WORKERS Deluxe Pocket Tote Bag Dark Navy × Navy Long Handle

BRAND & PRODUCT

About the brand and product

WORKERS Deluxe Pocket Tote Bag

WORKERS is a menswear manufacturer based in Okayama. Centered on workwear, traditional style, and military clothing, the brand makes garments through thorough research into vintage clothing. The founder personally studies actual vintage garments, visiting the manufacturers of the period in which they were made and even existing buildings, researching reference materials, and translating his findings into meticulously patterned pieces that are easy to wear today.

The third Deluxe Tote.
The changes this time are the handle attachment width and the exterior pocket.
The original Deluxe Tote comes in M and L sizes, with different handle attachment widths: the M size is narrow (with no exterior pocket), while the L size is wide (with an exterior pocket).
This time, we arranged it with an M-size body and the original L-size specifications for the handle attachment positions and exterior pocket. In other words, we combined specifications. Accordingly, we made two handle lengths, short and long. When the original attachment spacing is narrow, it is difficult to get your shoulder through no matter how long the handles are. With the wider handle attachment spacing, the long handles are now extremely easy to use.

There is one understated change from the previous version. The handle tape has changed from acrylic to power-loom cotton staple rayon tape, and it is thicker than ever.
After our familiar “searching and searching,” we found the fabric producer (surprisingly, nearby).
I was able to clearly understand aspects that had remained unclear with accessories suppliers. Even when you simply call it “tape,” the feel changes considerably depending on the equipment and the yarn.
Even within the range considered “the same” by an accessories supplier, the looms are actually different. This time’s tape is the most substantial yet.
In “cotton・sufu,” sufu is short for “staple fiber,” apparently meaning “spun rayon” or “rayon made from short fibers.”

The dimensions are 34cm wide / 16cm deep / 31cm high. It is the so-called M size. The short handles are about 30cm, and the long handles about 60cm.
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 both sides of the fabric while positioning them over the center of the tape.
Equipment is everything! With that in mind, we once again visited a factory in northern Kanto.
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 bags enough to buy one, so we’re in good hands.
This “getting the factory to know you” is surprisingly important. There are details that simply cannot all be written into a specification sheet, such as thread tension, neat finishing, and the desired degree of roughness. Unless they can judge, “This is probably the kind of construction that person likes,” the finished product won’t turn out as “That’s exactly it!”
At the sides, the fabric edges are folded and sewn in alternating directions. This forms the backbone of the bag, allowing it to stand even when empty. The body is made of No. 4 canvas, equivalent to 20.8 ounces. The bottom and the sections overlaid by the tape use No. 11 canvas, equivalent to 12 ounces. It weighs about 600g.

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 that approaches the original, and in some respects even surpasses it.”
I think the neatness of the stitching has completely surpassed the original. That’s Japanese sewing factory craftsmanship. The fabric weave is clean, too. The tape is supple and easy to hold. But the original is the original, with the roughness and toughness of its fabric and components. Its sewing has a casual roughness of “as long as it doesn’t break.” That, too, has its own charm.
Different countries produce different results. We hope you’ll take a close look at the difference.

STAFF VOICE

Staff Voice

Ichimura / 175cm / 75kg / 

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 excellent.

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

It is also built sturdily enough to stand on its own even when nothing is inside. That’s where I feel its appeal as a well-made tool.

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

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

The long handles are easy to use even when wearing a thick jacket or coat in fall and winter, which is a nice touch.

The exterior pocket is convenient, too.

You can keep things you want to access quickly, such as your smartphone and keys, inside. I think these small touches of usability are important in a bag you use every day.

I personally really like its simple navy color, too.

It looks great not only with everyday American casual styles such as denim, military trousers, and chinos, but also with slightly smarter jackets and coats.

And with this bag, I’m looking forward not only to its new condition but also to how it will look after being thoroughly used.

The thick canvas gradually softens, while the corners and handles develop a natural patina from use. I think it looks best after years of use, when it has become just a little worn in.

That said, isn’t it a luxury to be able to use a tote bag this meticulously made so casually every day?

Just like with clothing, you can enjoy the fabric, the sewing, and even how it changes with wear.

It’s more than just a bag for carrying your belongings; I think it’s the kind of bag that makes carrying it enjoyable in itself.

From your daily commute and shopping trips to days out on the weekend, before you know it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every time.

This is a wonderful WORKERS-style tote bag that looks set to become a long-term companion.