The new Hitoe® L-zip L challenges three common sense concepts③
Common sense 3: The smaller the wallet, the better
The smaller the wallet, the better.
I'm sure many people think the same way.
But is "minimum" really "optimum"?
Even more compact
It's no surprise that a double-sized bifold wallet can hold 6-8 cards and be thin.
The 2025 model of Hitoe® L-zip L is 169mm wide, making it more compact than the previous model.
However, it remains thin even when you store a lot of things.
The photo shows the wallet holding 16 cards, 10 bills, and 10 coins.
The thickest part is 14mm and the bottom is just 10mm.
Maintains a slim silhouette.
The secret to miniaturization
- Height: The rounded bottom has been replaced with a flat square shape, allowing cards and passports to reach the bottom, creating ample height.
- Width: The edge of the bill pocket has been changed from a traditional stitched edge to a wrap-around "WrapEdge" design, allowing bills to fit all the way to the back and creating more width.
"Optimal" instead of "minimal"
In fact, it was even possible to make it 3 to 5 mm smaller in both length and width.
However, SYRINX chose not to take that option.
This is because reducing the size any further would have a significant impact on comfort and versatility, as described below.
- As the number of bills increases, they tend to get caught in the zipper.
- The slider rubs against cards or coins
- Bankbooks, passports, and some tickets cannot be stored.
- I'm worried about dropping coins
Obviously, thinner is better.
However, if the goal is simply to make it smaller, then it will be counterproductive.
What we should strive for is the smallest size that is truly easy to use.
+3mm comfort
It's only +3mm, but that extra space creates comfort and versatility.
- Banknotes can be safely inserted and removed (prevents jamming)
- The coin pocket is deep and can accommodate currency from around the world larger than Japan's.
- Can store passports and bankbooks up to ISO B7 size
(Up to 10 cards can be stored when a passport is stored)
Just a few millimeters can make a big difference in how it feels to use every day.
Hitoe® L-zip L is not the smallest, but the most optimal.
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