DHL Uniform Remake: How Retired DHL Uniforms Become Bags

A DHL uniform bag, made from the real thing. These are work jackets that were actually worn on the job at DHL. Once they had served their purpose, SUBJECT. took each one apart and remade it into a bag. This is SUBJECT. × DHL — a tote bag, a messenger bag and a waist bag, built from retired DHL uniforms in Japan.

It starts with taking things apart

At SUBJECT., making does not begin with choosing new fabric. It begins with taking apart a material that already exists. The 2-layer DHL jackets are dismantled and combined with waterproof Cordura. Because the yellow and red panels fall differently with every cut, no two bags look exactly alike.

Details that stay true to the uniform

• Original zippers — the zippers are the ones that were on the uniforms, reused as they were.
• Body — DHL uniform fabric × waterproof Cordura.
• Webbing — nylon, chosen for its subtle stretch.
• Lining — water-repellent.
• Pocket — room for your phone and everyday small items.
• Buckle — Cobra buckle.
• Finish — hand-painted by artisans, one by one.

Handwork in Toyooka and Kurashiki

The bags are made by a workshop in Toyooka, Hyogo — a town known for bag making — and by artisans in Kurashiki, Okayama.

Three styles

• SUBJECT. × DHL Tote Bag — W40 × H34 × D16 cm
• SUBJECT. × DHL Messenger Bag — W40 × H25 × D13.5 cm
• SUBJECT. × DHL Waist Bag — W30 × H18 × D9 cm

Shipped worldwide with DHL Express

International orders ship with DHL Express GoGreen Plus, DHL's service that reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Orders are usually dispatched within 2 days. Shipping cost depends on your country and is shown at checkout. Import duties and taxes are not included. See International Shipping.

FAQ

Is this made from real DHL uniforms?
Yes. Each bag is cut from DHL work jackets that were actually worn on the job, then retired.

Will my bag look exactly like the photos?
Not exactly. The placement of the uniform panels and the hand-painted finish differ from bag to bag.

Is it an upcycled bag?
Yes — rather than starting from new fabric, every bag starts from a uniform that already existed.

SUBJECT. is a brand by SEEKER CREATIVE STUDIO Co., Ltd. If you want to give retired uniforms or offcuts a new life, see our case study.