Louis Vuitton New Wave PM vs. MM: Which size is right for you?

The Louis Vuitton New Wave PM (Petit Modele) and MM (Moyen Modele) are distinguished primarily by their size and capacity. The PM is the smaller, more compact version, designed for carrying just the essentials, making it an excellent choice for evenings or for those who prefer a lightweight bag. The larger MM offers significantly more space, suitable for everyday use and capable of holding items like a full-size wallet, makeup, and other daily necessities without sacrificing style.

Here’s everything you need to know to decide which New Wave bag from Louis Vuitton is the right fit for your lifestyle.

Louis Vuitton New Wave PM

The New Wave PM is a chic, compact handbag designed for the minimalist who values style and portability. Crafted from Louis Vuitton’s premium new wave quilted leather, its sleek silhouette includes both a top handle and a detachable shoulder strap for versatile wear. Its petite size is perfectly suited for essentials, making it an ideal companion for evenings out, special occasions, or quick errands where you only need your phone, keys, and cards.

• What it is: A small, modern handbag with quilted leather, a top handle, and a removable shoulder strap for multiple carrying options.
• Key features: Measures approximately 8.7" x 4.7" x 2.4", features a top zip closure with an LV logo pull, and has a small internal open pocket for organization.
• Price: Around $2,200 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Made from high-quality coated canvas and leather trim, with consistent Louis Vuitton craftsmanship and premium hardware.
• Sizing/Fit: A lightweight and compact bag that is easy to carry as a handheld, shoulder, or crossbody bag without feeling bulky.
• Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for evenings and special events, offers a sophisticated look at a slightly lower price point.
• Cons: Limited capacity fits only absolute essentials, not practical for those who need to carry more throughout the day, may be too small for some users.

This bag suits the minimalist who wants a subtle yet luxurious statement piece for outings where only the essentials are needed.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/new-wave-pm

Louis Vuitton New Wave MM

The New Wave MM offers a noticeably larger silhouette, making it a highly functional and versatile option for daily use. It shares the same modern quilted leather design as the PM but provides significantly more interior space to accommodate a wider range of personal items. With a top handle and detachable strap, it transitions seamlessly from a work bag to a chic daytime companion for running errands or meeting friends.

• What it is: A medium-sized daily handbag featuring the same stylish design as the PM but with much greater capacity.
• Key features: Measures approximately 11.8" x 6.7" x 3.1", includes a top zip closure, and has multiple interior compartments and pockets for better organization.
• Price: Around $2,700 USD.
• Materials/Construction: Crafted from Louis Vuitton's signature high-quality materials, ensuring durability and a polished finish that withstands daily wear.
• Sizing/Fit: A more substantial bag that can be carried comfortably by hand, on the shoulder, or crossbody, though it is slightly heavier than the PM due to its size.
• Pros: Spacious interior makes it functional for everyday use, features multiple compartments for organization, highly versatile for both work and casual settings.
• Cons: Higher price point, slightly heavier construction, the larger size might feel too substantial for petite individuals or evening events.

Perfect for those who need a practical yet fashionable bag that can hold more than just the basics and transition from day to night with ease.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/products/new-wave-mm

Louis Vuitton New Wave PM vs. MM Comparison

Size & Dimensions

The most significant difference lies in their dimensions. The New Wave PM measures 8.7" x 4.7" x 2.4", creating a compact and delicate profile that's easy to handle. It will comfortably hold your smartphone, a cardholder, keys, and a lipstick. It is distinctly a "small bag" ideal for light-carrying days.

In contrast, the New Wave MM is considerably larger at 11.8" x 6.7" x 3.1". This three-inch difference in length, combined with greater height and depth, transforms it into a true everyday handbag. It can hold everything the PM can, plus a full-size wallet, a small makeup pouch, sunglasses, and even a small tablet or e-reader, making it far more practical for a full day out.

Functionality & Capacity

Functionality directly relates to size. The PM is designed for minimalism and convenience, featuring just one main compartment and a small internal pocket. Its purpose is to look chic while carrying the bare minimum, prioritizing form over extensive function.

The MM, however, shines in its practicality. It often includes multiple interior compartments and organizational pockets, allowing you to separate your belongings neatly. This makes it a much better companion for work or busy days when you need easy access to more than a few items. Its larger capacity means you don't have to decide between taking your sunglasses or your portable charger - you can bring both.

Price & Value

The price gap between the two sizes is notable, with the New Wave MM costing approximately $500 more than the PM. The PM, at around $2,200, offers a more accessible entry point into the New Wave collection for those who want a luxury piece primarily for special occasions or evening wear.

The MM's price tag of around $2,700 reflects its increased size, material usage, and superior functionality. If you’re looking for a single handbag to serve you daily, the MM provides better value for money in terms of cost-per-wear and versatility. The PM's value lies in its specific use case as a stylish, small accessory.

Versatility & Aesthetics

Both bags share the same fashion-forward quilted design, allowing either to serve as a statement piece. The PM’s petite scale gives it a more delicate and dressy feel, making it an effortless choice for dinner dates, weddings, or parties. It's less suited for a professional environment or a day packed with errands.

The MM is the clear winner in versatility. Its size is substantial enough for a professional setting but still sleek enough for a casual weekend brunch. It can be your go-to bag for nearly any daytime activity and adapts well into the evening, bridging the gap between a work tote and a compact evening bag.

Which One Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on how you plan to use the bag and what your daily needs are.

Choose the New Wave PM if:

• You prefer carrying only the essentials like your phone, keys, and a cardholder.
• You are looking for a compact, lightweight bag specifically for evenings or special occasions.
• You appreciate a more subtle and delicate luxury accessory that won’t overwhelm your outfit.
• Your primary handbag is larger, and you want a smaller, stylish option to round out your collection.

Choose the New Wave MM if:

• You need a dependable daily handbag with room for a full wallet, makeup, and more.
• You value versatility and want a bag that works for the office, travel, and casual outings.
• You want one statement luxury piece that can handle almost any situation.
• You prefer a more substantial bag that makes a bolder fashion statement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the main difference between the New Wave PM and MM?

The main difference is size and capacity. The PM is smaller (8.7 inches long) and designed for essentials, making it ideal for evening wear. The MM is larger (11.8 inches long), with significantly more space for daily items, making it far more practical for everyday use.

What can fit inside the Louis Vuitton New Wave PM?

The New Wave PM can comfortably fit a smartphone, a cardholder or small flat wallet, keys, and a lipstick. It is not designed to hold bulky items or a full-sized wallet.

Is the New Wave MM big enough for students or professionals?

While the MM is spacious enough for daily essentials, including a small tablet or e-reader, it cannot fit a standard laptop or A4-sized documents. It works well for professionals who carry minimal tech but not as a primary work tote if you need to carry larger items.

Which size is more versatile?

The New Wave MM is undoubtedly more versatile. Its ability to hold more items makes it suitable for a wider range of activities, from workdays to weekend errands, and it can still function as an elegant bag for casual evenings.

Is the Louis Vuitton New Wave collection considered a classic?

The New Wave collection is a more modern and trendy line compared to classic Louis Vuitton styles like the Speedy or Neverfull. While it has become very popular, its fashion-forward design makes it more of a contemporary staple than a timeless classic.

How much heavier is the MM compared to the PM?

The MM weighs approximately 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg), while the PM is lighter at around 1.2 pounds (0.55 kg). While there is a difference, both are considered relatively lightweight for luxury leather handbags.

Does the New Wave bag hold its shape well?

Yes, the New Wave bag is crafted from supple but structured quilted leather that generally holds its unique "wave" shape well. To maintain its silhouette, avoid overstuffing it and store it properly with stuffing when not in use.

Which size is more popular?

Both sizes are popular, but they serve different buyers. The MM is often preferred by those looking for a practical, everyday luxury bag, while the PM appeals to an audience that loves mini-bags or wants a specific piece for special occasions.