This website is made possible by readers. I may earn a small commission when you buy through the links in this article at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Details
- Price $307.09 at bleu-de-chauffe.com
- Material Coated cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned leather
- Capacity 35 L / 2136 cubic inches
- Dimensions 2.0" (w) x 1.5" (h) x 0.8" (d) / 50 (w) x 39 (h) x 20 (d) mm
- Made in France
Overview
I have gone through many menswear phases: preppy style, streetwear, denimhead, techwear, just to name a few. Through those phases, I've always had an appreciation for brands that stay true to craft and heritage. I hadn't heard of Bleu De Chauffe before, but when I saw their work, I was intrigued.
Launched in 2009, Bleu De Chauffe, a Parisian brand is a nod to the blue work jackets worn by French factory workers, and it’s not just about nostalgia—it's about exceptional quality and timeless style. It reminds me of the Vetra and when I reviewed the Vetra Workwear Jacket but with a focus on leather.
I own several totes. The TOM BIHN Shop Bag is what I use to shuttle my sweaty clothes from my Aer Gym Duffel Bag in my car to my home and bring a fresh set down. It's also used for groceries. For anything that won't fit, I use the Outlier Nexhigh Transformative Bag.
However, the Outlier Nexhigh Transformative Bag is huge and I long for something in between the two. When I saw the Zinnia Tote, I knew that was it. No spoilers but it turned out much better than I expected.
Style
Since the Vetra Workwear Jacket, my appreciation for the French focus on craft and style has been heightened. I was immediately impressed by the attention to detail when I got the Zinnia Tote.
The tote doesn't let you down. The quality can be felt in the materials and craft. The waxed canvas immediately reminded me of my infatuation with Barbour's waxed jackets. I could tell that the materials that build patina and age beautifully were chosen.
The bottom is lined with sturdy leather. And leather accents like the shoulder strap and brand tag give a classy touch to the ruggedness.
The tote looks rugged and sturdy, yet stylish enough to elevate your outfit. However, despite the sturdiness of the materials, I consider it to look unstructured, especially obvious if it's empty.
With Raen Sunglasses, Outlier Ultrafine Merino T-Shirt, and the Bleu De Chauffe Zinnia Tote.
The interior of the tote is dark blue, although I would prefer it to be black and consistent with the exterior.
It's hard to imagine the size from the product photos. It is larger than it looks. For some smaller frames or more casual occasions, the tote can be a little too big. That said, it works for my 6-foot frame on just about any occasion.
This used to be an ad.
But no one likes ads, so I got rid of them. If my articles helped you, I ask for your support so I can continue to provide unbiased reviews and recommendations. Every cent donated through Patreon will go into improving the quality of this site.
Material
Bleu De Chauffe isn’t your run-of-the-mill leather goods brand. Each piece is handcrafted with precision in their French workshop, using premium vegetable-tanned leather that only gets better with age. Imagine a bag that tells a story as it develops a unique patina over time—Bleu De Chauffe makes that possible with their meticulous attention to detail.
The coated cotton canvas used is made in Scotland by Halley Stevensons, specialists in waxed canvas since 1864. Specifically, the 10:10 Wax C4 waxed canvas, which has four times better waterproofing than their standard canvas, is used.
This finish differs from conventional waxes, featuring a specialized formula that prevents transfer. Free of oils, it gives the fabric a dry, non-greasy feel. It resists dirt and abrasion well but may develop creases and cracks over time.
This canvas is not coated with oil, which makes it slightly dry to the touch. This lightweight, supple, strong material has a slightly ‘crazed’ look – a fine web of cracks that make it particularly stunning.
Note that waxed canvas does lose the coating over time and you'll need to use something like the British Millerain Waxed Cotton Dressing to revitalize the canvas with a new coating.
Usage
I used it recently to bring a fan to the river in an attempt to not die from Japan's brutal summer heat. It fits the entire fan, the Balmuda GreenFan C2, comfortably. The opening of the tote doesn't flare out, so you might need someone to hold up the opening to fit something large, or else the tote would slouch down.
There isn't any padding on the leather shoulder straps, so I wouldn't suggest carrying a heavy load for long periods. It's nice that you can adjust the length of this strap. You'd want it long enough to be hung on your shoulder comfortably, but not long enough to touch the ground when you hand-carry it. Especially with heavier loads, you'll want to alternative between these two methods of carrying to reduce stress on one part of your body.
There are loops within the bag to attach a cross-shoulder strap that might make carrying heavier loads more comfortable.
I designed a thing.
I found a 100 year old company that would create these heirloom quality canisters for me. They are handmade and will keep your tea leaves, coffee beans or anything that you need dry for years to come.
or read review
The tote felt very sturdy and I cannot imagine it falling apart unless you are using it to carry weights all the time. The material was rugged enough that I didn't mind putting it on abrasive surfaces.
There are three snap buttons to close up the bag if you are worried about pickpockets.
On the interior, there are snap buttons on each side. It comes with a small pouch that you can attach to the other side. The buttons are what Bleu De Chauffe calls their SNAP concept, which lets you attach accessories like the laptop sleeve.
The Zinnia Tote comes with a small pouch that you can detach and use on its own.
I love how you'll find the date of fabrication and the name of the craftsmen. This really makes me feel like they carefully created each tote.
While this isn't a bad thought, I would prefer a small open pocket on the interior to help quickly sort smaller items. It's unlikely that I would use a tote as a daily carry, so I felt that the organization should be basic, and organization systems should be left to backpacks.
Conclusion
Bleu De Chauffe’s Zinnia Tote impresses with its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern functionality. Its high-quality materials and attention to detail, including the durable waxed canvas and elegant leather accents, make it a standout choice for those who value both style and substance.
Although its size might be a bit much for casual use, its rugged build and sophisticated design make it a versatile and reliable addition to any wardrobe. While not the cheapest tote bag, I felt that you get what you pay for or even more.
Additional Images
Like this review? See all of my in-depth reviews.
Also, consider supporting me by being a Patreon. Every cent given will go back into improving the content of this website.
Tagged bag bleu de chauffe french leather review tote bag waxed cotton