FAQs: Frequently asked questions about our Shoulder Bag »Mila« Olive-Green

IS THE »MILA« COURIER BAG, OLIVE GREEN, DIMENSIONALLY STABLE OR RATHER SOFT?

Our canvas messenger bag belongs to the so-called soft luggage and consists partly of soft cotton canvas in olive green. Therefore, the shape changes, somewhat depending on the filling quantity. The advantage is that the vintage shoulder bag for men can be stowed away better if it is not needed. With our handbags, we deliberately do without a plastic lamination, which is required for a firm shape.

IS THE »MILA« COURIER BAG, OLIVE GREEN, WATERPROOF OR WATER-REPELLENT?

The shoulder bag for men made of canvas and leather was designed based on the classic courier and postman bags of the 19th century. In order to be as authentic as possible, we have only used materials - as they were 100 years ago - and avoid plastics and chemicals as much as possible. Unfortunately, the standard version of our canvas bag is not waterproof or water-repellent. However, a short rain shower doesn't bother our bags. Alternatively, the shoulder bag can be impregnated against moisture.

CAN THE »MILA« COURIER BAG, OLIVE GREEN, BE MADE WATERPROOF AFTERWARDS?

The shoulder bag made of canvas can be impregnated very well afterwards, with a commercially available and colorless impregnation spray (e.g. Impregnol). Alternatively, you can also use an impregnation wax (e.g. Dr. Gee's impregnation wax). You should only note that this can change the color and texture of the bag. It is best to test the impregnation on the underside.

WHAT KIND OF MATERIAL IS CANVAS USED FOR »MILA«, OLIVE GREEN MESSENGER BAG?

Real canvas is a tightly woven cotton fabric with a weight of approx. 8oz or 225/m2. In the past, this fabric was mainly used in seafaring for sails (canvas) and in the industry for workwear and leather goods. The material is equally popular in painting. Almost all the famous paintings in the world have been painted on canvas. A "canvas" is therefore also another term for canvas. Canvas is an integral part of the early days of cinema. Screens served as an ideal projection surface. Unfortunately, canvas was eventually replaced by plastic in many areas of application. In the leather goods industry in particular, there are unfortunately many plastic materials that are incorrectly referred to as canvas. Real canvas is 100% cotton.

That's why we only use real cotton canvas for our DRAKENSBERG bags. For tradition, for reasons of sustainability and also for formal aesthetic reasons. Our cotton fabrics have a weight of 16oz or approx. 450g/m2. In addition, our canvas is hand-dyed and then washed until the authentic DRAKENBSERG vintage look is achieved.

HOW CAN I CLEAN AND CARE FOR MY »MILA« MESSENGER BAG, OLIVE GREEN?

We believe that a handbag with a vintage design can and should be seen to see how intensively it has been used. That's how it has to be. If you still feel the need to clean your bag, we recommend three steps:

• Remove dust and dirt particles from your handbag, eg with a brush or hand-held vacuum cleaner
• Gently dab and rub away stains with a clean, wet cloth. Consider trying a mild detergent if the stains are stubborn.
• Slightly grease leather from time to time (e.g. leather care with beeswax or carnauba wax). It is best to be careful not to hit the canvas to avoid stains

WHICH LEATHER IS USED FOR THE »MILA« COURIER BAG, OLIVE GREEN?

For the men's handbag, we only use vegetable-tanned, full-grain buffalo leather. The particularly robust leather comes from India. During production, our leather is also finished by hand with a colored carnauba-based wax, giving it its special vintage patina. A perfect interplay with our cotton canvas.

WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR MEN TO CARRY THE »MILA« MESSENGER BAG, OLIVE GREEN?

A shoulder bag can simply be carried over the shoulder or across the shoulder. We recommend carrying our men's shoulder bags made of canvas and leather crosswise over the shoulder, as the weight of the bag is better distributed that way. It is less strenuous when you have to cover longer distances with the bag over your shoulder. In general, you should change the carrying sides for longer distances in order to load the back and spine evenly and thus relieve it.

In general, briefcases and shoulder bags should not be filled too much. Before starting a trip or going to work, you should check which things are really needed that day. This protects the back and the material.

WHERE AND HOW IS THE »MILA« COURIER BAG, OLIVE GREEN, MADE?

Our goods are made in India. Our manufactory is a small family business whose long-standing employees manufacture our bags with a lot of heart and passion. In the meantime, a real friendship has grown from our long cooperation. The production conditions are socially acceptable and correspond to BSCI standards. We convince ourselves of this on a regular basis. Our leather and cotton fabrics are sourced directly locally from India. When dyeing our cotton fabrics, only dyes that are free of AZO dyes are used. Our leathers are basically vegetable tanned, i.e. plant-based and without the use of aggressive tanning agents. Our standards are socially and ecologically justifiable and above average.