Louis Vuitton Vavin BB vs. PM: Which size is right for you?

Discover the right Louis Vuitton Vavin for you: choose the spacious BB for daily versatility or the compact PM for a sleek, minimalist style. Find your perfect fit.
Spencer Lanoue
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Spencer Lanoue
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The Louis Vuitton Vavin BB and PM are two sophisticated handbags that differ primarily in size and capacity. The Vavin BB is the larger option, designed for those who need a spacious and versatile everyday bag, while the Vavin PM is decidedly more compact and streamlined, ideal for carrying just the essentials with a sleek, minimalist look.

Here's a detailed comparison of the Vavin BB and PM to help you decide which is the perfect functional yet elegant addition to your collection.

Louis Vuitton Vavin BB

The Louis Vuitton Vavin BB is the larger of the two sizes, designed as a practical and chic companion for daily use. Its structured silhouette and generous interior make it a great choice for those who need functionality without sacrificing luxury. The bag easily accommodates more than just the basics, making it a reliable option for work, errands, or day trips.

  • What it is: A contemporary, structured handbag crafted from Louis Vuitton’s iconic materials, offering ample space for daily essentials.
  • Key features: Signature lock closure, leather trim, textile lining, and an adjustable sliding chain strap for shoulder or cross-body wear.
  • Dimensions: Approximately 11.8" (L) x 8.3" (H) x 4.7" (W).
  • Price: Around $2,490 USD.
  • Materials/Construction: Made with durable coated canvas and smooth cowhide leather trim, ensuring longevity and resistance to daily wear and tear.
  • Pros: Spacious interior can hold a small tablet, wallet, and more. Versatile enough for both professional and casual settings. Durable construction maintains its shape. Adjustable strap offers multiple ways to carry.
  • Cons: Can feel a bit bulky for evening use or for petite individuals. Higher price point than the smaller PM. May become heavy when fully packed.

This size works perfectly for anyone needing a versatile, high-capacity luxury bag that transitions effortlessly from the office to the weekend.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/vavin-bb

Louis Vuitton Vavin PM

The Louis Vuitton Vavin PM is a sleek, compact, and elegant reinterpretation of its larger sibling. Designed for the minimalist, this bag is perfectly proportioned for carrying only the necessities like a phone, keys, cardholder, and lipstick. Its polished look and smaller frame make it an ideal choice for evenings out, special occasions, or light daytime use when you want to travel light.

  • What it is: A refined and compact handbag that embodies minimalist luxury, perfect for essentials-only carry.
  • Key features: Iconic magnetic lock closure, sliding chain with leather shoulder pad, and a neatly organized interior with flat pockets.
  • Dimensions: Approximately 9.8" (L) x 6.7" (H) x 3.5" (W).
  • Price: Around $2,340 USD.
  • Materials/Construction: Crafted from the same high-quality coated canvas and cowhide leather as the BB, ensuring the same level of impeccable Louis Vuitton craftsmanship.
  • Pros: Lightweight and easy to carry. Sleek and elegant silhouette is perfect for more formal events. The compact size encourages carrying only what you need. Less expensive than the BB model.
  • Cons: Limited capacity, cannot fit larger items like a tablet or full-size wallet. Less versatile for a primary everyday bag if you carry more than basics. The smaller size may not feel substantial for some users.

This bag suits the modern minimalist who values a sophisticated, lightweight accessory for evenings and occasions where only the essentials are needed.

Shop this product: louisvuitton.com/vavin-pm

Louis Vuitton Vavin BB vs. Vavin PM Comparison

Dimensions & Capacity

The most significant difference between the Vavin BB and PM is their size and what they can hold. The BB measures 11.8 x 8.3 x 4.7 inches, offering enough room for a small tablet (like an iPad Mini), a full-size wallet, a phone, keys, and a makeup pouch. It's a true everyday bag designed for carrying more than just the bare minimum without feeling overly large.

In contrast, the Vavin PM is noticeably more petite at 9.8 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches. Its interior is best suited for just the essentials: a smartphone, a cardholder or small wallet, keys, and lipstick. Trying to fit much more will compromise the bag's sleek structure. This makes it a great choice for evenings out or for those who have mastered a minimalist carry style.

Style & Aesthetics

Both bags share the same modern, structured design language, complete with the signature LV lock closure and clean lines. However, their size lends them to different aesthetics. The Vavin BB has a more substantial presence, projecting an image of practical, everyday chic. It functions well as a professional handbag or a sophisticated daily carryall.

The Vavin PM's smaller profile gives it a distinctly more delicate and elegant feel. It serves beautifully as an accessory that complements an outfit rather than a functional piece meant to haul daily items. It's the more "dressy" of the two, making it a perfect companion for dinners, events, or as a lightweight cross-body for weekend outings.

Versatility & Use Case

When it comes to versatility, the Vavin BB has the edge for daily wear. Its capacity makes it suitable for a wider range of activities, from a day at the office to running errands or weekend brunch. The ability to carry more items makes it a practical one-and-done choice for someone who needs a bag to take them through a busy day.

The Vavin PM shines in settings that call for a smaller, more polished bag. While it can work for daytime, it's less practical for a 9-to-5 workday unless you carry very little. Its ideal environment is any situation where a large bag would feel cumbersome - think evenings, weddings, or formal events where you only need your essentials close at hand.

Price & Value

The Vavin BB is priced at approximately $2,490, while the Vavin PM comes in at about $2,340. The minor price difference of around $150 reflects the additional materials and larger size of the BB. In terms of value, the decision shouldn't be based on price alone. The best value comes from choosing the bag that genuinely fits your lifestyle. If you need the space, the extra cost for the BB is easily justified. If you know you'll reach for a compact bag more often, the PM is the more practical and slightly more affordable investment.

Which One Should You Choose?

Both the Vavin BB and PM are excellent, beautifully crafted bags, but they cater to very different needs.

Choose the Vavin BB if:

  • You need a versatile handbag for everyday use, including work and errands.
  • You carry more than just your phone and keys, such as a small tablet or a full-size wallet.
  • You prefer a bag with a more substantial presence and capacity.
  • You want one luxury bag that can handle the demands of a busy daily routine.

Choose the Vavin PM if:

  • You practice a minimalist lifestyle and only carry the absolute essentials.
  • You're looking for an elegant, lightweight bag for evenings, events, or special occasions.
  • You prefer a compact, discreet silhouette over a larger, more structured bag.
  • You already have a larger everyday bag and need a chic, smaller option to round out your collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between the Louis Vuitton Vavin BB and PM?

The main difference is size and carrying capacity. The BB is the larger bag, measuring nearly 12 inches long, making it suitable for everyday items like a small tablet. The PM is the smaller of the two, a compact bag designed to hold only essentials such as a phone and cardholder.

Can the Vavin BB fit a laptop?

No, the Vavin BB is not large enough to accommodate a standard laptop. However, it can comfortably fit a small tablet like an iPad Mini or a Kindle.

Is the Vavin PM big enough for everyday use?

For a true minimalist who only carries a phone, cardholder, keys, and lipstick, the Vavin PM can work for everyday use. However, for most people, its limited capacity makes it better suited for evenings or light-carry days.

Which Vavin size is more popular?

The Vavin BB tends to be slightly more popular due to its versatility and practicality as an everyday bag. Many shoppers look for a luxury piece that they can use frequently and across multiple occasions, and the BB's size is better suited for that purpose.

Are the materials the same for both sizes?

Yes, both the Vavin BB and PM are typically made from the same high-quality materials, such as durable coated canvas combined with smooth cowhide leather trim and a textile-lined interior.

Is the Louis Vuitton Vavin a good investment?

With its timeless design, impeccable Louis Vuitton craftsmanship, and durable materials, the Vavin collection is considered a great investment. Its classic yet modern look ensures it won't go out of style quickly, and LV bags tend to hold their value well over time.

Does the Vavin bag have an adjustable strap?

Yes, both the Vavin BB and PM feature a sliding chain strap, often with a leather shoulder pad for comfort. This allows the bag to be worn multiple ways, including on the shoulder or as a crossbody.

How should I care for my Vavin handbag?

To preserve its condition, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, humidity, and water. When not in use, store your bag in the dust bag provided at purchase and stuff it with paper to help maintain its shape. Be mindful of contact with color-transferring materials, such as denim.