Louis Vuitton Petit Noé vs. Noé BB: Which size is right for you?

The Louis Vuitton Petit Noé and Noé BB are two popular sizes of the brand's iconic bucket bag, but they serve very different purposes due to a key distinction in size. The Petit Noé is a compact yet functional daily handbag capable of carrying all your essentials, while the smaller Noé BB is a true mini bag, perfect for just a phone, cardholder, and keys.

Here's everything you need to know to decide which Noé is the right investment for your collection and lifestyle.

Louis Vuitton Petit Noé

The Petit Noé occupies the sweet spot in the Noé lineup, offering a smaller footprint than the original 1932 champagne carrier while still providing ample space for everyday necessities. It maintains the classic supple structure and drawstring closure, making it a stylish and practical choice for someone who wants the iconic bucket bag look without the bulk of the full-size version.

• What it is: A small-to-medium-sized version of the classic Louis Vuitton Noé bucket bag, designed for daily use.
• Key features: Iconic bucket silhouette, leather drawstring closure, adjustable and removable strap for shoulder or crossbody wear, D-ring for keys or accessories.
• Approximate Dimensions: 27 x 27 x 21 cm / 10.6 x 10.6 x 8.3 inches.
• Price: Varies by material, typically starting around $1,960 for Monogram canvas.
• Materials/Construction: Offered in signature Monogram and Damier Azur canvas, as well as durable Epi leather in various colors.
• Capacity: Comfortably fits a long wallet, sunglasses case, phone, keys, a small cosmetic pouch, and even a small water bottle.
• Pros: Excellent balance of style and function, carries far more than a mini bag, versatile shoulder and crossbody wear options, timeless design.
• Cons: Open top with drawstring closure may feel less secure than a zip-top bag, the strap can sometimes feel long on more petite frames, a bag organizer is often needed to keep things tidy inside.

This bag suits the person who needs a chic, dependable daily driver that holds essentials and then some without feeling oversized.

Shop this product: https://www.louisvuitton.com

Louis Vuitton Noé BB

The Noé BB is the smallest and most contemporary member of the Noé family. It flawlessly captures the mini bag trend, shrinking the iconic silhouette into a petite, lightweight accessory. Perfect for evenings, travel, or minimalist days, it's a stylish statement piece that prioritizes form over large-scale function.

• What it is: A mini bucket bag and the smallest size in the current Noé collection.
• Key features: Same classic bucket shape and drawstring closure in a miniature size, long and adjustable strap designed primarily for crossbody wear.
• Approximate Dimensions: 22 x 24 x 15 cm / 8.7 x 9.4 x 5.9 inches.
• Price: Slightly more accessible, typically starting around $1,760 for Monogram canvas.
• Materials/Construction: Available in Monogram, Damier Azur canvas, and various shades of Epi leather.
• Capacity: Strictly for the essentials: fits a smartphone (standard sizes), a cardholder, keys, and a single lipstick.
• Pros: Trendy and chic mini size, very lightweight and easy to carry, perfect for crossbody wear, a more affordable entry point into the Noé collection.
• Cons: Extremely limited capacity is not practical for everyday use for most people, the drawstring opening can feel bulky relative to the small size, may not fit larger-model smartphones.

Ideal for the minimalist who values a fashionable silhouette and needs a lightweight bag for only their barest essentials.

Shop this product: https://www.louisvuitton.com

Louis Vuitton Petit Noé vs. Noé BB Comparison

Size &, Capacity

The most defining difference between the Petit Noé and the Noé BB is their carrying capacity. The Petit Noé, despite its "petit" name, functions as a legitimate handbag. It has a spacious interior that can accommodate a full day's worth of items, from your wallet and makeup bag to sunglasses and a small agenda.

In contrast, the Noé BB is a true mini bag. Its capacity is comparable to that of a large wallet-on-chain. You will have to pare down your belongings to only the essentials. If you carry more than a phone, cards, keys, and lip balm, the Noé BB will likely be too small for you.

Functionality &, Everyday Use

For daily practicality, the Petit Noé is the winner. Its generous size makes it suitable for work, errands, and day trips. The ability to carry items like a water bottle, snacks, or a small paperback makes it a versatile companion for a busy lifestyle. It adapts easily from a workday bag to a weekend tote.

The Noé BB is better classified as an occasional or event bag. It shines on nights out, at brunch with friends, or while traveling when you want a small, secure bag to hold your valuables while exploring. It's the bag you grab when you intentionally want to carry as little as possible.

Styling &, Proportions

Both bags exude the classic Louis Vuitton charm, but their proportions lend themselves to different styling. The Noé BB is most commonly worn crossbody. Its small scale and long strap create a modern, hands-free look that is both fashionable and convenient. It sits neatly on the hip and adds a chic touch to any outfit without overwhelming it.

The Petit Noé offers more styling flexibility. It works well carried as a shoulder bag for a more traditional look or can be adjusted for crossbody wear, though it will sit bulkier on the body than the BB. Its size makes it a more substantial part of your ensemble. Both have a slouchy characteristic, but this effect is more apparent in the Petit Noé when it's not overly full.

Price &, Value

The Noé BB is the more affordable of the two due to its smaller size, making it a popular entry-level piece for those starting their luxury collection. However, when considering cost-per-wear and functionality, the Petit Noé may offer better long-term value for those seeking an everyday bag.

The Petit Noé's higher price tag reflects its larger size and increased practicality. If you need one bag to do it all, investing in the Petit Noé gives you significantly more use cases, potentially justifying the higher initial cost.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both are excellent bags with shared DNA, but they are built for entirely different needs.

Choose the Petit Noé if:

• You need a functional everyday bag with ample space for essentials and more.
• You value practicality and versatility over catering to the mini-bag trend.
• You want the option to comfortably wear your bag on the shoulder or crossbody.
• You're looking for a timeless bucket bag that can serve as a primary handbag in your collection.

Choose the Noé BB if:

• You are a minimalist who carries only a phone, card case, keys, and lipstick.
• You love the mini bag aesthetic and want a lightweight, fashionable accessory.
• You intend to wear the bag almost exclusively crossbody.
• You are looking for a special-occasion bag for weekends, events, or travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between the Petit Noé and the Noé BB?

The main difference is size and capacity. The Petit Noé is a spacious small handbag suitable for daily use, while the Noé BB is a much smaller mini bag designed to hold only the bare essentials.

Which Louis Vuitton Noé bag is bigger, the Petit Noé or the Noé BB?

Deceptive names aside, the Petit Noé is significantly larger than the Noé BB. The BB is the smallest size in the Noé collection.

Can the Petit Noé be worn crossbody?

Yes, the Petit Noé comes with a long, adjustable, and removable strap that allows for both shoulder and crossbody wear, making it very versatile.

What can you fit in a Louis Vuitton Noé BB?

The Noé BB can fit a standard-size smartphone, a cardholder or small card case, a set of keys, and a single lip product. It will not fit a full-size wallet, sunglasses case, or any other bulky items.

Which size is more practical for everyday use?

The Petit Noé is far more practical for everyday use due to its greater capacity to hold daily essentials and more.

Is the Louis Vuitton Noé a classic bag?

Absolutely. The original Noé was created in 1932 to transport champagne bottles and has since become one of Louis Vuitton's most enduring and iconic handbag designs.

Does the drawstring closure keep things secure?

When cinched tightly, the leather drawstring provides a reasonably secure closure. However, it is an open-top design and is not as theft-proof as a fully zippered bag, so it requires mindfulness in crowded areas.

How do the Petit Noé and Noé BB compare in price?

The Noé BB is less expensive than the Petit Noé. The price difference typically amounts to a few hundred dollars, reflecting the difference in materials used and size.