Choosing a Pouch by Material

A pouch that holds your precious belongings—

it feels like these have long served as a kind of treasure box for us.

Even though we already own plenty of them,

when we come across a lovely pouch, we can't help but want it.

Actually, at ZUTTO we stock pouches made

from a variety of different materials.

While trying out and comparing each material,

this time we'd like to introduce some ideas for using pouches in wonderful ways.

・Cotton Canvas (hansen)

Since the Meiji era, cotton canvas has been used as an extremely durable industrial material,

for covering truck cargo, making tents, and other purposes.

Among these, the Kurashiki canvas used in this JoBu pouch

is committed to consistent production from raw yarn through to the final process,

using "first-grade canvas" made with careful, high-quality craftsmanship.

Because it's so sturdy, it's a very practical material for holding scissors, pens, and the like.

・Washi (Japanese Paper)

Compared with commonly available Western paper,

washi has much longer fibers, so even though it's thin, it's remarkably strong and tends to last longer,

and is said to have a distinctive texture all its own.

This particular material is called Naolon, created by Onao,

a washi maker based in Ichikawadaimon, Yamanashi Prefecture, a region known for its washi production.

While retaining the suppleness and lightness of washi, it also offers durability,

and is resistant to tearing even when wet.

This makes it convenient for carrying around as a travel pouch.

・Cowhide

What stands out most about cowhide is its quality, evident at a single glance,

and the way it comes to fit its owner more and more as it's used.

The material known as chrome-excel leather

is made by blending oils and fats such as animal fat, fish oil, and beeswax,

then allowing them to soak slowly into the leather over time,

giving it a rich depth that draws the eye.

The more it's used, the more it develops a vintage-like character.

Since you'll want to keep using it more and more, it's also recommended

for stationery cases and eyeglass cases that you tend to pick up often.

・Knit

Knit pouches may be unfamiliar to many people,

but they're soft to use and can hold more and more items.

This knit from TRICOTÉ

is made of polyester, so it's relatively resistant to stains,

making it a great choice for all seasons.

The colorful, modern hues are a lovely bonus.

You've found a wonderful pouch, but

your old ones are still perfectly usable too...

If that sounds like you, why not use a pouch as an opportunity

to think about organizing the things around you?

・As a Tool Case

The JoBu cotton canvas pouch

features colorful hues and an opening

designed to divide diagonally across the middle.

Its construction is sturdy enough to justify the brand name itself,

so it also seems well suited for gathering together

chunky tools like scissors.

You could keep a hanko stamp and pens together in one by the front door,

or use it to hold pens and sticky notes for writing letters or keeping a diary,

and it's handy for gathering items you don't use every day

but want to have on hand when the need arises.

Since it comes in a variety of colors, you could even assign different colors to different uses.

・As a Travel Pouch

When traveling, the [weight] of your luggage is an important thing to check.

On top of that, since it would be a problem if something broke during your trip,

it's even better if the pouch is resistant to water and dirt.

The SIWA Square Pouch L by SIWA

is recommended as a travel pouch for holding shampoo, conditioner,

cosmetics, and travel-size skincare items.

It's also nice to collect them in different colors.

This L size is a convenient size that fits

travel-sized skincare products.

You're free to use the internal compartments however you like,

such as holding travel-sized shampoo bottles.

・As an Accessory Case

Cowhide goods are recommended as a tool case

you'll want to pick up every day,

but they're also handy for gathering together things

like watches, accessories, keys, and tickets—

the kind of items you'd otherwise just toss directly

into a pocket or bag. Small items left loose

in a bag or coat pocket have a way of accidentally

turning up in a different bag or coat—

but with a pouch, that might not happen anymore.

For men, it's also nice to gather necessities like earphones into this pouch

and head out along with your wallet and smartphone.

・As a Snack Pouch for When You Get Hungry

For holding snacks to munch on when you get a little hungry,

the mamori-bukuro amulet pouch from ponpindo is recommended.

It's just the right size for holding candy, chocolate,

or caramels, keeping the inside of your bag tidy.

With designs themed around academic success, health and longevity, good fortune, and more,

there's the enjoyment of choosing a pattern with the recipient in mind.

It also makes a lovely small gift, or a fun item to match with friends.

・As a Gift Container

With Valentine's Day, White Day, farewell parties, and other occasions coming up,

many of you may be planning to give gifts

to people who've helped you along the way.

For those who want to give someone sweets

but feel that alone might be a bit lacking...

one recommended approach is to prepare a pouch

to serve as the container for your gift.

This TRICOTÉ pouch

features a colorful, soft knit material that makes it perfect for a gift.

Since it comes with a handle,

it can be used not only as a pouch, but also as a mini bag for outings like lunch,

holding things like your smartphone, a handkerchief, or lip balm.

It's lovely how a pouch that once held sweets can become a handy little bag.

How did you like it?

By combining different uses and materials,

why not try organizing your everyday belongings with a lovely pouch?

JoBu (Jobu)

Returning to the roots of hanpu (cotton canvas) as a working tool,

a desire to create sturdy everyday goods from natural materials,

that product designer's meeting with "Kurashiki Hanpu - Baiston"

gave birth to JoBu.

The Monoire, a storage item shaped like a paper bag, is also popular.

SIWA｜Kamiwa (Shiwa)

Ichikawa Daimon, Yamanashi Prefecture, in the old Kai Province, has been known as a production center for washi (Japanese paper) since the Heian period. 

A partnership between washi maker Oonao

and product designer Naoto Fukasawa

gave rise to SIWA｜Kamiwa.

Products made using a newly developed washi material called "Naolon"

retain the texture of washi while being notably resistant to tearing.

ARTS&CRAFTS

With the concept of "creating things and stories that last 100 years,"

ARTS&CRAFTS connects the thoughts of those who conceive, those who make, and those who use,

crafting items built to be used for a very long time,

and continuing a tradition of stories that get passed down through generations.

ARTS&CRAFTS' Chromexcel leather

uses oil leather with the highest oil content from Horween, an American tannery.

TRICOTÉ

TRICOTÉ, meaning "knitted" in French,

is committed to original craftsmanship, from developing knit fabrics to textile design,

and produces every item domestically in Japan.

The brand's appeal lies in its colorful, modern designs

that serve as a highlight in any outfit.

ponpindo

ponpindo began in 2002 as a workshop creating household goods,

established by the current head of "Sarakei," a long-established Edo katazome (stencil dyeing) dye house with roughly 150 years of history, together with

designer Kosaku Ono.

Their modern designs, which make use of traditional auspicious patterns,

have earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.