Which size should you choose? A drawstring bag from ARTS&CRAFTS made with lightweight, soft horse leather.

The ARTS&CRAFTS drawstring shoulder bag is prized for the lightness and softness unique to horse leather. It has been a popular item at ZUTTO ever since we began selling it in 2017.

With its round bottom and drawstring closure at the top, this bag takes inspiration from the traditional Japanese kinchaku pouch—a drawstring bag once used to carry small items and personal belongings, tied shut with a cord. The design has been simplified here to suit modern style, and it's crafted from a single piece of leather that develops character with use. When worn over the shoulder, its silhouette really stands out, making it a distinctive fashion piece in its own right. But because its shape differs from the totes and shoulder bags we're used to, it can be hard to picture just how much it actually holds. This time, our staff tested each size by packing them with the everyday items we normally carry.

The ARTS&CRAFTS drawstring shoulder bag is made from horse leather. Because the fibers are so fine-grained, the leather feels supple to the touch, and you can enjoy its soft, moist texture from the very first use. It's also much lighter than cowhide, which is a welcome quality in a bag for everyday use.

One style especially worth pairing with your outfits as the season changes is the horse leather bag with fur trim. Fur often brings to mind long, feminine tufts, but horse fur has a short pile, which makes it easy to incorporate into everyday looks. Since it doesn't have that fluffy appearance, we wondered if the fur might feel stiff—but touching it, we found it's actually soft with no stiffness at all. It has a pleasant texture that makes you want to stroke it without even thinking. The fur also has an elegant, glossy sheen that beautifully accents the rounded shape of the drawstring bag.

The drawstring shoulder bag has no zipper or snap button at the opening.

To open it, simply spread the opening apart,

and to close it, pull the cords from both sides.

You can open and close the bag even while one cord is still slung over your shoulder, so taking your wallet in and out at the register is no trouble at all. The opening also spreads wider than that of an ordinary bag, so even small items go in and out smoothly. It's a shape that will also be easy to use once glove season arrives.

Choosing by purpose: three sizes

The drawstring shoulder bag comes in three sizes—S, M, and L—with each size differing by about 5cm in height and about 4cm in diameter.

L size: A generously sized bag that also works for commuting

HORSE LEATHER DRAW STRINGS POUCH/L (Drawstring Shoulder Bag)

At 30cm tall, this size easily fit even longer items like a bottle. The opening also spreads wide, so it held a tablet, along with a thin cardigan or stole for guarding against air conditioning or the cold—offering more storage capacity than its appearance suggests.

Unless you carry a laptop, this size is plenty big enough for commuting to work as well. Because the cords are thin, the bag can be a bit hard to hold once it gets heavy, but having one bag with a design a little different from your usual tote or backpack seems like it could change the mood of your day.

M size: For weekend outings

VEGETABLE HORSE LEATHER DRAW STRING POUCH M (Drawstring Shoulder Bag)

*The M size in fur material has sold out.

In addition to a wallet and phone, this size fit a small pouch of cosmetics and a glasses case. It also held a thick towel—essential for outings during the hot season. It's just the right size for a day out on the weekend, and since the cord is long enough to sling over the shoulder, it's also a size you'd want to bring along for strolling around town while traveling.

The smaller size can still fit a folding umbrella. The fur-material bags have a lining and pocket on the inside, so you can quickly pull out your wallet or phone.

S size: For neighborhood errands and walks

HORSE FUR DRAW STRINGS POUCH/S (Drawstring Shoulder Bag) BLACK

For the smallest S size, we swapped the thick towel from before for a thin handkerchief and took only a lip balm out of the pouch—fitting just the bare essentials. It's small, but thanks to its gusseted sides, it was nice to see that the bag's shape didn't lose form even with a thick wallet inside.

It could work for everyday errands around the neighborhood, and also as a bag for days when you want to dress up a little. If you mostly get around by car, this size might be the one you reach for most often.

For those who want to carry something even more compact than

, there's the Drop Shoulder.

ARTS&CRAFTS also makes another shape of drawstring bag. Made from the same horse leather, this teardrop-shaped bag has no gusset, and its name is, fittingly, Drop Shoulder.

VEGETABLE HORSE LEATHER / DROP SHAPE POUCH S (Drawstring Bag) GREIGE

This one is also just the right size for a bag, a wallet, or other valuables you want to keep on you. A thick wallet might feel a bit snug, but the opening still spreads wide, so even in this small size, things go in and out smoothly.

Its slim shape follows the body closely, making it convenient for keeping valuables on you when you're out and about. It doesn't look too casual, so on days when you're wearing a dress without pockets, for example, it's a bag you'll want to use in place of one.

▽There are many more drawstring bags, in various materials and designs.