Is an L-shaped zipper mini-wallet inconvenient? Not at all.
L-shaped zipper mini-wallets are gaining popularity as compact and easy-to-carry wallets.
On the other hand, for those unfamiliar with them, L-shaped zipper wallets might seem "hard to use because they're small," causing some anxiety.
Some people have even said, "I used an L-shaped zipper mini-wallet before, but it was inconvenient, so I got rid of it."
Munekawa's L-shaped zipper wallet, Cram, was designed by re-evaluating each of these points that tend to cause anxiety.
In this blog post, we would like to introduce "what makes Cram easy to use."
▶︎Click here for the L-shaped zipper wallet Cram product page
▶︎Click here for a list of L-shaped zipper wallet Cram series
Common "Inconvenient" Points of L-shaped Zipper Mini-Wallets
When listening to people who have found L-shaped zipper wallets "inconvenient," common opinions include:
- Banknotes get caught in the zipper when putting them in or taking them out.
- The coin purse is hard to see, causing delays at checkout.
- There are few dividers, so cards and banknotes get mixed up inside.
There are many types of L-shaped zipper wallets, and many functional and easy-to-use wallets are sold. However, some models, while prioritizing compactness, have structures that can easily lead to these frustrations.
Cram is a wallet whose design began by addressing each of these "minor inconveniences."
While ensuring storage capacity and a compact size, the concept behind Cram is to prioritize "ease of access" and "ease of use" above all else.
4 points that support Cram's "ease of use"
Here, we will introduce 4 points that explain Cram's "ease of use."
① A structure where you can instantly see and reach "what's where"
When the zipper is opened, the coin purse is located in the center, and card pockets are arranged on the left and right.
This structure allows you to see all banknotes, coins, and cards without having to change the orientation of the wallet. This makes it less likely to wonder "where is what" when paying, and you can quickly access what you need.
This structure is fundamental to Cram's "smooth to use" feature.
② Large opening zipper
Another reason for its ease of use is that the zipper opens wide, making it easy to see the contents of the wallet.
Cram's zipper goes deeper down than typical L-shaped zipper wallets. It might be more accurate to call it a "J-shaped zipper" rather than an "L-shaped zipper."
Because the zipper is longer, the opening is wider, reducing the need to fumble around for items inside, and coins and cards immediately come into view.
For those using a compact wallet for the first time, the "easy to see inside" aspect should be a reassuring point.
③ Storage structure that prevents banknotes from getting caught in the zipper
One of the most common complaints about L-shaped zipper wallets is that banknotes get caught when closing the zipper.
Cram addresses this by making the coin purse shallower to create space, allowing banknotes to be stored by passing them in a U-shape under the coin purse.
When you insert banknotes in a U-shape, the coin purse acts as a stopper. This naturally holds down the banknotes, preventing them from floating up near the zipper.
This structure means that the distance between banknotes and the zipper is increased, making it less likely for them to touch.
This significantly reduces the stress of banknotes getting caught when closing the zipper.
Furthermore, this storage method prevents unnecessary creases in banknotes, which is a pleasing point for those who prefer to handle their banknotes carefully.
④ Shallow coin purse for easy retrieval
Cram's coin purse is intentionally designed to be shallow, and there's another reason for this besides allowing banknotes to pass underneath: to make coins easier to see and retrieve.
While a deep coin purse might seem like it can hold a lot, it takes effort to search for coins at the bottom with your fingertips. This can surprisingly be a reason for inconvenience.
With a shallow coin purse, you can see all the contents at a glance.
Not only can you quickly find the coins you need, but it also prevents the wallet from bulging due to too many coins, making it less bulky when placed in a pocket.
Cram is recommended for these people
So far, we've introduced the points that make Cram easy to use. Cram is especially recommended for the following people:
- Cashless is the primary method, but you still want to carry some cash.
- You want to fit your wallet in your pocket or a small bag.
- You want to go out light.
- You've used an L-shaped zipper wallet before and found it inconvenient.
We have received many happy comments such as "It's smaller and lighter than I imagined" and "I was surprised at how easy it was to use despite its size."
For those who have the image that "L-shaped zipper mini-wallets are inconvenient," we highly recommend giving this wallet a try.
Recommended for long wallet users
On the other hand, if you carry a lot of cards or receipts, or a substantial amount of cash, Cram might feel a bit cramped.
In such cases, the L-shaped zipper long wallet Cram Long, which incorporates Cram's structure into a long wallet, is another option. Please compare them according to your usage and the amount you carry.
▶︎Click here for the L-shaped zipper long wallet Cram Long product page
▶︎Related article: Comparison of two L-shaped zipper wallets: "Cram" and "Cram Long"
Summary
The good thing about Cram is not just its small size. It addresses, one by one, the small inconveniences that often occur with L-shaped zipper wallets, such as "banknotes getting caught," "coins being hard to see," and "contents getting jumbled."
The U-shaped banknote storage and the deeply extending zipper might sound unfamiliar. However, at their core, they are innovations designed to make daily transactions a little easier, such as "banknotes won't get caught" and "it's easy to see inside."
Whether you are considering an L-shaped zipper wallet for the first time or tried one before and found it unsuitable, please try Cram.
You can see Cram in person at Munekawa's direct store in Daikokucho, Osaka. Please feel free to visit us.
▶︎Click here for the L-shaped zipper wallet Cram product page
▶︎Click here for a list of L-shaped zipper wallet Cram series
▶︎Related article: Mini Wallet L-shaped Zipper Cram Special Feature
