The look of a basket bag, the suppleness of a woven bag. The appeal of leather mesh bags

At ZUTTO, we've introduced a great many bags, but among them, two types stand out as overwhelmingly popular. One is the "leather bag," and the other is the "basket bag."

A leather bag, which gains richer color and luster the more you touch it day by day and gradually softens in texture, might be said—without exaggeration—to surpass any other material when it comes to being "used with care over a long time." Basket bags, meanwhile, seem to owe their popularity to the beautiful woven patterns born of craftsmanship, and to the way the aging process differs depending on the material used.

Leather bags and basket bags—there's no end to the reasons each attracts its own fans, but there's one bag we'd especially like to introduce: the "leather mesh bag." This is because it combines the suppleness and aging texture that comes from weaving leather with the distinctive beauty of a basket bag—in other words, it holds the best qualities of both bag types at once. If you love leather, and you love basket bags too—if you want both—then let us introduce you fully to the appeal of the leather mesh bag, which satisfies that greedy wish.

For those who have hesitated over basket bags, this one's for you too.

Summer fashion is a curious thing—once linen clothing and jute sandals start appearing in shop windows, a summer breeze suddenly begins to blow through our minds. Straw hats, glass accessories, and many other items occupy that same seasonal role, but surely everyone would agree that somewhere on that list is the "basket bag." Just as planting a beach parasol on an empty stretch of sand instantly creates a summer scene, carrying a basket bag can transform an outfit into a summery look in an instant—even if it's the same clothes you wore yesterday.

However, such items also present a difficulty for those who prefer to use things for a long time. Seasonal items that can only be carried for a limited stretch of the year tend to spend long periods sitting unused in the closet, which makes their cost performance seem low—and as a result, they naturally end up lower on one's shopping priority list.

But summer comes every year, and before you know it, the Japanese archipelago is in the height of summer. And that's exactly the moment for the leather mesh bag to shine.

Why we recommend leather mesh bags

As this season brings the first hints of summer, one naturally wants to get a summery basket bag. But if you're going to acquire something new now, wouldn't it make more sense to choose something you can enjoy for a longer stretch of time—that is, something with less of a distinct seasonal feel? That thought crosses the mind. Basket bags made of rigid materials like rattan or akebi can't change shape, which sometimes limits their storage capacity, and their weight alone can be a bit of a burden—leading to a few concerns of their own.

As it turns out, the leather mesh bag is an excellent item that addresses exactly these concerns. The see-through effect created by the "weaving" technique gives it a cool, summery feel, but since it's fundamentally a leather bag, it doesn't feel out of place carried outside of midsummer—unlike more distinctly seasonal materials such as akebi or raffia. Having gone through a delicate weaving process, it also boasts an elegant, feminine form. And because it's a material that develops beautifully over time, it proves valuable over a long period—both in the sense of being seasonless and in the sense of being timeless.

The advantages of leather mesh bags

Now, let's take a closer look at the advantages unique to leather mesh bags.

Supple, and easy to take things out of

The wooden vines or rattan typically used for basket bags are woven from stiff, rigid fibers to form their shape, making it difficult to adjust that shape once it's set. For instance, you might find yourself wishing the gusset were just a little wider so that everything would fit perfectly. A leather mesh bag, by contrast, flexes supplely to accommodate the size and volume of whatever you put inside, so you can use it without the frustration often associated with rigid basket bags.

A full leather bag, yet with a texture unlike flat leather

Bags made entirely of leather—not just the body, but the handles too—are sometimes called "full leather bags." In terms of material, the leather mesh bag introduced here also falls into that category. However, as you can see in this photo, the difference is immediately obvious, since it's woven delicately from long, thin strips of cut leather. In this particular type, you can see a beautiful herringbone pattern expressed in the weave.

This photo shows a leather mesh bag by REN, along with the leather cord used to make it. In fact, even with the same surface area, the places where leather overlaps leather mean that more total leather is required compared to a leather bag pieced together and sewn from several panels. Despite having "mesh" in its name, the bag also carries a solid sense of weight and substance—and that's exactly why. This, too, is a point where it differs from other full leather bags.

Ages quickly

If there's one reason leather lovers love their bags, it's aging. Plant-based fibers like rattan, akebia, and reed do age as well, of course, but compared to leather, the pace is much gentler. The way the color and sheen change through daily handling, or how the leather itself softens under the weight of what's carried inside—this relatively fast pace of aging is one of the charms of a leather mesh bag.

Among these, REN's bags are especially good at showing off the characteristics of sujoage (undyed, natural-finish leather). In the image above, the bag on the right has been used for about a year, while the coaster on the left is brand new and the same color. The bag that has been used for a year has taken on a noticeably deeper color, and the difference is plain to see at a glance.

It's not just the color—sujoage leather also develops a sheen with use. Held up to the light, a soft luster becomes visible, and you can see how the goat leather, already striking for its suppleness, softens into an even more relaxed drape over time. The BLACK version, whose color has been dyed all the way through the leather, also develops its own sheen as time passes.

Goat leather mesh crafted by REN

"GOAT MESH" is REN's original mesh leather, woven from tannin-tanned goat leather using a technique called ishidatami-ami (cobblestone weave). Each piece is carefully crafted over time, one at a time, in an Indian workshop staffed by artisans who are true masters of "weaving" leather. Sturdy and resistant to losing its shape, it softens and becomes more supple with use, developing a deeper sheen and richer color over time. The weave requires five times the amount of leather that a normal bag would use, giving it a substantial weight while still allowing a hint of grown-up transparency—and a somewhat retro charm all its own.

With leather mesh bags, you might worry about how sturdy they are once you load them up with belongings, but REN's mesh bags have handles that are woven securely into the body of the bag itself, so you can carry them with confidence. The handles are long enough to sling over your shoulder, making the bag easy to use for window-shopping or a stroll, and since the supple goat leather can be folded down compactly, it also makes a great sub-bag to bring along on an overseas vacation. In spring and summer, pair it with hats, stoles, and sandals that suit the texture of leather mesh for a cool, breezy look, while in autumn and winter, you can slip in an inner bag or fabric pouch of your own to enjoy a completely different impression.

>>GOAT MESH Mini Shoulder Bag

>>GOAT MESH Drop Tote Bag

>>GOAT MESH Lunch Bag S

>>GOAT Mesh Bag L

What's more, REN's GOAT series is also appealing for its wide range of color variations. Even with the same size and the same weave, lining them up like this reveals just how different the impression can be. Black offers a substantial, grown-up texture; the pure white leather, rarely seen elsewhere, and the silver leather both carry a somewhat modern impression. Since classic leather shades from beige to brown are also available, your options open up considerably depending on the outfit you're pairing it with or how you plan to use it.

A one-of-a-kind presence, thanks to water buffalo leather and design

Dragon Diffusion is a highly skilled factory that has specialized in producing mesh leather for over 40 years, supplying materials to celebrated maison brands across Europe and America. Their handwoven bags, made from vegetable-tanned leather, boast a quality and craftsmanship sought after by fashion brands worldwide, yet remain remarkably good value.

The leather used is wild water buffalo hide—a material not very familiar in Japan—which is washed to bring out its distinctive character. It feels similar to cowhide to the touch, but with the soft feel of leather that's already been broken in over many years, and it grows richer in color and sheen the more it's used.

Pick up a Dragon Diffusion bag expecting the weight of an ordinary leather bag, and you'll be surprised at how light it is. On the other hand, if you pick it up thinking it's a rattan bag, its glossy character will convince you that it really is leather after all. This bag is a wonderful example of the leather mesh bag's defining trait, mentioned earlier—it condenses the best qualities of both a "woven leather bag" and a "basket bag" into one.

It pairs naturally with short sleeves and sleeveless summer outfits, but it also fits comfortably with long sleeves that cover the arms completely. Beyond spring and summer, depending on how you style it, it can extend well into autumn and winter too—one of the great advantages that only a leather bag can offer.

One of the nice things about a leather mesh bag is that, when not in use, it blends right into a room as interior storage. This leather mesh marché bag features a rounded shape with a wide opening, and set down like this, it works well for storing toys and household odds and ends too. Of course, it's still designed to be comfortable to carry as a bag.

As the name "marché bag" suggests, this is a spacious bag you'll want to bring along on shopping trips. When set down, the bag has a round shape, but once you pick it up, the opening spreads out to the sides, taking on this form. It's an easy-to-use leather mesh bag that's comfortable to carry and makes it simple to take things out.

>>Leather Mesh Tote SMALL

>>Leather Mesh Tote LARGE(*The one on the left is the SMALL size)

>>Leather Mesh Marché Bag

A surprising lightness, unique to horsehide

So far we've introduced "woven" leather mesh bags. This one is a mesh leather bag made using a rather distinctive leather called punching leather. It's created by using a die to punch fine holes into the leather, and the first thing that surprises you when you pick it up is its lightness. Horsehide itself is known for being light, but the punching process makes it even lighter still, while also improving breathability.

The horsehide used comes from Shinki Hikaku in Himeji. Prized for its breathability, horsehide is even used in clothing, and is said to be about 30% lighter than cowhide. To preserve this lightness, no oil is used; instead, care is taken to bring out shine and clarity through wax and lacquer. Horsehide also has a fine, tight fiber structure, giving it a remarkably supple feel. It sits gently against the skin, and you can enjoy its soft, moist texture right from the moment you start using it.

Because holes are punched into it, this bag has a more see-through design compared to the woven leather mesh bags. So, won't the contents show through? Let's actually test this out by putting some belongings inside.

Here's what we put inside.

A smartphone, pouch, personal bottle, and small wallet—all the essentials for a day out fit comfortably inside.

Once you put your things inside, the shapes are hard to make out, though you can faintly catch a hint of the bottle's color. Everything else is pretty difficult to distinguish. These days, there are also clear to semi-transparent see-through bags designed to show off what's inside—which have their own appeal, like a cool, summery look, or the fun of turning a favorite pouch into part of the bag's design. But for those who might find that a bit much, this bag offers just the right amount of refreshing, subtle transparency.

Cared for now and then, it grows more beautiful with use

According to Arai-san of REN, the best thing you can do for a leather bag is to use it without hesitation. If left unused, the leather can become stiff, and depending on the environment, this can even lead to mold. On the other hand, the more you use it, the softer it becomes to the touch, and the richer its color and sheen grow. That's precisely why picking it up and using it freely, without worry, is what's best for the bag.

Replenishing oils with cream

For this mesh leather bag, regular use is itself the best form of care. If dryness becomes a concern, a small amount of emulsion-type cream is recommended. Since this mesh leather bag has an unfinished (su-age) surface, using a general leather oil could cause too much oil to seep in, risking stains. For this reason, please take a small amount of emulsion-type cream on a soft cloth and test it on an inconspicuous area before use.

Waterproof spray and rainy days

Before you start using the bag, it's also a good idea to lightly spray it with a waterproof spray. Depending on the leather, this too could potentially cause staining, so please test it on an inconspicuous area first. Spraying helps repel moisture and dirt. Also, if the bag gets wet, such as on a rainy day, immediately wipe away the moisture with a soft cloth and let it dry.

▼A design sensibility that draws out the true charm of leather —REN