【HushTug】Answering frequently asked questions about our leather tote!
Hello! I'm Nakajima, a designer at HushTug.This time, I'll be answering frequently asked questions about HushTug's leather tote bags.
The leather tote has been a popular product since the brand's inception, and we are grateful that many customers have purchased it.
As a result, we also receive many inquiries from those who feel anxious before purchasing.
HushTug has a physical store where you can see the actual product, but I'm sure many people live far away and can't come.
I hope this article helps alleviate any concerns you may have before purchasing.
◎This article is recommended for:
-
Those interested in a leather tote but are hesitant to purchase without seeing the actual product
-
Those who want to know common questions (self-standing, zippers, handles, etc.) in advance
-
Those who want to know a little bit about the behind-the-scenes story of how the leather tote was made
FAQ ①: Why don't you add bottom studs or outer pockets?
In short, HushTug totes do not have bottom studs or outer pockets.
The reason is that HushTug's concept is "ultimate simplicity."
If you only consider practicality, outer pockets and bottom studs can be convenient in some situations.
However, by daring to strip away unnecessary elements, we arrived at the current design.
◎Another reason not to add bottom studs 
Bottom studs have the advantage of making the bottom less likely to get dirty or damaged.
However, in some bags, bottom studs may not function effectively.
For example...
-
If the bottom of the bag is soft
-
If the "legs" of the bottom studs are short
In such cases, as the leather softens with use, the leather will sag below the bottom studs.
As a result, even with bottom studs, the leather may still rub.
In other words, for bottom studs to be truly effective, the following conditions are necessary:
-
The bottom must be firm and hard
-
The legs of the bottom studs must be long (large)
At HushTug, we consider these points and do not add bottom studs in pursuit of a simple appearance.
FAQ ②: Will it remain self-standing indefinitely?
This is also a frequently asked question, and the conclusion is that:
It will not remain self-standing indefinitely.
Because natural leather is used, the leather will soften and become more supple with use.
Therefore, the "firmly self-standing state" it was in when new may change.
◎Tips for maintaining self-standing ability 
If you want to maintain its self-standing ability for as long as possible, try these two things:
-
Remove heavy items after use
-
Store the bag by hanging it
Leaving heavy items inside will stress the leather and cause it to soften faster.
By reducing stress as much as possible, you can help prolong its condition.
FAQ ③: Is the zipper difficult to close?
When new, the leather near the zipper has not yet broken in, so you may find it "a little difficult to close."
However, as you use it, the leather will break in, and it will gradually become easier to close.
If it remains a concern after some use, please feel free to contact us.
◎Tips for easier zipper closing 
The leather tote's zipper has features designed for smooth opening and closing.
The key is the leather tab near the puller.
By pulling this tab, the zipper rises slightly, designed to be slightly upward rather than downward.
As a result, it glides better and feels easier to close.
When closing the zipper, it's recommended to gently pull the puller while zipping.
FAQ ④: The handles are thin, won't they break?
This is another common question, but in conclusion, we've designed it to be surprisingly strong despite its appearance.
Although the handles appear thin, they are reinforced internally, making them resistant to tearing.
Furthermore,
-
The handle section
-
The opening section
These two areas are also reinforced, so rather than the handles bearing the entire load, the bag's overall structure distributes the stress.
FAQ ⑤: How much can I fit, especially regarding PCs and documents?
While storage is covered in a separate video, this time I will focus on the size of PCs and documents, which are frequently asked about.
◎目安PCの収納サイズ
Recommended is 13 inches, but 15 inches can also fit, though just barely.
However, since PC sizes vary by model, please use the following measurements as a guide:
-
Height: up to 25cm
-
Width: up to 33cm
Within this range, they can be stored without any problem.
◎目安書類の収納サイズ 
-
A4 files: Can be stored as is
-
B3: Cannot be stored as is (please note)
Behind the Scenes: How the Leather Tote Was Made
Now, a little behind-the-scenes story about how the leather tote was made.
Actually, when HushTug was first launched, there was no one with experience in the apparel or bag industry within the company.
Naturally, we didn't know how to make bags.
Still, driven by the desire to "create a brand," we proceeded with production at our own workshop back then.
We didn't know how to make bags... What did we do? 
Bags require sewing, so if you don't know how to make them, they won't be completed.
The solution we came up with after much deliberation was to disassemble existing bags to learn.
At that time, we disassembled a high-end tote bag worth about 100,000 yen that the CEO owned and studied its structure.
I remember he looked a little sad, even though he said, "It's fine if it's for making something."
Through that method of learning and countless iterations, we arrived at the current leather tote.
Now, as a designer, I commission production to artisans in Japan, but looking back at the early days of the company, I'm amazed at how far we've come with that approach.
Record-breaking pre-orders in initial sales! A popular product with over 96% high ratings.
After developing the leather tote and announcing it mainly to customers who had purchased from us before, over 100 people requested reservations in just a few days, and most of them purchased it when it was released.
Furthermore, most of the reviews from customers who purchased it were highly positive. Over 96% of them gave it 4 stars or more.
Actual Reviews
(You can slide horizontally)
Also, when we talk to customers, they seem particularly satisfied with the 'cost performance.'
Normally, products go through several companies from factory production to reaching the customer, but HushTug manages everything from production to sales in-house, allowing us to offer genuine leather at an affordable price.
Furthermore, it comes with a worry-free support system that allows free returns or exchanges within one month of purchase, no matter how much you've used it or for what reason.
HushTug products are not sold at department stores or other shops, so they can basically only be purchased through our online store.
・I want to try a genuine leather bag, but I'm not sure if it suits me...
・I'm worried about buying online because it might not be what I imagined
For those people, as mentioned before, we offer "free returns or exchanges within 30 days, no matter the reason or how much it's been used."
Since returns are free, you have absolutely nothing to lose, so if you're considering a leather tote, please give it a try.
In addition to our online store, HushTug also has physical stores.
You can see the products available online in person.
You can also purchase new products on the spot, so please feel free to stop by.
※We only accept cashless payments. Please note that cash payments are not accepted.
