Have you ever heard of a material called "Tyvek"?
Tyvek is a non-woven fabric made of high-density polyethylene developed by DuPont in the United States. Its texture and appearance are much like "paper," but it is a special material with overwhelming strength, so much so that it cannot be torn even if pulled by hand.
↑The photo shows Via, a travel wallet developed simultaneously with the first-generation Tenuis, and the predecessor to Volare, which was later commercialized.
Originally, it is used in professional fields such as construction materials, protective clothing, and medical applications, where extremely high durability and functionality are required. However, in recent years, due to its unique texture and interesting properties, it is increasingly being used in fashion items such as bags and wallets.
The biggest advantage of using Tyvek for wallets is that the material itself is extremely thin and light. Therefore, wallets made from it tend to be automatically ultra-thin, which is a great advantage as it allows for the easy creation of minimalist designs.
On the other hand, compared to "leather" and "fabric," which are standard materials for serious wallets, Tyvek's thinness and softness mean it can "crease easily." Even if it can be used for many years without tearing, deep wrinkles will form with use, making it difficult to maintain a pristine appearance, and it will inevitably show signs of wear and tear.
While it has its pros and cons as a wallet material, it has a gadget-like feel and is a very interesting material as a product. In fact, the momentous "first-generation Tenuis" that SOLAHANPU developed in the past embodied overwhelming thinness by adopting this Tyvek. It is a material that holds deep meaning for us, as it represents the brand's origins.
Currently, there are many manufacturers, both domestic and international, that offer wallets made with Tyvek, besides SOLAHANPU. From authentic bi-fold wallet shapes to lightweight zip wallets ideal for festivals and outdoor activities, and simple card cases, the variety is extensive. Comparing them clearly shows how interesting and processable this material is.
In SOLAHANPU's current main series, there are no Tyvek products, as we have shifted to cowhide, canvas, and goatskin materials. However, the potential and appeal of the material itself have not faded. Perhaps in the future, we may spontaneously develop new and interesting products using this material.
This time, it was a story about the mysterious material "Tyvek," which is deeply connected to the history of the first-generation Tenuis.
First-generation Tenuis using Tyvek
https://solahanpu.com/products/tenuis-first-canvas
