African Holdall — Black Tweed

Italy

• Orders under €50.00, shipping costs €14.60, VAT included.
• Orders from €100.00, free shipping.

Europe (EU plus United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland)

• Orders under €50.00, shipping costs €18.00, VAT included.
• Orders from €100.00, free shipping.

United States

• Orders under €70.00, shipping costs €20.00.
• Orders from €120.00, free shipping.
• For shipments to the United States, African Cottons Italia pays import duties and customs taxes.

Other destinations

• We also ship to Japan, Russia, South Korea, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya, and Canada.
• Shipping costs €55.00 per order, with no free-shipping threshold.

Customs and import fees

For destinations other than the United States, the recipient pays any import taxes, duties, and customs clearance fees. Contact local customs authorities before ordering to check costs and import limits. African Cottons Italia is not responsible for delays caused by customs processing, inspections, or events beyond African Cottons Italia’s control.

Your AFAR bag is built to age well. Use these steps to keep shape, color, and hardware in good condition.

Everyday use

• Do not overload. Weight pulls on seams and distorts the structure.
• Keep sharp objects away from the lining and corners.
• After rain, wipe dry and let air-dry at room temperature.

Cleaning

• Remove dust with a soft brush or dry cloth.
• For small marks on cotton canvas, use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap. Do not soak. Do not scrub hard.
• Do not use bleach, solvents, or stain removers.
• Do not machine wash or tumble dry.
• Always air-dry. Keep away from heaters and direct sun while drying.

Leather and trim

• Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
• If leather feels dry, apply a small amount of neutral leather conditioner, then buff lightly.
• Keep leather away from oils, alcohol-based products, and perfumes.

Hardware

• If metal gets wet, dry it right away to avoid spotting.
• If sand or dust builds up in zippers, brush it out gently, then run the zipper slowly.

Storage

• Store in a cool, dry place.
• Keep the bag in its dust bag, or in a breathable cotton pillowcase.
• Stuff lightly with paper or clean fabric to hold shape.
• Do not store in plastic.

Repairs

If you need a repair, keep the bag and send photos of the area. We guide you to the best fix, including replacement parts when available.

AFAR makes travel goods in Ethiopia, in small batches. We focus on long use, fair work, and responsible sourcing.

Materials

• Cotton canvas from Ethiopian smallholder cooperatives.
• Raffia from Nadagascar’s smallholders cooperatives.
• Leather and horn sourced as by-products, never taken for fashion alone.
• Natural, low-impact finishes where possible, with clear material specs on each product page.

People and work

We produce in Addis Ababa with skilled local artisans, many of them women. We invest in training, stable jobs, and a workplace built on respect and transparency. AFAR is part of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO).

Longevity over volume

• Strong stitching and reinforced stress points.
• Hardware chosen for durability and replacement.
• Repair support, so your bag stays in use longer.

Less waste

We keep packaging minimal and protective. We work to reduce offcuts and re-use materials when the result meets our quality standards.

Each AFAR product uses a mix of materials, lining, and hardware chosen for long use.
For the exact materials on your item, check the product description and the specs shown above.

What you will always find here

• Main materials, lining, and trims listed clearly
• Hardware type, such as zippers, buckles, and rings
• Functional details, such as pockets, closures, straps, and handles
• Finish notes, when relevant, such as waxed canvas, natural dyes, or vegetable-tanned leather

Natural variations

Small changes in grain, shade, and texture are normal with natural materials. These details make each piece unique.

Dimensions and capacity

We publish measurements to help you choose the right size before you order.

How we measure

• Width, height, depth measured on the outside
• Strap length measured from end to end, with an adjustable range when present
• Handle drop measured from the top of the handle to the top edge of the bag
• Weight measured empty

Capacity notes

• Soft bags change shape based on how you pack
• If you pack to the edges, the bag may measure larger than when empty
• Use the measurements shown above as your reference when planning travel or everyday carry

We stand behind the build quality of every AFAR product.

Warranty

• Consumer purchases in the EU are covered by a 24-month legal conformity warranty, starting from the delivery date
• The warranty covers defects and non-conformity present at delivery
• Normal wear, accidental damage, misuse, and damage from improper care are not covered

Repairs and support

We support repairs to extend the life of your product.

If you need help

• Take clear photos of the issue and the full item
• Include your order number, if available
• Send the photos and a short description to our customer service

We will guide you to the best fix, including replacement parts when available.

Many AFAR bags work well for travel, including carry-on use. Airline rules vary by route, carrier, and fare type.

Before you fly

• Check your airline’s current cabin size and weight limits
• Measure your bag packed, not empty
• Soft bags compress, rigid packing does not

Useful tips

• Keep heavy items close to the base and near the body side for better balance
• Close zippers fully before handling
• Use the shoulder strap only within a comfortable load range to reduce stress on seams and hardware