The MM6 Japanese Bag: Sizes, Materials and How to Wear It

The MM6 Japanese bag is the triangular, origami-inspired tote that MM6 Maison Margiela first showed for Autumn Winter 2009 and has remade every season since. Press studs at its edges let you fold it into a different shape, and it comes in sizes from a small hand bag to a large shoulder tote. Coveti stocks the current range in our tote and top-handle bags, from the Faux Leather Japanese Bag Classic Small in Black to the Japanese Bag Jewel Handle Classic in Black.

What is the Japanese bag?

It is a flat triangle of fabric folded into a bag, a direct idea from origami. The two top corners become the handle, the base stays flat, and press-stud buttons hidden at the sides let you pull it into a narrower, more structured shape. Because it has no frame it folds flat for travel, and because the shape is so simple it works in almost any material. It is the most recognisable accessory MM6 makes, and the reason “japanese bag” is searched more than 12,000 times a month worldwide.

Japanese bag sizes

MM6 publishes the measurements on each bag, and Coveti repeats them in the size line of every product page. As a guide:

• Small: about 42 cm tall and 34 cm wide, with a short handle for the hand. It takes a phone, a wallet, keys and a small pouch. See the Faux Leather Japanese Bag Classic Small in Black.
• Medium: about 55 cm tall and 50 cm wide, with a handle long enough for the shoulder. It takes a tablet, a scarf and the day’s essentials. See the Faux Leather Japanese Bag Classic Medium in Black.
• Crossbody: a smaller triangle with an adjustable strap, such as the Japanese Crossbody Bag in Black.
• Jewel Handle: a structured version with a metal handle bar, in Classic and Large, such as the Japanese Bag Jewel Handle Large in Black.

The Japanese bag is soft, so its depth depends on what you put in it. Check the handle drop on the product page if you want to wear it over a coat.

Which material should you choose?

Leather: calf leather, as in the Leather Japanese Bag Classic Medium in Black, is the most durable and softens with wear. Faux leather: the leather-effect versions are lighter, cost less and keep a crisp shape. Fabric: polyester versions such as the Fabric Japanese Bag Classic Medium in Black are the lightest and the easiest to fold flat for travel. Seasonal versions add sticker prints, gradient dye and colours such as petrol blue and khaki.

How to fold the Japanese bag

Open the press studs at the side edges and the bag drops into its full triangle. Close them and the sides fold in, giving a slimmer, more upright bag. Most owners keep it closed for the city and open it when they need the space.

How to wear it

The Small works as a hand bag with tailoring, a long coat and ballet flats. The Medium is a day tote with jeans and a white shirt. Black is the classic; a colour such as petrol is the easiest way to lift a dark winter outfit. Pair it with the Nappa Anatomic Numeric Ballerinas in Black for the full MM6 look, and read more in our MM6 bags guide.

Japanese bag alternatives

Several houses make triangular and origami bags, but the MM6 version is the original in this shape, with the white stitch line on the back. For other shapes in the line, look at the bowling-bag Bauletto and the numeric crossbody bags in shoulder and crossbody bags.

MM6 Maison Margiela at a glance

Frequently asked questions

When did the MM6 Japanese bag come out?

MM6 Maison Margiela first showed the Japanese bag in its Autumn Winter 2009 collection. It has been remade every season since.

What size Japanese bag should I buy?

The Small is a hand bag for a phone, wallet and keys. The Medium works on the shoulder and holds a tablet. The Crossbody adds a strap for hands-free wear.

Why is it called the Japanese bag?

Its folded triangular shape is inspired by origami, the Japanese art of paper folding.

Is the MM6 Japanese bag leather?

Some are. MM6 makes it in calf leather, in a faux leather and in polyester fabric. The material is listed on every product page.

Can the Japanese bag change shape?

Yes. Press studs at the side edges let you fold the sides in for a slimmer bag, then open them again for the full triangle.

Does the Japanese bag fit a laptop?

The Medium and Large hold a tablet and a small laptop sleeve. The Small does not.

Read next: MM6 bags guide, What is MM6?, MM6 ballet flats.