The Tenuis Zipper Model is currently a favorite among many users. This model is the Tenuis 3 (which was the canvas version at the time), a slim, compact wallet that gained popularity through crowdfunding in 2019. In this post, we’ll look back on the development story from that time, as shared by designer Sola—a story not detailed on the product page.
↑ The Tenuis Zipper Type canvas version that designer Sola actually used for about a year back then. Since it wasn’t designed to prevent contents from bulging or the canvas from wrinkling as effectively as the current model, you can clearly see the bulge caused by keys and small items stored in the hidden pocket at the time.
A Year as Just Another User, Forgetting About Commercialization
Around June 2018—more than a year before the crowdfunding campaign launched in August 2019—the first prototype was already complete.
At first, I made it for myself, partly as a test, but once I started using it in my daily life, it was—without a hint of flattery—so incredibly comfortable to use that before I knew it, I’d completely forgotten about commercializing it. I was so thoroughly convinced by its usability that I spent a whole year using it daily as just another enthusiastic user.It had become such a natural part of my life that I even forgot I was using this unique, minimalist, slim wallet.
Why I Didn’t Commercialize and Announce It Right Away
Aside from having forgotten about commercialization, I also had practical concerns on my mind. The first was the material—goatskin—which I was using for the first time. Given its rarity and difficulty in sourcing, I couldn’t immediately envision a stable supply. Second was the structure of the core “twin card pocket.” Since it was a unique design that differed significantly from conventional manufacturing methods in the sewing industry, I had a vague doubt: “Can this even be produced?”
The Personal Inspiration Behind Increasing the Hidden Pocket’s Capacity
Later, the product evolved from a canvas version to a leather version, and we made improvements to increase the capacity of the signature hidden pocket. There was a personal reason behind this. (The hidden pocket, actually, had been a feature since the first and second generations of Tenuis.)
At the time, the house where my staff and I lived had only one key. However, after I moved, the number of keys for my new home increased to three or more (two for the front doors and one for the outer gate). If I was having trouble with this, there must be other users facing the same issue.With that in mind, I redesigned an area that was originally dead space to increase its capacity, allowing it to hold up to four keys.
Whether it’s a slim, compact wallet or a traditional one—if you cram keys into a wallet without a dedicated space, the pockets become bulging and uneven, causing noticeable indentations in your pants when you put it in your back pocket. However, since Tenuis makes effective use of dead space, it maintains its sleek look even when keys are stored inside.
We sometimes hear from customers that “four key slots are unnecessary,” but we hope you’ll view this as a generous feature—one that won’t hurt even if you don’t use it.Back when I designed it, I wanted to keep my transit card and payment cards separate—one on the front and one on the back of my wallet—so having two hidden pockets designed for cards was incredibly helpful in that regard. It also works great as a temporary storage spot for receipts that tend to pile up, and I still receive feedback from users with similar needs saying it’s truly easy to use.
Choose the option that fits your lifestyle
In this post, I’ve shared a personal behind-the-scenes look from designer Sola. The Tenuis series features two styles: the zipper type, which has this history, and the flap type, which offers intuitive access. Both are not just slim—they’re designed down to the millimeter to seamlessly fit into your daily life.
Please take your time to browse the product pages and carefully consider which style best suits you. If you have any questions about the specifications, please feel free to contact us at any time.
