CHUS Vintage Eco Bag Review: Why It Stands Out?

CHUS and Project_hochiminh have just launched a collection of limited edition linen bags. As a tote bag enthusiast, I also got one, and here are my genuine experiences with this product!

Korean style fabric bag design

Upon receiving the product, CHUS included a zip bag wrapping the main bag, along with an exclusive postcard, a thank-you card, and a CHUS EXCLUSIVE label, plus 2 exclusive CHUS stickers. Although these additions don’t enhance the bag’s quality, I was delighted by the thoughtful and exclusive packaging. For instance, if you want to gift it, you only need to buy the box, and you’re ready to go.

It is known that CHUS EXCLUSIVE is a collection of selected products produced by Chus in collaboration with other artisans/sellers. The shared highlights of these products is that they are always handmade and must have quality that has been tested by Chus!

Packaging of the CHUS EXCLUSIVE fabric bag (Photo: CHUS)

Now, let’s take a look at the “star” of our review!

The “Ethereal” tote bag I chose from this collection has a fairly subdued tone, with a plain and simple design that matches its name. My first impression is that the bag has a classic, minimalist design with a distinctly Korean style. It’s a rectangular bag with a curved bottom and long straps, which is very trendy.

Plain design and subtle color of the bag (Photo: CHUS)

An interesting feature is that this bag has two different colors on each side: one side is gray and the other is blue, with brown straps. So, with just one product, you get two different looks by simply flipping the bag, making it versatile and suitable for different outfits.

Versatile colors of the limited edition linen bag

This tote bag features a minimalist design with seams that are not overly prominent, which I find quite meticulous and refined. Additionally, the edges of the bag and straps are sewn with light gray thread, providing seamless stitching to prevent unraveling during use.

Close-up of the bag's stitching

Notably, the bag is entirely handcrafted by a skilled Korean artisan. It’s a limited edition product, not mass-produced. It seems the artist spent a lot of time creating such a high-quality bag. That’s also why I appreciate limited edition products—they are intricate, unique, and reflect a distinct style.

Inside the limited edition linen bag

The interior of the bag is not drastically different from other bags on the market. It offers a spacious compartment and a smaller inner pocket. There’s a “project hochiminh” label sewn into the fabric.

Inside the limited edition linen bag

Even on the inside, the artisan’s dedication is evident with neat stitching and no excess threads. The overlock stitching is also done with great care, which hopefully prevents the fabric from fraying like cheaper products I’ve purchased before.

Super big size for better capacity

When fully spread out, this handcrafted bag has a large size of up to 50x35cm, with a strap length of about 46cm. However, the bag is quite soft and can be folded down if you don’t carry too many items. Therefore, you don’t need to worry if you want to use it as a compact fashion accessory.

Large size of the CHUS EXCLUSIVE bag

The size inside the bag is extremely satisfactory for those who often carry a lot of stuff, like myself. This bag can fit a 15.6-inch laptop along with many other items. This is a big plus since most tote bags aren’t large enough to accommodate such office supplies. So now you can imagine the bag’s capacity!

My experience when using CHUS EXCLUSIVE Bag

First, regarding the feel of the bag, the linen material makes it very soft and quite cool. The linen is thin but of excellent quality, especially in terms of durability and absorbency.

When using the bag for work, you can opt to wear it crossbody for convenience when carrying heavy items. This bag can hold a laptop, phone, notebook, and many other items for students or professionals.

CHUS EXCLUSIVE linen bag when worn crossbody

When not in use, the bag can be hung on a hook without taking up much space. Although it looks quite large, it folds down to about the size of a hand, making it easy to place on a desk or in a drawer.

The CHUS EXCLUSIVE bag when folded compactly

The versatile bag

Another tip for using the bag is to transform it into a handheld or shoulder bag for a more stylish look. Since the straps are quite soft and light, you can adjust the length according to your preference for different uses. Just remember to tie the knot in a spot that doesn’t contact your shoulder or hand to avoid discomfort from long wear or heavy loads.

Adjustable strap with knot thanks to the thin yet durable fabric choice

I’ve tried using the bag while strolling through the park, and the straps were very satisfactory. The soft and comfortable straps did not cause any discomfort even after prolonged use. Besides work or school, this bag is also perfect for outings, shopping, or the supermarket. It’s a stylish accessory and environmentally friendly.

Pros and Cons

To summarize the impressions of the bag and help you make an informed decision, here are the pros and cons of this vintage fabric bag:

Pros:

- Soft, breathable, and durable linen material.

- Elegant design with meticulous stitching.

- Versatile with color and style options.

- Large size but can be compacted when needed.

- 100% handcrafted, ensuring quality in every piece.

- Limited quality, so you can assured that yours is unique!

Cons:

- The bag lacks a zipper and has an open mouth.

- The bag has very few compartments; it only has one main compartment and one small inner pocket, which may not suit those who prefer tote bags with multiple compartments.

- The fabric of the bag is thin, so those who love thick canvas bags might not like it.

- The bag is very large, so it may not be suitable for those who are petite.

- It's a limited edition product, so be sure to order early or it might run out soon.

Conclusion

This limited edition linen bag is part of the exclusive collection from CHUS and Project hochiminh. Besides the “Elegant” model reviewed, there are four other versions with the same quality but different styles, patterns, and creative details. Below is the complete set of images from this collection that I found on CHUS's website:

Complete collection of CHUS x Project_hochiminh limited bags

Therefore, you might want to check out the Limited Edition Linen Bags on CHUS to find the most suitable model for yourself or as a gift for loved ones.