WORKERS Leather Handle Tote_Brown_Medium/Short Handle

Leather Handle Tote Bag, 4-ounce canvas/20.8oz canvas, Size: Medium/Short Handle. The shape is based on a certain American-made tote bag with leather handles. The body is made of 4-ounce canvas, which weighs 20.8 ounces, probably thicker than the original. This time, instead of using the selvage on the sides, I deliberately folded and sewed it in an alternating pattern. This creates a kind of frame on the sides, so it stands up even when empty. At least for the bottom, I used 6-ounce canvas for the sample to reduce the thickness. However, after seeing the factory, I got greedy and thought "I can do this," so I used 4-ounce canvas for the bottom as well. It looks like it will be extremely difficult to sew, so I plan to only use 4-ounce canvas for the body and 4-ounce canvas for the bottom in the first batch. The tape is from a tape shop in Osaka. It's a manufacturer that makes thick tape, which I searched and searched for when I was making bags before. They don't stock colored tape, so I had it custom dyed. The handles are made of domestic saddle leather. Stitched and riveted. The exterior pockets are on both the front and back. The dimensions are 34cm wide, 17cm deep, and 30cm high. This is the standard M size from the original manufacturer.


Authentic replica clothing born from an overwhelming passion for vintage wear.
WORKERS is a menswear manufacturer based in Okayama, focusing on workwear, traditional, and military styles.
Takashi Tateno, the representative who loves the unique atmosphere of vintage clothing, has researched actual vintage clothing.
We visit the manufacturers where the products were made and even the existing buildings to research their history and documents, using them as inspiration for our product development.
All products are made in Japan, and I understand the process myself.
Production is carried out only in factories equipped with specialized equipment for each stage of the process.
It's attracting a lot of attention not only from Japan, but also from globally recognized companies like J.CREW and INVENTORY.

From here on, the process/details of how it was made -------------------------------------------------------------
I wanted to make a bag again after a long time. However, the ladies in Yata who used to make bags for me have all retired. So I started looking for a factory that could make one for me. This time, unusually, I didn't go near Okayama, but to a place near my parents' house. When I went there... hmm, I got along well with the president. We talked about modifying the presser feet of sewing machines. We talked about how it's a problem if you don't have multiple identical sewing machines in case of need. We talked about using a pattern sewing machine (a computer-controlled machine that can make the same stitches every time), and how the president does all the plates and inputs himself, and so on... It had been a long time since I'd met a factory that was truly serious about its work, and it really motivated me. I was so enthusiastic that I asked, "Can you sew with size 4 yarn?" and the president said, "It's stiff," but started sewing anyway. When I asked, "It's too stiff, should we stop?", Ms. M at the counter said, "From the way he said it, it means he can do it," so I went for all size 4 yarn. It was thicker and stiffer than the original. Given that background, this time the tag says "Designed by" instead of "Made by WORKERS." It's truly amazing how effortlessly they can sew this. Lately, whenever I inquire with Japanese factories, I've been increasingly disappointed by responses like "We used to be able to do it" or "We can make it, but it's not profitable (which doesn't count as being able to make it)." I can't complain since I don't run a factory myself. (Although some people do. They say selfish things like Japanese factories are no good because there are no factories that can make ultra-small lots.) I don't complain, but I'm left with a growing feeling of "Ah, I wish we could make it. What a shame." As a result, the past few years have been spent deepening what we can do now. That's why I didn't give a positive response when people asked me to make bags again at WORKERS. But this time is different. This factory is truly amazing.
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The handles are made from saddle leather by Noboru Ito. The base is Tochigi leather. Ito has been using leather from the early days of WOREKRS, and I used to visit him when it was possible to do so. It brings back memories. After that, his leather splitting factory caught fire and he went through a lot of trouble. He rebuilt it through crowdfunding, so I offered my small support. The splitting factory has also been revived, and I was able to use his leather again after a long time...it's still great. Even the factory that cut out the handles said, "This leather is great!" There are very few scratches. Even with the same Tochigi leather, there are various "leather shops" and each has a slightly different finish. Ito's saddle leather has tightly packed leather fibers. The surface has a slightly glossy finish. If this is overdone, it becomes difficult to tell whether it's leather or synthetic leather. He has the knack for getting that balance right.
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However, when I made them again after a long time... everything has gone up in price. I made them with some worry, wondering if they would actually sell at this price. If they are well-received, I hope to make different sizes, colors, and specifications in the future. Incidentally, last time there was a strange boom in tote bags, and although the quality was different, similar-looking bags popped up like mushrooms after the rain, making it difficult to continue making them. What will happen this time? But, if I do say so myself, the quality is perfect this time as well. Moreover, I met a new factory after a long time, and the production process was fun. Thanks to that, I've come up with various ideas for the next batch. After all, for me, it's no good if I don't enjoy making things. When I think about it that way, even if I aim to be a professional in terms of technique, my heart will always be that of an amateur. I can continue making things because it's fun.