WORKERS Deluxe Pocket Tote Bag Green × Navy Long Handle

BRAND & PRODUCT

About the Brand and Product

WORKERS Workers Deluxe Pocket Tote Bag

WORKERS is a menswear manufacturer based in Okayama. Centered on workwear, traditional style, and military clothing, the brand creates garments through thorough research into vintage clothing. The founder personally studies actual vintage garments, visits the manufacturers of the period in which they were made and even the buildings that still exist, researches the materials in detail, and translates them into garments with precise pattern work that are easy to wear today.

The Deluxe Tote, third edition.
The changes this time are the handle attachment spacing and the exterior pocket.
The original Deluxe Tote came in M and L sizes, with differences in the handle attachment: the M size has narrow spacing and no exterior pocket, while the L size has wide spacing and an exterior pocket.
This time, as an arrangement, the body follows the M-size specifications, while the handle attachment positions and exterior pocket follow the original L-size specifications. In other words, we combined specifications. Along with that, we made two handle lengths: short and long. When the original attachment spacing is narrow, it is difficult to fit your shoulder through no matter how long the handles are. With the wider handle attachment spacing, the long handles have become extremely easy to use as well.

There is one subtle change from the previous version. The handle tape has been changed from acrylic to power-loom tape made of cotton/rayon staple fiber, and it is thicker than ever.
After our familiar “searching and searching,” we found the yarn producer—amazingly, right nearby.
I was finally able to clearly understand details that had been unclear at accessories suppliers. Even when simply called “tape,” its feel changes considerably depending on the equipment and thread used.
Even within the range considered “the same” at an accessories supplier, the looms are actually different. This tape is the heaviest-duty one we’ve ever used.
In “cotton/rayon staple fiber,” the “staple fiber” refers to staple fiber rayon, also called spun rayon or short-fiber rayon.

The dimensions are 34 cm wide / 16 cm deep / 31 cm high. It is what is generally considered an M size. The short handles are about 30 cm, and the long handles about 60 cm.
The handles are made by sewing the same fabric as the bottom onto the tape.
Here too, they use a two-needle sewing machine, folding the fabric edges on both sides while positioning them over the center of the tape.
“Equipment is everything!” With that in mind, I went to a factory in northern Kanto again this time.
Of course, it is made in Japan.

After visiting three times, the president finally remembered my face. He probably only vaguely remembers the brand name. But M. from production management liked the WORKERS bag enough to buy one, so everything is fine.
This idea of “having the factory remember you” is surprisingly important. There are things that simply can’t be fully written in a specification sheet, such as thread tension and stitch quality, or how neat or rough the finishing should be. Unless they can judge, “This is probably the kind of construction that person likes,” the result won’t come out as something that makes you say, “This is it!”
At the sides, the fabric edges are folded and sewn so that they alternate. This forms the backbone of the bag, allowing it to stand on its own even when empty. The body is made of No. 4 canvas, equivalent to 20.8 ounces. The bottom and the sections attached to the tape use No. 11 canvas, equivalent to 12 ounces. It weighs about 600 g.

With this tote bag, we didn’t want to make it exactly the same as the original. We wanted to make something “to Japanese standards, approaching the original, and in some respects even surpassing it.”
I think the neatness of the stitching has completely surpassed the original. That’s Japanese sewing craftsmanship for you. The weave of the fabric is beautiful, too. The tape is supple and easy to hold. That said, the original has its own appeal in the roughness and toughness of its fabric and components. Its sewing has a roughness that says, “As long as it doesn’t break, it’s fine.” That has its own character.
Different countries produce different results. We hope you’ll take a close look at those differences.

STAFF VOICE

A Word from the Staff

Ichimura / 175 cm / 75 kg / 

I like everyday bags that can be used hard without having to worry too much about them, and this WORKERS Deluxe Tote is packed with the appeal of an everyday tool.

First and foremost, this thick canvas fabric is outstanding.

It uses a very substantial 20.8-ounce fabric, giving it a reassuring feel in the hand that is a cut above an ordinary tote bag.

It is also so sturdily made that it stands on its own even when there is nothing inside. That kind of detail gives it a certain appeal as a tool, you know.

And what I personally like about this model is the balance of the handles.

The bag itself is an easy-to-use M size for everyday use, while the wider handle attachment spacing allows it to sit naturally when carried over the shoulder.

The long handles make it easy to use even when wearing a thick jacket or coat in fall and winter, which is a welcome feature.

The exterior pocket is convenient, too.

You can keep things you want to take out quickly, such as your smartphone and keys, inside. I think this kind of small convenience is important in a bag you use every day.

Personally, I’m also very fond of the green and navy color combination.

It looks great not only with everyday American casual styles such as denim, military pants, and chinos, but also with a slightly dressier jacket or coat.

And with this bag, I’m looking forward not only to how it looks when new, but also to how it looks after being well used.

The thick canvas gradually softens, and the corners and handles develop a natural sense of wear. I think it will look best after years of use, when it has become just a little worn in.

Even so, being able to use a tote bag made with such attention to every detail so casually on a daily basis is quite a luxury, isn’t it?

Just like with clothing, you can enjoy the fabric, the sewing, and the way it changes with use.

I think it’s the kind of bag that makes carrying it enjoyable in itself, rather than being merely something to transport your belongings.

Whether for the daily commute, shopping, or going out on your days off, before you know it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every time.

It’s a wonderful WORKERS-style tote bag that looks like it will become a long-term companion.