A commuting bag that suits you, as seen through what's inside your bag

How do you choose your commuting bag?

How do you all choose your bag for commuting? Don't many of you end up always choosing a somewhat larger bag, thinking that one that fits A4-size documents is probably the most practical?

For those who often have meetings outside the office, a size that fits A4 documents is a must, but in fact, not every commuting bag needs to be A4 size.

This time, we're introducing bags that satisfy two of the three conditions below.

・Size-focused: want a size that comfortably fits A4-size files

・Lightweight-focused: want to keep the bag as light as possible

・Durability-focused: since it's used every day, it needs to be sturdy

Take a look while picturing the commuting bag you use every day.

◆Size-focused × Lightweight-focused

If you always carry an A4-size file, a large bag is a must. For those people, we recommend a bag that's been made lighter, rather than a bulky bag that holds a lot but ends up straining your shoulders.

・Elegant in both appearance and weight

Shoulder Bag GRIGIO: 570g

The Shoulder Bag GRIGIO from CI-VA (Chiba) is

a high-quality leather bag that pairs easily with all kinds of outfits.

Its simple, square design

is accented by a thick belt.

It has no buttons or zippers, but that means it's also easy to take things out when you need them. The shoulder strap is adjustable, so this bag can be worn straight down or slung across the body—a versatile choice we recommend.

・Recommended for casual workplaces

CINQUANTA Linen Tote Bag: 580g

When you think of a typical tote bag, you probably picture something casual made of canvas, but the CINQUANTA Linen Tote Bag has all the gorgeousness of leather while its smooth linen material gives it a more grown-up feel.

It's large enough to easily fit both A4-size files and a laptop.

◆Size-focused × Durability-focused

For those who want a bag that can hold absolutely everything—a bento box and water bottle, a laptop and pencil case, plus reference books and dictionaries for studying for qualifications after work—we recommend a big, sturdy tote or backpack.

・A tough and reliable companion

Tusting Bison Tote, Brown

The Bison Tote makes an impression with its large size, and since it's made using Italian calfskin—the kind normally used to line high-end shoes—it offers excellent durability despite its soft feel.

With a 20cm gusset, there's no worry about the bag filling up with just a bento box and water bottle.

・For those who want to commute with a backpack

Winter Session Day Pack

For those who want to commute with a backpack, we recommend the Winter Session Day Pack. Day packs tend to prioritize function above all else and can feel rather unisex, but this one has a somewhat rounded shape. The distinctive texture and creases unique to waxed canvas give it a warm, inviting feel. It's a backpack with a distinctly feminine air. The leather straps will mold to your body more comfortably the more you use them, and both the outer and inner pockets are generously provided.

・Reassuring for the unexpected, also great for business trips

PATRICK STEPHAN Leather Tote Bag 'grande poche' OLIVE

A luxurious bag made of high-quality leather, with two pockets each on the outside and inside.

With this one bag, you shouldn't have to worry even on days when you're carrying a lot. The leather has a smooth, supple texture. Fastening the side belts keeps the bag's generous capacity intact while giving it a compact, trapezoidal silhouette.

The finish has a luxurious quality that feels almost like haute couture—it's hard not to be enchanted.

◆Lightweight-focused × Durability-focused

When heading to work, you want to feel stress-free, and you want something that won't break easily with everyday wear. If you find a lovely bag, you don't mind choosing your belongings to match it. For people like you, we recommend a leather bag with a light, effortless feel.

・Filled with craftsman's dedication

CI-VA Bucket-Shaped Shoulder Bag: 540g

This bucket-shaped shoulder bag comes from CI-VA, known for their durable leather items that hold their shape well. Its wide base means you can fit a pouch or bento box inside. If you're carrying a thin notebook, it can even hold A4 size, letting you commute in style with a shoulder bag. 

The Black colorway also makes for a chic look.

・REN leather bags that soften and mold to your body

REN leather bags are highly popular for everyday use. Among them, we introduce two bags perfect for commuting—roomy yet light.

FUKURO 2-Way Reji Bukuro M: 450g

Modeled after the shopping bags you get when you go shopping. It comes with two handles of different lengths, and by passing each one through the other, you get an excellent piece that can be used two ways—as a shoulder bag or a hand bag.

Although it's a leather bag, it uses the brand's original soft, supple goat leather, so it weighs only about 450g—wonderfully light.

FUKURO 2way Circle Shoulder M: 400g

This circle-shaped bag naturally puffs out when you put your belongings inside, giving it a shape that fits comfortably against your body. The wide shoulder strap places less strain on your shoulder, and by tying it at your preferred length, you can wear it crossbody or over the shoulder.

It also comes with a shorter handle, so you can happily use it as a hand bag too.

◆Add a Sub Bag

For those who always end up with too much to carry, having a sub bag is also an option.

・Linen 2way Tote Bag: 149g

This Linen 2way Tote Bag is a ZUTTO original, produced by a factory in Lithuania. It comfortably fits an A4 file. Rather than a plain black, it has the color of graphite like that used in pencil leads, so it can be used across all seasons. On days when you need to bring documents home from the office, tuck it into your bag in the morning, then quickly pull it out on your way home and put it to use.

It's a sub bag that gives you peace of mind just by having it with you.

Decide What You Want to Put in Your Bag

What do you all carry in your commuting bag? Some people are fine with just a wallet and smartphone, while others want something roomy enough for documents and a laptop. We actually had our staff pick out what they want to put in their bags, so please use this as a reference.

・A sub bag for the days when you bring a bento lunch.

bag: [Special Order] B TOTE/XS GREEN

lunch box: Square Lunch Box

Other personal items

For everyone who's mindful of their health and brings a bento lunch every day, here's a sub bag with a simple design yet elegant color and material. This is a ZUTTO special order, XS size bag from the B-TOTE (Basic Tote) line by STANDARD SUPPLY. The nume leather handle is wonderfully refined and sure to appeal to any woman's heart.

With ample gusset space, it can hold not just a lunch box, water bottle, and towel, but also a paperback book you want to keep reading during the remainder of your lunch break, or snacks. It can also be used for a quick outing on your days off, so it's likely to serve you well in many different situations for a long time to come.

・What to Put in a Larger Bag with Gusset Space

・purse: LONG FLAP WALLET (NAVY)

Other personal items

For a larger bag with gusset space, we recommend it for those who like to carry a long wallet, makeup pouch, or pencil case. For a smart canvas bag, the SUNSET CRAFTSMAN CO. canvas bag SCCV002 BROWN/MILK is also a great choice.

With its feminine silhouette and casual canvas material, it gives off a sense of grown-up ease.

The leather parts and hardware develop a vintage-like patina as you use them, so it becomes something you look forward to using every day.

・Carry Your PC Elegantly Too

bag:  2WAY Tote Bag BLACK

purse:  FLAP WALLET (RED)

Other personal items

For those who often carry a laptop for work but want to travel smart rather than lug around a big bag, we recommend the CI-VA 2WAY Tote Bag BLACK. Since it has very little gusset space, a slim laptop won't shift around inside the bag. The trick, though, is to keep the rest of your belongings compact.

・A Backpack You Can Fill Freely Without Worry

bag:  Day Pack Navy Waxed

purse:  LONG FLAP WALLET (NAVY)

You might need this, and that too... For those who are good at killing time when out and about, or for the more worry-prone among us, the Day Pack Navy Waxed is one you'll want to carry every day. Slip in the paperback you'll quickly pull out on the train, and put the towel you tend to fumble for in the restroom into the large outer pocket where it's easy to grab. Keep a large folding umbrella on hand for sudden rain, too. With its round, charming shape, it's a day pack that women can happily use every single day.

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How was that? Whether it's for business scenes or for going to a cafe or dinner with friends after work, you want to choose a bag that can perform well in a variety of situations.

For those who want to refresh themselves by going out on their days off, we also have a lineup of bags for off-duty days, so please find your favorite.

▼See the Bag Category Here