Because you want to use your favorites all year round. Winter arrangements using fur and wool with kago (basket) bags.

Your kago bag worked hard for you all summer. Why not keep using it now?

"Aren't kago bags just for summer?" Some of you may still think so. But nowadays, more and more people recognize that kago bags can be used all year round. In this read, we'll introduce ways to work kago bags into your winter outfits.

Kago Bag Arrangement 1: Fur as a cover

One winter arrangement we'd like to recommend is using a fur stole as a cover for your bag. Fur stoles tend to be reserved for occasions when you want to dress up properly, so many of you may have one tucked away in your closet without much use. For anyone in that position, we'd love for you to try using fur as a bag cover. Simply pack your belongings, then fold the fur stole to match the size of the bag's opening and lay it on top. It instantly gives your bag a seasonal feel—highly recommended.

Akebi kago (basket): Akebi kago (tsumado-hari hora-ami, maki-te)

Fur stole laid on top: Fur Scarf Baby Alpaca (alpaca fur muffler) (DK BROWN)

Wool stole draped over the shoulder: Pocket Shawl MARIA (GREYWHITE)

Fur stole laid on top: Fur Scarf Baby Alpaca (alpaca fur muffler) (DK BROWN)

Depending on its size, there's also a way to tuck the fur stole along the inside of the bag.

>>Kago bag used: [Special order] Akebi kago, koide-ami (weave) with leather shoulder strap

First, prepare a stole with a width that suits your bag, along with the kago bag itself. Tuck the fur stole in so that it lines the inside of the kago bag.

Fur stole used: Asymmetric Scarf (STEEL)

If you use it just like this, the stole will get dirty once you put things inside, so attach an inner bag. (This time, we didn't tie a knot, but simply folded the fabric in.)

Drape the stole over the top like a flap, and you're done.

The capacity you can carry does decrease, but the look is undeniably cute—and if it means putting to use a kago bag that would otherwise sit sleeping in your closet outside of summer, that's a win.

Kago bag: [Special order] Akebi kago, koide-ami (weave) with leather shoulder strap

Knit: High-gauge Tunic Sweater (AGATE)

Skirt: ONEIL OF DUBLIN new item, coming soon

Shoes: PADRE BLACK

This akebi kago can be carried not only by hand but also with the leather shoulder strap adjusted to different lengths, allowing three ways to carry it: by hand, over the shoulder, or crossbody.

A rough-textured leather shoulder strap is comparatively resistant to slipping off even when you're wearing a thick coat or other bulky clothing, and since you can adjust it to your preferred length, we highly recommend it.

Kago Bag Arrangement 2: Coordinating with wool

If you don't happen to own a fur stole of just the right size, deliberately coordinating with wool stoles, gloves, or earmuffs is another classic and recommended approach.

【Kago × Wool Stole】

>>Black kago bag: Shoulder Basket 002 / MUUN

For instance, with MUUN's kago bag which is itself black, using a white stole as a cover lets you enjoy a monotone contrast—lovely, isn't it? Black kago bags don't clash even when paired with a coat, and let you enjoy the material itself, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to use one for a long time throughout the year.

Or, keep the overall look understated and have fun with the color of the stole instead.

【Kago × Earmuffs】

>>Akebi kago: [Special order] Akebi kago (round basket, single handle)

>>White earmuffs: Earmuffs (CANELA/WHITE)

Soft, warm earmuffs. Their real job is in the depths of winter, but why not hang them on your kago bag and enjoy the coordination even before you actually start wearing them? A sturdy, well-shaped kago bag is just right for hooking on things like these earmuffs. A deep brown akebi kago also pairs wonderfully with a red-checked muffler.

Kago Bag Arrangement 3: Combining with wintery colors

Even a brightly colored kago bag can suddenly feel much more like winter with just a touch of green, red, or another color that evokes the season.

【Kago × Green】

>>Straw kago bag: Basket M/BE / TOINO ABEL

>>Green bandana: Cotton Satin Bandana (GREEN) / GLARNER TUECHLI

Wrapping a cotton satin bandana around the basket bag brings out the green tones, giving the bag an impression that's easy to carry even in winter. It pairs well with dark-toned coordinates that can otherwise feel heavy, and looks perfectly natural with a wool coat.

【Basket × Red】

※This basket bag is a discontinued type.

For example, here's a basket bag with a glove holder attached. Using this, even gloves you're worried about losing can be attached to the bag, letting you show off your favorite gloves like an accessory while you carry them around. It also makes for a nice accent point—quite charming, isn't it?

You might also choose a color that suits your taste.

If you want a basket bag that works in winter too, akebi baskets are a great choice.

When you think of a typical "basket bag," you probably picture one woven from raffia or elephant grass in a somewhat whitish brown color. This shade of basket bag is perfect for carrying in summer, but if you want to carry it in autumn or winter, the tone might feel a bit too bright.

With akebi baskets, there's no need to worry about that. These bags are formed from deep brown akebi, so they can be paired with dresses, denim pants, and even wool coats without ever looking out of place.

Things to keep in mind with basket bags

When using a basket bag in winter, there's one thing above all to keep in mind: snagging. In winter, you tend to wear knitwear often, and the natural material of the bag can catch on loose threads. Please be especially careful when wearing knit skirts or roughly knitted sweaters, as these are prone to snagging.

It's also a good idea to incorporate a leather mesh bag. There's no risk of snagging, and it's a perfect option for those who feel a bit hesitant about carrying a basket bag made of summery materials like raffia.

Care tips for enjoying your basket bag for years to come

Since basket bags are vulnerable to humidity and heat, the best care you can give them is to use them regularly rather than leaving them tucked away. In that sense, using the bag year-round, regardless of season, may be the secret to making it last.

When you're not using it as a bag, you might also display it as storage or as part of your interior decor. Many people like to keep blankets or magazines gathered together in a basket for display. By handling it and letting air pass through, the basket bag stays in a suitable environment, allowing you to enjoy it for a long time. 

【Everyday Care】

To remove dirt and bring out the shine, we recommend "wiping" and "brushing." When wiping, use a soft cloth; when brushing, use something like a scrub brush to polish the surface.

【Storage】

Since baskets are woven from dried natural plants, moisture and humidity are their biggest enemies. These can lead to mold, insect damage, and even loosening of the weave. When storing a basket bag, choose a shaded, well-ventilated spot and cover it with cloth; if you have non-woven fabric on hand, we recommend wrapping the entire basket in it. 

▼See the full basket bag lineup here

▼See the full stole lineup here