Jypsiere (31 or 34) vs Toolbox 26

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monipod

monipod

Member
Dec 11, 2018
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#1
I'm hoping to treat myself to either a Jypsiere or Toolbox from the preloved market.

Has anyone owned both or have an opinion on which I should get? Love to get both (and might eventually) but for now, I have some spare cash just for one.

I am looking for a travel bag mostly. I already have a cross-body (LV Pochette Metis) in the smaller/medium size so the Jypsiere 31 or 34 appeal to me. I do like the satchel style and it does look like an edgy Birkin with the sangles and hardware. I'd like something that will fit an iPad Pro.

I can't completely discount Toolbox. It's a more lady-like bag to me, but can be styled in cool ways. I do like the silhouette and double handles do appeal.

I'm 5'6.5" and size US 6 so not too worried about how those sizes will look on me.

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.
 
#2
I haven't owned a toolbox but I did have a jypsiere in a size 34. It was a lovely bag, very well made but it was heavy and I found it hard to get in and out of. It would be secure as a travel bag.

The toolbox has a strap as I understand, but can be quite bulky against the body when carried. I have a girlfriend who has 2 size 26 toolboxes and I think I recall she said she doesn't use them often as they are bulky. I feel a size 20 for a toolbox would be better than a 26. If you do like the boxy shape, would you consider a Lindy in a 26 or 30?

Of the options you've presented, I would lean towards a jypsiere in a 31. I do feel it would still be quite heavy. If I recall, most of the jypsieres were made in clemence.
 
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#3
I had a Jypsiere 28, so a bit smaller than the ones you're looking at, and I also have a Toolbox 26, and there are definitely pros and cons to both. I do think both options make good travel bags.

I got rid of my Jypsiere as honestly, I found it a pain to use. It's very ugly imo (see this example) worn open due to the long flap, so I always felt the need to close it properly, which makes it a hassle to open and close it when you need something. The faff of opening it up, holding up the flap while scrabbling around for what I was looking for was a definite con for me. It is very secure though, which is definitely a bonus when you're travelling. I also didn't find mine particularly heavy to carry.

The Toolbox 26 on the other hand, is a bulky bag. It has a very large base, so does stick out quite a lot when worn on the shoulder. I usually arm carry mine though. I love the shape, and how easy it is to get in and out of. It opens up fully, so you can see exactly what you need immediately which is a definite bonus.

IMG_20250804_105723415_HDR.webp

You can also fit a TON in the Toolbox, so it can get quite heavy if you pack it full. But it's a great travel bag as it's very sturdy, has a large capacity and it's easy to find what you're looking for. You could technically crossbody the Toolbox, if you bought another strap, but I wouldn't personally as it would feel a bit like having a box strapped to your front.

Both are very unique bags, and both have their appeal. I guess it depends on your preferences! I originally really liked the sporty, hands free look of the Jypsiere, but I found it tricky to use. The Toolbox is definitely more structured, and more bulky, but fits me better.

As Caruava said, a Lindy might also work for you? The bigger sizes tend to be cheaper on the pre-loved market. I have never owned a Lindy so can't speak to its usability. but it's always appealed to me.
 
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#5
I wanted a city bag rather than a travel bag so tried the Jypsiere 34. I was surprised how little it held. It’s quite a big and heavy bag but because of how the strap attaches the useable space is much smaller than it looks and may be a problem with the iPad height depending on which size of Pro you have. To my surprise an Evelyne 33 original model without outside pocket actually held more. Jypsiere’s are a beautiful bag though and I love how casual they can look. Can’t advise on toolbox as have not tried one. Hope that helps a bit.
 
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#6
CapriTrotteur said:
I wanted a city bag rather than a travel bag so tried the Jypsiere 34. I was surprised how little it held. It’s quite a big and heavy bag but because of how the strap attaches the useable space is much smaller than it looks and may be a problem with the iPad height depending on which size of Pro you have. To my surprise an Evelyne 33 original model without outside pocket actually held more. Jypsiere’s are a beautiful bag though and I love how casual they can look. Can’t advise on toolbox as have not tried one. Hope that helps a bit.
Click to expand...

re:Evelyne Exactly!
 
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#7
caruava said:
I haven't owned a toolbox but I did have a jypsiere in a size 34. It was a lovely bag, very well made but it was heavy and I found it hard to get in and out of. It would be secure as a travel bag.

The toolbox has a strap as I understand, but can be quite bulky against the body when carried. I have a girlfriend who has 2 size 26 toolboxes and I think I recall she said she doesn't use them often as they are bulky. I feel a size 20 for a toolbox would be better than a 26. If you do like the boxy shape, would you consider a Lindy in a 26 or 30?
Click to expand...

Thank you. The Toolbox looks great on the arm but admittedly a little cumbersome looking on the shoulder. I couldn't imagine it as a crossbody. I'm thinking a 20 might be a fun day bag but perhaps the 26 is indeed a bit bulky.

I'll revisit Lindy but I don't like that the handles are upright and can't be folded downwards, and that the straps can't be removed (I think?). Still, I will take another look :)
 
#8
weatherwaxe said:
I got rid of my Jypsiere as honestly, I found it a pain to use. It's very ugly imo (see this example) worn open due to the long flap, so I always felt the need to close it properly, which makes it a hassle to open and close it when you need something. The faff of opening it up, holding up the flap while scrabbling around for what I was looking for was a definite con for me. It is very secure though, which is definitely a bonus when you're travelling. I also didn't find mine particularly heavy to carry.

The Toolbox 26 on the other hand, is a bulky bag. It has a very large base, so does stick out quite a lot when worn on the shoulder. I usually arm carry mine though. I love the shape, and how easy it is to get in and out of. It opens up fully, so you can see exactly what you need immediately which is a definite bonus.
Click to expand...
Thank you for adding the photo. I haven't seen too many 'What's in my bag' content about the Toolbox. It sure does look like it can carry a lot. I'm hoping the Swift leather makes the bag reasonable in weight.

I have to agree that the Jypsiere looks awful with the flap over and undone. I have seen people fold the flap inside but then you basically have an open bag I guess. Food for thought. Will revisit the Lindy however it's got the most cons/dislikes out of all the bags for me. You never know though!
 
#9
CapriTrotteur said:
I wanted a city bag rather than a travel bag so tried the Jypsiere 34. I was surprised how little it held. It’s quite a big and heavy bag but because of how the strap attaches the useable space is much smaller than it looks and may be a problem with the iPad height depending on which size of Pro you have. To my surprise an Evelyne 33 original model without outside pocket actually held more. Jypsiere’s are a beautiful bag though and I love how casual they can look. Can’t advise on toolbox as have not tried one. Hope that helps a bit.
Click to expand...
Thank you. I have to say the 34 looks a touch too big and it's disappointing that it doesn't at least carry a lot. Definitely food for thought. I have looked at the Evelyne again but my feeling for that bag hasn't changed over the years. It's just not appealing to me and I'd prefer a leather lined bag this time.
 
#11
I just purchased the Jypsiere 28 and I love it. Its such a perfect crossbody; for reference, I am 5'8 with a large build and the 28 size is fine and the strap is long enough for me to wear crossbody. I do think the 31 will be big enough for a travel crossbody where the 34 just may be too big? I guess it depends how much you want to put in it but you want to fit a ipad pro you may need the larger size?
 
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#12
caruava said:
Knowing you're now after a crossbody which sits more flatly against the body, @monipod have you considered the berline?
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It's very cute but looks fairly similar in size and shape to LV Pochette Metis, which I already have. Any other lesser known H bags? I did own a Massai once but it was soooo hard to find things and retrieve. Super stylish though.
 
#13
WillstarveforLV said:
I just purchased the Jypsiere 28 and I love it. Its such a perfect crossbody; for reference, I am 5'8 with a large build and the 28 size is fine and the strap is long enough for me to wear crossbody. I do think the 31 will be big enough for a travel crossbody where the 34 just may be too big? I guess it depends how much you want to put in it but you want to fit a ipad pro you may need the larger size?
Click to expand...
Congrats! What colour? :D
I like the 28 but it's probably too similar to LV Pochette Metis in size and what fits, hence looking at next size up.
 
#15
WillstarveforLV said:
Thank you..i just it this past April and it's in H orange with palladium hardware. Here is a pic for reference . Good luck on your decision!
Click to expand...
this illustrates superbly how the closure system compromises the capacity of the bag
but if you don't need that capacity, it's a very nice style
I knew it didn't suit what I wanted it for at the time,
nonetheless it doesn't stop me from being tempted now.
The Lindy was a good idea for you to consider.
It really is a matter of you having a clear idea of the purpose.
If it is just that you are in the position to treat yourself to a structured Hermes bag, you need to be careful you buy to match a purpose, not just to add another Hermes bag to your collection if you are to be completely satisfied with your choice.
 
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