The Evolution of Hitoe® L-zip L – The Pioneer of Thin Long Wallets
Since its debut in 2018, Hitoe® L-zip L has undergone four version upgrades, constantly evolving. The 4th generation, revamped for 2025, features a complete overhaul from its exterior to its internal structure. This article looks back at the development journey of Hitoe® L-zip L and highlights its key evolutionary points.
1st Generation Hitoe® L-zip L (2018) – A challenge born from "wanting a thinner long wallet"
Hitoe® L-zip L originated from SYRINX CEO Sato's personal desire for a thin long wallet. At the time, long wallets on the market, even if thin when empty, would become bulky once cards and coins were stored inside.
"Could we pursue thinness while maintaining storage capacity?"
From this idea, the 1st generation Hitoe® L-zip L was born.
- Designed so that coins and cards don't overlap, making it surprisingly thin even when full.
- Equipped with a multi-pocket for storing small items like keys.
- Launched on "Makuake" and gained overwhelming support.
- Achieved the highest crowdfunding amount in Japan for a wallet at the time on "Future Shopping."
Its innovative design and functionality quickly garnered widespread support, paving the way for new possibilities in thin long wallets.
2nd Generation Hitoe® L-zip L (2019) – Even thinner with a double card pocket
Feedback from the short wallet "Hitoe® L-zip S," released in 2019, significantly influenced the development of the 2nd generation Hitoe® L-zip L.
Contrary to initial concerns, the shallow coin pocket adopted in the L-zip S received positive feedback from many users who found it "easy to use." Therefore, we incorporated this shallow coin pocket into the long wallet, aiming for even greater thinness and improved storage capacity.
Points of evolution
- Shallow coin pocket for easier coin handling.
- Multi-pocket changed to a card pocket, **doubling card storage capacity (while halving thickness)**
(**Double Card Pocket - Registered Design**) - Double zipper adopted for minimal movement when retrieving items.
This improvement resulted in an even thinner, ideal long wallet with ample storage. The 2nd generation Hitoe® L-zip L surpassed the pre-order numbers of its predecessor and was well-received by many users.
3rd Generation Hitoe® L-zip L (2021) – Pursuing compactness
While the 2nd generation Hitoe® L-zip L was a highly accomplished long wallet, adding more features slightly increased its size.
"Is it truly right for the size to increase when pursuing functionality?"
From this question, the 3rd generation Hitoe® L-zip L was born, with a redesigned approach.
Innovation points of the 3rd generation
- Gussets added to the edges to reduce size.
The 3rd generation Hitoe® L-zip L was one of the complete forms that achieved a high balance between "thinness" and "compactness."
4th Generation Hitoe® L-zip L (2025) – Renewed interior for even greater usability
While inheriting the concept of a "thin long wallet even when full," which has been central since the 1st generation, the 4th generation 2025 model has evolved to a new dimension in structure, usability, and beauty.
To achieve both thinness and ease of use, the internal structure was fundamentally redesigned, further deepening the Hitoe® structure cultivated so far.
Points of evolution
- SmartFit structure (Top card pocket): Optimizes thickness according to the number of cards, fitting naturally whether there's 1 or 8 cards.
- Floating U structure (Coin pocket): U-shaped design with fixed top and movable bottom, combining visibility and easy retrieval.
- Under U structure (Side card pocket): Serves as a gusset for the coin pocket, allowing up to 8 cards to be stored efficiently.
- Twist-in: A gentle twist of the card opens the pocket, allowing smooth insertion of the first card.
- WrapEdge (Bill pocket): A wrapping shape that encloses bills, making them easy to insert deep inside and creating a beautiful finish.
Furthermore, the bottom was changed to a square shape, optimizing storage space.
While more compact, it can still comfortably store bills and coins.
Up to 16 cards fit beautifully without distorting the wallet's silhouette.
As the culmination of 7 years of challenges, Hitoe® L-zip L has reached a new form of completion.
Summary – Towards the future of Hitoe® L-zip L
From the 1st to the 4th generation, Hitoe® L-zip L has consistently evolved under the concept of "thinner and easier to use."
- 2018: Introduced as an innovative thin long wallet, achieving great success in crowdfunding.
- 2019: Achieved both storage capacity and thinness with a double card pocket.
- 2021: More compact design with end gusset structure.
- 2025: Revamped internal structure for further improved usability and versatility.
SYRINX will continue to create products that combine minimalist design with high functionality, cherished across generations.
