitive to water stains.
This bag is perfect for minimalists or for occasions like dinner dates and events where you only need your most critical items.
Shop this product: https://www.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/favorite-pm-monogram
Louis Vuitton Monogram Favorite MM
The Favorite MM ("Medium Model") strikes a balance between elegance and practicality, offering significantly more space than the PM without feeling bulky. It's a true everyday bag, capable of carrying a good portion of your daily essentials, making it a reliable choice for work, errands, or weekend outings. Its larger size provides greater versatility and function for the modern luxury shopper.
- What it is: A medium-sized, practical shoulder bag crafted from Monogram canvas that serves as a versatile daily carryall.
- Key features: Measures approximately 12.6" L x 9.4" H x 5.1" W. Features the same secure magnetic closure, interior flat pocket, and short chain handle as the PM, with the ability to add a longer strap.
- Price: Approximately $2,290.
- Materials/Construction: Built with the same high-quality Monogram coated canvas and sensitive natural cowhide leather trim, ensuring durability and timeless style.
- Sizing/Fit: Fits all the essentials from the PM plus a full-size wallet, a small makeup pouch, sunglasses, and even an iPad mini or small tablet.
- Pros: Spacious enough for everyday use. Versatile for professional and casual settings. Great balance of size and style.
- Cons: Still requires a separate purchase for a crossbody strap. Can become heavy when fully loaded. The Vachetta leather requires mindful care.
An ideal choice for those who need a stylish and functional bag that can keep up with a busy, day-to-day schedule.
Shop this product: https://www.louisvuitton.com/eng-us/products/favorite-mm-monogram
Louis Vuitton Monogram Favorite PM vs. MM Comparison
Capacity & Dimensions
The most significant difference lies in their size. The Favorite PM measures 10.2" x 7.1" x 3.5", making it a petite companion for just your phone, keys, and a cardholder. It’s strictly for the essentials and is designed not to be overstuffed.
In contrast, the Favorite MM comes in at 12.6" x 9.4" x 5.1". This considerable increase in volume allows you to carry much more, including a tablet, a small water bottle, a full-sized wallet, and other daily necessities. This makes the MM a true workhorse for everyday life, while the PM is reserved for more specific, lighter-carry occasions.
Style & Everyday Wearability
Both models offer a timeless aesthetic, but their wearability differs greatly. The Favorite PM excels as a discreet, chic accessory. You can carry it by its gold chain for an evening look or add a strap to wear it crossbody for a hands-free, minimalistic daytime style. Its small size ensures it never overwhelms an outfit.
The Favorite MM has a much stronger presence and functions as a primary daily bag. It’s practical for commuting, running errands, or casual weekend functions. While still elegant, its core appeal is functionality. It is designed to be seen and used daily, fitting seamlessly into a professional or busy personal life.
Materials & Quality
Both the MM and PM are constructed from identical materials to the same exacting standards. Louis Vuitton uses its famously durable Monogram coated canvas, which is resistant to scratches and water. They both feature the same natural cowhide leather trim (Vachetta) that will darken and develop a beautiful honey-colored patina over time with exposure to sun and oils from your hands.
Price & Value
Priced at approximately $2,050, the Favorite PM is the more affordable entry point into the line. The Favorite MM is slightly more expensive at around $2,290. The roughly $240 difference in price gets you a substantial increase in size and practicality. From a pure value-for-capacity standpoint, the MM offers more for the money. However, if your wardrobe calls for a small evening clutch, the specialized function of the PM delivers excellent value for that specific need.
Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, your choice is a reflection of your lifestyle and what you require from a luxury handbag.
Choose the Favorite PM if:
- You carry only the absolute essentials day-to-day.
- You need an elegant and versatile bag for events, dinners, or evenings out.
- You prefer lighter, smaller bags that don't weigh you down.
- You already have a collection of larger daily bags and need a chic "grab-and-go" option.
Choose the Favorite MM if:
- You need a dependable and stylish bag for everyday wear and tear.
- You regularly carry items like a tablet, full-size wallet, or a small cosmetics pouch.
- You want a single, versatile bag that can handle both work and weekend duties.
- You appreciate having extra room and prioritize practicality in your accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Favorite MM and PM?
The main difference is size and carrying capacity. The Favorite PM is significantly smaller and holds only essentials like a phone and a cardholder, while the Favorite MM is larger and can accommodate a tablet, full wallet, and other daily items.
Is the leather crossbody strap included with the Louis Vuitton Favorite?
Typically, both an LV Monogram Favorite PM and MM come with a short, non-adjustable chain strap intended for shoulder or hand carry. The longer vachetta leather strap for crossbody or longer shoulder wear was usually sold separately, adding to the total MSRP of the bag.
Which size is more popular, the MM or PM?
Both sizes have strong followings, but the Favorite MM has historically been more popular for its day-to-day practicality. Its larger size appeals to a wider range of needs, making it a more common choice for a first-time purchase from the line.
Can the Favorite MM fit a laptop?
No, the Favorite MM is not large enough to comfortably fit a standard laptop. It is best sized for smaller electronics like an iPad Mini or other tablets under 10 inches.
How does the natural cowhide leather trim wear over time?
The Vachetta leather trim is untreated and will change color over time. With exposure to sunlight, air, and the oils from your skin, it will gradually darken from a light beige to a deep honey gold. This "patina" is a cherished characteristic for many Louis Vuitton enthusiasts but requires care to avoid uneven coloring or water spots.
Is the LV Favorite a good investment?
While the Favorite line has been highly sought after for its functionality and classic look, and retains value well on secondary markets like Fashionphile, its investment potential can fluctuate based on market demand and condition. Classic pieces like the Louis Vuitton Favorite (MM) are usually a safe pick from a styling perspective, as their classic appeal is timeless.
Which size is better for travel?
We'd recommend the Louis Vuitton Favorite MM for travel, as its larger capacity works better in a wider array of contexts, such as navigating transit or exploring a new place, hands-free. A Favorite bag in either size makes for a fabulous accessory to take on holiday or a weekend getaway. Just be sure to store it in its original packaging when not in use.
